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.

This is more like it. After a shaky start to this new season, we are back on track. The established characters and storylines are coming together now. It's even possible to appreciate the episode two weeks ago.

The action is as good as it ever has been. It's cool to see the Mandalorians act like a special military force. We do not see a lot of strategy in Star Wars so it was good. The stories revolving Bo-Katan and Mando are very interesting and we seem to have an actual clear objective for this season now (which is great).

Honestly, Grogu is not cute anymore. He does not seem to be very intelligent and he walks slowly. I don't know if Disney can keep playing him as this cute little baby because it's getting annoying. He is 50 years old and he can't be this naive right? The biggest problem is that his writing is so inconsistent. Sometimes he gets flashbacks and can handle himself and find Bo-Katan on a different planet, but at other times he is just a little baby who can't do anything on his own. Is this sweet little act not getting old? I think so. If they took Grogu more seriously that would benefit the show and its storytelling.

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)

I still like the mandalorian. But the magics is disappearing. The "villians" are fake as f. They look like a blend between the first season of star Trek aliens and the muppets. The other mandolorians act and move more and more like the power rangers. I get the feeling they got some cossplayers to fill the gaps in actors and costumes.

The action scenes are badass. The story is from time to time intriguing.

The culture of the mandalorians is fascinating.

I hope the story keeps evolving. I'm glad that the pirates are gone now.

It raises the question were are the mandalorians in the last movies?

This Chapter is definitely a step up from the other ones in Season 3, but something stills feels off with the quality and the writing compared to Seasons 1 and 2. Din's whole storyline the past 1-2 years was to go to Mandalore to "purify" himself after taking off his helmet, but now it's perfectly fine for Bo Katan to right after? The Mandalorians so far still feel more like Disneyfied Power Rangers who don't know how to use their gear. Apparently, there's only like 30-40 civilians living at Nevarro with Greef Karga? Had this same issue with Mos Espa in The Book of Boba Fett. Hire more extras! Make these places feel bigger! Din has officially received the Boba Fett treatment, and is being sidelined. I'm not sure if it was from the incredible HBO quality from Andor, but this season has felt pretty cheap and low budget at times. Just like The Book of Boba Fett and Kenobi. I am happy that the pacing is picking up and that we're going to see Gideon soon. Also loved the Rebels cameo. He looks incredible in live-action, and it really has me hyped for the upcoming Ahsoka series. Also really enjoyed the nice little tribute to the late Mr. Jeremy Bulloch aka the OG trilogy Boba Fett. "Bulloch Canyon" Overall, it is a step up from the past few Chapters, but something still feels off. I have been a huge fan of Bryce Dallas Howard's episodes, so I am very optimistic for next week's Chapter.