Spoilers forThe MandalorianSeasons 1 and 2.
Season 1 ofThe Mandalorianis most remembered for introducing theStar Warsfandom to Baby Yoda, the lovable little green character who demanded a plush toy from every household. Season 2 reached further into the galaxy by bringing back several characters fromThe Clone Warsseries like Bo-Katan and Ahsoka Tano, and by reviving the original Mandalorian, Boba Fett. The entire series might forever be known for the concluding scenes of chapter 16. After capturing the attention of everyStar Warsfan to the maximum surprise and delight, where canThe Mandaloriango next? Has it already peaked as a show?
The Mandalorianexplores The New Republic Era of theStar Warstimeline, revealing what happened to the Empire, and its personnel, five years after the Battle of Endor. It draws most of its callback characters from the animatedClone Warsshow, and only two from the Original Trilogy (technically three if Bib Fortuna’s brief appearance counts). So far, the show is one of the most popular and successfulStar Warsprojects to be made by Disney since the acquisition ofLucasfilmnearly ten years ago. It was the show that single-handedly installedDisney Pluson the screens of streamers worldwide and was one of themost viewed series of the past year.Baby Yoda became the surprisebreakout character of 2019. Itwon 7 awards in the 72ndPrimetime Creative Arts Emmysin 2020. Its success is the ignition for a whole slew of newStar Warsproperties coming to Disney+ in the next couple of years and thetechnology developed for the showwill go on to influence a great many studios in Hollywood.
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The first season ofThe Mandalorianvalidated itsfine quality as a newStar Warspropertyand a Disney Plus show. There are three major points that stand out in season 1. Chapter 1 introduces The Child, a being of the same species of Yoda, which makes it instantly original and unique. Yoda’s species hasnever been explored in anyStar Warscontentbefore. It was a rule set by George Lucas to never do so. The end of Chapter 3 saw the second coolest battle in the entire show, with a swarm of Mandalorians blasting it out with Stormtroopers in the streets of Nevarro. Finally, the last highpoint of this season is the reveal of the Darksaber in the hands of Moff Gideon in the final shot of Chapter 8.
The second season ofThe Mandalorianmanaged to raise the bar even higher, this time with four points. The first is when Din Djarin meetsBo-Katanin chapter 11. This is the first-time fans ever saw a character from theClone WarsandStar Wars: Rebelsbrought to live-action. This sets the precedent for the next elevation, when Mando teams up with Ahsoka Tano in chapter 13. Ahsoka is a major player in the surrounding Star Wars Universe who is only now getting her full due. This episode is followed by the glorious return of Boba Fett in chapter 14, when he and his partnerFennec Shandbattle it out with two squads of Stormtroopers. This is by far the coolest battle of the entire show. The season is capped off by thestunning rescue by Luke Skywalker, who fights through the menacing Dark Troopers to find Grogu on the bridge of Moff Gideon’s ship.
In the end, Din Djarin achieved his mission by finding Grogu a home. There are other paths for Mando from here,but the audience cannot followLuke and Grogu. The split feels like a conclusion, an ending more akin to a series finale.
The Mandalorianhas made its mark onStar Wars. From the captivating theme song to the fantastic art during the credits,The Mandalorianis a well-accomplished show. Its two main characters instantly became pillars of popularity, especially Baby Yoda. It hasestablished a legacy for all to emulate, and not just forStarWars but for shows likeWandaVision. Its influence will be felt throughout Hollywood.
There is a third season ofThe Mandalorianin pre-development, to befilmed after the Boba Fett spinoff run. The showrunners certainly plan to push the universe in new directions. Without the pairing of Mando and Grogu, however, the new season may lack an exciting central focus. It is likely that Din Djarin will get mixed up with Bo-Katan and the other Mandalorians. Perhaps he will even confront the Children of the Watch who rescued him during the Clone Wars and go face to face with his religion. Nevertheless, outside of tracing the events surrounding the Darksaber, what other storyline can elevateThe Mandalorianto cutting-edgeStar Warsonce more? The show may never top the Luke Skywalker reveal at the conclusion of chapter 16.
Despite its predicament,The Mandalorianis the launchpad for a few exciting new Disney+ shows.The Book of Boba Fettis already scheduled to be released at the end of this year. BothStar Wars: Rangers of the New RepublicandAhsoka Tanoare tied directly to the “Mandoverse,” and may intertwine with the third season ofThe Mandalorian. OnlyAhsoka Tanohas a general release window, Christmas 2021, while theRangers of the New Republiclaunch is not yet fixed.
