“Shadows of Tantiss” picks up where “Confined” left off, with Omega starting another day shadowing Emerie. However, Omega notices something is not quite right and that there are more troopers than usual (it has shades of the first episode in the series when the Bad Batch returns to Kamino after Order 66).

Emerie, of course, does not know and is not concerned, noting that Doctor Hemlock will tell her if she needs to know. When entering the lab with Nala Se, he informs her that a special guest is coming and that he and Nala will be unreachable. He instructs Emerie, who has just taken Omega’s blood, to independently continue the tests for M-count transfers. Nala tries to object with no budge and whispers to Omega that she needs to leave the planet before Emerie runs her blood tests. 

A fantastic premise for the episode leads to one of the best episodes of The Bad Batch.

The Ticking Clock

“Confined” was the setup for the blood test machine as a problem for Omega. It is shaped like a clock, and the circulation of test tubes is the marker of how much time Omega has to escape.

But it is not just about Omega. After stealing a datapad from the lab to access different rooms, Omega goes to Crosshair, who is less than enthused about her lack of planning. Nevertheless, he goes along with it, and the two get far enough without drawing attention until Emerie finds them in the Lurca hound feeding room. 

Omega is still hopeful that she can get through to Emerie, who gets stunned by Crosshair for the second time. Afterward, Hemlock orders a shuttle after them and tells Emerie to return to the lab as the test machine approaches Omega’s sample.

Once again, the sound design stands out, not just with the testing machine being uncomfortably loud between key scenes, indicating time is running low. Specifically, the faint sound of a positive test when Omega’s sample is analyzed and Emerie’s delayed reaction because she is so used to hearing the negative test sound is a nice touch.

A Tactical Escape

Everything leads to the big escape, where Omega and Crosshair execute Plan 72. Watching the two work together seamlessly after their first plan to steal the crashed vehicle from “Confined” does not work out was a true treat. Omega and Crosshair have never trained together, yet because they both trained with the other Bad Batch members, they can work together well to hijack the Imperial shuttle sent after them. 

Even though the three (Batcher helps Omega and is beckoned on the ship as it takes off) make it on the ship, they are still almost shot down by Hemlock’s men. Luckily, Emerie informs Hemlock of Omega’s positive M-count transfer in time so that he can call them off and allow Omega and Crosshair to go into hyperdrive.

A moment that stands out is a switch between Omega and Crosshair when the latter enters the ship and passes Omega on the lift, who comes down to cover him. Omega’s Zygerrian energy crossbow has been missing since she threatened Hemlock with it on Ord Mantell in “Plan 99.” It is safe to assume that the Empire confiscated it, and that era is gone. Luckily, a blaster is still more effective, but the weapon did make Omega stand out in Star Wars. 

The battle also highlights Crosshair’s continued struggles shown in episode one, namely his shaking hands, which could be a sign of PTSD. Omega notes it is worsening, but Crosshair does not want to discuss it. Like Tech in season two was a gateway to teaching younger viewers about neurodivergence and people on the spectrum, Crosshair could continue conversations on PTSD (lightly touched on in Rebels with an older Captain Rex). 

The Mysterious Emerie

Omega was not wrong in trying to get through to her sister. Emerie has shown signs of caring for Omega, not destroying her doll, and concern over her getting enough rest. But, like Crosshair, Emerie might have to go on her own journey this season. She mentions to Omega that she was not raised on Kamino and was taken in by Hemlock when he saw potential in her. Emerie may view Hemlock as a father figure, so she is extremely loyal to him and seems upset whenever he disparages Clones.

Either way, more information needs to be given on their relationship. With Hemlock unleashing the might of the Empire to find Omega, I am sure we will check back in on Tantiss throughout the season, although all Bad Batch members (supposedly) are out in the galaxy.

The Questions Never Asked

Crosshair wisely asks Omega when she gets him what has changed for her to decide today was the day to escape. Omega mentions Nala Se and her blood, but it is clear that Omega still does not know why her blood is so special. That why is a question that Omega should have asked Nala Se during the many times the Kaminoan destroyed her blood samples. She got cut off the first time they spoke about it, but there were countless other opportunities to learn more about herself. 

Omega not knowing what makes her blood so unique is likely a narrative decision by the creators who have other plans for Omega (and the viewers) finding out in a later episode; however, Crosshair’s asking reinforces that Omega should know more than she does about her blood. 

Palpatine and Project Necromancer

In the background of this entire episode is Palpatine, the special guest that Hemlock and Nala are entertaining. The conversation between Palpatine and Hemlock leads to access to the highly secured room and the name drop of Project Necromancer. The name is on the nose, but it confirms that this cloning project will lead to the rise of Skywalker. We are not shown the contents of the cloning machines, but there are many of them. Palpatine likes what he sees enough to give Hemlock access to the full resources of the Empire, which will come in handy for the Doctor, who now HAS to find Omega.

Omega and Crosshair also run into a bear-like beast while running for the shuttle. Luckily, the released Lurca hounds attack the creature and distract it long enough for the two to escape. With the revelations from episode two of the Sliver Vines being an Imperial experiment, perhaps the creature is another experiment they lost control over.

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Omega and Crosshair successfully work together to escape Tantiss, but they still have a ways to go in their relationship and trust (specifically Crosshair). But there is finally some headway made here to build upon.