There are still some things that irk me a bit with Wrecker’s characterization, but I’m thrilled that we are seeing him be the emotionally aware one of the Bad Batch.
Spoilers for the first three episodes of The Bad Batch Below!
We’re still early in the series, but we’ve already seen Wrecker be enthusiastically affectionate with kids (Shaaeah and Jek in episode 2), show concern for Omega’s wellbeing after her close call with the nexu (episode 2), and be aware of his size in comparison to the kids (he kneels down to help Omega up in episode 2).
Now, in episode three we have two things happening with Wrecker’s characterization. The first being that he doesn’t think things through right away and second being that, when he does take some time to think, he is the most emotionally aware of the Bad Batch. The prime example of this is his initial enthusiastic acceptance of Omega’s offer of food. Hunter points out immediately that Wrecker shouldn’t be taking their severely rationed food away from a child, even if she’s offering it willingly. Wrecker realizes his mistake and acknowledges, out loud, that he’s not used to having kids on the ship.
Then, during the crash landing, Wrecker gives us a wonderful comedic moment in which he declares they’re all gonna die. He realizes, on his own, very quickly that his reaction is causing Omega distress and corrects his behavior immediately. It’s a funny scene, but I feel like it also shows Wrecker’s awareness of the feelings of those around him.
Following the crash, Wrecker is also the only one to express his feelings about Crosshair not being with the group. He phrases it in such a way that implies he’s speaking what the group is thinking, but not willing to say out loud: they miss Crosshair.
Finally, at the end of the episode, we see that Wrecker his spent his time off screen preparing a private bedroom space for Omega. No one told him to do that. Wrecker was made aware that Omega didn’t have her own sleeping space on the ship, so he decided, on his own, to rectify that.
These are the actions of a man who, maybe, doesn’t think things through or see things immediately, but who takes the time to reflect when presented new information and act accordingly. Wrecker has an emotional awareness that not even Echo has (who I would argue would be the second most emotionally aware member).
Anyway, I’m a bit frustrated that he’s still being treated like the “dumb” one, but Wrecker is absolutely the Bad Batcher who is the most emotionally aware and I love to see it.
