The Mandalorian season concluded with the show’s meticulously planned plots coming together in grand style. The primary Din Djarin/Grogu dynamic was underdeveloped in the season. Still, the renewed emphasis on Bo-Katan and the reconciliation of the split tribes under the banner of The Creed paid off, as was amply demonstrated by the death of Moff Gideon.
The emphasis on Gideon’s wicked designs for Mandalore in these last two episodes has been one of the more dramatic elements. He destroyed the planet, dispersed its inhabitants, and then had the nerve to capitalize on their revered production of Beskar armor to boost his force of Imperial Mando-liters. Gideon transgresses. He abuses. Gideon steals ruthlessly from others. He is one of the best villains in Star Wars history because everything he does has a strong sense of personal meaning.
Din Djarin urges Grogu to be courageous and assists him in eliminating Gideon once and for all early on in the episode. It is wise to frame the tension this way because the two constitute the show’s undeniable heartbeat. Although Bo-Katan is a worthy co-protagonist,
Paz Vizsla’s passing at the end of last week’s episode was heartbreaking. Still, Axe Woves has ably filled the position of the endearing grunt with his nearly impossibly heroic deed that finally brings Gideon down. While the jet-pack escapes somewhat lessens the impact of his sacrifice (going out in a ball of flames would’ve been a truly epic exit from the show), it’s good to know that he’ll be sticking around to usher in the new era of Mandalore. His sitting along n the bridge of the cruiser as TIE Bombers and Interceptors are bombarding it is a personal moment.
The story of Mandalore’s rebirth was handled perfectly, from the figuratively lush cave farms demonstrating the fertile surface of Mandalore to the iconic scene of a Darksaber-wielding Bo-Katan leading an army of flying Mandalorians into battle (sheesh, did that look cool). The reward is oh-so-great after the carefully orchestrated buildup over the season. A well-earned full-circle moment is witnessed as the Big Forge is re-lit, the youngster is sworn into The Creed at the Living Waters, and the Mythosaur opens its enormous eye in approval. Bo-Katan serving as the spokesperson for this revival will undoubtedly have a major impact on the Mandoverse in the future.
Grogu’s use of the Force bubble to save Din Djarin and Bo-Katan is great (Thanks, Master Luke! ), and Din Djarin taking on Grogu as his son and student and getting engaged to Navarro to begin a new life as a small bounty-hunting family is just really heartwarming and adorable. Din Grogu deserves to play with the Force because he’s still a kid, damn it, and Din Djarin deserves to relax and take it easy. That last picture of them together is priceless. It could be a perfect conclusion to their journey because they both feel like they are now where they should be. Thankfully, the fourth season of the Din Fam has already been written, according to showrunner Jon Favreau, so this won’t be the last time we see them. Do give it a watch!!
