Following after a divisive run of theatrical “Star
Wars” movies under the management of Disney, the franchise transitioned
into live action shows in 2019 with the debut of the streaming sight Disney +.
Through the 2020’s decade, there was a number of unique live action “Star
Wars” programs, each with their own varying highs and low of quality … but
one of the most popular remains the streaming series that started it all … the
2019 series “Star Wars: The Mandalorian”.
For its time, this was an
event for the franchise, and one of the rare spin-off properties to draw in
numerous viewers outside of established fans. The terms “This is the Way” and
“I have Spoken” have now become iconic “Star Wars” dialogue that viewers
recognize and reference. The show’s popularity lead into a shared universe of
shows, including a crossover series in 2021 titled “The Book of Boba Fett”,
and a theatrical movie in 2026 titled “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu”.
While the series stumbled near the end, the show still stands as a bright spot
for “Star Wars” spin-off material and has remained my personal favorite
live action series under the franchise banner.
Opening five years after the events of the
movie “Return of the Jedi”, we follow a lone bounty hunter adorning
armor passed on from the warrior clan of the fallen planet Mandalor. While the
planet was ravaged by the remnants of the evil Empire, the Mandalorian Creed
lives on, moving in and out of the shadows of select locations. Our titular
Mandalorian named Din Djarin is introduced as a ruthless but efficient hunter
with a tragic past. Things are set in motion when he’s assigned to kill a newly
discovered Jedi who’s strong with the mystic Force. In a very memorable twist,
his Jedi target is revealed to be an alien infant, who’ll later be identified
by the name Grogu. Feeling sympathy for this mysterious infant, our Mandalorian
saves the child’s life, becomes an enemy to his fellow hunters and sets off on
a journey across the stars to reunite the child with his fellow Jedi.
While there’s a simple thread of a narrative,
the bulk of the show is episodic, with our two leads getting themselves roped
into one self-contained venture after another and occasionally running into
both familiar faces and new enemies along the way. It also has all the
personality of a classic Western set in space.
While the original “Star Wars”
had elements of Westerns laced throughout … this series just embraces its
neo-western esthetic and runs with it. Our titular Mandalorian in many respects
is a modern age equivalent of Clint Eastwoods “Man with no Name” … except here
it’s been updated to “the man with no face”, as we never see past his armor.
The music score by Ludwig Goransson likewise captures the spirit of a
“Spaghetti Western” yet still compliments the alien surroundings. I feel it’s
the first time a composer outside of John Willaims brought an iconic music
piece to the setting of “Star Wars”, which can stand apart with its own
style and cool factor.
Of course, this series wouldn’t be here
without show-runners Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni, who had both worked together
on Mandalorian related material in the previous animated series “Star Wars:
The Clone Wars”.
As such, it was cool that both talents were able to expand
on the Mandalorian culture and world building. With the show’s style and tone
addressed, let’s take a closer look at our main characters and reoccurring
players. In truth there are dozens of standout characters from this show, each
with their own distinct identities and screen appeal. However, I’m going to
keep it simple, and highlight who I feel are the eight most significant
characters from this series.
Din
Djarin/ The Mandalorian (played by Pedro Pascal [and other suit actors])
It’s rare for “Star
Wars” characters introduced in shows to achieve iconic status along with
the movie characters … and even the ones that do achieve the recognition take a
while to get there. Din Djarin, or Mando as he’s sometimes called … became an
instant fan favorite … and in his own way has become one of the iconic faces of
the franchise. Right from the start Mando has a distinct “cool factor” and
presence that’s all his own. He’s stoic and cold but conveys respect and
personality in just the right doses … and combined with a solid performance
from Pedro Pascal, he makes the character feel alive, even when covered from
head to toe with armor.
The
Child/ Grogu (played
by Various Puppeteers)
While Mando achieved iconic status as one of the
franchises new heroes … the baby alien child Grogu became an instant juggernaut
as a marketing face for the series. In the years since, the character has
threatened to overplay his marketability … but I hope that doesn’t tarnish just
how great this character was in the beginning. Despite being an electrical
puppet … the range of expressions, mannerism and movement of this creature was
astonishing, and felt just as real as any of the main cast members. Aside from
his obviously adorable screen presence, there is still a real persona and
layers to this little alien that keep him from being just a marketable figure …
even though he certainly degenerated into that.
