As The Mandalorian Season 2 hit Disney Plus this weekend we’ll be bringing you episode by episode coverage our The Mandalorian Season 2 Breakdown.
The Mandalorian Season 2 Release Date
The Mandalorian Season 2 aired on Disney+ in the UK on Friday the 30th of October
The Mandalorian Episode 1 Review – The Marshal
Spoilers ahead!
Well, Jon Favreau has launched this season with spectacular style.
As both the writer and director, this premiere sets the stage for incredible action, amazing fan-service and simply gorgeous production values for the rest of its runtime. I truly could not be more excited.
The episode begins in a seedy underworld fight ring, where a criminal known as Gor Koresh; which translates roughly to: ‘I’m a massive idiot with a huge ego’ alerts our protagonist to the presence of another Mandalorian on Tatooine; only to try and threaten him for his Beskar armour.
This ends about as well as you would imagine for them, with Din Djarin wiping the floor with them and leaving the criminal at the mercy of a pack of… well, feral-space wolves.
This scene immediately establishes three things about this episode: Firstly, that there will be great action.
Secondly, that the Mando will be at the centre of it and finally, that this episode will build atmosphere and tension masterfully.
AND BOY DOES IT…
The story then takes us back to Tatooine, where we are re-introduced to one of Season 1’s weaker characters: Peli Motto, however her screen time here is short, reasonably well-used and contributes a valuable character-beat.
It is here we see that the Mando’s treatment of droids has significantly improved from the first season; a wonderful detail, if only slightly overplayed by Amy Sedaris who thankfully doesn’t stick around.
Setting out for Mos Pelgo; hoping to find members of his kind who can lead him to the Jedi, the Mando and the always loveable Baby Yoda/The Child/The darling of the internet find the town’s marshal, who is wearing none other than Boba Fett’s armour.
This moment sends a chill down the spine of any long time Star Wars fan and it won’t be the last, nor is it just a throwaway detail that ends up being disrespectful to the source; such as Solo’s throwaway gag that Beckett killed Aurra Sing.
Instead, it causes instant animosity between the Mando and Cobb Vanth; nearly causing a good old-fashioned pistols-at-dawn moment, before they are interrupted by this episode’s main antagonist: The utterly terrifying Krayt Dragon.
We soon learn that the townspeople are being terrorised by this beast and that the very night the Second Death Star was blown up, bandits seized control of the community; thriving in the immediate aftermath of a power vacuum.
Vanth managed to escape with some stolen crystals and; finding the legendary memes known as the Jawas, purchased the Beskar armour from them and drove off the bandits attacking his town.
It cannot be overstated how well-written this entire use of Boba Fett’s armour is. After Episodes VII-IX failed to use Darth Vader’s mask, Anakin’s lightsaber or even the original trilogy cast in consistently satisfying ways, this use of a side-character’s armour is both a testament to this show’s quality and an absolute humiliation of the main saga films post Return of the Jedi.
Boba Fett’s armour being here is not some teased backstory we never learn, nor there to prop up a character’s intrigue: Cobb Vanth’s use of it is for his own reasons; regardless of franchise history, making it feel genuine and justified in its use.
Furthermore, it respects the importance of said armour by having Mando be concerned with its cultural heritage; as well as the Marshal’s right to wear it, using it to drive a natural character conflict.
This is how you can combine the best of fan-service with forward thinking writing: Place two characters, with opposing viewpoints on an item/idea against one another and in this case, bond them over said thing for a larger cause.
The Mandalorian agrees to help slay the Krayt Dragon; so long as the armour is returned to him afterwards.
At this point, I was already hugely engaged with the characters, world-building and fan-service; as well as the production values, the Krayt Dragon being a stunning and vicious visual creation that leaves you terrified every time it appears on screen.
The episode further impresses however by cementing its legacy as a counter-point to the original trilogy; an idea it established with the negative impacts of the Second Death Star’s fall, by having the Mandalorian and Vanth meet the Tusken Raiders.
In both the original and prequel trilogies, this was a group to be feared, loathed and despised, the only potential sympathy being a: ‘Well, you’re screwed’ feeling when Anakin ignites his lightsaber and slaughters a village of them: Not just the men but the women and children too.
Here however; as the Mando himself states, while a tribe of brutal raiders, they are survivors of an equally brutal landscape and they can be communicated with. This then leads to them entering an uneasy alliance with the townspeople, two warring cultures united to face an enemy that threatens them both.
This demonstrates a thematic integrity the sequel trilogy never had, by holding true to the message of the Episodes IV-VI: That people can come together against greater threats, while also showing that a group previously believed to be beyond any sympathy, may actually be worthy of our consideration as a complex faction.
This layered idea certainly rubs off on Cobb Vanth; who despite a previous history of killing them, prevents his townspeople from warring with them any further and leads them into battle against the Krayt Dragon.
How do I describe this thing? Anakin’s worst nightmare perhaps: A leviathan of sand and destruction, this beast’s existence probably led to more sleepless nights with Padme than anything else and for good reason.
When you see this creature swallow Bantha like jelly Babies, it’s acid dissolve Tusken Raiders as if they are glass to a hammer and its sheer scale tank explosives and lasers with more genuine badassery than Luke Skywalker managed in Episode VIII, you are truly left wondering just how on earth this thing will ever die.
The moment the aspect ratio disappeared to show off the true scale of this gargantuan beast, I knew I was looking at my favourite Star Wars creature since the Gorog in the Force Unleashed II.
On that note: Mr Filoni and Mr. Favreau. Though I am well aware that doing the CGI for that creature would cost approximately 214% of this show’s budget, if you ever find a way to get it on screen, you can have all my money. Thank you.
Eventually of course, they do bring it down; courtesy of the Mando’s quick-thinking and the episode comes to a victorious close.
Boba’s armour is returned to Din Djarin, Cobb and the Tusken Raiders people are safe and; for at least a time, will have peace between each other.
