The beginning of the episode left me wishing we could've seen more of this side of Star Wars: regular stormtroopers doing their job, getting into action, and all the unseen dynamics rarely mentioned in the mainstream film trilogies. We did have something in that vein: Republic Commando explored the lives of elite Republic clone troopers; Jedi Academy had us follow the lives of youngling under tutelage of Luke's academy; the original Battlefront showed us the transitioning of a republic to an empire through the eyes of the soldiers.
It's the lives of the mundane, the less than extraordinary, yet still gripping and intriguing. They let us dive deeper to the world of Star Wars beyond the flashy buzzing of lightsabers and spectacles of the magical force.
The Mandalorian wished it could be one of those. Unfortunately, it failed terribly.
In episode 5, @ShrimpBoatSteve has said that the series has became too predictable, and I agree - the finale shows how predictable the whole season is. https://trakt.tv/comments/264475
After the long flashback which most parts we've already seen in previous episodes - seemingly making the scenes feels almost like a filler - The Mandalorian episode 8 seems reluctant to set their foot to the ground with its notable world-building as previously seen in Eps 7 and Eps 1 to 3. As I have previously said, after everyone gangs on The Mando (Eps 7), Baby Yoda/Little One's background (who Baby Yoda is, why is he wanted, what the Imperial remnants wanted to do with him, etc) remains unresolved. As the episode shows us Moff Gideon rising with a darksaber in hand, yet another reference moment: every substance the show can possibly offer will be dealt only in Season 2 (or, worse, more).
Stormtroopers in Star Wars have been infamous for their terribly inaccurate shots, but in this episode it feels like their incompetency is amplified to the point of parody and, of course, plot armors. Scout troopers - which is supposed to be snipers - can't shoot droid right in front of their eyes. Instead of coming in squads, troopers only come individually (incinerators burning the building, a few troopers slaughtered by the blacksmith, a few others guarding the tunnel, and the most stupid of all, Moff Gideon waiting for nightfall just for no reason) which makes for a convenient plot armors for our heroes to trek on their way.
Of course, there are casualties - what is a story without something seemingly at a stake? - but it is nothing more than devices to delay the heroes from their trek. Taking cues from Eowyn's "I am no man" of Lord of the Rings fame, in less than moment-defining fashion IG-11, which himself came as a sort of droid ex machina, said that it is no "living being" while resurrecting The Mando from fatal injuries, remedied every possible threat with its healing devices.
Antagonists can be dumb, but there is a limit to dumbness that can suspend audience's disbelief. This episode has antagonist almost feels like they are intentionally dumb and there is nothing really at a stake when everything can be easily remedied.
This episode is not the worst, certainly, as the action sequence is flashy and satisfying. The one near ending where The Mando utilizes a neat jet jump is clever and actually can show the extent Star Wars can be when the director wanted to think creatively beyond the force. Knights of the Old Republic and the aptly named Star Wars Bounty Hunter played with clever tricks similar to this once a while, and the trick doesn't feel cheap as they stand on a very good storytelling.
The Mandalorian's flashy action, regardless, seems to serve only as explicit fanservice - a style over substance.
There are plenty of action, which, by itself, is quite well-done. The consistently hardly imposing threats, unfortunately, dull down the possible thrill those scenes can offer - in a typical corny action heroes such as Gerard Butler's character in Has Fallen trilogy. The scene, for example, with The Blacksmith let us peek into the martial arts capability a Mandalorian can exhibit. But the rather plot armor of incompetent stormtroopers leave no stake at hand; the martial arts dexterity looks more like a cheap imitation of main trilogies of Jedi's acrobatic feats.
Redemption ultimately ends with nothing to be redeemed about, as the people in this show seems to be forever clumsy. From start to finish, everyone made questionable decisions. Nobody blasted the Mando's group with that large amount of stormtroopers. Nobody checked whether Moff Gideon is dead when the fighter was down (Gideon also miraculously survive the crash), with Carga, a supposedly veteran bounty hunter, lightheartedly saying they are already free of the Empire's grasp.
