Summary
Star Warsactor Dee Bradley Baker has voiced nearly every clone inStar Wars: The Clone Wars,Star Wars: The Bad Batch, andStar Wars Rebels, and these 10 moments are his very best.The Clone Wars,The Bad Batch, andRebelsall rank amongStar Wars’best TV shows, and the clones are no small part of that. Although manyStar Warsmovies and TV showscenter on Jedi or other Force-sensitive beings, the clones are incredibly complex, important characters, and their story is one of the most important intheStar Warstimeline.
The Clone WarsTV show was the first to make the significance of the clones clear, as the prequel trilogy had depicted the clone troopers as little more than loyal soldiers and then the faces of Order 66.Rebelsalso revealed the important role of the clones during the Dark Times, as some of them, such as Rex, even helped the Rebel cause. However,The Bad Batchhumanized the clones, especially those in Clone Force 99, so much more. From those three shows,these 10 clone moments—all voiced by Dee Bradley Baker—are the very best.
Clone Wars Timeline Explained: When Each Season Takes Place (Including The Bad Batch)
All seven non-chronological seasons of The Clone Wars take place within a three-year period, but where does one year end and the next begin?
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Captain Rex
A key figure among the clones, Captain Rex served under Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano during the Clone Wars. He defected after the establishment of the Empire, becoming an important leader in the early rebellion. A disillusioned Rex ultimately retired, but was brought back into play courtesy of Ahsoka’s abiding influence.
One of the most infuriating arcs inThe Clone Warswas that of rogue Jedi General Krell, who was secretly aiding the Separatists and had turned against the Jedi. Before that plot was discovered, though, Krell briefly had command of the 501st battalion, as Anakin Skywalker was otherwise occupied. Horrifyingly,Krell was not only outright abusive to the clones in his treatment of them but also went so far as to kill some of them.
The creation and use of the clones by the Jedi and the Republic was morally ambiguous at best, but this took the problem to an entirely new level. Essentially,Krell was treating the clones as sub-human, as though they were battle droids, not people. However, Captain Rex, one of the most beloved clones inStar Wars, bravely stood up to Krell, telling him that his plan"cost us men. Not clones—men!“This was an incredible moment that served as a reminder of the clones' humanity and the questionable dynamic between the clones and the Jedi.
The creation and use of the clones by the Jedi and the Republic was morally ambiguous at best.
9Fives Finds Out About The Inhibitor Chips
Order 66 is perhaps the greatest tragedy inStar Wars, yetone clone almost single-handedly brought it down. InThe Clone Wars, clone trooper Fives began to uncover the inhibitor chip plot, discovering and removing his own and realizing that every clone trooper had been implanted with one as well. Fives also worked tirelessly to convince the Jedi that these chips had been implanted in the clones and posed a significant threat, and he even identified Palpatine’s involvement in this plan.
Unfortunately, the Jedi were not receptive enough to what Fives was saying, a fact which Palpatine exploited. Staging an attack to make it seem as though Fives had made an attempt on his life, Palpatine effectively ensured that Fives would be executed. Devastatingly, that is exactly what happened. However, this scene is nevertheless one of the most compelling in all ofStar Wars. The fact that Fives discovered so much of Palpatine’s plot is impressive in and of itself, but his desperation at that moment inThe Clone Warsgave it even more impact.
Star Wars Rebels
Kanan Jarrus
A Jedi Padawan who survived Order 66 in large part thanks to his master’s sacrifice, Kanan survived during the Dark Times of the Empire’s reign and became an important member of the Lothal rebel cell. Kanan sacrificed much over the years, but gained much as well, falling in love with Hera Syndulla. Although he gave his life for his friends, he left a legacy behind in his own Padawan Ezra Bridger, as well as his son Jacen.
The bad blood that existed between the clones andthe survivors of Order 66really cannot be overstated. On the clones' side, many of them still believed the Jedi to be traitors, as the effects of the inhibitor chips did not wear off after the massacre. Of course, most Jedi who survived were unaware of the chips and believed the clones had simply turned on them. This wasn’t exactly the case for Kanan Jarrus, who had previously been the Padawan Caleb Dume. Although he had heard about the chips, Kanan was doubtful they were the cause.
Kanan had witnessed Order 66 firsthand, with his master, Depa Billaba, being cut down to save his life. Kanan then came face-to-face with the Bad Batch team and barely survived; it was only because Hunter let him go that Kanan lived. Despite that mercy, Kanan still (understandably) harbored intense suspicion and resentment. However, inRebels, Kanan and Rex shared an incredibly touching moment, during which Rex explained that he and others had removed their chips. In a wonderfully healing moment, he told Kanan,“We all have a choice.”
