Animated Star Wars reveals like The Dangerous Batch, which returns to Disney Plus for season 2 on Wednesday, are a tough balancing act: they combine high-stakes tales that dive into unexplored elements of the lore and lighter adventures designed to develop characters.

It is about satisfying grownup followers and entertaining younger audiences. These sequence have adopted this construction since The Clone Wars kicked off in 2008, with seasons that favor extra intense plot arcs proving probably the most profitable.

After a gripping opening, the primary season of The Dangerous Batch meandered by too many forgettable aspect quests earlier than reaching a superb finale. Fortunately, season 2 would not observe the identical sample — a lot of the 14 episodes (of the 16 within the season) Lucasfilm despatched out to reviewers forward of launch have been fascinating.

Season 2 reunites us with the genetically enhanced titular clone squad launched in The Clone Wars‘ last season, together with mysterious younger feminine clone Omega. On the run from the Galactic Empire after going rogue, they function as mercenaries within the interval between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope.

Nonetheless, certainly one of their quantity — the icy sniper Crosshair — remained loyal to the newly risen Empire and his relentless hunt for his former allies was probably the most compelling side of season 1. That is additionally true of season 2, which focuses on his rising uncertainty in regards to the soulless totalitarian regime, and this electrical stress makes each second of the three Crosshair-centric episodes hit the mark.  

The remainder of the season follows his previous Dangerous Batch buddies as they go on numerous mercenary jobs, which begin out mild and forgettable. A pod racing-centric leans just a little exhausting into silliness, nevertheless it’s saved by colourful visuals and a memorable efficiency from visitor star Ben Schwartz.

Nonetheless, these aspect quest episodes additionally serve a goal that turns into more and more clear as season 2 goes on: growing the impressionable Omega’s character as she encounters new mentors and friends. Actor Michelle Ang infuses the child clone with an cute sense of surprise as she explores the galaxy along with her clone dads.

We additionally get some glorious callbacks to The Clone Wars, with the intelligent writing guaranteeing those that have not watched that present (or have forgotten some particulars from its 133 episodes) will not really feel misplaced. The return of 1 13-year-old plotline is especially rewarding, because it connects cleverly to the Empire’s dastardly cloning experiments.

As all the time, the clone troopers — each those that’ve deserted the Empire and those who caught round — are this season’s coronary heart and soul. These guys are all voiced by the unimaginable Dee Bradley Baker, who manages to make every one really feel distinct and particular person whilst he performs a number of roles in the identical scene.

Baker’s efficiency is significant in getting us to care in regards to the clones’ fates, since season 2 sees the Empire making an attempt to solid its military of Jango Fett duplicates apart in favor of conscripted troopers — together with one completely large second within the Star Wars timeline. You’ve got additionally most likely by no means thought in regards to the thousands and thousands of getting old clones deserving pensions earlier than, nevertheless it’s extraordinarily cool that this present is refined sufficient to handle this subject.

Season 2’s artwork course is a delight all through, with our heroes and villains visiting all kinds of areas. An episode the place the Dangerous Batch visits a distant island is not most narratively gripping, nevertheless it’s so lovely to take a look at that you will recover from the lighter plot. Watching the clones in motion is magnificent too — strive to not smile when Crosshair fires down a tank barrel — with loads of dynamic camerawork and atmospheric lighting.

Longtime Star Wars animation composer Kevin Kiner’s soundtrack provides layers of drama and aural colour. He cleverly riffs on John Williams’ iconic themes whereas including loads of his personal work and prospers. The sound design is pitch excellent as properly, with a second the place Dangerous Batch chief Hunter’s voice modifications as he places on his helmet mid-sentence highlighting the group’s consideration to element.

The Dangerous Batch season 2 improves on the primary in each approach, placing the correct stability between intense moments and sillier antics. There are nonetheless a couple of forgettable episodes, however the character growth, refined performances and beautiful presentation make this top-of-the-line seasons of Star Wars animation.