Our intrepid duo rides off past the Twin Suns, when Favreu drops the mother of all fan-service on us. Watching from a distance is a Jango Fett clone, who is almost certainly none other than Boba Fett himself.
To see this character (95% chance) return to our screens; post Return of the Jedi, is just pure wish fulfilment for so many.
After his dismal ‘death’ in that movie, S2 of the Mandalorian offers the character a chance at on-screen redemption and I for one cannot wait to see what the rest of the season has in store for us, if this is just the beginning.
While the story isn’t perfect, Peli’s return and the general under-use of Baby Yoda being limiters to its quality, it still stands out as one of the show’s finest episodes yet.
With unrivalled production values for Star Wars TV, a thematically rich script, great action and entertaining characters; all setting up a glorious season to come, season 2 has premiered with excellent style, courtesy of Jon Favreau’s impeccable direction and strong script.
This is most certainly the way.
Rating 4/5
Summary: A superb start to the season, with great action, ambitious production values and a thematically rich screenplay; only slightly hampered by the under-use of Baby Yoda and a few other minor nitpicks.
Missed our The Mandalorian Season 1 review? Click here
The Mandalorian Episode 2 Review – The Passenger
Spoilers ahead!
The director of this week’s episode: Peyton Reed, is deeply frustrating to me as his work is largely ‘acceptable’; yet with individual flashes of greatness.
‘Yes Man’ is a generic comedy, however Jim Carrey in the lead role was a superb choice. Antman had some incredibly stylish sequences; as did its sequel, yet overall was largely forgettable for its inability to nail down a strong emotional focus.
In a season with talent such as Robert Rodriguez lined up to direct, I was ultimately sceptical of what Peyton Reed could bring to the table.
So, did he subvert my expectations?
Well… no, not really.
The episode opens strongly, with the Mandalorian fending off another ill-fated attempt by bounty hunters to seize Baby Yoda.
When one threatens the child’s life, the Mandalorian offers his jetpack in exchange for its safety.
Though he quickly regains the device, the undertone is that the Mandalorian would give up his armour and perhaps even; symbolically, ‘the way’ as one to protect the child.
Whether or not such a thing happens this season, it certainly hints towards a situation in where Din Djarin is stripped of his armour and has to fight to regain the child without it.
Nevertheless, the Mandalorian crosses the desert of Tatooine and arrives at Mos Eisley; to begin this episode’s main quest.
Tasked by Motto with escorting a Frog Lady to the moon of Trask, so she can ensure her eggs are fertilised by her husband; continuing her family line.
Ultimately, what cripples this episode is the fact that the Frog Lady does not inspire any kind of emotional warmth from the audience. While she is a mother, her inability to communicate, easily display emotion and purely reactive presence made her a draining presence to the story.
A running gag is that Baby Yoda keeps eating her baby-eggs; much to the Mando’s frustration, yet it’s hard to sympathise when the character is this drab.
To her credit, she does as much as one could write for a character; given the situation, yet that in and itself is part of the problem: The story has trapped this side character in a boring role, thus harming the emotional centre of the narrative.
Nevertheless, The Passenger has two fantastic sequences. The first is a chase between the Razor Crest and two New Republic X-Wings, looking to bring him to justice for the events of S1, E6: The Prisoner, in which the Mandalorian took part in breaking into a New Republic prison-ship.
It adds to the show’s world-building and the sense of consequences, though it is hysterical to me that Din Djarin faces more trouble from them than the entire First Order did in the sequel trilogy.
Nevertheless, the chase that follows is a great display of his skills and when he cuts the ship’s engines to plummet quickly towards the ground; hoping to shake them off, the sound design is truly phenomenal: The spaceship’s descent like the roar of a Stuka dive bomber, racing towards its target.
Eventually; forced into a crash-landing and temporarily trapped inside an icy cave, the mother reluctantly gets the Mandalorian to start the repairs before morning and finds a hot-water spring for her babies to be safe from the cold.
However, Baby Yoda; still on a hunger-rampage, accidentally disturbs what appears to be a nest of Krykna: Giant spider-creatures, with history in the franchise that goes all the way back to concept art from The Empire Strikes Back; as well as featuring prominently in Star Wars Rebels.
These terrifying beasts swarm the group and; once again, add to the long list of poor decisions from Game of Thrones showrunners: David Benioff and Daniel Weiss, the latter of whom was quoted as saying (in regards to their use in The Battle of Winterfell):
“Ice spiders sounds good. It would look good on a metal album cover. But once they start moving, what does an ice spider look like? Probably doesn’t look great.”
As usual, they have been proved wrong as this sequence is the highlight of the entire story: Thrilling, action-packed, tense and horrifying, with variants of these creatures large enough to cause the ship to smash back down to the ground; when landing on it as they try to escape.
However, help arrives in the form of the very same X-wing pilots they escaped earlier; one of them played by Dave Filoni, a character appropriately named: ‘Trapper Wolf’. For those who aren’t aware, Dave Filoni has a mega-passion for wolves: Featuring them heavily in the final season of Star Wars Rebels, also owning a replica of Clone Wars Commander Wolffe’s helmet; which… obviously. We all should do that.
The X-Wing pilots inform Mando that while an arrest warrant was placed for him, they are going to let him by with a warning; taking into account his actions in stopping several other criminals.
This shows a nice difference in power-structures between the Empire and the New Republic: The former would have shot him on sight during this moment of vulnerability, the latter holds true to the spirit of fairplay; given the ‘trying times’ the galaxy is currently experiencing.
One detail I especially liked that reinforces this, is the fact that the X-Wings do not actually open fire on him during their entire chase earlier; only activating their target computers.
These small details help to reinforce the value of the New Republic and inject a degree of sadness at its eventual elimination in Episode VII.
Ludwig Goransson also continues to provide exceptional music for the series, the exit of the two X-Wing pilots being underscored by a swaggeringly cool score.
The Mando’s walk through the desert to Mos Eisley also featured a terrific piece of music and this season has already had him outdoing his already strong work from the first season; so I cannot wait to see what else he has in store for us.