Everything people said in this episode, just like many episodes prior, are not crafted as if the actors were having human conversation. They were rushed by time - they seemingly appear to be set in motion by the plot's demands, to say X so Y happens; to say A when B moment happened.
This episode almost feels like a filler to conclude the dragging episodes this season has been. Screenwriting-wise, this whole season is nothing but bait-and-switch to justify next season(s).
There is much to be said about this kind of terrible business model, where series is written with nothing exactly in mind but to find reasons to continue producing the franchise - the same business model Disney has been using on their MCU franchise and Star Wars films/spinoffs - but the crowds of gladly willing moms awing for Baby Yoda and nerd dads geeking over Star Wars reference doesn't leave enough rooms for those commentaries.
That opening sequence was brilliant. The back and forth between the troopers was awesome and them shooting at the can and missing was the icing on the cake.
I'm dying, leave me here... [antiseptic spray on major head wound] ...two minutes later... no I'm fine.
This really is written for children.
Carl Weathers points to lava river right in front of him 'there is the lava river! '
Come on, this is not the dialogue we are looking for!
Now we‘re talking, finally what I was hoping for after E1! That conversation between the Troopers was exactly what I want to see in the tales outside of the movies.
Gideon is just as awesome played as Gus was in BB and I’m happy they didn’t drag out Mando‘s backstory any further. Great episode!
Come on, baby! Do the magic-hand thing! Hahahaha. Holy shit. Great episode, full with action and jokes. THE DARK SABER IS BACK. Holy fuck!
That was good enough for me to want a second season. I must say, though, you could have done all of that as a movie if you cut out the unnessessary stuff. But that's a side note.
The opening minutes had me a bit worried. You leave on a cliffhanger and than come back with THAT !? That was almost SW movie quality of late (yes, sarkasm). Luckily it turned around fast and we got some really good action sequences (Stormtroopers really are the redshirts of Star Wars) along with some more revalations about the Mandalorian and The Little Guy. Personally I don't think he's a Yoda clone. He sure is the same species and maybe we will now, in another season that is, learn more about them. I remember reading, a little while back, about Lucas' original story ideas for another trilogy and maybe this is going in this direction. Who knows. I'm not really in favor of showing us Mandos face. It had to be done at that point but it should have been done off-camera or maybe shot from behind. It takes a little bit away from the myterious side of the character. The ending came a bit too fast and convinient and you could have been rather certain that Gideon wasn't dead.
In any case like I said, I am looking forward to season two.
Wow. This just got better and better. Really great episode. Hopefully Taika can direct another episode in the future.
[7.5/10] A perfectly solid finale to the first season. I’ll admit, this one felt more like a mid-season finale to me than a true ending, but maybe that’s to be expected with an eight-episode order.
We do get some complete arcs. For one thing, we get Mando fully accepting that he isn’t a bounty hunter anymore, but rather a father, even as he makes himself whole in the eyes of The Guild. There’s been a long-running thread in the show of Mando having particular sympathy for Baby Yoda given his own status as a foundling. This episode makes that all but explicitly textual, and the idea that they are a “clan of two” is a sweet one. The show hasn’t been shy about Mando’s transformation from sharp-edged bounty hunter to empathetic adoptive dad, but it’s still nice to see.
We also see him getting past his aversion to droids. The show goes straight to revealing his backstory, letting us see how his parents tried to shelter him, a battle droid nearly killed him, and Mandalorian both saved and adopted him. The notion that “the way” is a creed, not a race, is a strong one. But the strongest parts of the episode were his interactions with IG-11, seeing the way that even a hunter droid can be reprogrammed for good, a tool and product of the people who programmed him. The fact that Mando reveals his face to IG-11, and that the droid both saves and sacrifices himself for our hero, is an affecting note to go out on, one that shows Mando’s perspective widening and progressing.
My problem is that a lot of this feels really pat. The whole scene with the Armorer comes off really didactic, there to ensure that the audience gets the point in thudding dialogue. The same goes for the closing scenes where Greef Carga’s “maybe he’s the one protecting you” feels like a cornball riff on The Blind Side. The script goes to great lengths to try to sum up and underline Mando’s journey here, and it can end up pretty cheesy.
