Hi can a rant real quick? The first episode of the new season of Clone Wars ( WE DID IT!!) really bothered me. Like it was good but... Just because 99 had mutations the didnt see themselves like their brothers, called them regs. Like they were regular, normal. And that something was wrong with all of 99 :( it makes me sad to think of all the clones who didn't have "useful" mutations. That their only value came in how well they can fight. Cry with me please :,,,,,(
Yeah, everything about the mutations aspect and how The Bad Batch had to make themselves “useful” to the Republic to exist is pretty sad. They exist on one side of the spectrum, while 99 existed on the other. In that he was not “as useful” combat-wise and he had to work very hard to make sure that he could be useful in other ways.
The Bad Batch calling the other clones “regs” feels more like they are being defensive, anyone outside of their small circle group (including other clones) is not worth their respect until it is earned.
And it makes me think that they have only learned to be this way because, despite the fact that they are all clones, there is still so much that other clones cannot relate to when it comes to who they are.
They are a living contradiction. They are clones. But they are not the same. And so, it’s difficult for them to foster any real connections with those they consider “regs” because they will never be on the same level. There is so much that “regs” cannot even begin to relate to when it comes to one of the Bad Batch and what makes them who they are.
The other clones perceive that their mutations are abnormalities and strange – and that “they don’t even look like clones”. But I feel that even though the fact is that they are comprised of mutations – The Bad Batch consider themselves normal. This is their life, this is what is normal for them.
So, to them, there’s no point in being friendly or polite with the “regular” clones that can’t even begin to understand where they come from. At the very least, despite their differing personalities, I think their shared differences is what makes them so coordinated and close knit. It’s why they embraced 99 so strongly to the point where they paid homage to him in such big ways.
They have no shame about who they are. And yes, that definitely comes off as arrogant or rude at times, but I think that this is just their way of validating their existence and showing that they are not afraid to take up space and be loud about it.