What Does It Mean to Be “Defective and Effective”?
For Clone Force 99, it’s about defying expectations and proving that uniqueness is a strength. For Katarina Cruz, a passionate content creator in the Star Wars fandom, it’s a philosophy that fuels her love for The Bad Batch—a series that explores themes of resilience, identity, and belonging. Since 2022, Katarina has built a dedicated community around the show, proving that even the smallest voices in the fandom can make a big impact.
From Isolation to Community
I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Katarina to discuss The Bad Batch, a niche yet passionate corner of the Star Wars fandom. She began posting content in 2022, just before Season 2 aired, driven by a personal connection to the show’s themes of change and resilience. As a high school graduate during the COVID-19 pandemic, Katarina experienced an abrupt and isolating transition into adulthood, mirroring the struggles of the defective clones as they searched for their place in a fractured galaxy. Looking for a community that shared both her passion and emotions, she turned to content creation—eventually becoming a dedicated advocate for The Bad Batch and the fandom it brought her.
Katarina recalled the challenging times of COVID, saying:
"I was in the midst of college. I felt a little bit isolated just after COVID. There were so many different changes happening in my life. I was a high school COVID grad, so definitely an era of change. The Bad Batch explores that theme of change and family at its heart, so I really related to it."
Through TikTok, she not only found a community of fellow Bad Batch fans but also helped introduce new audiences to the show’s deeper storytelling.
The Moment Star Wars Noticed Her
Despite being a smaller content creator, Katarina’s passion did not go unnoticed. One day, she was stunned to see a new follower—the official Star Wars account. At first, she thought it had to be fake. But when she clicked on the profile and saw the blue verification check, reality set in—Star Wars had noticed her.
Describing her initial disbelief, she said:
"That was crazy. When I saw it, I thought, ‘Okay, this is a fake account. No way this is real.’ But it was real! Because of it, I’ve had so many amazing opportunities and met incredible people. Star Wars doesn’t just engage with huge influencers—they reach out to small creators and genuine fans who love the franchise."
This recognition opened exciting new doors, allowing Katarina to connect with fellow Bad Batch fans and even meet some of the creative minds behind the show. She had the incredible opportunity to engage with industry legends like Dee Bradley Baker, the talented voice behind every clone in Star Wars animation, Michelle Ang, who brings Omega to life, as well as key creators Jennifer Corbett and Brad Rau. These experiences only deepened her love for the Star Wars universe and the community surrounding it.
Meeting a Star Wars Icon: Ashley Eckstein
One of Katarina’s most memorable experiences was meeting Ashley Eckstein, the voice of Ahsoka Tano in Star Wars animation. With a surprise appearance at Disneyland, Katarina couldn’t pass up the chance to meet the woman behind one of Star Wars animation’s first female protagonists. She recalled the moment with excitement:
"She is incredible. She’s a ball of light. When I met her, it was such a crazy experience. We waited in the sun for hours just to meet her, and it was worth it. She made us feel like we were the only people she was talking to, and the next time we saw her, she remembered us! She’s such a great advocate for mental health and kindness."
Meeting Ashley Eckstein was a particularly meaningful moment for Katarina, given Ahsoka Tano’s impact on Star Wars animation. In Katarina’s words, Ahsoka is a character who embodies “grit and grace,” making her someone fans aspire to be. As one of the first major animated protagonists in the franchise, Ahsoka not only shaped the Star Wars universe but also paved the way for characters like Omega and the storytelling seen in The Bad Batch.
Navigating a Niche Community
Katarina has found The Bad Batch fandom to be one of the most supportive and tight-knit communities within Star Wars. In an era where posting content can be daunting due to external critique, Bad Batch fans continue to uplift one another. Whether it be sharing theories from an episode or cosplaying as a favorite character, Bad Batch fans continuously celebrate the show. However, it’s not always a welcoming experience, especially when Katarina shifts focus to other areas of the Star Wars fandom. When she expanded into discussing The Acolyte, she encountered a stark contrast.
"People came in with very closed minds and negativity. It really opened my eyes to how unwelcoming parts of the fandom can be, especially towards women in sci-fi."
While the Star Wars fandom is filled with welcoming and passionate members, there are also segments that resist change and diversity. As I discussed with Katarina, a recurring issue not only in Star Wars but also other major franchises is "review bombing." For example, when Captain Marvel was released, the internet was flooded with negative comments targeting Brie Larson, even though the film went on to earn over a billion dollars at the box office. So, is this a problem unique to Star Wars? It's clear that some segments of fandoms, regardless of the franchise, struggle with embracing change. However, Katarina chooses to focus on what she can control—creating a space for fans that’s both positive and inclusive. Despite the challenges, she remains dedicated to cultivating a community where everyone feels welcome.
