WARNING – CONTAINS SPOILERS
This episode ties the dots between the pirates on Nevarro, the disarray in the New Republic, and the desire to retake Mandalore. There are some major surprises in “The Pirate,” but many of the stories have been clearly hinted at, and Jon Favreau’s dialogue occasionally becomes repetitious.
Greef Karga’s urban planning meeting is interrupted at the beginning of the episode by Captain Gorian Shard, who is, of course, back. Although, understandably, Greef didn’t want to rely on a distant bureaucracy, it’s disappointing that a man who has worked for an Imperial remnant, been a pirate, and led a guild of bounty hunters had no plan for a significant threat beyond pleading with the New Republic for assistance by sending a robot with a message in the manner of Princess Leia.
Although his warden was removed, even the most capable person cannot repel a capital ship. Modern trains are excellent, but given how difficult life is on the Outer Rim, you should first invest in securing them. You can’t enjoy good things there unless you’re a member of a sizable criminal organization or another powerful group nobody wants to meddle with.
He controls the ship with a panel that looks like the helm of a pirate ship, which is a fairly amusing touch. While most of the battle lacks intensity, the fall of his ship is exquisitely rendered, with Joseph Shirley’s score’s percussion merging flawlessly with the explosions. In this episode’s sequence with the Armorer and Bo-Katan in Nevarro’s shattered forge, the music, typically a highlight of The Mandalorian, haunts and builds with subtle chimes that sound like the ghost of hammers.
The Armorer even flaunted, utilizing her smithing equipment as weapons in this lap of honor for the Mandalorians. It also symbolizes the last element coming together so that Bo-Katan can genuinely win the support of the Children of the Watch. It’s strange that the Armorer suddenly appears to take the princess’ allegation seriously after expressing doubt about Bo-Katan sighting the Mythosaur in the previous episode. Perhaps the only proof that she is the prophesied leader is that her strategies once again helped the Mandalorians triumph and receive a new home that is much less monster-infested as a reward.
Given the information revealed after “The Pirate” concerning what occurred to Moff Gideon, Bo-Katan’s efforts to bring the Mandalorians together will face a significant obstacle. Was he abducted by Mandalorians who wanted him to account for the Great Purge of Mandalore or by those who planned to follow him due to his usage of the Darksaber? The existence of major imperial remnants near Mandalore may suggest that Gideon’s forces and a band of Mandalorians are now cooperating and that they both have their objectives for the planet. However, his defeat would presumably damage his claim to the relic.
Although the way the remaining elements of Season 3 of The Mandalorian are coming together feels rather predictable, there are a few pleasant surprises. The pirates were always intended to be a tool for a bigger danger. With Moff Gideon’s expected return and the Armorer’s permission for the effort to bring the Mandalorians back together and regain Mandalore, the preparation phase of this season may finally give way to battles that matter. To know what’s connected stay tuned!!