Lady
Bo-Katan (played by
Katee Sackhoff)
Once a Princess and leader of the planet Mandalor … now a
Rebel fighting to retake her home planet and throne, after the Empire
incinerated her dominion. This character was initially introduced in the
animated “Star Wars” programs “The Clone Wars” and “Rebels”,
with Katee Sackhoff providing the voice. This show marked her transition into
live-action, and it’s awesome the same actress continued to play the part (and
happened to look just like her animated character too). Initially, she and our
lead Mando didn’t see eye to eye, as one was a child from the planet, while the
other was only Mandalorian by Creed. It made for an interesting dynamic between
the two, and I liked seeing their rivalry gradually become a partnership. By
the time season three came around, Lady Bo-Katan achieved main character status
alongside Mando himself, and I found it a welcomed change-up.
Greef
Karga (played by
Carl Weathers)
The late Carl Weathers shined in this series as both an actor
and director of several episodes. It was awesome, Carl Weathers … famous for
portraying Apollo Creed in “Rocky” and Dillian in “Predator” …
was acting and directing in a “Star Wars” production. His character,
Greef Karga, began as a head member of the Bounty Hunting guild, and
commissioned Mando on a number of missions. When he rescued the child Grogu, it
put Mando at odds with Greef. Thankfully, he came around to respecting the
Child himself and grew a strong friendship with Mando. As per usual with Carl
Weathers, he made the character a comforting presence without being either a
mascot or a comedic relief … I miss when characters like that were commonplace.
Cara Dune (played by Gina Carano)
Throughout
the shows run were a number of memorable reoccurring characters, and the first
to really leave an impression with fans was the former Rebel Shock Trooper Cara
Dune. Once a respected soldier fighting the galactic war, then a lone warrior
making her way through the seedy underbelly of the galaxy … just like our lead
Mandalorian. In season one, the two form a close friendship, and she became a
reoccurring ally. Also, like Mando, she just has a cool presence that’s all her
own. You can tell she’s someone who’s been through the ringer, and just wants
to subtle down, but is still willing to fight for a good cause.
Boba Fett (played by Temuera Morrison)
Prior
to this show, the masked bounty hunter Boba Fett was the most famous character
to adorn Mandalorian armor, and thus, it only made sense to bring him in as a
reoccurring character … and getting a leading role for the crossover season,
but I’ll get to that in a moment. After nearly dying in a monster pit, the
fierce hunter emerged a new man … one eager to make changes for the good of
those stomped under foot by either gangsters or the Empire. It’s a welcome
change for the character, and he’s still just as deadly as ever … just with a
new moral code. While I’ll always take some enjoyment from this iconic hunter,
it’s Temuera Morrison’s ever committed performance in the role that elevates
the quality of the character.
Fennec
Shand (played by
Ming-Na Wen)
Yet another cool hunter character elevated by a talented
actress, and another fan favorite to make a life of her own outside of this
show. She’s quiet, calculating, dangerous and shady, but is fiercely loyal to
those she respects. After being left for dead in the desert, Boba Fett saved
her life, and she’s stuck with him as her trusted partner ever since. Actress
Ming-Na Wen, famous for her voice acting and martial arts roles, gives the
character a sly and mischievous demeaner. She too would transition from
reoccurring character to leading role in her own season, and I don’t think she
would have come so far had it not been for the charisma of the actress.
Moff
Gideon (played by
Giancarlo Esposito)
At last, rounding up the main players is the shows
leading villain … Moff Gideon … a former Imperial officer who commands the
remnants of what’s left, and aims to re-build the Empire in his own image. His
main target however is the baby Grogu, who’s blood is crucial to his ominous
and secretive experiments. Still ridding the high of his breakout portrayal of
Gus Fring from “Breaking Bad”, Giancarlo Esposito was an inspired choice
for a “Star Wars” villain, and he brought Gideon to life with his
signature stamp of combining menace and charm in one package. While the
character has yet to really make a life of his own outside of this show, he’s
still emerged as a fan favorite villain in the franchise. With all the main
characters addressed … let’s get back to the unfolding events of the series.