This also feels like a bit of a wheel-spinning finish. The stand-off and escape seems to take forever, without much in the way of stakes except a generic stormtrooper threat. The action becomes static after a while despite some cool hand-to-hand combat scenes. And so much here feels like a tease for the next season rather than a capstone to this one.
That especially includes Moff Gideon. What we get here feels like an introductory threat from him rather than a concluding one for this volume of the story. Don’t get me wrong, I’m intrigued by the fact that Space Gus Fring knows all about our heroes, that he’s implied to be the butcher of Mandalore, and that he’s even wielding the goddamn darksaber. But that makes him a weird final boss for this season, given that we know very little about him and he’s temporarily beaten but not defeated in a way that feels like a second act climax.
Still, we do get the outstanding cold open with a pair of speeder bike troopers just hanging out, shooting the breeze, (and missing their shots), in a hilarious “slice of life in the midst of dramatic events” fashion. Jason Sudekis is great in the role, and it feels like one of those things you could show someone who doesn't care a lick about Star Wars and still get a laugh and a reaction out of them. Plus, IG-11’s Ray Harryhausen-like movements to take them and others out are the visual highlight of the piece.
Overall, this episode stumbles a bit by trying to be both a grand concluding chapter for the first season, but also a sort of interstitial setup for things to come, but hits the notes it needs to in order to drive our emotional investment. At the same time, the season itself is a bit uneven, but devoted itself to expanding the world of Star Wars in enjoyable, often surprising ways, and has proven refreshing in its ability to balance episodic storytelling with meaningful serialization. There’s still tons of promise to The Mandalorian, and after the disappointment of TRoS, it’s nice to see a Star Wars project go out on a strong note like this one.
far better than the latest film
It was good. It's nice to have a Star Wars movie level made TV show. Imagine if the normal movie where TV shows, this is that.
It has been a great ride.. This show honestly surprised me of how good and fun it was.. When they first announced it, I wasn't that excited but I'm glad I gave it a shot
The episode called redemption and what a great redemption that was! IG-11 became one of my favorite characters in all Star Wars and he's not even a living thing.. They did a great job with him in this episode, he was BADASS as usual, funny and very helpful.. I know he's just a Droid but I really felt sad when he sacrificed himself.. a whole episode dedicated to him was a great call and well deserved!!
Anyway I'm really excited for season 2 already, this show isn't trying too hard to make you like it, it's just doing its thing and in my opinion it's what made a lot of people like it
This is the way!!
I hardly ever give 10's to TV Show episodes. This one deserve it! Loved it so much! Can't wait to see the Yodalorian to be trained. Yoda Fett? :P
Not gonna comeback for the second season.
Very simplistic, tries so hard to say anything regarding this context, but fails in the process.
By this point and after seen how awful TROS was, I’m gonna look aside to any future Star Wars media (for now).
IG-11 was pretty cool!
This is a nine-star finale that loses two stars for the utterly stupid way that none of the THREE of them there at the end seemed to think that it might be a good idea to ensure that Moff Gideon was dead...and to finish him off once they realized that he was not. If the writers wanted the guy to survive until season two, then they should have had him fly off and NOT crash in the first place.
A good season finale. In some point it seemed it was all going to trash, but the last 2 episodes made it good again
Come on baby yoda use the force to get free. He prob just want to get to daddy Mando. lol
Yoooooo I’m loving the dialogue between these two soldiers. We always hear silly things said but not a full on conversation for minutes. It’s so funny. haha i know this voice. Hmmmm
I knew the IG droid would play a larger role after the 1st episode. Because of how Mando always talked ish about droids. I felt like he was coming back some how. He rolling up in there kicking ass. haha but dang baby yoda all vulnerable!!
Man the dude playing Gideon has been annoying me since Revolution. Damn good show BTW. Then saw him in breaking bad. He plays the villain too good. lol
Finally Mando’s back story!! Not bad at all!!
Sooooooooo was I the only one that thought of Apollo Creed the first time Mando said being a Mandalorian was a creed. I wonder if that was intentional. lol unintentional nod to Carl whethers?
