Following the Andor season 1, fans will be able to return to a galaxy far, far away quite soon as the second season of The Bad Batch is premiering on Disney+ on January 4th, 2023. The series will reunite audiences with Clone Force 99 and Omega in the years after Order 66 in Revenge of the Sith. Excitingly, they are going to be joined by beloved familiar faces including Captain Rex, Commander Cody, Emperor Palpatine, Wookie Padawan Gungi, and Senator Bail Organa. The latter, in particular, has been appearing in more and more Star Wars releases.
Introduced in Attack of the Clones, played by Jimmy Smits, Bail Organa of Alderaan has since appeared in several other films and tv shows. From being a father to Princess Leia to a founding member of the Rebel Alliance, Bail Organa is an important supporting character throughout Star Wars. Across his various appearances, he’s gotten to say some truly inspiring and insightful things, so here are his very best quotes thus far.
8 "The Simplest Gesture Of Kindness Can Fill A Galaxy With Hope."
Rebels - "Droids In Distress" (S1, E3)
Bail Organa is one of the most honest and purely morally good characters in the Star War franchise. He’s been a relatively auxiliary character utilized to add a fun cameo every so often, so when he does appear it’s usually a one-note gig without the need for too much emotional baggage. Nevertheless, as a perpetual symbol of hope for freedom, Bail has said some of the most purely good things.
In this Rebels episode, Ezra Bridger and the Ghost Crew were on their own mission when they happened to cross paths with the icons that are R2-D2 and C-3PO, themselves on their own mission for Bail. The Ghost Crew then took it upon themselves to return wayward droids to Bail - although they didn’t learn who he is or his purpose till the season’s end - and said this to them. It’s a classic statement from a character like Bail Organa, something to signify his interest in truly helping the galaxy and restoring hope and peace.
7 "There Are Many Ways To Lead. You Just Have To Find Yours."
Obi-Wan Kenobi - Part 1 (S1, E1)
When Obi-Wan Kenobi first premiered, most viewers were expecting a tale about the legendary Jedi knight protecting young Luke, so they weren’t expecting his sister, Leia, to be a central figure instead. Leia had some fantastic quotes in Obi-Wan Kenobi too, but a subtle highlight comes in her conversations with her father here. Not only does she look up to him, although she already wants to strike out on her own, but he is also inspired by her.
Admittedly, Bail does put inordinate pressure on young Leia - somewhat logical since she is a Princess and daughter of a Galactic Senator, and he doesn’t want her to turn out like her Anakin. Despite the life he thinks she should follow, this moment has his note that it is still her life to lead. He sees great things on the horizon for her even if she doesn’t yet.
6 "I Would Trust Her With My Life."
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
While Bail had lived on as a pretty consistent supporting character in animation following Revenge of the Sith, it was nevertheless still quite exciting to see Jimmy Smits back in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Of course, he was one of the leaders of the Rebel Alliance with his longtime friend, Mon Mothma. Now, fans are logically expecting him to appear in season two of Andor season 2 in a similar capacity - for a quick scene here or there and a fun line like this.
On the surface, this line reads as Bail trusting Leia wholeheartedly. However, in retrospect, what Bail says does have a tragic undertone. In A New Hope, Leia will watch as the Death Star destroys Alderaan, Bail included. While it cost him his life, his trust in her was never misplaced. She didn’t give up the Rebel Alliance, allowing the fight her father started to continue.
5 "...We Cannot Lose Perspective On The Value Of Life And The Price Of Freedom."
The Clone Wars - "Assassin" (S3, E7)
In The Clone Wars, Bail was often seen alongside Padmé Amidala as part of her storylines, often with Mon Mothma too. Coincidentally, that means a lot of what he discussed was political and how to best serve and protect the galaxy’s inhabitants. With Padmé and Mon Mothma, Bail opposed the ongoing war, hoping to find civil ways to peace and prosperity.
This quote is a perfect encapsulation of how Bail thinks. He is particularly selfless, wanting to protect life and maintain freedom for all. This all comes during an arc in which the bounty hunter, Aurra Sing is trying to murder Padmé. Despite the danger he was surrounded with, his first thoughts are about the safety of others.
4 "My Wife And I Will Take The Girl...She Will Be Loved With Us."
Episode III: Revenge Of The Sith
When he was first introduced in Attack of the Clones and audiences heard his last name, Organa, most quickly put two-and-two together and realized who he would become. That realization finally solidified in Revenge of the Sith when he took baby Leia back to Alderaan. It’s by far one of the most pivotal and consequential moments in all of Star Wars, but it has more depth if one is aware of Bail and his wife’s backstory.
It might surprise some that Bail Organa, took up the name upon marrying Queen Breha Organa, who in the Alderaanian tradition had to claim her right to rule. During the trials, she suffered a tragic fall and nearly died, though she proved her dedication for her planet and people by doing so. However, it means that her health was tragically impacted, and she could no longer bear a child. As such, when the perfect opportunity arose to not only protect an innocent baby but give himself and his wife what they’ve long desired - a child - Bail didn’t hesitate to pursue it.
3 "There Is No One I Trust More With My Child Than You."
Obi-Wan Kenobi - Part 1 (S1, E1)
Young Leia Organa serves as a sort-of MacGuffin throughout Obi-Wan Kenobi when Bail Organa implores him to find her. Their relationship was never really explored up until this point, but it’s been implied that given their consistent proximity throughout The Clone Wars, they had struck up a cordial and mutual trust.
Of course, this moment harkens back to Leia’s “Help me Obi-Wan, you’re my only hope.” in a way as he says Obi-Wan is the only person who could help him in this situation. Furthermore, this moment showcases how even after nearly a decade of no communication, Bail hadn’t lost faith in his old friend or the mission they agreed to.
2 "Still We Have A Duty. Don't We?"
Tales Of The Jedi - "Resolve" (S1, E6)
Bail Organa was instrumental not only in the formation and unification of the Rebel Alliance but also in the recruitment of many important Star Wars characters. As shown in the final episode of Tales of the Jedi - although hopefully, not the actual final episode as other Jedi deserve to have their story told - Bail reunites with Ahsoka Tano at Padmé’s funeral.
Their conversation is quickly interrupted by the arrival of some Clone Troopers, though he still cleverly manages to do what he does best, inspire. This isn’t the moment wherein he outright recruits Ahsoka to the Rebel Alliance as Fulcrum, but here he ignites a small spark within her, the spark that will later burn boldly following her run-in with the Inquisitor.
1 "Do Not Let Them Suffer Because War Came To Them."
The Clone Wars - "Supply Lines" (S3, E3)
Bail is often a source of genuine compassion and kindness without contingencies, relatively rare things in Star Wars. Even though he works to maintain the Republic, he doesn’t share the animosity others have for the Separatists, rather he wants what’s best for them. He doesn’t support the war and wants to protect innocents from its touch, regardless of what side of the divide they happen to be caught on.
In this moment, Bail Organa is trying to gain support for the planet Ryloth - home of the Twi’leks like Hera Syndulla - by traveling to Toydaria, a neutral planet. He convinced the King by appealing to his conscience and hope for peace. If only other characters were as receptive to Bail Organa’s words and good work, the galaxy wouldn’t have been plunged into chaos and darkness.