The Mandalorianis one ofStar Wars’best TV shows, but season 3 is largely considered the show’s weakest; here are 4 things I loved and 4 things that bothered me in this complicated season of the show. It’s clear thatStar Warsknows how popularThe Mandalorianis, as the next to be released ofStar Wars’upcoming moviesisThe Mandalorian and Grogu. In fact,The Mandalorianis the first of its kind in the franchise, as it is the onlyStar WarsTV show to make the jump to the big screen.
WhileThe Mandalorian and Groguremains highly anticipated, it will follow on the heels ofThe Mandalorianseason 3 ending, which may prove challenging. The season 3 finale left plenty of fascinating story arcs on the table, including Bo-Katan’s role on Mandalore and Din Djarin’s agreement to do some work for the New Republic, but the season’s mixed reception gives the movie a bit of an uphill battle. I enjoyed the season, but it had several issues as well;here are the things I loved and the things that bothered me inThe Mandalorianseason 3.
Bo-Katan Kryze’s Season 3 Arc Was Brilliant
We’re Finally Seeing Bo-Katan In The Role She Deserves
One of the most exciting storylines inThe Mandalorianseason 3 was Bo-Katan’s character development. We were first introduced to Bo-Katan inStar Wars: The Clone Wars, when she was a part of a Mandalorian terrorist group calledDeath Watch. This hardly set Bo-Katan up as a hero, and even when it became clear she was recognizing the error of her ways, she remained a complex character. Yet,The Mandaloriantruly represents a new era for Bo-Katan, which is especially true in season 3.
The Mandaloriantruly represents a new era for Bo-Katan, which is especially true in season 3.
After a long, violent, and devastating history for Mandalore—including Darth Maul’s infiltration of the planet inThe Clone Wars, during which he killed Bo-Katan’s sister, Satine Kryze, the Duchess of Mandalore—the Mandalorians finally reclaimed their home inThe Mandalorianseason 3. This alone would be a momentous occasion, but it was even more exciting to see that Bo-Katan is primed to become the new ruler of Mandalore. This is the perfect full-circle moment for her character, and it was certainly a highlight of season 3.
Seeing Din Djarin Officially Adopt Grogu Was So Emotional
This Was Especially Touching Following Their Season 2 Separation
InThe Mandalorianseason 3, we finally got to see Din Djarin and Grogu officially become family. Although the two had a familial bond starting inThe Mandalorianseason 1, the future of their relationship seemed uncertain, especially followingThe Mandalorianseason 2 ending. In that episode, Luke Skywalker showed up and took Grogu to train him as a Jedi, and while this was an exciting next step in Grogu’s story, it was also a painful separation that left Grogu and Din Djarin’s relationship hanging in the balance.
This became all the more troubling when Luke followed the way of the prequel trilogy Jedi Order and insisted that Grogu choose between Din Djarin and the path of a Jedi inThe Book of Boba Fett. Thankfully, Grogu ended up choosing his familial attachment over his Jedi path, and he returned to Din Djarin during that show. Getting to see Din formally adopt Grogu and take him on as his Mandalorian apprentice inThe Mandalorianseason 3 was therefore a touching and long-awaited moment.
The Action And Visuals Were As Good As Ever
The Mandalorian Has Always Been Visually Stunning
While many complained about the story elements ofThe Mandalorianseason 3 in various ways,the visuals and effects of the show remained stunning. This has been a consistent positive inStar Wars’fan-favorite shows, includingAndor. Although it’s proven very expensive,Star Warsshows consistently have visuals and effects comparable to many of the franchise’s movies.
This is particularly impressive withThe Mandalorian, which requires numerous effects, from the Mandalorians flying, to myriad ships, to massive endeavors like bringing the Krayt dragon to life. Yes, many of these elements have appeared inStar Warsmovies and TV showsbefore, although they’ve not always been as successful. In fact, recentStar Warsshows, such asThe Acolyte, have faced criticism for their effects, but that is generally not a complaint lodged atThe Mandalorian, for good reason.
Season 3 Perfectly Set Up Din And Grogu’s Next Story
The Mandalorian And Grogu Has The Perfect Jumping Off Point
As mentioned,The Mandalorianseason 3 ending left a number of exciting story possibilities on the table. One of the most exciting was the future for Din Djarin and Grogu, not only with them now officially a family but also because of Din Djarin’s role with the New Republic.When Din Djarin was first introduced inThe Mandalorian, he seemed like a man living only for himself, but that couldn’t be further from the truth now.
