Star Wars: The Clone Wars season 7 brings back the series’ true first villain: Admiral Trench. The spotlight has been on the more mainstream characters in the lead up to the grand finale of the show. Much further down the totem pole, below the likes of Ahsoka Tano and Darth Maul, lie less popular individuals that will make their return to the small screen in some capacity. One of the more notable characters is Admiral Trench, who, when taking into account the broken chronology of Clone Wars, is actually the show’s first antagonist.
Trench is a member of the spider-like Harch race, affiliated with the Confederacy of Independent Systems (aka the Separatists). He had a handful of run-ins with the Jedi and the Republic over the course of The Clone Wars, first seen during season 2 episode 16, “Cat and Mouse”. In this story, he was responsible for a Separatist blockade over Christophsis, which was ultimately unsuccessful after his flagship vessel was destroyed by Anakin Skywalker. Though he was presumed dead, a cyborg Trench returned at the beginning of Clone Wars season 6, where he took on Republic forces at the Battle of Ringo Vinda.
Trench’s introduction doesn’t come until the middle of season 2, even though, in terms of chronology, this is the first actual episode of the series, even coming before the 2008 movie. And now, Trench makes a new appearance in Clone Wars season 7, episode 1, “The Bad Batch”, yet again in his cyborg form. He resumes command over Separatist forces, conflicting with the Republic and his old adversary Anakin Skywalker as expected.
The Bad Batch aka Clone Force 99 are a genetically malformed, yet elite clone squad introduced in season 7, and they seek to recover a Republic strategy algorithm from Admiral Trench during the Battle of Anaxes. Considering how minor a character he is, though he is considered one of the most formidable opponents the Republic has ever faced, it’s widely assumed that Trench won’t be a major player throughout the season, partly because the focus on acquiring this algorithm isn’t the only story arc playing out in the final season.
There will be a lot to tackle in Clone Wars season 7, especially with it acting as a prequel to Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith. There isn’t much room for oddball, extraneous stories, so it’s good to know that there was still time made for the original bad guy of the series. The original plan for Clone Wars season 7 may have given the arc Admiral Trench was involved in more time, but for now, his presence may be relegated to a short role, unless future episodes decide to expand on his story. He isn’t necessarily a fan favorite, but he is the first villain anyone has ever seen when watching Clone Wars chronologically. This is a nice nod the the humble beginnings of the series, and it really brings the narrative full circle.
Next: Star Wars Has Already Told Clone Wars Season 7’s Stories
