Chapter 21: The Pirate

Honestly you have people basically calling it another filler and others calling it a copy of Pirates of the Caribbean. I mean What?! It wasn't a bad episode in the slightest, not a 10/10 but not how people are making it out. Don't believe the critics. This episode had progression on the Mandalorians and story, not a filler.

When i started watching this episode i could tell it was going to be great already due to the build up of music and the flowing cinematography. Wasn't too sure on certain subplot characters returning but the rest of the episode justified it well. Going against my review from the previous episode, the Mandalorians actually seemed badass again. Even Din Djarin himself had flawless screen time. It's just a pity it's taken this long to get an episode like this because this is why i started watching The Mandalorian.

The last scene has so many questions it makes me actually intrigued for the series again.

9.1/10.

The pirates invade Navarro and Greef Karga seeks help.

This is an enjoyable action focused episode with some very strong visuals.

There is plenty of spectacle to enjoy in this one as we see the Mandalorians in full effect and for a worthy cause. Some of the aerial battles are particularly slick and involve a great mix of imagery, music and sound effects.

I think the back and forth discussions about certain aspects of the episode's plot move at a frustrating pace when you consider what is meant to be happening on Navarro. Also, when you consider the the overarching narrative, Djin and Bo have done very little since season 3 started (other than a few side missions).

It does end with a bit of hope for what might happen next and there is a massive hint about the return of a certain character, which hopefully will be positive, and that a twist might be on the cards. I wonder if it's what I'm thinking.

This week we received an overall great episode that got the ball rolling on the future for Bo Karan and the rest of the Mandalorians. I'm glad to see that the events of episode 3 are also coming back to actually play a significant role in the story. My sole complaint, as evidenced by the title, is that this season's cinematography has been subpar at best. Greig Fraser, the cinematographer for the first two seasons was also responsible for projects like Rogue One, Dune, and The Batman, all of which were incredibly visually stunning works. With his absence, season 3 feels more like a cartoon than anything else. Seeing Mandalorians fight in the broad daylight with no particle effects outside of blaster sparks just takes me completely out of the story. It makes it obvious that this is shot on a set and takes me out of the immersion of what is otherwise a good story. The shots inside of the pirate ship are front lit, which eliminates any feeling that we're bunkered down with the pirates. It's definitely a nitpick, but I feel the difference in quality is extremely noticeable and should not be glossed over just for the fact that we're getting good Star Wars content.

Where do i begin? Every episode of this season has left me feeling a little disappointed and underwhelmed. There have been excellent scenes but they are buried in a sea of mediocrity, i keep waiting for jon and dave to show me something special, to bring my love for this show back, but i'm consistently just feeling - meh.

Make no mistake, i LOVE The Mandalorian, the season two finale was the most special experience i've had watching a tv show, and i've counted down the days to season three since it was announced. Which is why it pains me so much to tell all of you fine folks that this episode (and vast majority of this season) feels like nothing more than somewhat enjoyable filler, i'm naively optimistic that the finale will check more boxes, but for now i hate to say that i'm just not feeling the same way about the direction the narrative is taking.

Mando has taken a back seat this season, bo katan is a great character but this is not her show, this is not what i tune in every wednesday at 8am for. I understand the desire to flesh out the mandalorian culture and creed by exploring more characters, but do we have to have to pick between din djarin and that? Why do i feel like the main character is sidelined consistently? Why is the plot not revolving around him? And the story? Each episode would make a great one off - this episode most of all, but i do not feel there is as much thought put into the deeper interconnectivity of the show compared to previous arcs and storylines. Where are we going? Will it be worth it?

I was worried that they wouldn't be able to top the season 2 finale but now i'm finding that so far they can't even top any of the episodes in season 2. The Book of Boba Fett's "Return of the Mandalorian" was better than any of these almost above average attempts. We're at episode 5 now, 3 more episodes and it's back to waiting another 2 years, none of this season has felt worth the wait. I hope i'm proven wrong in the next few episodes but guys I am WORRIED. Come on Jon and Dave, these next three HAVE to rectify the wobbly start.

P. S. - first review, thanks for reading (or not)

For the longest time the mandalorian has been a very episodic series. With an overarching plot for the season as a whole in the background.

However with the advent of its third season it has shifted to a more connected plot. Episode five titled. The Pirate it's the payoff of 4 episodes of build up. Whilst also building up for the next half of the season, it has given us the most action packed episode thus far whist also focusing on smaller characters throughout the episode. As it's only halfway through that we see the Mandalorians really take centre stage.

***SPOILERS***

The episode follows an group of pirates decimate Greef Karga's planet Nevarro. He is forced lead his people into the lava flats for safety as they wait for help to arrive from to Republic. However due to their world not being a member of the republic, help doesn't look likely to arrive. Greef sends word to Captain Teva to send urgent military aid. And although Teva is eager to help the people of Nevarro he is prevented by the New Republic bureaucracy. And the "redeemed" Imperial Officer Kane. Despite this Teva tracks down the Mandalorian covert. Pleading for them to help instead. After some deliberation and the support of Paz Visula they agree to liberate Nevarro. This is the most exciting point in the episode. As we get a small but full on battle featuring the entire covert taking on the pirate corvette in the skies and the troops on the ground.

The episode ends with our heros being rewarded with settlement on Nevarro, this time not being in the sewers but instead wide open pastures.

And with the promise that mandalore will be retaken.