The clone rebellion represents the very spirit of Star Wars: fighting for what’s right even in the face of impossible odds. The end of the animated Clone Wars series saw clone troopers executing Order 66 after Chancellor Palpatine activated their control chips. One moment, they were fighting dutifully alongside the Jedi to protect the Galactic Republic. Then, just like that, they were foot soldiers fighting their old allies in service of the Galactic Empire. The Bad Batch season 2 offers the first glimpse into the chip losing its dark influence.
Cut to Captain Rex and ARC Trooper Echo teaming up once more to rescue their fellow troopers. They successfully recruit others along the way, like Captains Howzer and Gregor. The clone rebellion was destined to end badly. This much is obvious since, by the time Rex makes it to Rebels, Gregor and Commander Wolffe are his only companions. Still, its existence reminds many fans why they fell in love with the clone troopers in the first place.
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Clone Troopers
The clone troopers introduced in the Star Wars prequels don’t stand out much aside from their distinct colors (i.e., 212th gold and the 104th gray). When they turn on the Jedi, many fans don’t consider why, or even how they might have felt about their actions. The Clone Wars, on the other hand, gives them names, personalities, and even their own plot lines.
For example, Hardcase flies by the seat of his pants until his sacrifice saves his fellow troopers during the Battle of Umbara. Meanwhile, Dogma is a stickler for the rules until he kills General Krell for his treachery against the 501st Battalion in season 4, episode 10, “Carnage of Krell.” All of their self-made characteristics get wiped out by the activation of the control chips…for a while, at least. Then they start regaining control of their minds. As they remember themselves, they start to recall their loyalty to each other. Their rage against the Empire that used them turns into a stubborn resolve to save each other and themselves. Thus, the clone rebellion was born
The Empire Moves on to Stormtroopers
At some point between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope, the Empire transitions from clone troopers to stormtroopers. Nobody really knows how or why (aside from some dedicated Legends readers). They just know the Empire has discarded them at best and outright had them decommissioned at worst. The Bad Batch season 2 not only explains this mysterious change in the armed forces. It also gives Star Wars fans the first inkling of the clone rebellion that forms in response to the casual mistreatment of the troopers.
When Emperor Palpatine makes a rare appearance in season 2, episode 8, “Truth and Consequences,” he suggests drafting citizens as a replacement. He sells this as getting rid of the former right arm of the Republic in favor of bringing in more trustworthy soldiers. In reality, the clone troopers have begun pushing back against immoral orders and questioning the actions of their Imperial leaders. They don’t even realize, at first, that the clone rebellion has been formed. They’re just reverting to the moral code that guided them before their minds were turned against them. This is clear when audiences see Captain Wilco (literally) bite the bullet to refuse an order from Admiral Rampart.
Rex and Echo Start the Clone Rebellion
It’s hard watching characters who are doomed by the narrative, especially when they’ve come so close to saving themselves. Star Wars fans know this feeling all too well, and experience it with members of the 501st Battalion in season 6 of The Clone Wars. ARC Trooper Fives almost cracks the case on the control chips while investigating the strange circumstances around Trooper Tup killing Jedi General Tiplar. While his subsequent death doesn’t stop the fallout of Order 66, it does give Ahsoka Tano exactly what she needs to save Captain Rex, who then later saves ARC Trooper Echo.
The two kick off the clone rebellion in The Bad Batch season 2 with the help of Senator Riyo Chuchi. It starts with Rex and Echo simply giving safe passage to clone troopers looking for a way out. As they begin uncovering the Empire’s hidden science experiments, however, their mission broadens to include rescuing clone troopers from the sinister clutches of Dr. Hemlock.
What Happened to the Clone Rebellion?
The clone rebellion quietly gains momentum in the background of The Bad Batch. Star Wars fans only get glimpses of this powerful movement in season 2 and even less in season 3. Still, Rex and Echo make considerable progress alongside Howzer, Gregor, Chuchi, Trooper Fireball, and many other Clone Wars alum. Fans get a glimpse of their home base in season 3, episode 7, “Extraction.” It’s where they rendezvous to share information and plan their next moves. Too bad this location only survives until the next episode after being attacked by the brainwashed clone trooper known as Clone X.
Unfortunately, season 3 of The Bad Batch leaves more room for questions than answers. Was that the clone rebellion’s only base of operations? Where do they go after the series finale? What happens to the rescued clone troopers? Something must go wrong judging by Rex’s re-appearance in season 2 of Rebels. He’s left the fight behind to traverse the desert with Gregor and Wolffe. So, what exactly happens to the clone rebellion after Rex and Echo part ways with the Bad Batch?
The Bad Batch brings the clone rebellion to the forefront in season 2, but leaves Star Wars fans hanging when the series ends without providing concrete answers. On one hand, that means they can imagine whatever fate they want for the clone troopers. Karen Traviss’ Republic Commando series suggests that many troopers relocated to the Mandalorian vheh'yaim — dwelling — known as Kyrimorut. Maybe this is where Rex and Echo go on to establish another home base. Maybe the clone troopers rescued from Mount Tantiss in The Bad Batch season 3 currently live there.
On the other hand, this vague ending could mean getting fewer stories about the clone troopers in other projects. New Star Wars shows and movies alike have made little effort to mention clone troopers or expand their storyline. It’s unlikely that this will change anytime soon. It’s nice to dream, though, and imagine that Lucasfilm will one day tell the full story of the clone rebellion. Until then, fans of the clone troopers will always have the Star Wars animated shows.
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