Season 3 of The Mandalorian is finally complete, and it left fans feeling…confused. While it had the action and a good story, there were some episodes that left viewers scratching their heads, saying “Why is this here?!” Did these creative changes derail the show? Or is this a small hiccup in an otherwise great show? While I’ll let you decide, here’s my review of The Mandalorian! Be warned: SPOILERS AHEAD! CONTINUE AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!
So, let’s begin with the good. Season 3’s main theme is about the uniting of the different Mandalorian clans so they can take back their planet. This was teased in The Book of Boba Fett, where we last saw Mando aka Din Djarin admit to taking off his helmet and becoming an apostate. The only way he can be redeemed, in the eyes of his clan, is to bathe in the waters of Mandalore, a planet long thought destroyed by the Empire. Mando, along with his apprentice, Grogu (Baby Yoda), traverses across the galaxy in search of redemption. On his quest, Mando and fellow Mandalorian, Bo-Katan, join forces to unite all clans of Mandalore and end the cultural and superstitious division that has always been their people’s downfall. When the show is about Mandalore’s people fighting the Imperial Remnants, it’s great. The Empire’s decimation of Mandalore was not only extreme, but we later find out that the main villain, Moff Gideon is alive and has big plans for the Mandalorians. Using their sacred (and nearly unbreakable) Beskar armor to create new Dark Troopers, along with clone splicing to create an army of Force-sensitive warriors. Gideon himself created a new Beskar exo-suit and puts up quite a fight against Mando and the fabled Darksaber (legendary weapon of Mandalore). Side characters play a more involved role, this season. From Bo-Katan becoming the bridge between factions, The Armorer learning to adapt to modern times, and even Paz Vizla welcoming new Mandalorians and making the ultimate sacrifice. We also get more connections to the Sequel trilogy, with the Pretorian Guards (from The Last Jedi), and set-ups for the new series, Ashoka. Also, that Order 66 flashback, with Ahmed Best (the actor who played Jar-Jar Binks) as a Jedi Knight?! AMAZING. Good to see Best finally getting his flowers, after the vitriol he had to endure playing Jar-Jar
Now for the negative. This season’s main issue is the pacing. Some episodes are better than others, and while it's fun to side stories, episodes with Imperial spies and multiple celebrity appearances kind of halt the plot. It’s also odd to see people complain about this season’s pacing, where Season 2 had a similar issue. Every episode of Season 2 felt like a side quest until the finale. Mando had to go to this planet and meet this person. Then, Mando had to go to that planet and see that person. Another issue that seems to be a trend is setting up fans for new shows. Every sitcom does this when they’ve become so successful that producers want to create a spin-off. But there’s a right way and a wrong way to do it. Honestly, those two episodes of The Book of Boba Fett where Mando stole the show could have been used in this show. It would have at least flowed better, with the general plot. Finally, the father-son dynamic of Mando and Grogu felt put on the back burner. I keep bringing up the ending because I feel that was the course correction this season needed, but it felt delayed compared to the creative team trying to tie in more lore from different areas of Star Wars. Casual fans may be overwhelmed with what’s going on and tune out to just see Mando and Grogu.
While the finale steered the show back on track, Season 3 of The Mandalorian had big shoes to fill, after Season 2’s ending. Even though this finale doesn’t even begin to compare, it still sticks the landing. Mando officially adopts Grogu as his son (even though fans already recognized their relationship as such.), Mandalore and its people are finally united under Bo-Katan’s leadership, and we’re finally getting the appearance of the infamous Imperial leader, Grand Admiral Thrawn (from Star Wars: Rebels).
Personally, I feel this is another case of Star Wars fans getting their expectations so high that they can’t enjoy what we’re getting. Star Wars can be silly, it can be heartwarming and heartbreaking. Action-packed, and a slow build. Season 3 is a mixed bag, but that’s alright. A solid 7 out of 10. What did you think of Season 3 of The Mandalorian? Post your comments below and till next time fellow nerds and blerds!