Love love laughing baby yoda!!! haha
I’m split on the reveal of Mando’s face. Should of saved that for season 3. Lol
No you are wrong Mando has a clan of millions. Lol yes finally the theme song!! It always gets me pumped and ready!!
Whoaaa I knew the droid would play a big role but damn!!!! good thing that droid don’t hold grudges. haha
Yessss finally someone gets it. Ask baby yoda to do his thing!! Do the waving hand thing. hahaha omg so funny!!
Finally he flies. Felt like Clark Kent in Smallville finally wore the cape. haha
That was a good ending to the first season. I throughly enjoyed it. So fresh!! What a fun ride!! Can’t wait for season 2.
GREAT EPISODE........even with the gang that couldn't shoot straight. But lots of new backstory. And Just found out on Ew.com there were two cameos...... the actors who played the bantering, Baby Yoda-punching Scout Troopers in the opening scene were Jason Sudeikis (SNL, We’re the Millers) and Adam Pally (The Mindy Project).
Can't wait for season 2 next Fall.....confirmed....no waiting for 2021.
The opening scene was filled with humor that only Taika Waititi could give us. Lots of action and more history revealed in this episode. I knew that at some point the helmet would come off but I didn't expect him to get an upgrade with the jetpack! And I'm not surprised Moff Gideon survived. Can't wait to see what S2 brings!
This episode was so good, its the final confrontation between Mando and Moff Gideon to save Baby Yoda and wow what an episode it was, loss, betrayals, epic fight and the scene with the Armorer was so good! Plus he gets his jetpack and we learn his real name finally! Just too good!
I almost shut off the episode after the first couple of minutes because I thought it was some SNL sketch or some Youtube parody (the one Trooper sounds exactly like a former SNL cast member... can't remember his name though, maybe it was him??) that I had found instead of Epi 8 LOL.. and then.... whoa!!! Talk about a ride.
solid season finale although it suffers from the same problems as the rest of the series (story etc...) still entertaining and definitly worth a watch 7.1/10
It's really amazing that the last three episodes of this season are this much of a treat, considering how much of a slog the middle of this season is, especially coming off of something of a slow start too.
That said, I'm thoroughly pleased I gave this a second chance. This episode in particular has some of the best action choreography I've seen in Star Wars. It's a massive get that this season was able to bring in Taika Waititi, but it really shows what a good director will bring to the table.
Best kind of Star Wars I've seen in a long time! Finally, the middle of the season was a bit wobbly, but they delivered!
Such an amazing episode full of suspense and non-stop action.
10/10
All Gold
What a thrilling
exciting action packed
season finale.
Absolutely fantastic,
Those two stormtroopers
at the beginning were
amazing and totally
Hilarious, I could have
watched them just chewing
the fat for 45 minutes
they were comedy gold.
This finale was like
watching a movie it was
that good, it had me on
the edge of my seat
the whole way through.
What a solid finish to a
Solid season one.
And I am so ready for
season two.
"This is The Way"
A truly excellent way to finish season 1. The only reason that it didn't get a 10 is because having successfully taken down Moff Gideon's TIE Fighter, Mando didn't fly his ship over the wreckage and blast it to smithereens before he flew off. This would have made logical sense as, left alive, MG is going to be a constant threat to Grogu's (and his own) safety. Surely worth using a little ammo for, to be sure, to be sure? Obviously MG has been set up to be the main antagonist for season 2, so he needed to survive, but it is very un-Mandalorian of Din Djarin not to be thorough. This is NOT the way ;-) Additionally, it seems very odd that nobody seems to know anything about The Force, or about the Jedi, despite the Jedi having been "Guardians of the Galaxy" for hundreds of years, until The Empire eradicated them. Enough of the protagonist/neutral species live for long enough that they will have been aware of, or even lived during the times of the Republic, maybe will even have known a Jedi Knight or two. The Empire made no secrets about using the Force to achieve its objectives and to punish "rebel scum" and incompetent admirals. The fall of the Empire was brought about largely because of the efforts of a Jedi Knight using his Force powers, who subsequently set up a Jedi training academy. With this in mind, the reason that the remnants of the Empire were so desperate to get hold of a youngling who could potentially have Force capability akin to the most powerful Jedi Grand Masters in history, akin to the powers of the Emperor himself, should be painfully obvious.
