Elia Kane checks in with Moff Gideon in the episode’s opening scene using an Imperial Probe Droid (a welcome flashback) in a brief moment that will likely be forgotten by most viewers but stands out for its harsh Blade Runner undertones. The next sequence, featuring the Shadow Council, is worth the admission cost.
It’s crazy, but this scene contains so much buildup for the Mandoverse’s future that it makes you drool. Grand Admiral Thrawn’s return is soon, Captain Pellaeon (a big Legends blast from the past!!!) reveals, something we already know thanks to the Ahsoka video that debuted at Star Wars Celebration over the weekend.
In addition, Brendol Hux appears in the scene, providing a cute nod to the Sequel Trilogy. Even the brother of General Hux actor Domhnall Gleeson, Brian Gleeson, portrays him! Even still, it’s hardly the strongest connection to those films. Of course, we’re referring to “Project Necromancer,” which refers to Imperial efforts to bring back Emperor Palpatine. It is now apparent how The Mandalorian will fill the void left by these three trilogies.
The episode then shifts focus to the Nite Owls and Children of the Watch as they have an uncomfortable standoff on Navarro. The Light Cruiser with the Mandalorian signet scrawled on its belly hanging ominously over the city is majestic, and its simple but evocative imagery like this that has remained one of the most powerful cinematic staples of Star Wars since the opening shot of A New Hope. And the foreboding tribal drums are a slick indicator of the tension between the two tribes.
The two Mando tribes’ conflicting ideologies are not specifically discussed in this passage. The conflict is clearly expressed; they never express it vocally, which is ideal for the episode’s objectives. More important matters are at hand, such as the Mandalore scouting expedition. Therefore there is no need to get bogged down in philosophical weeds.
Din and Grogu see Greef Karga (Carl Weathers’ delivery is so delightfully avuncular you can’t help but love him) before leaving, and he gives them the IG-12 that the Anzellan has modified. Early in the season, IG-11’s comeback was teased; thus, this resurrection that never truly happened may not be what most fans hoped or anticipated. But perhaps it would be wiser to maintain the permanence of his season 1 sacrifice.
Grogu and Din are featured prominently quite heavily in this episode, which always serves the show’s best interest, despite the episode’s enormous amount of action and plot twists. When Grogu is included in battle scenes, tensions, and urgency are always raised, and the joke with the “yes” and “no” buttons is pure gold. To know what’s next, stay connected!!