“The Book
of Boba Fett” (2021) (The Crossover Season)
While this season is commonly sighted as its
own stand-alone series, I can’t for the life of me separate it from “The
Mandalorian” series. The ending of Season 2 highlighted that “The Book
of Boba Fett” would be coming next, and it has the exact same music and
credits. Mando himself was still a main character with several stand-alone
episodes, and there are several game changing events in the narrative that
can’t be glanced over in order to continue watching Season 3 of “The
Mandalorian” … as such, it’s absolutely part of the same series, just not
clarified very well. Had the show been branded as “The Mandalorian Presents:
The Book of Boba Fett”, maybe that would have worked. It was certainly a
curious choice, but how’s the season overall? Well, it’s a mixed bag, with some
of my favorite “Star Wars” material I’ve ever seen, and a very confusing
method of presenting it.
This season’s narrative goes back and forth
between three stories. One of them being a “Last Samuri” inspired story
of Fett being captured by the sand people of Tatooine and gradually becoming a
welcomed member of their tribe. The second story revolves around Boba running
his own territory, and igniting a turf-war with rival gangsters called The
Pyke’s. Meanwhile, we also follow Mando on his personal journey, after being separated
from the Child Grogu. The presentation of jumping between these three different
narratives made for an awkwardly paced and structurally messy season.
Thankfully, it sure had its highlights, including the live action debut of my
other favorite bounty hunter Cade Bane … whose remained my favorite “Star
Wars” villain to be introduced in the animated programs … and in this
season was out for blood against his long standing rivel Boba Fett.
For the final season of the show, things got
back on track with Mando and Grogu taking the lead. However, from this point,
the narrative of the show was less about their personal stories, and more about
the remaining Mandalorian warriors who aim to take back their broken planet.
While a natural direction for the series to go, I simply wish the title was
changed from “The Mandalorian” to “The Mandalorians”. I know the
rebranding wouldn’t have fixed all the final seasons short cummings, but it
would have at least established a shake-up in the presentation, and that it
wouldn’t be exclusively focused on our two main characters anymore. In total,
the show had three seasons proper, and along with its sister season “The
Book of Boba Fett”, the series had a total of thirty-one episodes. For
simplicity’s sake, I’m going to rank my own personal Top 10 favorite episodes.
#10 “Sanctuary”
(S1: Ep 4)
Now a fugitive of the Bounty Hunter Guild, Mando and the Child hope
to find peace in a quiet and remote village on the forest planet of Sorgan. Unfortunately,
trouble has a way of finding them in paradise, as the village is aggressively ravaged
by a band of raiders. With the aid of mercenary Cara Dune, the two train the
village people to defend themselves and fight off their invaders. It’s the tried-and-true
formula of Akira Kurosawa’s 1954 masterpiece “The Seven Samurai”, which
has been replicated many times … even in other “Star Wars” properties …
and when it’s done well, it’s always going to win me over.
This episode marked
the directorial debut of Bryce Dallas Howard for this show, who’d be a great
talent behind the camera in many episodes to come, and gave this episode a memorable
presentation. Also introduced in this episode was Cara Dune, who quickly won me
over as a new favorable character. For me, it’s just a sold and memorable
outing from the shows winning first season.
#9 “The
Tragedy” (S2 – Ep 14)
As the title suggests, it’s a bad day for Mando,
who tragically loses the precious child. During a mission to find a Jedi, Grogu
is taken captive by Moff Gideon and his newly commissioned Dark Troopers. To
make matters worse, his ship is incinerated, leaving him at the mercy of the
Empire. Fortunately for Mando, backup comes in the form of our other favorite
masked Bounty Hunter Boba Fett, who makes his first proper return here, and
along with Fennec Shand, they turn the tide in our hero’s favor. While the show had hinted at Boba Fett before, this is when he became a main stay character, and ally to Mando and his cause.
As far as I’m concerned, this episode right here
is the coolest the character has ever been. Seeing him go beast mode against an
armed battalion of Strom Troopers is nothing short of sensational and made for
one of the best action sequences in the series. This episode was directed by Robert
Rodriguez, whose known for stylized action films, and would be a reoccurring
director on “The Book of Boba Fett” crossover season. While re-imagining
Boba Fett as an anti-hero of sorts is a controversial topic for some fans, I
still feel this episode captured the sheer intensity and cool factor of the
character masterfully.