After a series of shows that felt like filler episodes, The Mandalorian churned out a strong two-part Season One finale. Indeed, since the show apparently didn't have a whole lot of main plot material to work with in the first place beyond "keep the baby safe" and "take odd hunter jobs," the season didn't have much forward momentum until episode seven when Mando again joins forces with Greef Carga to take out the "Client" and use the baby as bait, meanwhile getting back in the good graces of the Guild. The episode included an interesting bit of long-term storytelling, as the droid IG-11, which was programmed to kill the baby early in the series, was then reprogrammed by Kuiil to protect it, and by the end of the season, IG-11 had completed his redemption story, as it were, sacrificing itself for the group, which by then included Mando, the baby, Greef and Cara Dune. We are also introduced to Moff Gideon, played by Giancarlo Esposito, who is a warlord with imperial aspirations. The baby has used its powers sparingly throughout the season, but displayed its mental might when it deflected a juggernaut's flame thrower. Since these two episodes had a good bit of action and forwarded the main plot along somewhat, they get a thumbs up, even though we're really not any farther along in identifying where the baby is from or what the nature of his species is or why he such a prized possession, other than an implication from the Armorer that it may be connected to the Jedi in some way that has yet to be explained. In any case, I've come to expect that we're probably just going to get some more serialized one-off episodes in which Mando just goes off and does a thing that has little consequence toward his ultimate goal, but I've enjoyed the wild west-esque feel of the show and am looking forward to what Season Two has in store.
The epiosode was quite exciting and full of action, maybe too much, since I prefer more introspective ones. But it is Star Wars and not Star Peace (by the way, why there are no stories about Star Peace, they have to be wars everywhere as if there was not enough of them in the real life).
The most important thing is that our heroes escape from their predicament thanks to the droid reprogrammed by Kuill, which turned out to be a robotic paragon of loyalty, courage and sacrifice. It actually saved the protagonists' asses and many times too boot.
Another breaking news of the episode is that we get to know the Mandalorian's true name as well as see his face when the droid is healing him. We also hear the complete - I guess? - backstory of his being saved by the Mandalorians from killing robots, the fragments of which were shown in the flashbacks. Apparently the Mandalorians are not a nation, but adopt people from various races and teach them their beliefs which they call the Creed. They also had an ancient feud with the Jedi, who are called sorceress (so it follows that the Force can be called magic as I thought). We learn more about the Mandalorian culture as we revisit the lady smith who made the armour, apparently she is the only survivor after the Stormtroppers exterminated other Mandalorians, but she is still determined to stay here in spite of the danger. She gives Mandalorian the device that will make him fly in the sky like other Mandalorians did in previous episodes, which comes in handy later on. According to the Mandalorian creed, Mandalorian is now considered the father of the baby and has either to train him in the Mandalorian ways or find his people, so Mando gets a new quest for the new season ;) Still, as a person from outside Star Wars fandom, I wonder how comes that Yoda's origins have never been specified in the saga? He is sort of an important character and yet he never speaks about his native people or planet (as well as the roots of his syntax problems)? Coming back to the lady smith, is it only me or her helmet seems a bit reminiscent of the Rohirrim and specifically Eowyn's helmet? It is uncertain what her fate would be as she is attacked by several Stormtroopers, defeats them but there may be more coming.
Mandalorian leaves the planet to search for the baby's origins (I guess the Star Wars universe, in spite of being so technologically advanced, does not have any equivalent of our Internet, where Mando could have read something about the baby's people?), whereas his ex-boss and Cara elect to stay. However, it turns out that the big baddie is not really dead in spite of Mandalorian causing an explosion on his ship. I guess he may want to revenge himself on Cara and Mando's boss? As for Kuill, he is irrevocably dead, apparently in the Star Wars universe surviving seemingly fatal accidents works only for the bad guys, which is a pity.