The episode ends with a barely functioning Razor Crest; struggling through space, as our intrepid gang limp towards the next planet and Baby Yoda: Egg Hunter, snacks on his latest victim.
Overall, this story had some incredibly fun moments: The humour was strong, the action well-handled; though paled by the premiere’s standout sequences, the horror and planet-chase being this episode’s best moments.
Baby Yoda had a much more significant role; preventing the offspring of a boring character from being born, while the Mando excelled as always.
However, the emotional highlights were largely absent and several sections dragged; the story suffering from an undeniable feeling of being ‘filler’.
The mother’s storyline simply lacks an intriguing hook and one can only hope the next episode’s story is compelling around it, otherwise this lukewarm setup for a two-parter will significantly drag down the overall quality.
RATING – 3/5
Summary: Enjoyable but problematic; with some standout sequences and fantastic production values, yet held back by a script and direction that never manages to nail down the emotional core this story needs.
The Mandalorian Episode 3 Review – The Heiress
Directed by Bryce Dallas Howard; a returning talent from Season 1’s excellent: ‘Chapter 4: Sanctuary’, this episode hits the ground running with a fantastic opening scene.
The Razor Crest has limped its way to the moon of Trask and; with its landing gear wrecked, is forced into a rapid-descent towards the dockyard.
Here, the direction immediately shines with a frenetic and tense first few minutes; that immediately shakes off any concerns this would be another slow-paced story.
Landing somewhat successfully; minus the Razor Crest tipping into the ocean beside the dock, you’re immediately engaged by the character struggles and the Mandalorian thrives in this episode for the same-reason as the highlight stories of Season 1: He’s halfway between walking disaster and badass.
This is the way to craft an immediately thrilling opening and the tension is well-executed throughout the rest of the story.
The episode then wisely dispenses of the Fish Lady and moves onto the far-more interesting plotline: The Mandalorian Covert.
A group of Quarren state their willingness to escort Din Djarin to them, only for them to feed Baby Yoda to a sea-beast known as a Mamacore; with our intrepid hero immediately diving in after him.
Showing the same likeability that these treacherous Finding Nemo rejects did in the opening arc of Clone Wars: Season 4, the Quarren then try to steal his Beskar armour.
Though an extraordinarily impressive and hugely beneficial form of protection; as this episode will later reinforce, it comes with an inherent risk of having a target on your back.
As the armourer in season 1 said: ‘When one chooses to walk the way of the Mandalore, you are both hunter and prey’.
When all seems lost, a trio of Mandalorians appear; led by none other than Bo-Katan herself.
A major character in the Clone Wars and anointed ruler of Mandalore by the clans, she has clearly lost a lot of power since; yet none of her skills.
Seeing her kick-ass for the first time in live-action was an absolute delight and the episode delivers on that and then some.
The Quarren are easily dealt with and we learn an important piece of Din’s backstory:
He is a ‘Child of the Watch’, part of a cult of religious zealots that broke away from Mandalorian society to revive the ‘Ancient Way’.
This clarifies a longstanding mystery of the show, as to when and how the Mandalorians began never removing their helmets.
It also adds moral complexity to Din’s understanding of his own past; as well as his creed, with him initially declining their help despite everything he has done to reach them.
However, when another group of Quarren; driven by family vengeance, threaten to kill Baby Yoda in retaliation for the death of a brother: Bo-Katan and co. save him once again.
At this point, the Mandalorian has warmed to them and we are beginning to see an interesting pattern emerge across the season. In episode 1, Din met somebody outside the Mandalorian creed; yet using the armour.
In episode 2, we saw him willing (albeit as trickery) to sacrifice an important piece of that heritage for Baby Yoda’s safety. Now, we see him becoming tolerant to the idea of Mandalorians who don’t cover their face and strictly obey the tenants of their creed.
Building upon my prediction from last week, I believe that not only will Din be placed into a situation where his armour is either removed/willingly given up for a period of time, he will also choose to do so should he ever part ways with the child; as a way to demonstrate his affection for him.
This character development; whether it manifests in this way or not, is a testament to how strong the writing across the show is.
We’ve seen a bounty-hunter from a fringe Mandalorian cult develop into a motivated father and warrior; able to see past many of his old biases, all without (almost) ever seeing his face.
In return for information on the location of the Jedi, Bo-Katan requests Din’s help in hijacking an Imperial freighter; transporting stolen Mandalorian weapons via the black-market port.
The world-building also shines here, highlighting an entertaining irony: In the original trilogy, the Rebellion tangled with black-market forces like Jabba the Hutt; while using similar non-detection tactics to avoid being pinned down and destroyed by the Empire.
Now, the Imperial remnant are doing the same thing to avoid the New Republic and total destruction.
Bo-Katan and co. attack the Imperial freighter, wiping the floor with the majority of the Stormtroopers on-board; in a sequence of pure fan wish-fulfilment.
While some may criticise undermining the threat of the Imperial remnant, this actually fits well with the Empire’s representation on-screen; across most media.
When under the command of lackeys, the in-experienced or the unimaginative: Admiral Ozzel, General Hux, etc.
They are a bloated force. Sluggish, impractical and foolish. Yet when someone tactically-minded takes charge: Grand Admiral Thrawn or; as finally re-appears in this episode, Moff Gideon, that is when they become a serious threat.
His brief cameo immediately raises the stakes, as the ship’s commander executes the pilots and begins a suicide dive towards the planet’s surface; with our heroes fighting to stop him.
It is here that I; once again, must lavish praise on the show’s composer: Ludwig Goransson. Every single episode so far of this season, has raised the quality of the score; which already started at an incredibly high standard.
The reprise of Moff Gideon’s theme quickly evolves into something I can only describe as a panicked, high-pitch metronome and it fits superbly; Ludwig is a modern-genius of film & television music.
Pinned down by Stormtroopers with heavy blasters, Din displays the resilience of Beskar armour in perhaps one of its most impressive displays yet; absorbing at least nineteen blaster-bolt hits, before they take down the bridge’s protectors.