7Crosshair Saving Omega From Dr. Hemlock
Crosshair
One of five mutant clones created by the Kaminoan scientist Nala Se, Crosshair is a gifted marksman whose skills are almost preternatural in nature. He was the only member of Clone Force 99 to be influenced by the clones' inhibitor chip, but still chose to remain with the Empire for a time even after he’d had the chip removed. Crosshair is clearly on a path of redemption, however, one that will lead him back to his brothers.
The Clone WarsandRebelsboth show numerous emotional clone moments, but few compare toThe Bad Batch. Because of the introduction of Omega, an unaltered female clone of Jango Fett, a new gravity existed with the clones and their arcs. This was especially the case duringThe Bad Batchseason 3, the conclusion of the show and of the clones' stories in many ways. One of the best moments with Omega came in the final episode of the show, when Crosshair saved Omega’s life by shooting Dr. Hemlock.
This scene was particularly loaded because Crosshair’s journey was not an easy one. Although the Bad Batch’s inhibitor chips had a weaker effect, Crosshair still wanted to follow orders, even taking issue with Hunter letting Kanan (or Caleb) live. In light of that, Clone Force 99 had split with their brother, and there was considerable tension and grief there. However, Crosshair’s bond with Omega changed everything, and this scene was a beautiful reflection of that.
6Hunter Letting Caleb Dume Live
Hunter (Clone Force 99)
Leader of Clone Force 99, Hunter is a mutant clone created with enhanced senses - gifts he uses to help him strategize in combat operations. Hunter led his squad on countless successful missions during the Clone Wars, and they deserted shortly after Order 66. Hunter has become a father-figure to fellow mutant clone Omega, who he loves dearly and is sworn to protect.
As mentioned, Hunter did not execute young Caleb Dume when he received the Order 66 command. Instead, he let Caleb go and covered up that decision by insisting the Padawan had died. On the one hand, this was representative of Clone Force 99’s uniqueness. Unlike so many other clones, even Rex at first, the Bad Batch wasn’t completely under the control of the inhibitor chips.
However,as Crosshair made clear (as did Rex in his later comment to Kanan inRebels), Hunter still had a choice. Thankfully, Hunter chose to let the young boy live, which was one of few mercies during Order 66 depicted inStar Wars. It also meant that Kanan’s story got to continue on, which has significantly impacted countless events in the galaxy, from the Rebels' battle against the Empire to Ezra Bridger becoming a Jedi.
Ahsoka Tano
The apprentice of Anakin Skywalker, Ahsoka Tano was an accomplished Padawan who served during the Clone Wars. Ahsoka left the Jedi after she became disillusioned with the Jedi Council, but returned to serve in the Siege of Mandalore at the end of the Clone Wars. She survived Order 66, becoming a Rebel agent during the Dark Times of the Empire’s reign, and her adventures continue in the New Republic era. Ahsoka was last seen stranded in a distant galaxy, having failed to prevent Grand Admiral Thrawn’s return.
Although Rex initially attempted to execute Ahsoka along with the other clones, Ahsoka managed to save her friend and remove his inhibitor chip. The two then managed to survive Order 66 together, with Rex teaming up alongside her to help her escape. Touchingly, Ahsoka even made every effort to save the other clones, despite the clones still trying to kill her.
Tragically, her efforts weren’t enough, and every clone other than Rex who had been with them during Order 66 died. However,Rex and Ahsoka further proved their resilience and selfless natures, as they took the time to bury each and every clone who was lost. Even in light of the terrible loss of life, this was an incredible moment for the clones inStar Warsand for Dee Bradley Baker, as Rex’s pain at that moment revealed the ways the clones suffered from Order 66 too.
4Tech Telling Omega They Are A Family
Omega
A mysterious mutant clone created by the Kaminoans, Omega longed to get away from Kamino and explore the galaxy. She was rescued from the Empire by Clone Force 99, and soon became the heart of the team. The Empire still view Omega as valuable, though, and all signs indicate her story could well end in tragedy.
Omega joining the Bad Batch crew truly was one of the most profound moments inStar Wars, as it made the team a complete family. In fact, yet another of Dee Bradley Baker’s best moments occurred during a scene in which Omega and Tech both confirmed exactly that. Omega, easily the most vulnerable of the Bad Batch members, was devastated that Echo had left them and was infuriated with Tech for not feeling the same way.
Omega joining the Bad Batch crew truly was one of the most profound moments inStar Wars, as it made the team a complete family.