#8 “Return
of the Mandalorian” (BOBF – Ep 5)
Following after the events of Mando’s
Season 2 finale, Din Djarin finds
himself alone for the first time, no longer in the company of the Child Grogu,
no longer with a ship, and since he removed his helmet, Mando has been
dismissed by his creed, and branded an apostate. Thus, he travels across the stars
and aims to slowly rebuild himself. Aside from a white knuckled brawl in the
opening, and a duel with another Mandalorian, this episode doesn’t have much
action at all, and yet … it’s one of the most engaging episodes. It goes to
show how great this character is when an episode with little narrative stakes
can be so compelling.
Just seeing him assemble a new ship and taking it for a
test drive makes for an enthralling moment. This episode also features one of
the coolest space stations I’ve ever seen … as it looks like a city built into
the world’s largest ramp. Lastly, this was the third episode directed by Bryce
Dallas Howard, and I feel it’s her best work by far. There’s an especially cool
sequence with Mando ascending to a second level, dropping off a package to a
client, and returning back to where he started … all done in one continues
take, with no visible edits.
#7 “In
the Name of Honor” (BOBF – Ep 7)
We now segue from a quiet and reflective
episode to an all-out action spectacle. At the end of Boba Fett’s crossover
season, he and Mando join forces to fight back against an onslaught of enemy forces
… leading up to a confrontation with Fett’s long-time hunting rivel Cade Bane. While
this episode has its faults in the script and threatens to get redundant with
its non-stop laser shooting, director Robert Rodriguez injects the experience
with high energy, and a number of novel highlights.
We have our heroes flying
about on jetpacks, war wagging in a close quarter city setting, giant
spider-robots fighting giant monsters, a “King Kong” inspired climax,
and the novelty of seeing my two favorite bounty hunters Boba Fett and Cade
Bane in combat. While this season needed to do more to set up their rivalry,
it’s unmistakably riveting in the moment. All around, this is perhaps my
biggest guilty pleasure episode, as I know it’s flawed … but very fun to watch.
#6 “The
Sin” (S1 – Ep 3)
After delivering the newly acquired alien child to the remnants
of the Empire, Mando struggles with a choice that will reshape his life and direction.
While the first two episodes of this show were good, this third episode is what
instantly won me over as a new fan. It’s here that Mando showcases his heroism
and loyalty to the child, betraying his fellow hunting guild members and making
himself an enemy of the Empire.
We’re also given hints to Mando’s backstory,
without spoiling too much, and building intrigue. Of course, this episode capes
off with an electrifying action sequence, as we see for the first time several
armored Mandalorian soldiers come out of hiding to aid one of their brothers in
arms. It was also the first episode to be directed by Deborah Chow, and she
skillfully launched the momentum that carried throughout this series.
#5 “The
Believer” (S2-Ep 15)
Following after the abduction of baby Grogu at the
hands of his enemy Moff Gideon, Mando forms a team of friends comprised of Boba
Fett, Cara Dune and Fennec Shand to infiltrate a military base, and gain
information on where the child is being held. Mando is forced to go undercover
with a former Imperial solder named Mayfeld (played by Bill Burr), who will
grant him access to Gideon’s location. This episode features some of the show’s
absolute best action, including a white knuckled battle on a transport vehicle ... but that’s not the reason this episode kicks off my top five favorites. To
put it simply, this episode has some of the absolute best character
interactions of the whole show.
Mando and Mayfeld make for a fascinating pair
of individuals, and in just one episode we see how Mayfeld transitions from
hired gun to compelling character in his own right. In one very intense scene,
the two undercover men are forced to sit down with an officer Mayfeld once
served under … a man with zero respect for fallen troopers. You can feel the
turmoil and conflicts slowly building up to one big payoff, and single handedly
landed this episode as one of my favorites.
#4 “The
Jedi” (S2 – Ep 13)
On his quest to bring the alien child Grogu to a Jedi
master, Mando crosses paths with Ashoka Tano, the former apprentice to famous
Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker. Together they test Grogu to see if his heart is
ready for Jedi training, and afterward the two join forces to liberate a local
village from the tyranny of a wicked matriarch called Morgan Elsbeth. The
titular Jedi Ashoka had been a long-established character in the animated “Star
Wars” programs, most notably “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”, and by
extent, she’s one of my personal all-time favorite characters from the
franchise.
This episode marked her first appearance in live action, with Rosario
Dawson taking on the role, and absolutely delivers in her performance. The
character was created by Dave Filoni, who also directed this episode, and gives
it a memorable presentation separate from other episodes. While this show
mainly had the personality of a western in space … this episode had the
personality of a Samuri picture. Admittedly, this episode could have been cheap
fan-service, but it works in progressing the narrative, and once again
highlights the interactions of our main characters.
