[Warning: Contains spoilers for The Clone Wars, Season 7.] The show is back and already drawing fans in to its seventh and final season. Beginning with the introduction of the Bad Batch in episode 1, the show is now revealing the effects that the ongoing galactic war is having. Captain Rex is becoming disillusioned with his troops’ role in the war. That sentiment only gets worse upon finding out that his friend Echo, thought lost at the Citadel, is still alive…. If you can call it that. Echo’s story continues in episode 3, “On the Wings of Keeradaks.” (Watch the Star Wars: The Clone Wars preview above.)

The Republic is losing ground in the battle with the Clone Army, thanks in part to what appears to be a tactical algorithm the droids are employing. As it turns out, that algorithm is actually the memory of Arc Trooper Echo. Rex believed his friend to have fallen during the rescue of Jedi Master Even Piell (The Clones Wars, Season 3 episode “Counterattack”). The Clone Wars preview above, however, shows Echo’s true fate.

Clone Wars preview shows Anakin, Bad Batch in peril

Clone Wars Preview; Star Wars
“Diagnostic Engaged.” (Image: Lucasfilm Ltd.)

Anakin Skywalker places his faith in Rex when they go to investigate the source of the Droid Army algorithm in episode 2, “A Distant Echo.” That mission spills over into episode 3 when Skywalker and the clones must find a way to rescue Echo and escape. In pure Matrix style, however, Echo is connected to the droids’ mainframe. It thus becomes a race against time to disconnect Echo and escape certain doom. The intensity is palpable in the Clone Wars preview for episode 3.

Clone Wars preview
Image: Lucasfilm Ltd.

Thus far, the Bad Batch is but one of the highlights of show’s return. The brainchild of Star Wars creator George Lucas, Clone Force 99 brings a whole new feel to the show. The Clone Wars preview above nevertheless reminds us of an integral theme of the show for seven seasons: just how much Captain Rex cares for his troops. Though a clone, he is every bit human.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars airs Fridays on Disney+.

Source: starwars.com