The Mandalorian returned for season 2 and boy oh boy. I feel like I just watched empire Strikes Back for the first time.
This season focuses on a new story, one of a struggle to maintaining a dying culture, honor and code.
Early on we’re reintroduced to the characters in a way that mimics the shootout at the beginning of the first episode. It’s not overly clear just how much time has passed, but one can assume its not a small amount by the bond Mando and The Child have gained since season 1. In this season they seem more like father and son who are very familiar with each other.
The show is smart enough to constantly give its characters a central goal they’re pursuing at all times which in this case its to find the Child’s kinda and return him but its blatantly obvious neither of the two want this.
Regardless, his Mandos goal is focused, but he needs help. From the start, Mando is seeking other Mandalorian’s hidden around the galaxy for information. When he finds out a Mandalorian may be hiding on Tatooine, he travels back to Mos Eisley and bikes out into the wilderness to find the strange being.
Immediately, any Star Wars fan can sense where this is going. We all know he is searching for Boba Fett.
Mando’s journey to find Boba intertwines with his mission to return The Child to the Jedi and this journey is what season 2 is based on. One thing that is a welcome change is a divergence from the story telling of Season 1 to Season 2. Season 1 saw the overall plot continuing from episode to episode but each standing on its own as an individual story. While this is still true for Season 2, the approach has shifted. Season 2 is more of a continuation each week, with smaller aspects in there to set each episode as its own story.
We loved this season, Here are the top 4 reasons to watch:
#4 Visuals
The visuals of this series is astounding. Half CGI, Half mini-led sound stage, every scene is full fledged Original Trilogy-esque and looks utterly amazing. This is what Star Wars is all about when you boil it down. As a kid i was in awe of how everything looked, the sips, the weapons, the creatures, the planets. And this series doesnt disappoint.
Visuals get an 22 out of 10
#2 Boba Fett found
As we all knew what was going to happen, the return f Boba Fett has arrived. A little fatter, a little beat up, a bit more of a snazzy dresser, hes none the less vicious gun slinger.
#2 Luke Returns
Ok, Holy S$#T. Nobody saw this coming. It was such a well kept secret and I hear it was filmed pretty late to make sure nobody knew, this was one of the most epic moments in the SW franchice. Upon the imminent attack of the dark troopers on a trapped group of survivors including Din and Grogu, rescue arrives in the form of an X-Wing. When we saw it we ALL knew what was about to happen next. Out of the shadows a black hooded jedi, complete with a familiar green lightsaber, lays waste WITH EASE to the horde of dark troopers. He assists in saving Din, Grogu and everyone else. It is also Luke who is the Jedi Din is to return Grogu to. Its the saddest moment we all knew was going to happen, where Din leaves Grogu. Somehow though we feel this wont be the last time they see each other,
Also notable is the CGI used to de-age Matk Hamill in this scene. He looked exactly as a post RTOJ Luke should look. While not perfect and very noticeable CGI they did a great job all things considered
#1 Din Jarin and GROGU
Lets face it, the heart of this series in both seasons has been the relationship between Din Jarin and Grogu!, yes!. We finally get a name to that face. As Mando finds Ahsoka and believes her to be the Jedi he needs to return her to, She declines but informs Din that she has spoken to The Child (in a different language) and he states his name is Grogu. Regardless of the name reveal, the father/son bond between these two is what drives this show. Din’s love for the (seemingly) helpless child, and the Grogus trust and awe of Din make us all squishy inside.
You can now binge all episodes of The Mandalorian Season 2 on Disney +