Omega: The Heart of The Bad Batch
Speaking of creating a community where everyone feels welcome, Katarina’s favorite character in the show, Omega, embodies this idea. Although Omega is not an original member of Clone Force 99, she is an essential part of their dynamic. Explaining what draws her to Omega, Katarina said:
"I know she’s not technically one of the original members, but I really feel like she’s the glue that holds them together. They go through so much change, and she’s the one constant for them, even for Crosshair. She gives them something to fight for."
Omega, being the only child in the Bad Batch, brings an innocent and inquisitive dynamic to the table. As a child trying to help a group of soldiers navigate a post-war life, her perspective is one of purity and optimism. Despite the hardened nature of the Bad Batch, Omega’s presence offers a sense of hope and renewal, challenging them to see the world through a lens of curiosity and compassion. Her youth allows her to ask questions that the others may overlook, encouraging growth and self-reflection. Through Omega, the show beautifully highlights the power of innocence in reshaping even the most battle-worn hearts. She becomes more than just a companion; she is the catalyst for change and the emotional anchor for Clone Force 99, giving them a reason to push forward and rediscover what they are fighting for.
As for this youth that Omega brings, Katarina personally relates to her:
"I’m the youngest of all my siblings. I have three older sisters, and just like Omega, I try to be someone who overcomes adversity. I think she holds herself with more grace than I do, but I try to be positive and determined like her."
A Quote That Shaped Katarina’s Journey
As Omega travels the galaxy in the show, her experiences with the Bad Batch and the people she meets help shape a strong sense of self—an image she stands by. For Katarina, this image has had a profound impact on her own journey, particularly in her pursuit of higher education. While The Bad Batch is filled with powerful lines, Omega’s words resonated so deeply with Katarina that she chose to inscribe them on her college graduation cap:
"You can be anything you want. It’s a big galaxy."
For Katarina, this quote served as a personal reminder that the future is filled with endless possibilities. Faced with the pressure of figuring out what her next step would be, the quote provided reassurance that she wasn’t confined to just one path. It also echoes the themes of The Bad Batch as their lives as soldiers are only one chapter, not their whole story.
The Most Underrated Character: Wrecker
Beyond its overarching themes, The Bad Batch thrives because of its characters—their relationships, growth, and the unique roles they play within the squad. Each member of Clone Force 99 brings something distinct to the team, but some don’t always get the recognition they deserve. When the conversation turned to the most underrated character of The Bad Batch, Katarina didn’t hesitate with her answer.
"I’m going to say Wrecker. I think people overlook him because he’s goofy and a little immature, but he’s actually super emotionally intelligent. He’s such a grounded figure in the team. People take him for granted, but he’s another essential part of the group’s foundation, right alongside Omega."
Wrecker’s comedic moments balance the show’s emotional weight, making him an invaluable part of the team. While he may be best known for his loud personality and love of explosives, there’s a depth to him that often goes unnoticed. He provides unwavering support for his brothers, always ready to lift their spirits—even in the darkest moments. His bond with Omega is especially significant, as he treats her like a true little sister, offering both protection and companionship. Beneath his brute strength and humor, Wrecker is a character defined by loyalty, heart, and an unshakable sense of family, proving that sometimes, the most seemingly simple characters are the ones who hold everything together.
A Fun Detail to Watch For: The Sushi Scene
While The Bad Batch tackles deep and meaningful themes, it’s also filled with clever, lighthearted details that showcase the creativity behind the show. Katarina shared one of her favorite easter eggs about The Bad Batch:
"The showrunners and animators put a surprising amount of effort into a small but memorable scene: the sushi. They were really excited about getting it just right, and it’s such a rewarding moment in the show. So if you’re watching, keep an eye out for that!"
It’s these small yet meaningful details that make The Bad Batch such a special addition to the Star Wars universe.
Defective and Effective: The Core Message of The Bad Batch
While the creators put great care into crafting small yet meaningful details, The Bad Batch never shies away from making bold statements. Katarina believes their boldness is best captured in the quote, “Defective and effective.”
"They are clones, but they find their own unique place in the galaxy despite being seen as 'defective.' They continue to fight for others, which is the heart of what Star Wars is about—hope and resistance."
In a world where people constantly battle with the idea of perfectionism, The Bad Batch cultivates the message that our imperfections make us unique and resilient. Whether it’s our flaws, past struggles, or the traits that make us unique, these so-called imperfections shape our identity and fortify our character—another reason why Katarina deeply resonates with the show.
Final Message
Through Clone Force 99’s journey, The Bad Batch highlights that our differences are not weaknesses but the very things that make us extraordinary. From the words of Katarina herself:
"Go watch The Bad Batch if you haven’t already! Support it through all the other media coming out—comics, books—so that they know fans want more, and we can continue their story."
Whether it’s through content creation, celebrating Star Wars animation, or simply engaging with the stories that resonate, Katarina Cruz reminds us that every corner of the galaxy has a story worth telling.
xoxo, Anisha Dwarka
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