Season 3 - 8 episodes (2023)
Watch The Mandalorian only with a Disney+ Subscription
Created by: Jon Favreau
Starring: Pedro Pascal, Katee Sackhoff, Carl Weathers, Giancarlo Esposito
Rated: TV-14
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Plot
The travels of a lone bounty hunter in the outer reaches of the galaxy, far from the authority of the New Republic. In season three the Mandalorian travels to Mandalore.
Verdict
This continues to be a solid series. Artistically this show is top notch, from the look down to how shots are framed. The shorter episodes keep the pacing brisk. This season broadens the show as it's no longer just about Mando and Grogu, but it's still a solid season that provides plenty of thrills and great moments. It's still a space western, but this season makes Bo Katan a regular, and she's a great addition to the show as she attempts to unite the fractured Mandalorians.
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Review
I enjoyed the first season, a faceless loner whose life is affected by a moment of sympathy. It was a Star Wars story without having to rely on light sabers or Skywalkers, and it finally was a property that made this world seem bigger. The second season culminated in a big final episode with a special cameo and the Mandalorian (Pedro Pascal) revealing his face. That season included a number of new characters as the Mandalorian kept getting sidetracked en route to his mission.
Since Mando (Pedro Pascal) took off his helmet last season he's no longer a true Mandalorian. He must atone for that, which involves traveling to the deserted Mandalore. Mando tries in vain to recruit a droid and then Bo Katan (Katee Sackhoff). Mandalore isn't very hospitable, and that adventure is what causes Mando and Bo Katan to team up. It seems she helps more for the plot than character reasons as she wasn't keen to help him before. I get the situation is dire when she actually helps, but it still feels convenient.
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| Katee Sackhoff, Pedro Pascal play Bo Katan, Mando |
Mando acquired the dark saber in season two from Moff Gideon (Giancarlo Esposito) who had gotten it from Bo Katan. Without the saber Bo Katan has no army this season. The show never directly addresses it, but when Mando wields the dark saber it seems very heavy and he doesn't do well. This is a contrast to how Bo Katan wields it. The owner of the saber is the one that wins it in battle which is why Mando has it over Bo Katan. They are a contrast. Bo Katan regards Mando as extreme since he refuses to remove his helmet. He sees her as not a true Mandalorian since she is quick to remove hers.
This show is gorgeous visually. The big thing production wise for this show is using LED walls to create virtual sets instead of green screen so that actors see the environment. Shorter episodes keep the tempo quick. Each episode is a quick jab. Mando has specific goal, to be restored as a true Mandalorian. That purpose is a contrast to the Boba Fett series. I'm still not sure what that series was doing and it even contained an episode that seemed to be from The Mandalorian.
This is still a sci-fi western despite the story growing much bigger. Mando is the stoic cowboy always willing to ride into town and save the day. At times this show reminds me of a video game as Mando is always sidetracked in his main quest. He always runs into someone that needs help, having to barter to get whatever he needs for his main mission. Mando gets to rejoin his clan as does Bo Katan. She quickly proves her mettle when she helps rescue a kid captured by a dragon. I do like the addition of Bo Katan. She's not quite as selfless, but still goes above and beyond when required. The Mandalorian armorer believes Bo Katan can reunite the scattered Mandalorians.
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| Grogu and Pedro Pascal as Mando |
The secondary story line is an imperial doctor with a specialty in cloning. That ties into previous seasons and Grogu. This doctor wants to continue his research despite it being against the rules. That's only going to be bad, but whenever we ventured into this plot I wanted to get back to Mando. This plot intersects with the return of the Imperial faction.
Grogu is still in the show, and he always exceeds expectations. It's clear he and Mando have a strong bond. Grogu still provides comic relief and later in the season even gets to communicate through a recorded yes or no in a mechanized suit.
The season's big battle occurs on Mandalore where the Imperials have been hiding and building an army. There is also a small faction of Mandalorians that never left. I have to wonder how they never ran into that big creature or the Imperials. You'd think they'd run into each other at some point. Instead it all happens in the finale episode. The Imperials built an entire base in the mines. It must be a Star Wars staple to violate OSHA regulations. Multiple storm troopers perish because there are no guardrails at any drop offs.
The Mandalorians unite to beat the Imperials and Bo Katan seems poised to unite the Mandalorians who also find a new home. This season has a nice ending, and it really feels like it could be a series finale, but this has already been confirmed for a fourth season.
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