Had this episode not built tension so effectively in other scenes, I would perhaps say this feels somewhat over-powered and in a way it is.
However, the show does earn moments like this; where Din shrugs off attacks that would wipe out others, by being consistently vulnerable to more unorthodox methods: Drowning, massive spiders and parking, chief among them.
They storm the bridge and narrowly rescue the ship, however the imperial officer commits suicide; knowing Moff Gideon will never tolerate his failure.
Nonetheless, his interrogation by Bo-Katan reveals that she is searching for the Darksaber: Setting up a climactic showdown between Bo and Gideon; likely in the season finale.
To say I am excited for this confrontation is a gross understatement; yet somehow even that was small fry, next to what we learned straight after.
Bo-Katan reveals the location of a Jedi and it is none other than Ahsoka Tano herself; name-dropped for the first time in live-action, which I may or may not have screamed wildly at. Multiple times. Loudly. May the Mortis Gods bless Filoni, Favreau and Bryce Dallas Howard, you wonderful humans.
The episode ends with the still battered but relatively operational Razor Crest heading towards the planet of Corvus and the city of Calodan, while I scream with delight and wonder just what we did to deserve something as good as the Mandalorian; in a year as rotten as 2020.
This episode was fantastic. Consistently great-direction from Bryce Dallas Howard was to be expected, yet she exceeded expectations; thrilling fans and newcomers alike with great action and joyous amounts of fan-service.
Yet despite the wider universe tie-ins, it doesn’t feel like the story is drowning under its own narrative weight; as Din’s perspective of events is still the lens through which the entire show is understood.
Therefore, it never loses focus and exposition is given at key moments; never drowning out character or story, allowing the action to explore the stakes more effectively than any dialogue could.
Ludwig’s music continues to be a standout, as does Pedro Pascal’s performance as Din Djarin: His voice conveys all the emotion you need for every scene and his character continues to develop in new ways.
Baby Yoda’s role was limited but enjoyable; driving key moments of characterisation, with the next episode and beyond setting up a more significant role for him.
Once again, Baby Yoda was shown staring in awe at the babies of Frog Lady and while the first time could be taken as hunger; I suspected we are being given hints towards a wider reveal.
Sooner or later, Baby Yoda’s backstory will be explored and I think; in some capacity or another, he was a test-tube/laboratory experiment.
If such a revelation does come to light, then the show has already established this idea in a subtle but effective manner.
Regardless, I cannot wait to see what the next episode has in store for us: Though I warn all readers, if Ahsoka Tano does show up next week, I’m afraid you’ll most definitely read over a thousand words of elongated fanboy delight; come next Friday.
RATING: 4 AND A HALF STARS
SUMMARY: Exceptional writing, direction and fan-service lead to a season highlight episode, that sets up dramatic conflicts to come; while being a remarkably good story in its own right.
The Mandalorian Season 2, Episode 4 Review – The Siege
*Spoilers*
Directed by Carl Weathers, the actor behind S1’s ‘Greef Karga,’ this episode opens with the ever-endearing Baby Yoda trying to help Din fix his ship.
While clearly learning and making gradual steps towards maturity throughout this season, ship engineering is still beyond our intrepid little green friend, a fact the Mandalorian soon realizes.
Instead, he sets a course for Nevarro and discovers that Cara Dune is now the Marshall of the planet; Greef its magistrate, cementing this season’s terrific use of law-figure characters.
She and Greef have turned around this rundown planet and wish to establish it as a trade-anchor for the entire sector.
However, they must eliminate the last imperial remnant outpost, a job the Mandalorian agrees to while his ship is repaired from the previous two week’s beatings.
During this time, we get to witness the joyfulness of Baby Yoda attending school and using the force to steal biscuits.
While far from essential for the plot, it is a welcome comedic sequence, and the world-building is excellent throughout the story.
Seeing Nevarro’s rebirth with active shops, schools, and other signs of life embodies the hope of groups such as the rebellion in Star Wars: The chance for something better.
We are also re-introduced to the Mythrol criminal from the first episode of the Mandalorian S1, now seeking to work off his 350-year debt to Greef, forcing him into escalating dangers throughout the story. Together, Din, Cara, Greef, and the Mythrol make their way to the base and begin to make their way through.
From this point until the base begins its countdown to destruction, the episode feels like it’s killing time, going through the narratively necessary motions.
While far from awful, the action is very underwhelming during this segment, and the story feels almost painfully easy for the protagonists.
However, the story then pulls the rug out from the viewer by providing several significant reveals.
Firstly, our fearsome foursome discovers a handful of clone bodies, deformed and dead.
The music, appearance, and reference to M-count AKA ‘Midi-chlorians,’ immediately ties this into both the prequel and sequel trilogy; the first thought being that these are predecessors to the eventual Supreme Leader Snoke.
However, given the rising success of the Mandalorian and the waning interest in the sequel trilogy, as well as later events in the episode, we have reason to believe the real purpose of them may be closer to home.
Our second major reveal is that they were made from Baby Yoda’s blood, cementing the status of his enormous force potential and paying off the visual references to test-tubes and ‘pods’ from the previous two stories.
Through this, the Mandalorian has set itself up for the most massive and thrilling conflict of the show yet, one that may involve our masked hero and a former Padawan of the Jedi Order.
While the Mandalorian rushes back to protect the Child, Cara, Greef, and the Mythrol are left to fend for themselves against the remaining troopers in the base; eventually seizing control of a Trexler Marauder vehicle. From there, they engage in a thrilling chase; pursued by Imperial Speeders and TIE-fighters; in a canyon trench that is highly evocative of both A New Hope and Return of the Jedi.
All the action complaints from earlier are flipped here, with a superb sequence that consistently escalates the tension and shows off our trio with remarkable style.
