Going in to Chapter 15, I was hesitant that Disney would take Baby Yoda's separation as an excuse to conduct a season wide scavenger hunt, which at the highest surface level, this episode may seem to become, however through some of the most well shot action sequences in modern history, an immaculate attention to character development, and a genuine purpose for each character to fulfill, Episode 15: The Believer, is one of the best pieces of Star Wars content in recent memory, period. From the start, character motivations are clear and concise, with no actions seeming out of place or unjustified in relation to the plot, of which occurs much more than I prefer on this show due to story holes and an unwillingness to allow the series to be carried by it's characters as opposed to its cameos. For instance, Boba Fett is not portrayed as a mythic figure here, but is given a believable reason for assisting the team, and is competent without feeling invincible because of it. Bill Burr's character is given some fantastic subtle backstory as well, that ends up showing actual impact on the narrative as a whole. The Empire also sees itself as very subjective in terms of how pure or evil they really may be. Characters are glad to see them in situations that benefit them, yet show an intense hatred toward those very personnel when their true colors are shown. This is screenwriting as it was always meant to be. Plot facilitated by character with both given equal attention to affect one another. Rick Famuyiwa marvels in his ability to balance solid coverage of a scene so the audience is aware of the geography, but allows for tight shots and action beats to carry a scene, creating noticeable tension and elimination the possibility of a easy out. Morals are questioned, the sides between right and wrong blur, and The Mandalorian is truly depicted and determined to save his child, no matter how many bodies will be spilled along the way. Cinema at its best is able to immerse an audience through intelligent cinematography and plot beats, while allowing them to connect with character's whose motives genuinely challenge their own beliefs. I hereby give this episode my full stamp of approval, and simply hope that Disney understands just how vital this progression and weight truly is. As the most professionally written and directed episode in the series thus far, I can now go to sleep at night.
