Summary

• The Bad Batch adds rich context to the Dark Times era, spanning 3 seasons with key insights into the transition from clone troopers to stormtroopers.
• Season 1 starts during Revenge of the Sith, focusing on Order 66 and the destruction of Kamino, showcasing a galaxy in transition.
• Season 3 delves into Project Necromancer, marking a time of unrest against the Empire with twists involving Captain Rex and Omega's essential role.

The Star Wars: The Clone Wars spin-off series, Star Wars: The Bad Batch, has provided key context to an important Star Wars era with its timeline. Following Clone Force 99, who first debuted in The Clone Wars season 7's first four episodes, this animated TV show quickly captured the hearts of Star Wars audiences with its found family themes while simultaneously building bridges between essential pieces of Star Wars lore. One of the biggest ways in which it accomplishes this is with its timeline, which provides insight into an otherwise dark period in Star Wars history.

The Bad Batch picks up almost exactly where The Clone Wars leaves off and spans three seasons total, with its third season acting as its final addition. From the execution of Order 66 to the full integration of stormtroopers across the galaxy, The Bad Batch has given the earliest days of what is known as the Dark Times some extremely rich context. Here is where each season of The Bad Batch falls within this timeline, and how their stories have contributed to overall Star Wars lore and history.

Star Wars: The Bad Batch Season 1 Starts During Revenge Of The Sith

Season 1 Spans From The Execution Of Order 66 To The Destruction Of Kamino In 19 BBY

The Bad Batch season 1 opens with yet another depiction of Order 66 in Star Wars, which happens simultaneously with Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith and The Clone Wars season 7. While Clone Force 99, aside from Crosshair, is able to avoid the effects of the Galactic Republic.

From the implementation of chain codes to Project War-Mantle's clone trooper replacement, The Bad Batch season 1 offers a glance at what it was like to live in the galaxy during this transitional time. Like many other clones and uncertain galactic citizens, the Bad Batch is forced to come to with who they are, beyond soldiers of a Republic that no longer exists. By the end of The Bad Batch season 1, Kamino has been destroyed, symbolizing how the Empire and the greater galaxy intend to move on beyond clones and the days of the Clone Wars.

The Bad Batch Season 2 Takes Place Up To A Year Later

Season 2 Details The Empire's Full Transition From Clone Troopers To Stormtroopers In 18 BBY

The Bad Batch season 2 takes viewers one year further into the Dark Times, when the Empire is expanding its reach more and more. The effects of the inhibitor chips are starting to wear down on the clones, as troopers like Commander Cody are beginning to question their places within the Empire and their intention in following orders that are morally wrong. Meanwhile, even darker secrets about the Empire are starting to be revealed, most of which reside with Dr. Royce Hemlock on Mount Tantiss.

For Clone Force 99, this era is defined by their struggle to find their place within the greater galaxy.

For Clone Force 99, this era is defined by their struggle to find their place within the greater galaxy. When they briefly assist Captain Rex and Riyo Chuchi with their efforts to advocate for clone rights in the Imperial Senate, they find themselves at a crossroads between aiding their fellow clone brothers and protecting themselves. Echo leaves the Bad Batch in favor of helping Rex, but the others are left to ponder this question, though the tragic death of Tech and the capture of Omega drives their priorities in a brand-new direction.

Where Does The Bad Batch Season 3 Fit Into The Star Wars Timeline?

Season 3 Focuses On Palpatine's Project Necromancer In Approximately 18 or 17 BBY

The Bad Batch season 3 has a timeline that's slightly more difficult to decipher, though markings on Omega's cell determine that this season takes place about five months after season 2. This sets it in either late 18 BBY or early 17 BBY, and certainly still near the beginning of the work that's being done on Emperor Palpatine's Project Necromancer. Simultaneously, Captain Rex is gathering forces for a potential clone uprising, proving just how much unrest is growing towards the Empire even in their earliest days.

At this point, Crosshair has spent well over a year with the Empire, but he's since returned to Clone Force 99 to his brothers and his sister once again. Omega is in and out of captivity at Mount Tantiss, as she has since proven to be an essential part of the M-count work they're doing on Project Necromancer. As for how the rest of the galaxy is functioning during this time, little is known, as The Bad Batch season 3 has instead chosen to remain focused on its titular characters as its final season has progressed.