The third season of The Mandalorian gives us another great episode. Oscar-nominated director Lee Isaac Chung (Minari) brought a lot of weight to the episode with his command of character moments. There were some sections that felt like Andor in tone, but at the same time still kept the same consistent vibes that a Star Wars property should have. It would have been nice to spend more time with Bo-Katan and her grappling with the realization that the Great Mythosaur is no longer legend, but we will likely get that in these next few episodes.
Lee Isaac Chung deciding to focus a lot of time on Doctor Pershing might turn off some fans off due to the fact that they are the least exciting moments of this episode, but it was the smart thing to do especially with his directing style of focusing on character development. Not only has he added more depth to Doctor Pershing, but he also put a lot of emphasis on Coruscant and how they are surviving through the transition from the Empire to the New Republic.
Communication Officer Elia Kane (Katy M. O’Brian, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania) was used very effectively after being introduced in the beginning of act two. Even if you did see through the little twist, it was still effectively tense thanks to the careful direction and the nuanced performance from O’Brian. The whole scene worked thanks to Doctor Pershing’s ignorance of this new way of life. Even though that specific twist was obvious, there were still many linger questions: Is she a part of the rebellion or is she now hugely loyal to the New Republic? Elia is willing to do anything, and if that is the case that would make the New Republic that much more dangerous.
Allowed? Live a little, Doc. It’s not the Empire.
After every episode of The Mandalorian one thing sticks out every time – where is Bo-Katan story going to lead her? Obviously she wants to be the leader of Mandalore again, but is that what she really needs? It’s like her story has always been about family and community, but she hasn’t had that since Clone Wars. Now in this episode she unintentionally gets to be in a family, but will she reject it due to their ideological differences or will she accept them? That is the big question of the season.
This entire series has definitely evolved into something bigger, in a good way. It makes the title The Mandalorian much more important. Instead of it just being a journey solely of Din, he has been the catalyst for the entire Mandalore lore and this episode, especially. This entire season has explored that concept perfectly so far.
You know, I was almost drafted. Imagine me, serving.
Empire, Rebels, New Republic, I can’t keep track. That’s why I should keep my mouth shut.
Chapter 19 was another great inclusion to the Star Wars world. Adding another fantastic director to its resume, creating more questions that need to be answered, and finally providing some resolution to some nagging plot points. Chapter 20 is sure to be a blast next week!
How are you guys liking this season of The Mandalorian so far? What do you expect to happen in the next few episodes? Let me know in the comments below.
