First of all, spoiler alert if you haven't watched the new episodes. You have been warned!
Now, I'm gonna start by asking who cried. Oh, everyone? Thought so. I mean, his death was so uncalled for, and unfair.
I still can't get over the fact that Tech was killed off. Tech was my favorite member of the Bad Batch (other than Echo, but he isn't part of the squad anymore). I loved how much they developed him throughout all of season 2. We actually got tech-centric episodes, while in season 1 and Clone Wars he always was more of a background character than his brothers.
Tech's death however doesn't feel final for a number of reasons.
1. There is no proof he's really dead
The only person to confirm this was Dr. Hemlocke, a villain who seemed to be manipulating everyone, from Nala Se to the clones. He had Tech's goggles, but who's to say those are really his anyway? We never saw his body, we never heard a thump, we only saw him fall. Which leads into my next point.
2. Others have survived worse
Think of all the characters who we thought had died but turned out to be alive. Some may say this is because those people were Jedi, but that isn't always the truth. I mean, look at Gregor and Echo. Both seemed to explode into smithereens (we literally saw Echo's burnt helmet roll across the ground), and yet both came back. Who's to say Tech can't have a similar fate?
3. If anyone could survive, it'd be Tech
I have a theory. What if Clone Force 99 can survive more hardships than the average clone? If I was part of the Republic and was making specialized clones, I would want them to be able to take a few hits, maybe even a few blaster shots. Not many of these guys were made, it's not like if they died they could just be replaced. There were only 4 of them. If they were closer to normal clones, these guys would've died a while ago. Sure they each have enhanced skills, but many other powerful and skilled people had died. What if these guys just are built to take more pain? What I'm trying to get at is Tech could be alive, but just in not great condition. This is probably a long shot compared to other points, but I'm still counting it.
4. If anyone could fake their death, it'd be Tech
What is Tech's enhancement? His intelligence. Tech is probably one of the smartest characters in Star Wars because he was literally designed to be. We see Dr. Hemlocke has Tech's goggles, but what if this was just a way to get the Empire off his back and stop them from finding him? Tech knows his brothers. He would know what they would do, who they would go to, etc. etc. Think about it, Tech could make the Empire think he was dead and then sneak aboard Dr. Hemlocke's ship. That way, he could save his brothers when they got caught (because he knew they would eventually), would be able to save Crosshair, and find out what Hemlocke is doing to the clones.
5. Did Doctor Hemlocke find him?
Since Hemlocke found Tech's goggles (if he did), that meant he would've had to find Tech's body as well, right? But why would he be down there, below the Empire's base? Maybe because he was after something, or, more specifically, someone. Maybe he was looking for Tech. But, if he was, there poses another question. Why? Well, that's where this theory comes in, a theory I wouldn't be surprised if proven true.
The Dark Trooper Theory
I think we all want to know what Hemlocke is doing to the clones he has in his facility. One theory suggests that he is making Phase 0 Dark Troopers. If you don't know what those are (and I can't blame you, I didn't either until hearing this theory and researching them), they were clone veterans who, against their will, were turned into cyborgs (with similar technology to how Anakin became Darth Vader) so they could be used in the Empire. Not only does this make sense because we know these clones would've been decommissioned, but Hemlocke directly says he can handle the clones in "other ways" when Tarkin tells him they have just been decommissioning them.
Another aspect of this theory is the clone assassin we met in the episode "Clone Conspiracy."
Pic not mine, from a video called "I know who THAT Mysterious Clone Trooper was, if you want to watch.
Rex states he doesn't even think this clone is a real clone. The clone assassin (who happens to know Rex, which may or may not be a whole other thing entirely) states Rex is "limited". He called one of the strongest clones limited! He is alright with killing clones, maybe because in this version of the story the dark troopers were brainwashed. We know the mind flayer exists, and that the Empire used it, so maybe it was used on these clones.
Now, how does this tie in to what I was saying about Tech? Well, what if Dr. Hemlocke got him? What if he makes Tech a dark trooper? It makes sense and could lead to some very interesting developments in the story. Since Crosshair is most likely going to join the Bad Batch soon, maybe Tech will fill the role of the "outcast." Earlier on, this theory said Crosshair would be one of the first dark troopers, but now I feel Tech is more likely.
Honestly, I feel killing him off was not a good decision. He was a great character and with everything happening his death may be over shined by other drama and problems the Bad Batch has to overcome, which is not fair. Tech deserved better, and I'm not ashamed to say I almost cried when he died (okay, that was a lie, I did cry). Hopefully this isn't the last time we see him.
I don't believe Bad Batch has been renewed for a season 3 yet, but with all the cliffhangers I really hope it does. I heard somewhere (don't ask where, I don't remember) that they have a 4 season plan, which sounds perfect (though I will always want more). What did you think of the finale and Tech's apparent death? Answer in comments!
