by Everyone’s favorite father-son space duo is finally back.
The third season of “The Mandalorian,” which premiered Wednesday on Disney+, is set to follow the journey of redemption of the now excommunicated Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) while caring for the Force-sensitive cargo of Grogu (aka Baby Yoda ).
Chapter 17 ‘The Mandalorian’, titled ‘The Apostate’, picks up after the events of ‘The Book of Boba Fett’, which saw Din reunited with his adorable young child after being sent away to be trained by the Jedi master, Luke Skywalker at the end. of “The Mandalorian” season 2.
With some action set pieces, jokes and in-universe references, the episode highlights what made “The Mandalorian” a success: It’s a fun (and funny) adventure story with heroes who are generally easy to root for. It’s classic, accessible “Star Wars,” with a deft handling of Easter eggs and lore that can please longtime fans as well as pique the curiosity of those newer to the franchise. “The Mandalorian” has proven that the risqué shootouts and antics of a hungry cute little kid can still be fun.
Dean Jarin (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu go out for a ride in ‘The Mandalorian’.
(Lucasfilm Ltd.)
It’s almost a direct contrast to “Andor,” the last acclaimed “Star Wars” series, which was hailed as a “prestige” political thriller for its ambitious narrative that showed the galaxy far, far away could transcend the space opera genre. While “Andor” is no less faithfully rooted in “Star Wars” than “The Mandalorian,” it didn’t rely on familiar elements like Jedi and the Force — or nostalgia — to make its points. One of the strengths of “Andor” was that it showed how ordinary people live under Imperial rule when there are no powerful space wizards or honor-bound warriors to save the day. “Andor” took risks that helped it appeal to longtime “Star Wars” fans who craved more complex or “big” stories set in the beloved universe, as well as franchise newcomers just interested in Good TV.
With Season 3, it looks like “The Mandalorian” is going even deeper into the popular history of the Mandalorian and “Star Wars.” The series has dropped many hints during its run about the fate of Mandalore and the reasons for the breakup of the Mandalorian diaspora, but much of its recent history remains untold. There is also plenty of Mandalorian history established in the “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” and “Star Wars Rebels” animated series. Maybe “The Mandalorian” Season 3 will finally reveal what happened between Bo-Katan Kryze (Katee Sackhoff) leading the Mandalorians against the Galactic Empire in “Rebels” and her first appearance in “The Mandalorian.”
Connections and references to the wider “Star Wars” universe have always been a feature of “The Mandalorian” — its most popular character is a Force-wielder who resembles a famous Jedi master — and Season 3 wastes no time diving into it. the extensive sandbox of alien races and locations; Below are some of the highlights of the season so far.
The children of the clock: Dean is a (former) member of a Mandalorian sect known as the Children of the Clock, which, according to Bo-Katan Kraize, is a cult devoted to the ancient ways of Mandalorian that broke away from the rest of Mandalorian society. They appear to be related to the Death Watch, a Mandalorian terrorist group introduced in “Star Wars: The Clone Wars.”
Some Angelan and Grogu droids in ‘The Mandalorian’.
(Lucasfilm Ltd.)
Purgil: Grog spots large shadows of tentacled creatures outside his window while he and Dean travel through hyperspace. These were likely space-dwelling whale-like creatures known as purrgil. Purrgils were first introduced in “Star Wars Rebels”, where a certain Jedi padawan was able to form a connection with them using the Force.
Angelan droiddidades: Not even Grogu could resist the cuteness of the small species described by Gref Karga as “the finest droidsmiths of the Outer Rim”. Droidsmith Babu Frik, who appeared in “Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker,” was the first Anzellan to appear in the franchise.
Kalevala: Dean takes Grogu to the Kalevala, “another planet in the Mandalorian system.” The planet is home to House Kryze and was first mentioned in “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”.
Bo-Katan Kryze (Katee Sackhoff) in her Kalevala castle in “The Mandalorian”.
(Lucasfilm Ltd.)
