Season 2 of Star Wars: The Bad Batch repurposes Lando's sinister betrayal on Cloud City as it depicts a worker revolution story with Clone Force 99.
In the Star Wars Universe, betrayal is a common theme. It's been seen since the High Republic era with Barash and Porter. The modern canon even had the Sith Rule of Two, and Anakin Skywalker turned his back on the Jedi Order to become Darth Vader. Of course, Star Wars: The Bad Batch uses it as a key driver, with Clone Force 99 after their kin enacted Order 66.
Coincidentally, the Empire had Palpatine betray Rampart for the Kamino bombing, reinforcing that trust is hard to come by in George Lucas' galaxy. The Bad Batch once more leans into lies and backstabbing thanks to a new character, Benni. This time, it's a more grounded situation with Benni's decision coming on a much smaller-scale.
The Bad Batch Has Benni Betraying Omega
The Bad Batch has 99 realizing Benni stole their ship, the Marauder. It caused them so much discomfort, marooning them on this ipsium-based planet. However, Benni agrees to betray, Mokko, which makes Omega happy. She senses good in Benni, especially with how he helps 99 form a plan to get their vessel back.
Unfortunately, when they're in Mokko's control room, the villain enters with goons to take Omega. It turns out Benni sold Omega out, because while he knows Mokko is oppressive, and Benni can't bite the hand that feeds. Mokko, after all, pays him and the other miners. In that sense, Benni is just securing their salary and ensuring the workers on the planet will have a job away from the gaze of the Empire.
The Bad Batch Nods to Lando Calrissian's Double-Cross
When Lando sold Han, Luke and Leia out to Vader in The Empire Strikes Back, he came from a similar place of concern. He had no choice because had he not given them up, the Empire would've hurt Cloud City. This was a far larger population, filled with women and children. Seeing as they were sitting ducks, Lando had to accede to whatever Vader wanted. It's a rare moment where he wasn't selfish and was looking at the greater good.
In Benni's case, the numbers are less, but the principle is the same. He couldn't risk the miners' future for people he just met, and who clearly could bring trouble their way. Ironically, like Lando who sought redemption, Benni realizes he has to turn on Mokko, too. That's because he gets data showing Mokko has been keeping most of the profits.
Thus, while Lando acted of his own accord to become a hero, Benni does it out of desperation and because he realizes Mokko's been playing them all. At this point, it's an easy decision since Benni has people backing him, and he's not going up against a deadly legion. Ultimately, it's not as altruistic as Lando, but Omega welcomes it as a Benni U-turn proves key in getting them back home.
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