Eventually pinned by three TIE-fighters, the Mandalorian arrives with his newly repaired ships, and the Razor Crest proves its worth, slicing through them like a blade through butter. Once again, the action in this short but sweet dogfight is visually breathtaking and shows Weather’s talent as an action director.
While the Mandalorian sets off to find Ahsoka Tano, our New Republic pilots from episode 2 arrive. However, while we don’t get another Dave Filoni cameo, the scene between Captain Carson Teva and Cara Dune more than makes up for it.
Highlighting her old military service record in the rebellion and reminding the audience of the destroyed Alderaan being her homeworld, he invites her to re-join as a New Republic military/police officer.
Though she declines, he leaves the badge, and she is hesitant to dispose of it, hinting at a possible future endgame for her character’s story.
However, given the current canon, it would potentially lead to her death, as joining could well mean that she was in the Hosnian System when Starkiller Base vaporized the New Republic capital.
The destruction of Alderaan was glossed over in terms of the emotional consequences for Princess Leia, so witnessing how this still haunts Cara is an excellent continuation of that plot-thread from the original trilogy.
The rebellion may have defeated the Empire, yet they have not been destroyed; no more than the wounds they left have been healed.
Rebuilding, both personally and galactically, takes time and immense struggles of will.
Though the Mandalorian may never correct the frequently abysmal world-building of Episodes VII-IX, it offers a human window into how their ‘history repeats itself’ narrative came to be, which benefits the whole saga.
The story perspective then changes from our heroes over to the Imperial Remnant. Revealed to have a spy in Nevarro, who has placed a tracker on the Mando’s ship, Moff Gideon then appears besides none-other than the legendary ‘Dark Troopers’ from LEGENDS.
Introduced back in the 1995 ‘Dark Empire’ comics, also featuring in ‘Star Wars: Dark Forces’ within the same year, they were droid and armoured exoskeletons, capable of combating force-wielders. With three different ‘phases’ of their evolution in LEGENDS, they would be a formidable recurring threat if handled well, and their arrival promises a jaw-dropping showdown next week.
With Ahsoka’s debut all but guaranteed in the next story, one problem quickly presents itself: What can challenge her? Ahsoka Tano has survived multiple encounters with the Jedi-slaying General Grievous.
She has fought her way through an entire Venator-class Star Destroyer, full of clones from the elite 501st Legion.
She defeated a former Sith Lord in single combat and left a prime Darth Vader limping and half-shredded from his duel with her.
Her skills in the force and Lightsaber combat are currently unrivalled by anyone in the galaxy, even Luke Skywalker.
All of which leaves the question: What exactly will the Mandalorian do in his show if Ahsoka appears and, by all rights, should be able to wipe the floor with the villains in seconds?
This scene provides an answer and a promise, setting up a showdown between the former Jedi and numerous enemies capable of fighting toe-to-toe with her.
Despite his defeat in the S1 finale, Moff Gideon has reappeared deadlier than ever, though his pride is wounded.
To see how he will deal with Ahsoka, Din Djarin, the Child, and the rest of our heroes will be a delight going forwards and promises a spectacular second-half to an already strong season.
Though lacking in some areas, The Siege succeeds as an excellent example of serialized storytelling, featuring fantastic world-building and an excellent showing for all key characters. Overshadowed by its predecessor and, more than likely, its eventual successors, it is still a delightful romp and another fun outing for The Mandalorian.
RATING: 3 and a half stars.
Summary: A fun, action-packed story; lacking at times, yet ultimately pulling through with its strong characters and great world-building. Its setup promises great things and so long as it can deliver, this episode’s reputation will be even stronger by the season’s end.
The Mandalorian Season 2, Episode 5 Review – The Jedi
Directed by Dave Filoni, who quite frankly needs no introduction, the episode begins on the planet Corvus and opens with none other than the legendary: Ahsoka Tano.
The story wastes no time dragging out her appearance, yet her introduction still packs a significant punch, tearing through hired-guns in the apocalyptic landscape.
Her iconic white blades from Star Wars: Rebels return here and create a visually stunning look to her movements.
It is evident in the first minute alone that you are watching the show’s best-directed episode so far.
Ahsoka then makes her way to the walls of Calodan and proceeds to lay down the law, threatening its ruler: Magistrate Morgan Elsbeth.
The polar opposite of figures like Vanth, Greek, and Cara from earlier in the season, Elsbeth is a cruel and vicious leader, though skilled and pragmatic, as later scenes show.
Unwilling to allow her reign of tyranny to endure any longer, Ahsoka threatens the Magistrate, telling her that she has one day to reveal the information she seeks. She must: ‘Surrender or face the consequences.’
The combination of steal-based action, gorgeous directorial flair, and the live-action debut of a fan-favourite character makes this the most stunning opening sequence in a Mandalorian episode yet.
Widely criticized in the first season for ‘The Gunslinger,’ Dave Filoni is not a man to shrink from a challenge, and he learns well from his mistakes.
Just as Ahsoka started a pariah of Star Wars Universe, now beloved, Dave Filoni’s direction for the first season was among its weakest, now it is the best yet.
Continuing, Din Djarin and Baby Yoda, who will soon have that name wiped forever, arrive on the planet.
The city is full of terrified residents, including those tortured on PG-13 electric-crucifixes, a horrifying and compelling display of the main villainess’s evil.
The episode’s world-building is almost exclusively through the visuals and is superbly well-handled throughout.
Journey through, he is led to meet with the Magistrate and offered a deal: In return for killing the Jedi, he will be paid with a Pure-Beskar Spear, a formidable weapon. Taking the assignment, though, with no intention of actually trying to hurt her, he ventures out into the shattered wilderness.
Here, eagle-eared and eyes fans may spot Morai: A Convor; owl-like, bird, connected to the Daughter; one of the three ‘Mortis Gods’ from Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars: Rebels.
A superb piece of fan-service, with potentially broader implications to the Star Wars mythos, the audience has little time to reflect on it before Ahsoka herself attacks the Mandalorian.