#3 “The
Rescue” (S2 – Ep 16)
In the season two finale and following after the
events of both “The Tragedy” and “The Believer”, Mando and his
fellow comrades set off on a daring mission to confront Moff Gideon and
liberate the child Grogu from his grasp. The odds are largely against our
heroes, as Gideon is guarded by his intimidating and powerful army of Dark
Trooper robots … but maybe there’s hope with the sudden arrival of a familiar face
from the classic “Star Wars” movies. When I think of moments that feel
like special events in the legacy of “Star Wars”, this season finale is
one that comes to mind.
It features my favorite action of the whole show, as
Mando gets into a tense battle with a relentless Dark Trooper, followed by his
equally riveting battle with Moff Gideon, and of course the arrival of Luke
Skywalker, who fights off the armored droids in a riveting brawl. While the
appearances of Luke Skywalker, R2-D2 and even Boba Fett claiming his throne all
threaten to overwhelm this finale with simple fan service … the quality is
elevated with the substance of our main characters, and their choices, which
bring finality to their long running arc’s.
#2 “From
the Desert Comes a Stranger” (BOBF – Ep 6)
As the title suggests, this
episode marks the surprising arrival of a new character who emerges from the
desert … and surprise, surprise … it’s my favorite Bounty Hunter of all, Cade
Bane. Despite being discarded in the following episode, this debut was as
perfect as they get, and highlighted Bane as the deadliest character to draw a
gun. However, the real reason this episode ranks so high is simply for a
subplot in which the alien Child Grogu is undergoing Jedi training under the
guidance of Luke Skywalker and overseen by Ashoka Tano and R2-D2.
This episode
was directed by Dave Filoni, and he breathes exquisite life and beauty into the
presentation of this chapter. The de-aged look on Mark Hammels Luke Skywalker
is outstanding, and the character is utilized masterfully, as a quiet and
loving teacher. It’s another episode that’s limited on action but is immensely
absorbing in presentation and character interaction.
Before I
reveal my Number One favorite episode, here are some quick Honorable Mentions …
“The Return” (S3-Ep 24)
“The
Marshal” (S2-Ep 9)
“The
Prisoner” (S1-Ep 6)
“The
Spies” (S3-Ep 23)
“The
Gathering Storm” (BOBA-Ep 4)
#1 “The
Reconning” & “Redemption” (S1 – EP 7 & 8)
Sharing the top
spot of my countdown are the final two episodes of season 1, and to get right
to the point … it’s the moment that solidified my feelings as a fan of this show.
Suspecting a trap from his old friend Greef Karga, Mando assembles a team of
his most loyal and trusting friends to aid an isolated town on Nevarro from the
Empire’s occupation. Even when the trap is sprung, our heroes find themselves cornered by Moff Gideon, who makes his first appearance here, and establishes beyond any shadow of a doubt to be Mando’s most dangerous foe.
The premise is
very simple, as we watch this team put-up a desperate chase and fight off their
newly revealed enemies … and the execution of this two-parter is perfect. It’s
intense, thrilling and it’s the moment that highlights how much I came to love
every one of these new characters. The first part was directed by Deborah Chow,
while the second was directed by Taika Waititi, and established both as masters
in their field. It’s when I felt this show had real staying power, and I couldn’t
wait to go on more ventures with this unique but captivating cast of new
characters.
In conclusion, for all the shortcomings this
series has faced and slipped into … I’m still very fond of “The Mandalorian”
series overall. I felt it brought a much-needed shakeup to the established
franchise, with its own distinct and cool identity, while also embracing its presentation
as a “Star Wars” property.
I loved the new original characters, I appreciated
the established characters picked for appearances, and it just felt like a
positive merging of both new and classic material. I’d say the first two
seasons are required viewing for any long time “Star Wars” fan and
encouraged viewing for newer viewers. I’d put anything past season 2 in the “take
it or leave it” slot. For me, I can still take some enjoyment from the “ladder
half episodes”, and I’m more then glad to call this series one of the bright
spots in this long-standing franchise.
Thanks for reading my review of the 2019
Sci-Fi series “Star Wars: The Mandalorian” … and continue to enjoy the
shows you Love!