Last but not least, the lava river and the Charon-like droid were quite badass (though probably completely devoid of logic, though I have learnt so far that Star Wars and logic do not keep much company nowadays, you can have either one or the other).
This show is terrible, this episode was maybe the worst of the bunch. I don't trust anyone who likes this show.
Did anyone else kinda-sorta want to hear IG-11, somewhere along the way, say "Come with me if you want to live."? ;-)
That scene with the stormtroopers was cool, we don’t get much insight of how they think so it was entertaining, but I don’t accept them hurting baby yoda.
And I was still sensitive because of what happened to Kuiil, and then the droid made that sacrifice and then Kuiil’s tomb, I couldn’t stop crying!
It was a little dumb that they didn’t check Giancarlo’s ship but that’s okay cause it means we get to see more of Giancarlo!
Simply the best episode! Nurse droid will be missed.
Simply fantastic. The road getting here was a bit bumpy for sure but it's almost entirely worth it for this spectacular finale, one that wraps up the season long arc in a satisfying way while also leaving the door open for Season 2. If Kuiil was the highlight of the prior episode, then IG-11 is the unsung hero here. Bringing together the themes of nature vs. nutrue to it's logical conclusion, it's a powerful act of self-sacrifice that shows the important yet simply message of "we are more then our programming". Not a deep message, but Star Wars has always succeeded in delivering simple yet introspective themes in it's work.
And then there is Taika Waititi's direction, and out of all the directors on the series Waititi easily is the one with the most distinctive style, and he brings it to the series. The opening scene is particularly inspired and feels like something out of Thor: Ragnarok or What We Do in the Shadows, being both funny while also letting the story progress naturally. Ludwig Goransson's excellent score is also at it's best here as well, and the action scenes are well shot and choreographed with a keen eye for effects work. The best episode of the show yet - time for Season 2!
Is it really necessary to show how they punch the child that viciously hard and often? Taika "I'll ruin your mythos in a minute baby" gtfo.
Giancarlo Esposito has less charisma than a boulder or a brick. What a terrible, terrible performance, Which is weird, I have seen him in other roles and, sure, he's no Morgan Freeman, but he wasn't that bad either.
Anyway, what a disappointing finale. Couldn't be more predictable. A couple of good fight scenes, and a whole lot of boredom, slowness and lame dialogs. If there is a second season coming, I hope that this is not the way.
I have spoken :stuck_out_tongue_closed_eyes:
Brilliant season finale of this amazing first season. An exciting story, beautiful effects and good acting made the final episode an absolute blast to watch. Can't wait to see where the journey goes on Season 2.
What an amazing final !
This show is incredible, I hope there will be a season 2 !
9 stars for this episode :grinning:
This is the best piece of Star Wars writing in my opinion. And being directed by the one and only Taika Waititi it makes sense that it is. It is witty and comedic and has moments that make you realize how much you love the Star Wars universe, but this episode is exactly what the Star Wars was missing.
Yes, that's fine, yes, baby Yoda is adorable. Those winks are good to Star Wars fans. Well done and with enough money. Carl Weathers gave it the mission in Predator, here also gives the mission. Chance?
I loved it, and giggling baby Yoda - adorable, waving baby Yoda - hilarious!
Last week's episode was pretty good, but the dialog was abysmal, even for Star Wars. This episode was even better, but it was clear from the start that whoever directed it is much better at directing dialog scenes. Sure enough: Taika Waititi. Of course. I don't want to criticize last week's director (Deborah Chow) too much though, because she otherwise did a good job. Sometimes things just don't come together for whatever the reason.
very good episode and a great season. well done
the first part is cringe
They save the best for the last. Waititi behind the camera adds a lot, from humor, character interactions, to even the action. Intriguing concept for next season too.
Great final episode, definitely made up for those poor, slow paced episodes (3 and 4) this was what I'd been waiting for, emotion and action sequences!
The end tho... Cut cut haha
Shout by TriseultBlockedParent2019-12-27T11:56:30Z
No joke, this single episode is the best Star Wars I've seen since the throne room sequence in Return of the Jedi. I can't think of anything else that comes close except maybe the ending of Rogue One.