His Beskar saves him from several otherwise lethal strikes, and though outclassed, he fights back admirably; before calming Ahsoka by quickly explaining his ties to Bo-Katan.
To see these two creations of Dave Filoni’s, among others, come to life and meet for the first time is an absolute joy and a testament to this show’s superb writing.
Before this episode’s release, many discussed whether Ahsoka’s appearance in this episode would be brief, a last-minute save from Moff Gideon’s forces or other enemies.
Instead, the show wisely opts to toss away shock and awe value for a far richer story that allows Ahsoka to be a core part of the narrative’s emotional beats, one of them being her meeting with The Child.
Nameless no longer, Baby Yoda, The Child, maker of memes, the darling of the internet; devourer of eggs: He is called Grogu.
A strong choice; gruff but cute in context, yet his backstory is even more fascinating.
Ahsoka’s ability to read his mind reveals that he was a youngling at the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, up until the Empire’s rise, where he was spirited away and hidden by a Jedi Master.
Effectively answering several long-running mysteries; while creating new ones, Grogu’s history will now be the source of many fan-theories in the weeks, months, and years to come.
Perhaps the two most crucial: Which Jedi Master rescued him, and are they still alive?
There are a few established character possibilities, all of which invite even more massive bombshell narrative moments into The Mandalorian and the future of the saga.
One idea would be General Rahm Kota, introduced in ‘The Force Unleashed’ game, who distrusted the clones and refused to serve alongside them, allowing him to escape Order 66.
Another could be Shaak Ti. Her ‘death’ in the canon is so messy that The Mandalorian may choose to explore her further, to cement her character’s defining legacy in a new context.
Yet perhaps the most exciting possibility is Samuel L Jackson, played by Mace Windu himself.
Jokes aside, Mace’s return would be a stunning return to the screen after more than fifteen years, where he has been assumed dead.
Once one of many in the long list of Supreme Leader Snoke backstory possibilities, his survival would have massive implications and allow for the always enjoyable Samuel L Jackson’s return.
Whether or not any of these are correct, the show has got Star Wars fans buzzing with speculation, in a way not seen in several years.
Regardless, the story continues with a training scene for Grogu, as Ahsoka encourages him to use his abilities.
Reluctant, he only opens up when Din uses a piece of the Razor Crest to entice his attention.
While a charming surrogate father- alien son moment, Ahsoka sees the danger in this; recognizing his attachments as dangerous to himself and the galaxy.
A chilling reminder of her history, it is still heart-breaking to see that the emotional scars of her duel with Darth Vader linger, closing her off to the possibilities of helping Grogu reach his full potential.
Nevertheless, she and the Mandalorian team-up to take down the Magistrate; a combination Din himself notes that they: ‘Would never expect.’ Leading the charge, Ahsoka once again displays her skills in a gorgeously filmed action set-piece.
Separating the Magistrate from her soldiers, Ahsoka and Elsbeth face off in a Samurai-Esque showdown; her armed with the Beskar spear, while the Mandalorian has a tense standoff with her main henchmen: An enjoyable one-off from sci-fi legend Michael Biehn.
Though slightly disappointing to not see him secure a larger role, his presence was enjoyable, though understated, part of the story, and he goes out from a too-slow gun draw against the Mandalorian.
Meanwhile, Ahsoka battles the Magistrate, who, to her credit, does a surprisingly good job. However, Ahsoka is handicapped: She cannot kill her for a start, requiring information.
Even more importantly, she sympathizes with the horrible circumstances that led Elsbeth to become such a broken and vicious personality.
The Magistrate successfully disarms one of Ahsoka’s lightsabers, leading the Jedi to realize she cannot afford to go easy on this combatant. Swiftly defeating her afterward, Ahsoka then drops a huge bombshell; asking:
‘Where is your master? Where is Grand Admiral Thrawn?’.
A significant presence in the last two seasons of Star Wars: Rebels and a LEGENDS canon icon, Thrawn’s namedrop here has potentially massive implications.
Firstly, it confirms his survival from the end of Star Wars: Rebels, meaning that the show’s Jedi and protagonist Ezra Bridger has survived.
Secondly, the survival of the infamous tactical genius means that the Mandalorian, as well as a potential Ahsoka show, may well be adapting Thrawn’s war against the New Republic storyline.
If so, the consequences of this could be as massive as a de-canonization of Episodes VII-IX, allowing the Disney+ shows to forge their new post-ROTJ canon.
Wrapping up the story, Ahsoka decides to give fans one final attack and points Din and Grogu towards Tython, home to the ruins of one of the first Jedi Temples.
There, Din is to place Grogu on the seeing stone; at the top of a mountain, from where The Child will choose his path.
If he reaches out in the force, another surviving Jedi may sense and come looking for him.
Cal Kestis?
Mace Windu?!
LUKE SKYWALKER?!?!
WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING FILONI?!?!
Regardless, the episode ends with Din and Grogu on their way, the former now in possession of the Magistrate’s Beskar spear.
A powerful weapon, this now allows our protagonist to face Moff Gideon in a fair duel; the Beskar weapon able to take hits from Lightsabers without being vaporized.
Whereas before, the speculation centered on how Ahsoka may deal with Moff Gideon and his Dark Troopers, now we wonder how the Mandalorian will face them; to protect his ward.
Though gaining a mighty weapon, he may still be out of his depth.
One man not out of his depth, however, was the director: Dave Filoni.
Crafting an expertly directed, visually stunning, fan-service galore that was thrilling, emotional, intriguing, and a deeply satisfying story that promises much, the future rests upon the characters that have become the new centre of this universe.
Din, Ahsoka, and Grogu were a more enjoyable trio in forty minutes than Rey, Finn, and Poe ever were in an entire trilogy.
If we can expect more episodes of this quality in the future, then the future of Star Wars is looking very bright indeed.
Rating: 5 Stars.
Summary: Truly exceptional Star Wars in every sense, from its visual storytelling to bold plot and character developments, this story is the high watermark of the Mandalorian’s second season and an exceptional narrative addition to this universe.