Rather, Din Djarin is perfectly primed to become a massive hero inStar Wars, especially when it comes toThe Mandalorian and Grogu. In fact,theAhsokafinaleset up a potential villain for that movie, asGrand Admiral Thrawnhas been unleashed once again upon the mainStar Warsgalaxy. With such a massive threat impending and Din Djarin now working with the New Republic, he could become one ofStar Wars’biggest heroes in this era, which was set in motion byThe Mandalorianseason 3.
With such a massive threat impending and Din Djarin now working with the New Republic, he could become one ofStar Wars’biggest heroes in this era.
The Darksaber Really Did Deserve Better
I’m Still Devastated The Darksaber Was Really Destroyed
In terms of things I found disappointing, the fate ofthe Mandalorian Darksaberis certainly among them. The Darksaber has an incredible history inStar Warsas the lightsaber of the very first Mandalorian Jedi, Tarre Vizsla. This weapon also holds major significance in Mandalorian culture, as the one who wins it in battle is said to have a claim to the throne of Mandalore. Although much less serious, it’s also simply one of the coolest-looking weapons in the entireStar Warsfranchise.
Sadly,the Darksaber was destroyed by Moff Gideon inThe Mandalorianseason 3, which was easily one of the most disappointing parts of the season. Yes, this provided a dramatic flair to the story, but at what cost? I’m genuinely sorry to see the Darksaber go, and while there are potentially ways it could be re-forged, I remain bothered by the decision to destroy this iconic Mandalorian weapon.
Grogu And Din’s Reunion Should Have Been In The Mandalorian
This Key Period In Their Lives Was In The Book Of Boba Fett, Not The Mandalorian
One of the biggest complaints audiences had aboutThe Mandalorianseason 3 was thatDin Djarin and Grogu’s huge reunion following Grogu’s time with Luke Skywalker wasn’t included in the season. Instead, Din and Grogu were reunited inThe Book of Boba Fett, which someMandalorianfans did not even watch. I happen to agree with this critique, as something so pivotal in Din Djarin and Grogu’s relationship should have been depicted in their show.
Something so pivotal in Din Djarin and Grogu’s relationship should have been depicted in their show.
I didn’t have an issue with Grogu’s training with Luke Skywalker taking place solely inThe Book of Boba Fett, as it actually made sense for their time while separate to appear in a different show. Yet, that same logic makes it all the more disappointing that the reunion was included in that show too.The Book of Boba Fettcould even have ended with Luke presenting Grogu with this difficult choice, which would have been an exciting lead-in toThe Mandalorianseason 3.
Some Pacing And Storyline Critiques Are Valid
Although This Is A Generic Complaint, It’s At Times Accurate
Similar toThe Book of Boba Fett, which is largely considered one ofStar Wars’weakest shows in terms of its story,The Mandalorianseason 3 faced considerable criticism for its pacing. Many found that certain story arcs dragged on for too long this season, and stories that should have been a larger focus were too rushed. I agree with some of this criticism, particularly as it pertains to slower arcs.
Specifically,the Adelphi New Republic Rangers took up a surprising amount of screen time, which felt out of place in a show that is focused on Din Djarin, Grogu, and the Mandalorians. This decision was likely made because of thecanceledStar WarsshowRangers of the New Republic, which would have focused on this group. Even before the show was canceled, though, it felt like too much time was being dedicated to setting up another show, which was a bit frustrating.
I Could Have Done Without The Celebrity Cameos
Lizzo And Jack Black Were Admittedly A Bit Jarring
Perhaps the single biggest criticism ofThe Mandalorianseason 3 was the number of cameos from unexpected stars, particularly in episode 6, “Guns for Hire.” In this episode, Bo-Katan, Grogu, and Din Djarin effectively have a side quest on Plazir-15, which leads to them encountering characters portrayed by Lizzo, Jack Black, and Christopher Lloyd. Truthfully, Lloyd was the least jarring of the three, given he has appeared in sci-fi roles before.
Lizzo and Jack Black, by contrast, felt completely out of place. This was also simply so different fromStar Wars’typical approach to cameos, which very rarely favors star power over a logical narrative. Although there were several aspects ofThe Mandalorianseason 3 I wasn’t all that fond of, the appearance of these celebrities was among the most bothersome; however, there was still plenty I liked about this season, too.
