This week’s installment of ‘The Mandalorian’ season two, is the season’s finale – and its packed with reveals. Even if every single fan around the world is mourning having to wait for more space action, fans will rejoice after seeing this episode. This episode proves that Star Wars is more alive than ever and has never been closer to its roots. Jon Favreau truly understands what George Lucas had in mind when creating the otherworldly universe.
The episode begins with 15 minutes of the whole crew Mando has gathered over the past two seasons. Earlier reveals such as Bo-Katan and Boba Fett return as Mando attempts to get The Child back from the Empire’s grasp. The crew makes a plan to infiltrate Moff Gideon’s light cruiser and save Grogu from Gideon’s hands. As they infiltrate, the episode’s reliance on tension is at a high, rather than thrilling excitement – and its effective. As I watched Mando desperately fight for his life as he’s being pummeled by ‘Star Wars: Dark Forces’ dark troopers, I felt the true stakes of The Child’s rescue, and its improbability.
In the final act of “The Rescue”, the dark troopers that were previously revealed in chapter 13, are the main villains of this episode. Although Moff Gideon’s evil and empire ridden character is menacing and impactful, especially during his and Mando’s fight – the Dark Troopers are the biggest threat Mando has encountered yet. These towering black droids are meant to be the ultimate soldier, and they act as such. The Mandalorian struggled to destroy one and seeing a platoon of them was truly terrifying and acted as the ultimate threat.
After Mando rescues The Child and captures Gideon, we’re reminded of the Mandalorian creed that was fully fleshed out in ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’ season 7 and discover Mando is now the rightful owner of the dark saber after defeating Moff Gideon. According to the Mandalorian creed, the dark saber must be won in combat, by killing the beholder. This creates high tension between Mando and Bo-Katan, but it seems to be saved for season 3 (even though I was so ready to see the two fight!).
Once the crew was back together in the crew quarters, they’re faced with the reality that a platoon of dark troopers are beginning to pound down the doors, until a very familiar x-wing flies onto the cruiser! When I saw this, my jaw dropped! A mysterious one-handed-gloved and hooded figure walking menacingly through the corridors towards the dark troopers, and then it happens. The moment we have ALL been waiting for. We see the iconic green lightsaber ignite, and the hooded figure demolishes every trooper on board, using familiar lightsaber stances and showcases vicious jedi force powers. When the figure arrives at the front quarters, Mando opens the blast doors, and we finally discover exactly who The Child was reaching out to three episodes ago. The mysterious jedi is- Luke Skywalker! We see Mark Hamills familiar face in some questionable deep faking, but the acting and portrayal of Luke feels exactly as he acted in A New Hope. We even see Luke’s long-time partner R2D2! This reveals tops chapter 12’s reveal of Ahsoka Tano by a mile, and in surprise factor – it may top any reveal in filmmaking ever!
Before Luke takes Grogu to train him in the ways of the jedi, Mando emotionally takes off his helmet, to see his child one final time. Seeing Mando tear up was as emotional as it gets, and even had me shedding a tear. It was a truly beautiful and satisfying moment. Luke then grabs the child and takes him to what I can only presume is his new jedi academy that was revealed in ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’. This is the episodes definitive ending, and it leaves a lot of questions. Was Grogu inevitably killed by Kylo Ren during Ben Solo’s rage? Is Grogu alive in the sequel Star Wars film era? As of now, we simply don’t know, but it seems more than likely we will have more Grogu in our near future!
Season Two may have ended here, but the stories of these iconic characters haven’t even begun. If you stay past the credits dedicated towards the incredible team who put this show together, you’ll be treated to yet another surprise. Boba Fett and his partner Fennec storms Jabba’s palace, kills Boba Fortuna (who is shockingly big now) and claims Jabbas throne. The screen goes black, and we get teased this “The Book of Boba Fett. Coming December 2021”
A new show/movie production for the fan favorite is on its way!! This reveal makes 14 new Star Wars projects coming within the next two years, and its beyond exciting to have gotten a tease at Fett’s future.
The Mandalorian is incredible, and seemingly it only gets better and better and better. Season two’s finale “The Rescue” is a masterful example of storytelling and fanservice, and permanently cements The Mandalorian as one of the best pieces of film this generation has seen. This is an episode you will NOT forget anytime soon.
We give The Mandalorian Season Two, Chapter 16: “The Rescue” a 9.9/10.