Bad Batch Season 3, Episode 3, titled Shadows
of Tantiss, finds Crosshair and Omega escaping from Mount Tantiss. And with an appearance
by Emperor Palpatine himself, we get that very special theme plus much more. This is
Star Wars Music Analysis. As the episode begins back on Mount Tantiss,
synth choirs enter, immediately drawing us to Omega. We see that she is back into her
routine and that the clock that I mentioned in my episode 1 breakdown has continued to
click on, despite its previous inte
rruption. The music throughout Omega s imprisonment
actually gives us a feeling similar to Andor as well. The Kiners utilize the same effect
of wow and flutter that composer Nicholas Brittell used throughout the acclaimed series.
And here, we can easily hear and understand that connection.
Hemlock s theme interrupts the moment as we see Crosshair and the other clones being experimented
on. There s also this mystery figure that I could only assume at this point was Hemlock
based on his theme ente
ring. The tense music as Nalasee tells Omega to
flee is only further enhanced by the next scene s music. As Omega goes after her datapad,
we first just hear a bass drum. We can t help in this moment but feel like it s Omega s
own heartbeat, pounding in her chest as her pending doom and possible freedom all loom
on the horizon. Wavering synths enter as well, creating uncertainty and therefore further
terror at what might be to come next. The heartbeat continues as she enters the lab.
And as we se
e her sample enter the tester, we realize that the true clock and countdown,
now accompanied by the heartbeat has begun. A heartbeat beating with its own blood.
As the imperial shuttle approaches, we can already begin to guess who is aboard as the
shuttle is accompanied not only by four escorts but also by choir. And as he s revealed, Palpatine
s theme looms in the bass, an ominous presence whenever its heard, much like its owner. Notably,
Hemlock s theme is no longer present as the Emperor hims
elf completely overshadows the
doctor. The energy of the music picks up as Omega
frees Crosshair and her not plan begins to go into effect. But as Omega points out Crosshair
s shaking hand, the strings shake and move in half steps as well. Every scene with the
emperor continues to have music that would raise the hair on anyone s neck. The music
will never move quickly around him as he s a man of slow and intentional movements, but
it s terrifying, nonetheless. All the while, the clock continues
to count
down. As Emory confronts Crosshair and Omega, tense music underscores the tension and their
continued attempt at an escape. As we cut back to the Emperor, his theme plays
again. But as he departs, the chaos begins. And with
it, the music immediately picks back up. The heartbeat in the music returns and continues
through the continuation of the scene. As we see Omega and Crosshair in the jungle,
a new ostinato enters in the bass to carry us through the chase. The high strings imitate
the
movement keeping the energy going. And still, the clock pushes onward.
Next, as the lambda shuttles patrol, tribal drums enter for the next part of the chase.
It s as though the heartbeat is accelerated. The weight of the moment heightened. The music
builds further and further as the battle unfolds. The music almost sounds triumphant but quickly
cuts off as the ties close in on the shuttle. Meanwhile, the clock has finally run out as
Omega s blood has been sampled. As it comes back with the res
ults, we briefly hear the
beginning of Palpatine s theme and understand the importance and connection of this moment.
But it turns out to be a saving grace for Omega for the moment. And as Hemlock plans
his next move, his theme finally comes back along with more danger from him than ever
before. But I absolutely would love to know what you
all think as well. Obviously with a 3-part season opener, a single episode only has minimal
impact but how did this episode leave you feeling? Tell me in the
comments below what
you think. Consider checking out my Patreon Page using the link in the description where
you can help support this channel for as little as $1 a month or download PDFs and Mp3s of
projects as I complete them along with other perks at higher tiers. Please don t forget
to like this video and subscribe to learn more about the music of a galaxy far, far
away and as always, may the . Be with you.
Comments