The Mandalorian Season 2, Episode 6 Review – The Tragedy
Directed by Robert Rodriguez, our episode opens with a charming pre-title sequence of Grogu and the Mandalorian bonding over the mechanical ball from the Razor Crest’s controls.
A trinket that symbolizes their deep affection for one another, Din is delighted when Grogu uses the Force to yank it from his hands.
However, sadness creeps into his voice as they close in on Tython, and both face the genuine possibility of being imminently separated. In this, they are proven correct, yet in a far worse way than either ever imagined.
It is a testament to Pedro Pascal’s excellent performance that Din Djarin’s pain is obvious, even with the emotionless mask.
The way his head tilts down as he talks about the Jedi taking good care of Grogu, his points sound more him convincing himself more than Grogu, and it paints the picture of someone who wants to and in many ways has become the child’s father.
His performance in the fourth season of ‘Game Of Thrones’ showed how likable and charismatic the actor could be as a flamboyant, ‘coolest man in the room’ type character.
Yet the Mandalorian consistently shows his range, revealing that Pascal is a joy to watch with just his voice and physical movements.
The episode’s title: ‘The Tragedy,’ appears and sends a cold-shiver down your spine as you realize that this episode will be anything but filler, our odd-pairing already reaching the Seeing Stone on Tython.
Many believed this would be a season-ending event, yet it happens now and is a credit to the show’s broader storytelling approach, particularly within Lucasfilm’s Disney era.
During the sequel trilogy, teases, mysteries, and plot-meandering dominated the narrative.
Even franchise highlight characters like Emperor Palpatine barely made a significant impact until the third-act of the final film.
Many Star Wars fans either resentfully grew used to or flat-out rejected this form of storytelling.
Many were worried both episodes 5 & 6 of the Mandalorian would suffer from this kind of time-wasting.
In the former’s case, many assumed Ahsoka would turn up no sooner than halfway through or a brief cameo in the end.
In this episode’s case, many believed the series would take a breather and go back to a more formulaic side-quest style approach, which in fairness was not an unwarranted concern.
Yet, Filoni and Favreau have shown far more maturity than many expected.
There is a time to slow down and a time to hit the ground running, which this episode does with the stunning return of Boba Fett, arriving just as Grogu begins reaching out with the Force via the Seeing Stone.
Unreachable by Din, our hero goes to confront Boba Fett and, for long-time fans of the character, what follows is a dream come true.
After his unceremonious and, quite frankly, abysmal exit in Return of the Jedi, the legendary bounty-hunter redeems himself in a battle against Moff Gideon’s Stormtroopers, using a Tusken Raider Gaffi stick to shatter helmets and armour, like they’re made of glass.
A genuinely frightening force on screen, Temuera Morrison hasn’t lost his Star Wars touch, and to see these two Mandalorians working together is a blast from start to finish.
Robert Rodriguez helms the action scenes deftly, ensuring that the two Mandalorians do not feel overly similar and making the combat stale.
Instead, like Din and Bo-Katan earlier this season, Din and Boba feel incredibly different based on their weapon skills, experience, and self-control.
Adding further to this, the re-introduction of Fennec from S1, E5’s: ‘The Gunslinger’, confirmed to have been saved by Boba Fett, adds an enjoyable long-range and environmental aspect to the fight; further diversifying the action.
It is a further credit to Rodriguez as a director that Fennec never feels like a drag or someone the story is wasting time with next to our two Mandalorian warriors.
Instead, she feels like a welcome presence and adds considerably to the episode’s action.
The episode’s action highlight comes when Din and Fennec are pinned down by Stormtroopers and Boba Fett, having reclaimed his armour, shows up to wreak havoc.
Using everything from knee-rockets to his jetpack missile against them, he wipes out the entire detachment.
This episode finally gives live-action, on-screen weight to the incredible skill that the LEGENDS canon established him as having.
However, all is not well for our intrepid gang of warriors as Moff Gideon sends down a single targeted laser bolt from his Light Cruiser, obliterating the Razor Crest.
A singular act of vindictive pettiness, the audience can feel the Moff’s pleasure at getting his revenge for Din blowing his TIE Fighter out of the skies of Nevarro in Season 1.
To see this ship destroyed is a massive blow to our lead, and it only gets worse as the Dark Troopers descend, snatching a vulnerable Grogu; before Moff Gideon and the Imperial Remnant jump to hyperspace.
To watch Grogu be snatched away from Din has left many viewers devastated and further reinforced Moff Gideon as a serious threat once again for the Season 2 finale.
Afterward, walking among the wreckage of his ship, Din finds only two things of value remaining to him.
The first is the ball that Grogu played with earlier in the episode, scorched and burned, yet still significant to our hero.
The second is the Beskar spear, which viewers can undoubtedly expect to clash against the Moff’s Darksaber at some point during the finale, yet now with far greater emotional stakes.
Most excitingly, however, Din Djarin will not be fighting alone.
Boba and Fennec guaranteed the child’s safety in exchange for Boba’s armour, and, with Grogu stolen, they are indebted to Din until he is returned.
This alone would set up a trio of characters to oppose Moff Gideon even more enjoyable than the S1 finale, yet the episode promises more as the Slave 1 lands on Nevarro.
Cara Dune, now a Marshal of the New Republic, helps the Mandalorian learn where Bill Burr’s ‘Mayfield’ has been sent to break him out of jail to track down the Imperials.
Though she is initially unwilling, when Cara Dune hears they have Grogu, her face changes, and the scene cuts away, but you know that she immediately said:
On-board Moff Gideon’s light cruiser, Grogu is viciously torturing two Stormtroopers in his cell with the Force, enraged at being kidnapped.
However, his energy eventually runs out, and Moff Gideon taunts him with the Darksaber, giving some intriguing hints towards their dynamic, with the line: ‘You’re getting quite good at that’ suggesting a history where the Moff has seen Grogu display his powers before.
