First, if you are not up to date, come back to read this text later. Last week’s episode ended badly for the Mandalorians. Newly united, they were trapped by the forces of Moff Gideon (Giancarlo Esposito) as they returned to their home planet. Most seem to have managed to escape, but not Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal). This 23rd chapter in the series is titled The Spies, so there would be more than one. Elia Kane (Katy M. O’Brian), who we saw chatting with Gideon in a very Blade Runner-esque neighborhood of Coruscant, is definitely one. There are a few signs – script and direction – suggest that The Armorer (Emily Swallow) may have sold hers, but it is difficult to justify this betrayal for the moment. Ax Woves (Simon Kassianides), who recently lost his clan leader title, would at first glance have more reason than her to turn against her side.
The development of the father-son relationship between Din Djarin and Grogu, aka baby Yoda, has been somewhat sidelined during this season. The child was even “guarded” by The Duchess (Lizzo) and Captain Bombardier (Jack Black) in Chapter 22. That’s a shame, because it’s one of the most interesting aspects of the history. There are still some tender moments between Grogu and his adoptive father, but the latter now treats him more like his apprentice. Though it was believed they would be apart for a long time when Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) left with Grogu to begin his Jedi training at the end of the second season, the pair were quickly reunited midway through The Book series. of Boba Fett – what we could call The Mandalorian season 2.5. Grogu somewhat masters the Force, but remains a baby. In our eyes, he still needs a father to guide him.
The reconquest of Mandalore is at the heart of the story of this third season. Both inspiring and vulnerable, Bo-Katan Kryze (Katee Sackhoff) leads her people on this perilous odyssey – populated by big monsters. The American actress embodies it wonderfully and continues the evolution of the character to whom she lent her voice in the animated series The Clone Wars and Rebels. Like Ahsoka (Rosario Dawson), who will get her own series in August, Bo-Katan’s transition from animation to live action was well orchestrated. What she and her people have experienced in the animated series is skillfully told through flashbacks or in conversation since she has existed on screen in the flesh. However, Dave Filoni, co-producer of these series and The Mandalorian, sometimes has a tendency to incorporate too many elements – important or incidental – from his past works into new creations. The Star Wars universe is huge, why do we run into the same people so often?
Filoni is the disciple of George Lucas; his padawan. He seems to have made it his mission to fill in certain gaps – read scriptwriting inconsistencies – in the films of his mentor. He did it in The Clone Wars and Rebels, continues to do it in The Mandalorian, and will definitely do it again in Ahsoka. It’s fun to know that Grogu was rescued from the Jedi Temple during Order 66 by Kelleran Beq (Ahmed Best, who played Jar Jar Binks!), but there are definitely new horizons to explore. This third season also builds a bridge to the most recent trilogy. Lucas did not develop it, but again here, we are filling in the gaps. The origins of the First Order are not uninteresting to delve into, but are they that fascinating? Thrawn, a character who captivated many readers in the Heir to the Empire trilogy and then in Rebels, will likely make his first appearance as Lars Mikkelsen to close the season. It’s a new character, but not really. We had never seen Din Djarin and Grogu before the first episode of The Mandalorian and we immediately adopted them. Dare, Lucasfilm, dare!
