SSSW - The Bad Batch S1E12 "Rescue on Ryloth"

Julian Meush July 21, 2021

Apologies on the delay for this episode. Technical difficulties prevented us from being able to upload yesterday.

'The Bad Batch' returns to Ryloth this week, picking up not long after the shocking events that lead to Cham being framed and arrested. However, the show returns to a more traditional structure after somewhat breaking the mold last episode. Hera calls for help from her new friend Omega and her brothers, which results in an exciting, action packed, rescue mission. But it's the crises of conscious going on with our newest favourite clone, Howzer, that is most compelling. His actions may have wider reaching repercussions for the clone army than maybe anyone expected. Julian and Rachel discuss this and much more as they break down the episode scene by scene.

Episode 166 - Execute Order One-Hundred and Sixty-Six!

Julian Meush July 16, 2021

Despite (what I think to be) the very clever title for this episode, the ToB Crew actually spend much of their time discussing a wide variety of topics this week. Including an in depth review of 'Batman: The Long Halloween Pt 1', which is the latest entry in the WB Animation DC line-up, but only the 3rd with the new art design. Julian and Dan (welcome back!) give a spoiler free review of the first Marvel movie in what feels like forever, 'Black Widow'. There is also SOME Star Wars discussion, as Julian does his best to "sell" 'The Bad Batch' to Jeremy and Dan, with mixed results. Plus, the guys touch on some of the Emmy nominations, and much more on this week's Tower of Babble Podcast!

SSSW - The Bad Batch S1E11 "Devil's Deal"

Julian Meush July 13, 2021

What a delightful surprise! 'The Bad Batch' turned its formula on its head this week and basically ignored the titular characters in exchange for a compelling political drama on Ryloth. A changeup that delivers one of, if not the best episode of the season yet. Not having seen the Ryloth or the Twi'lek since 'The Clone Wars', we return to the planet as the corpulent senator Orn Free Taa, and General Cham Syndulla, along with his family (hey it's Hera and Chopper!), help to sheppard in an age of peace with The Empire. But as the title of the episode suggests, the cost for peace may be too high. This episode also introduces us to a new clone, Captain Howzer, who is immediately likable and reminiscent of clones pre-order-66, which is a fascinating inclusion and raises many questions that Julian and Rachel ponder in this week's recap/review.

SSSW - The Bad Batch S1E10 "Common Ground"

Julian Meush July 6, 2021

After three amazing episodes that took our heroes through an emotional wringer, 'The Bad Batch' switches gears and takes the squad to the planet Raxus, the former home of the Separatist Senate, now an Imperial outpost. The episode feels in many ways like the more politically charged episodes of 'The Clone Wars'. In fact, it takes us back to the same planet as one of those episodes, "Heroes on Both Sides". "Common Ground" tries to touch on some of the similar themes, such as working with your "enemy", but it's only very surface level. This leaves this episode feeling like a bit of a letdown despite the fun walker action sequence and gorgeous visual upgrade to Raxus since we first saw it all those years ago. Plus, it's still interesting, if somewhat less exciting, to see how the separatist planets were handled by the Empire following the Clone Wars.

SSSW - The Bad Batch S1E9 "Bounty Lost"

Julian Meush June 29, 2021

Picking up only moments after the conclusion of last week's epic episode, "Reunion", we follow a wounded Bad Batch as they track Omega, who's in the custody of the notorious bounty hunter, Cad Bane! This week's episode continues the streak of absolutely stunning visuals as we're transported to an abandoned cloning facility in the clouds. Lucasfilm Animation is really outdoing themselves with this series, and the action sequences in the cloudy, sunset lit, hallways of Bora Vio are just a delight to watch. All that being said, and despite some valuable character growth for Omega, it would have been nice to have her capture last longer than one episode.

ToB Interlude - Now on Wednesdays

Julian Meush June 27, 2021

With Dan out of town, Julian and Jeremy sit down for a casual news catch-up that takes the guys through a myriad of different topics, including: Disney+ moving their original content premiers to Wednesdays, ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ announcement , Jensen Ackles Batman voice, James Cameron’s Avatar, the value of physical media and the role of “special features” in 2021, and much, much more!

SSSW - The Bad Batch S1E8 "Reunion"

Julian Meush June 22, 2021

This show just continues to impress. Coming off an emotional high last week with the return of Captain Rex, 'The Bad Batch' one-ups itself with episode 8, "Reunion". As the episode title suggests, Crosshair is back, and he's hunting our squad with ruthless abandon. Having a villain that knows the heroes so intimately makes for an extremely compelling 26 minutes of television. Plus, add in some really inventive camera work and cinematography and we're talking about top tier Star Wars storytelling. If that wasn't enough though, a surprise appearance from a fan favourite character really ups the ante and takes this episode, and really the show as a whole, to the next level. This is must watch Star Wars.

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SSSW - The Bad Batch S1E7 "Battle Scars"

Julian Meush June 15, 2021

It's all business this week for 'The Bad Batch', as it wraps up a few lingering plot threads as we move into the second act of the season. Captain Rex also makes a return this week, with a fresh battle scar all his own, as he helps the squad remove their inhibitor chips with a visit to a familiar planet. You might wonder, how much more can they really mine from Order 66? And the answer seems to be, quite a bit actually. This episode uses the backdrop of order 66 to frame it an a whole new way as we get to live out a version of the horrifying moment through the eyes of Omega. It also nicely sets the stage for the return of Crosshair, making it easily one of the best episodes of the season so far.

SSSW - The Bad Batch S1E6 "Decommissioned"

Julian Meush June 7, 2021

This week’s episode of ‘The Bad Batch’ brings us back to the good old days of clones vs clankers… in a way. The squad is given a new mission from Cid, and then heads to Corellia to hunt down a decommissioned Tactical Droid. Plus, a surprise appearance of a pair of characters from ‘Clone Wars’ season 7. Though someone might argue that their inclusion, at all, is somewhat problematic. Julian and Rachel break it all down.

Bonus Episode - ToB Film Club - Drive (2011)

Julian Meush June 3, 2021

The 2011 film 'Drive' might be most closely associated with the Kavinsky song 'Nightcall'. It plays over a brilliant opening sequence and has been on my playlists ever since. 'Nightcall', as a song, isn't the most complex, but it has a lyric that goes like "There's something inside you. It's hard to explain". Those 2 sentences are able to sum up how I feel about 'Drive'. The film has something inside it that makes it stand out even after a decade. It's stylish, calm, calculated, even romantic, and to be honest, it's not that hard to explain. The only thing that confounds me about it, is the fact that 10 years have seemingly disappeared before my eyes. But maybe there's a message in that too. 'Drive' features a nameless main character that seems to almost daydream through life. If you too feel like you've been day dreaming through life, then it's time to wake up and do something! And that something is, sit down, watch 'Drive', and then listen to our excellent review. Enjoy!

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SSSW - The Mandalorian and Grogu

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SSSW - Maul: Shadow Lord - Chapter 9 & 10 / Season Finale

May 6, 2026

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SSSW - Maul: Shadow Lord - Chapter 7 & 8

April 30, 2026

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