Stunning and cuffing the child, the episode ends with Grogu unconscious and alone, with the enigmatic scientist Dr. Pershing on his way to continue their experiments.
S2, E6 is another stunning episode from the Mandalorian that builds towards an incredible showdown between Moff Gideon and the Mandalorian’s allies from across both seasons.
The prospect of Cobb Vanth, Bo-Katan, the Nite Owls, and perhaps even a mystery Jedi ally coming to aid in this fight promises a spectacle, unlike anything the show has yet delivered.
Moff Gideon has been effectively established as a serious and credible threat, with the Dark Troopers and potentially even force-experimentation on himself adding to the danger he poses.
The story itself managed to be an excellent showcase for all its lead characters, evolve the series dynamics in new ways, provide stunning action with exceptional diversity in its execution while furthering the development of our lead characters.
One consistent recurring criticism of the Mandalorian from some is that Din Djarin is a static character, yet this couldn’t be further from the truth.
While undeniably reserved, this episode highlighted several changed aspects of his personality this season.
Firstly, his reluctance to let go of Grogu or leave him alone when there was danger shows the ever-growing bond between them, Din truly having taken on a fatherly role within this season.
Even more notable, however, is his attitude towards the Mandalorian traditions.
In episode 1, Din nearly gets into a shootout with Cobb Vanth over the ownership of Boba’s armour and, in Episode 3, is hostile to a group of Mandalorians who are willing to show their faces.
However, since learning of his origins, he has become more relaxed.
When Boba displays his father’s ownership of the armour and status as a Foundling, Din Djarin returns it to him despite Boba stating he neither serves the Mandalorian Creed nor is willing to cover his face.
It shows the subtle but notable changes in this character, as his ideological zealotry relaxes and Din Djarin becomes more of his own man.
A fantastic episode, both as a standalone and tie-in to the broader franchise and universe, this story’s impact will be felt for years to come within the show, and yet; despite its magnificence, is just the prelude for what is shaping up to be a genuinely extraordinary season finale.
Rating: 5 Stars
Summary: Exceptional Star Wars storytelling, with season-highlight action, a fan favourite return, and subtle but powerful emotional development, this episode maintains the previous story’s quality and builds upon it in new ways.
The Mandalorian Season 2, Episode 7 Spoiler Breakdown – The Believer
Directed by Rick Famuyiwa, returning from S1, E6’s: ‘The Prisoner’, the story opens with Mayfeld working in a New Republic prison yard.
While clearly intense work, it is clearly safe and feels far less cruel than the infamous: ‘Spice Mines of Kessel’ or other torturous facilities ran by and/or for the Empire’s benefit.
It is a nice example of world-building among several that paint a flawed but morally good picture of the New Republic this season, something this story capitalises on later.
Here, Cara Dune uses her position as a Marshal of the New Republic to release him into her custody, where he meets a re-painted armour Boba, who looks so damn cool, alongside Din Djarin, who he is immediately wary around.
After a brief glimpse of the Slave 1’s inner workings, a treat for all long-time fans, the mission is laid out, yet complications arise immediately.
Mayfeld informs them that to access the base via a hijacked Rhydonium transport, their faces cannot show up on an imperial registry.
This immediately removes Cara, Fennec and Boba from the mission, forcing Din to accompany him in seized Stormtrooper armour.
Here, we see the hidden depth lurking behind the character’s façade, as Mayfeld explains his and many people’s views on the New Republic and Empire: Identical systems of control. Invaders. The same at heart.
What makes this interesting is not the contrast however but that it is the lie the character tells themselves.
Mayfeld will soon reveal he views the empire as definitively worse.
Meanwhile, their transport comes under attack from local rebels on the planet. In a uniquely tense scene, Din forced to fight them while standing on a powder keg, with less armour than usual, the traditional Star Wars imagery association is reversed as TIE fighters come to their rescue in the last moment, blasting away Din and Mayfeld’s attackers.
Through this, the episode initially appears to be supporting Mayfeld’s rejection of the New Republic and Empire, yet the following sequence makes the story intent clear.
Din must enter a break room, where an officer Mayfeld formerly served under, is inside.
He must then remove his mask to use a computer terminal with a facial scanning system, something he does in order to help locate Moff Gideon and Grogu.
It is a beautiful display of their connection, how important the child has become to him and pays off the setup in Episode 2 of this season that Din would be willing to give up his armour for the child.
While not a direct surrendering of the Beskar, it is a compromise on his commitment to the Mandalorian creed and an exceptionally powerful scene.
Immediately following this is a conversation between an exposed Din, Mayfeld and his former C.O., where the Imperial and Mayfeld recall the vicious brutalities of Empire massacres, such as those committed under Operation Cinder.
A fantastic use of the wider lore, Mayfeld grows gradually more distressed over the course of the interaction, as a mixture of supressed PTSD and the hatred for the Empire bubbles to the surface.
Bill Burr gives an astonishingly good performance, as his character reveals his true nature: He is not apathetic.
He is deeply moral at heart, as he blasts dead his former C.O.
Escaping from the base in stylish fashion, the return of the Seismic Charges from Episode II: Attack of the Clones was a truly joyous moment of fan-service and a treat for the ears. Here, Mayfeld is released by Cara; impressed by his willing and self-initiated destruction of the base in a single sniper shot, allowing him to go free.
Meanwhile, Moff Gideon receives a message from Din Djarin, where his words from the S1, E7 Cliffhanger are echoed back to him, unnerving him and showing the audience just how deeply Din cares for Grogu, as the story comes to a close.
An excellent story, with great action, strong emotional highlights and a surprising standout performance from Bill Burr, this episode revels in unique perspective shifts and unexpected character development, making it an incredibly satisfying watch.
Rating: 4 Stars.
Summary: Strong action, stronger dialogue and Bill Burr’s superb dramatic highlights make this a must-watch in the Mandalorian’s strong line-up of stories.
We dedicated an entirely separate article for The Mandalorian Season 2 finale, come and see what Marley made of the last episode in this incredible series HERE
