By Mehwish Mahmood
Just last week, I thought there was no chance that a guy like Ex-Vice Admiral Edmon Rampart could be straightened out, but now it seems like he's in for an eye-opener.
Rampart is stuck with Clone Force 99, and he's barely able to keep up with them in The Bad Batch Season 3, episode 14, "Flash Strike." After being chased by a monster in the forests of Tantiss, Rampart is found by a group of Stormtroopers who were searching for Clone Force 99. By the end of the episode, Rampart is captured. Where he'll be taken, he won't be treated as kindly as he was by the Batch.
Despite their differences, Crosshair tries to keep an eye on Rampart. He and his brothers do their best to protect him. Crosshair was repeatedly there to bail Rampart out of tricky situations. Although Rampart questioned why Crosshair was fighting back against the Empire. There's a high possibility that only Crosshair would try to help free the arrogant ex-Vice Admiral. If that's what happens, then Rampart will be in debt to the very people he despises.
Rampart hates the clones in general and picks on Clone Force 99 for being "defective," but it would be ironic if one of them saved his backside and freed him from the Empire's clutches. But would that be enough to give him a change of heart? For now, Rampart hasn't displayed many redeeming qualities. He's ambitious and enjoys the perks that come with authority, and he's incredibly condescending. Does a smart mouth like Rampart have a heart underneath it all?
Perhaps, after going through several near-death experiences in the latest episode and the one coming up, Rampart will realize that the Empire is truly an evil entity and working for them isn't a way of life. Clone Force 99 works together as a family, and they look out for each other. Does Rampart have anyone to look out for him? If so, it's certainly not anyone who works for the Empire. They're as selfish as they come.
If there's anyone who will help Rampart, it's Crosshair, and if that happens, I'm very curious to see how he'll repay his defective clone friend. If Rampart does have a change of heart, he'll be a powerful ally against the Empire.
Or maybe he'll get eaten by the Zillo Beast. We'll just have to wait and see.
The Bad Batch Season 3 is streaming on Disney+.