Last week, The Mandalorian had introduced some fantastic new characters, as well as giving us one that we have already seen before. The arrival of Bo-Katan was very well received and her role was fantastic. The heiress of Mandalore wants her throne back, but there are a few things that stand in her way. One of those things is Moff Gideon, the man who holds the dark saber and currently an enemy of both Mando and Bo-Katan. So, it seems that they may cross paths again.
Floating
I wonder what jumping through hyperspace felt like in the Razor Crest after the Mon Calamari did their best job on it. As shown, it’s not very easy to get across space on a ship that looks like it’s been built by nautical engineers.
Luckily, Mando is quite the engineer himself and he has some excellent dad skills. He is extremely patient with the child and I love that. Hopefully, he can pass some of those skills down to the child.
They finally answered something I have been dying to know, does he just slightly lift the helmet in front of others when he is drinking or eating something? Yes, yes he does. I love how humanized this show has become, small things like this, the toilet, and some other aspects are just heightening The Mandalorian and making it next level.
Allies
Mando needs help repairing the ship after the Mon Calamari did what they could and there is no one better to ask for help than Cara Dune and Greef Karga, two friends of Mando’s that are eager to help the space wizard child stay alive and well.
After the child had saved Karga’s life, he seems very attached to the little wizard. Karga and Dune both have Mando’s full trust, so much that he’d allow them to drop the child off at school. This is an interesting glimpse into the Star Wars universe, of course, education is important to them, the people of the galaxy need to know a lot of things from languages, history, engineering, and so, so much more.
The Child is also quick to make some foes there as he steals some space macarons from some poor boy. Sharing is caring.
Imperial Base
The gang has a mission and what perfect timing to get it done with Mando in town. The child is safe, so he is free to go off and do some bounty hunter things. Better yet, kick some Imperials off the planet for good.
This is the exciting mission that we got a glimpse of in the trailer for season 2. Whatever is left of the Empire is barely hanging on and I love getting to see how they are scrambling to remain. There doesn’t seem to be too much going on for them and so the destruction of this base could be detrimental.
The Mythrol has been a big help on this mission, the last person you would expect to get anything done, but this guy has some skills with getting doors open and into some important files.
Cloning
The same doctor from the first season, Doctor Pershing is on the transmission talking about their plans for the child. This help is important because it helps us get an idea for their plans with the child and also the advancement in Imperial cloning technology and how they were able to keep Palpatine alive.
This is also where Mando realizes Moff Gideon is still alive. Mando was so close to being on the ship that had received that transmission from him the episode before, but this episode confirms him being alive and Mando realizes his worst fear. He is on the same planet as the man who is willing to stop at nothing for the child. Pershing and his associates had been working tirelessly to successfully clone the child from the DNA they had gotten when they briefly had the child.
The chase
The gang steals a troop transport and these tanks are heavy-duty and can take a bit of a beating. Dune takes that sucker right off the cliff and they are gone. So they think, but some scout troopers hop on their bikes and speed after our heroes.
The speeder bikes are iconic and one of the greatest things about Return of the Jedi, the suspense is incredible and this just pays homage to just how incredible they are. But as soon as those scout troopers are defeated, we’ve got some TIEs inbound.
The TIE pilots don’t stand a chance against Mando and his Razor Crest. The child loves flying around in that ship with him and seeing his excitement as they soar was hilarious and a great addition. He cheers on Mando like any son would their father and their relationship is adorable.
Maverick and Ace
Mando’s flying skills came in handy once again. He has saved the gang’s lives, taken out a few Imps, and most importantly, got out alive with the child, all-while cleaning up some blue space macaron vomit. I’d say this was a successful day. The base is gone but that means Gideon will just come back angry than before.
The insight we get into Cara Dune’s past is nice. The poor soldier lost everyone during the destruction of Alderaan and this is probably why she has a chip on her shoulder. The New Republic officer had reached out to her and so this might help her open up a bit, perhaps the next time we see her she’ll be Nevarro’s version of Cobb Vanth.
I Have Spoken
The ending took a hard twist on us. I didn’t see that one coming, but at the same time, going to a planet of bounty hunters and scum to get repairs maybe wasn’t the best idea. As seen at the end, there is a spy who placed the tracking beacon on Mando’s ship and now Gideon will be able to come after him. Luckily he is on his way to find Ahsoka Tano, who will be another layer of defense over the child.
Overall, this episode was fantastic. It had great action, it gave great backstory to characters, there were dogfights, chases, and shootouts. But, once again, the episode was way too short. This one felt like it blew by. It seems that is the only consistent complaint with the show, is the fans demanding more. I’d say they are doing an excellent job on this show.
Hats off to you Favreau and Filoni.
Thank you for reading and remember, utinni.
Bonus Mention:
There is a statue of IG-11 in the Nevarro town square. That robot died a hero.