The Mandalorian Season 3 Episode 1 Review, Recap, Ending Explained
by Swetha P | Updated Mar 03, 2023
What Is The Mandalorian?
"The Mandalorian" is a popular American space Western TV show available on Disney+. It is the first live-action series in the Star Wars franchise and takes place five years after the events of "Return of the Jedi" (1983). Pedro Pascal stars as the titular character, a bounty hunter who becomes a protector to a Force-sensitive child named Grogu. In the third season, Katee Sackhoff joins the cast as Mandalorian leader Bo-Katan Kryze. Although Star Wars creator George Lucas had started developing a live-action Star Wars TV show in 2009, it was ultimately deemed too costly to produce.
The Mandalorian season 3 episode 1 Review
In the Season 3 premiere of "The Mandalorian," Grogu (also known as Baby Yoda) is amazed by the vibrant blue and white light of hyperspace, causing him to open his mouth in wonder and widen his eyes. When he notices large shadows moving alongside their cruiser, he extends his three-fingered hand toward them and touches the glass barrier separating him from the vast cosmos. It's unclear whether he's attempting to sense the obscured entities with his budding abilities or simply feeling overwhelmed by the immensity of the universe. In typical toddler fashion, he seeks comfort in the embrace of his father, Din, who holds him close as they drift off to sleep beneath the stars.
In Season 3 of "The Mandalorian," the relationship between Din (played by Pedro Pascal) and Grogu continues to be the primary focus, with Din fully embracing his role as a father figure to Baby Yoda. While Grogu continues to develop his Jedi powers and learn Mandalorian traditions from Din, the latter is determined to redeem himself in the eyes of The Watch and become a true Mandalorian again by bathing in the "living waters" beneath Mandalore's old mines.
The first two episodes of the season take different approaches to advance this narrative arc. Episode 1, titled "Chapter 17 - The Apostate," provides a comforting return to the series with a balance of episodic and serialized storytelling. After an action-packed opening where Din and Grogu save Mandalorians from a giant alligator monster, Din sets out on his mission to Mandalore but gets sidetracked by various obstacles along the way. The episode includes two major action scenes, a thrilling space battle that showcases Din's skills and a ground battle against space pirates. The episode also features a nod to the ongoing debate over Grogu's name.
Overall, the return of "The Mandalorian" in Season 3 is both comforting and curious, as the series questions its purpose and direction. While the first episode offers a classic "Mandalorian" experience, it remains to be seen where the show will take the "Star Wars" universe and whether it will continue to balance episodic and serialized storytelling. The use of a variety of settings and backdrops in the first episode is a welcome departure from the heavily relied-on digital soundstage of Stagecraft.
The Mandalorian season 3 episode 1 Recap
The highly-anticipated return of The Mandalorian is finally here, and episode 1 of season 3 is packed with thrilling Star Wars action, including laser gun fights, space battles, and a tentacle-faced pirate captain. In this recap, we'll dive into chapter 17 and explore some of the Star Wars Easter eggs and initial impressions of the new season. But beware of spoilers!
Before delving into chapter 17, let's review where we left off with the Mandalorian bounty hunter (played by Pedro Pascal) and his beloved sidekick Grogu, aka Baby Yoda. At the end of season 2, the Mando entrusted Grogu to Jedi hero Luke Skywalker. However, in between seasons, the characters appeared in an episode of another Disney Plus series, The Book of Boba Fett, which adds some context to their reunion in season 3.
The season 3 premiere also features a brief recap of season 1's finale, in which the droid IG-11 self-destructed while battling Imperial stormtroopers. However, it's clear that the story of this fan-favorite character, voiced by Taika Waititi, is far from over.
Meanwhile, Moff Gideon, the show's main villain, was apprehended and is set to face a New Republic tribunal. On the other hand, the fate of Cara Dune, played by Gina Carano, remains uncertain following the actor's controversial departure from the show.
The Mandalorian season 3 episode 1 Ending Explained
The first episode of The Mandalorian Season 3 brought back some key characters, including Mando, Grogu, the Armourer, and Greef Karga. Mando is seen attempting to revive CG-11 as he sets out to explore the galaxy with Grogu. The duo faces an attack by Vane and other pirates, whom Mando had previously fought off to protect Greef Karga. However, Mando manages to defeat the pirates in space, including their captain Gorian Shard, and the pair escape by jumping to light speed.
Mando and Grogu make their way to the planet Kalevala in the Mandalorian system, hoping to join Bo-Katan's force. However, she informs him that she has no forces as she was unable to obtain the Darksaber. She also reveals that there is nothing left on Mandalore for him to find, but despite the grim news, Mando remains determined to continue his mission. Bo-Katan offers to assist him, but he declines and sets off with Grogu to pursue his redemption mission, armed with the coordinates he has been seeking.
The Mandalorian Season 3 Episode 1 Review - FAQs
The Mandalorian is an American space Western television series created by Jon Favreau for the streaming service Disney+.
The Mandalorian was created by Jon Favreau.
The Mandalorian stars Pedro Pascal as the title character and Katee Sackhoff as Mandalorian leader Bo-Katan Kryze in the third season.
The Mandalorian takes place five years after the events of Return of the Jedi.
The Mandalorian follows the adventures of a lone bounty hunter who goes on the run to protect the Force-sensitive child Grogu.