Because of that, Omega asked Tech whether they were family, and Tech confirmed they were. This was a massive moment for all clones inStar Wars, as it meant their lives had changed sinceThe Clone Wars. Although not every clone had the chance to experience what Clone Force 99 did, in this scene,Omega and Tech proved the clones were so much more than tools for the Jedi, the Republic, or the Empire. Instead, they were real people, capable (and deserving) of love and family.
3Clone 99 Saying He Is A Soldier
Although he had sadly little time on screen,Clone 99, a supposedly ‘defective’ clone, was a deeply meaningful addition toStar Wars. Unlike the other clones, Clone 99 didn’t see battle until the very end of his life, as he was considered unsuitable for combat given his differences. However, his final moments, during which he joined a fight to defend Kamino, were pivotal.
During the attack on Kamino, Clone 99 rushed to help his brothers. Initially, the clones tried to stop him, telling him the battle was no place for him. In response, Clone 99 yelled,“I’m a soldier, like you.“This touching scene was truly one of Dee Bradley Baker’s best, and it was a perfect conclusion to Clone 99’s character arc. In the end, Clone 99 got to be valiant too and prove that he really was a soldier like his brothers. Even better, Clone Force 99 then named their team in his honor.
2Hunter Tells Omega She Is Clone Force 99’s Kid
The Bad Batchseason 3 endingwas one ofStar Wars’most emotional events, which is perhaps surprising given how many tragic and touching moments have occurred in the franchise’s long history. However, in addition to the Bad Batch shockingly getting a happy ending (something rare inStar Wars), Hunter confirmed what Omega and Tech had previously said. Proving that they truly were a family, Hunter referred to Omega as Clone Force 99’s"kid.”
AsStar Warshas so few healthy family dynamics, this moment had significance not only between Omega and Hunter but also for the larger franchise. Moreover, like many of these scenes, this moment deepened the humanity of the clones and again revealed the ways in which they deserved better. While it was very sad to seeThe Bad Batchgo,this was the perfect send-off and was undoubtedly one of Dee Bradley Baker’s best moments.
1Tech’s Death
Tech (Clone Force 99)
A mutant clone created by the cloners of Kamino, Tech was a scientific genius who served as a vital member of Clone Force 99. He and the rest of his squad went rogue after Order 66 and the inauguration of the Empire, and eked out a living in the galaxy’s underworld. Tech tragically died on one fateful mission, sacrificing himself for his brothers.
The single best moment of Dee Bradley Baker’s time voicing the clones inStar Warswas also arguably the saddest. IntheBad Batchseason 2 ending, Tech sacrificed his life to save his team. In a perfectly bittersweet moment, his final words were,“When have we ever followed orders?“This was both a beautiful callback to the clones' refrain"Good soldiers follow orders"and a reflection upon how different the Bad Batch had always been. Although Tech’s death was an incredibly painful tragedy, this was also the best clone moment in the franchise.
Many had held out hope that Tech somehow survived his fall and was secretly alive, butThe Bad Batchconclusion confirmed that wasn’t the case, with Omega honoring Tech’s memory by keeping his goggles with her. However, that only makes this moment all the more profound. Truly, even among these 10 brilliant scenes fromStar Wars: The Clone Wars,Star Wars: The Bad Batch, andStar Wars Rebels, Tech’s death was Dee Bradley Baker’s very best performance inStar Wars.
Set between Episodes III and IV of the Star Wars film franchise, Star Wars Rebels is a canon animated series that follows a group of ragtag heroes who band together to face the Empire. In an age where the Galactic Empire is hunting down the last of the Jedi, a teenage outcast named Ezra Bridger is discovered to be force sensitive by a surviving Jedi known as Kanan Jarrus. Agreeing to join them and accept Jedi training, Ezra becomes a part of a small but growing crew of rebels determined to destroy the empire covertly.
Star Wars: The Bad Batch
Star Wars: The Bad Batch is an action-adventure animated series set after the events of The Clone Wars, following Clone Force 99 (a.k.a. the Bad Batch.) Finding themselves immune to the brainwashing effects of Order 66, the Bad Batch become mercenaries for hire while outrunning the empire, now seeing them as fugitives of the law.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars is an animated series that explores the intense conflict between the Republic and the Separatists. Featuring a mix of loyalty shifts and alliances, it delves into complex mysteries of the Force and showcases pivotal moments for characters like Anakin Skywalker and Master Yoda.
ALL STAR WARS MOVIES AND TV SHOWS ARE AVAILABLE TO STREAM ON DISNEY+
