This is a great time to be a Star Wars fan, as not only do we have some new movies, there have been a number of new television series set in the Star Wars. One of the best of these is the Mandalorian.
I find it interesting that a new character like the Mandalorian could become so popular, even more popular than the long-standing fan favourite, Boba Fett. However, with each new season, we become more and more attached to the Mandalorian.
Part of it is his relationship with Grogu, the young (relatively) character that many mistakenly called “baby Yoda.” Both characters are interesting and the relationship between the two is more than the sum of its parts.
We have slowly been learning more about the Mandalorian culture and this season really digs deep into it. We have been introduced to two Mandalorian groups, and while it’s much more complicated than this, they are one that takes their helmets off and one that doesn’t.
Din Djarin, who we know as “The Mandalorian” is one of those who don’t take off their helmets. Except he did and that makes him an apostate to his group. While he could join the other group, he is loyal to his culture and wants to be restored.
In order to that, he must bathe in some special waters below the surface of the devastated Mandalore, the Mandalorian homeward that had had been pretty much devastated by the Empire. With the help of Bo-Katan Kryze, he accomplishes this and regains his position within his group.
In the process, Bo-Katan Kryze, who belongs to the other group, gains new respect for those she saw as overly strict zealots. She keeps her helmet on until ordered to take it off by the Armorer, who sees in her the one who will bring all the Mandalorians together.
One of the things that I found interesting, especially in our current divisive culture, is this vision of bringing to diverse groups together under a common vision, without asking each to give up their distinctive beliefs. There is something to learn from here.
The season builds toward the plan to retake Mandalore, that everyone had assumed was uninhabitable. This leads to an epic battle with those who had secretly built a base on the sacred planet.
The third season of the Mandalorian was very enjoyable. It was quality science fiction. This series draws widely from existing Star Wars mythology and creates new concepts. People who know nothing of other parts of the Star Wars story can enjoy it but those who are hard core fans will find plenty of Easter eggs to enjoy.
It’s a minor thing, but I really enjoyed the return of R5-D4. If you remember the first Star Wars movie, A New Hope, R5-D4 was being sold along with C3-PO to Luke Skywalker’s uncle. At the last minute, R5-D4 malfunctions and is replaced by R2-D2. I liked R5-D4’s design and always wished we could have seen more of this droid. R5-D4 gets its chance in this season.
I also liked the development of Grogu. It can be hard to develop the character when the character does not speak. However, we see significant growth in Grogu and he gets some great scenes in the big battle.
The Mandalorian continues to be some of the best Star Wars that has been made and the third season demonstrates that this is only growing. It may be less of a space western than it was in the first season, but it is great Star Wars.
