And Hunter Chose To Be A Father - Tumblr Posts
I love this so much! So many people think Hunter didn’t evolve in the show because it wasn’t a huge change like Crosshair’s. But compare Season 7 CW Hunter to the version we get in TBB and he’s very different. He’s also a Dad figure to the rest of the Batch, even if he’s the same age. He takes that role on constantly. He’s my favorite member of the Batch. Galaxies best Dad!
Hunter's character arc: from solider to father
As I re-watch episodes of The Bad Batch, I've come to realise just how perfectly laid out Hunter's character arc from solider to father is, right from the beginning of the series, gradually developing over the course of the show.
In the pilot episode of the show, the Batch makes the choice to go back and rescue Omega and take her with them as they flee Kamino, a decision which leaves them with a new responsibility (should they choose to accept it) — a child. Then, in episode 2, we're reintroduced to Cut Lawquane from The Clone Wars, a clone who deserted from the GAR, settled down, and has a family. In a way, it's a glimpse at a possible future for Hunter (and the rest of the Batch) — he just doesn't see it yet. In fact, quite the opposite. Rather than seeing Cut's life and parenting abilities as something to learn from or aspire to, Hunter is convinced Omega would be better off with the Lawquane's instead and tries to send her off with them. The episode ends with Omega remaining with the Batch and making it clear to Hunter that she wants to stay with them, and Hunter agrees, officially accepting this new responsibility.
There is a particular conversation in the episode between Hunter and Cut that perfectly foreshadows the series' ending 👌, while also presenting Hunter with what will eventually become his desire and new path:
Hunter: So, where will you and your family go next? Cut: I suppose find a remote piece of land on a distant planet. That's all we really need. Hunter: That's the key to not being found? Cut: You wanna know how to disappear? Put being a soldier behind you and make a new life for yourself.
The rest of season sees Hunter and the rest of the Batch embracing their new responsibility as their lives begin to revolve more and more around caring for Omega, protecting her, keeping her safe, and teaching her as she becomes a crucial member of their team and family.
In season 2, we see Hunter much more directly confronted, on multiple occasions, with this question of what he really wants to do with his life and he begins to grapple with it in a more serious way. We see Hunter and Echo at odds over their differing goals and desires. While Echo wants to keep on fighting and do more to help others, Hunter doesn't have the same desire, his focus entirely on keeping his team, his family, safe — especially Omega. Neither of them are "wrong", and I think the show does a great job of presenting that; they just want two different things, which is why Echo decides to leave and pursue his goal.
In the episode 'Tribe', on Kashyyyk, we see Hunter beginning to ponder what it is he wishes for the future and we get a little glimpse, through his conversation with, Yanna, at what it is he truly wants — to leave the war behind and give Omega a safe and happy childhood.
Hunter: They're both just kids. But they don't get to be. Not in this galaxy. Yanna (translated by Tech): When a young one leaves, the trees weep. But when they return, the trees sing. As this child [Gungi] has found his new home, perhaps, one day, we all will find a new path. Hunter: Hopefully... (sighs) ...one far away from war.
Then, the episode 'Pabu' presents Hunter with just that, a secluded and safe paradise where he and the Batch could settle down and raise Omega in peace. Hunter's desire goes from a wishful hope to an actual real possibility, if he chooses it.
Hunter: Phee said the villagers here are refugees. Shep: Many, yes. Pabu has been a safe haven for those forced to flee their homes during the war and others after. Hunter: And you're not worried the Empire will show up? Shep: Why would they? We're a remote island with limited resources. But if they do, we'll manage. Some come to Pabu looking for a clean slate. A chance to start over. As a father, you couldn't ask for a better place to raise a child. Something to think about, isn't it? Hunter: You're suggesting we all stay on Pabu permanently? Shep: She seems to like it here. A little stability might do you all some good.
The season 2 finale then turns everything on its head by giving Hunter the very thing he feared. He couldn't keep his family safe. Tech is dead, and Omega is taken. With Omega captured, him and Wrecker spend their time doing whatever they can for even the smallest scrap on intel on where she may be, as they cross the galaxy over and over in search of her. She is their only priority.
Once Omega returns to them, Hunter's main focus is once again doing everything he can to keep her safe. When she is taken again, his sole focus is once more getting her back at all costs.
Once Omega is back, Hemlock dead, his project destroyed, and the fight finally over, they are all at last free to be "whatever they want". The conversation between Omega and Hunter as they both sit beneath the tree together, both finally at peace, Omega moving to rest her head against his shoulder so perfectly portrays exactly what he wants, what they both want, and finally can have. Hunter finally gets to leave his solider life behind, settle down somewhere safe and peaceful, and be a father to Omega as she enjoys the childhood he had hoped to give her. It's a beautiful, heartwarming conclusion to Hunter's character arc in the show (and we even get to see old man Hunter enter the next phase of his fatherhood journey as he watches grow up Omega set off on her own adventure 😭). ❤️❤️
It's the ending that was always coming, right from the beginning. Hunter was always going to make it to end, always going to retire and settle down, and be a father to Omega. I really love the storytelling in this show and the fact that we got such a beautiful, satisfying ending to Hunter's character arc.