The Mandalorian — ‘Chapter 14: The Tragedy’ [2x6] ★★★★☆
By: Dan Owen
Tags: The Mandalorian, Television, TV, Review, Star Wars

Have to admit, I didn’t expect Mando (Pedro Pascal) to arrive on Tython with Grogu the next episode. I thought this was going to form part of the season finale, so it was great to see the story accelerate towards the ancient Jedi temple so soon. And while the story did keep the identity of whichever Jedi is going to answer Grogu’s call, through what amounts to a Force beacon being lit, we did get another long-awaited return: Boba Fett.

While teased in the premiere, Boba Fett (Temuera Morrison) finally made a mark on season 2 by arriving on Tython after following Mando in pursuit of his father’s armour. And he brought mercenary Fennec Shand (Ming-Na Wen) along with him, confirming he was the mysterious figure that saved her life on Tatooine when we last saw her. While both of them initially appear to be big headaches for Mando, who just wants to protect Grogu while he sits in the middle of the outdoor temple (although the force field generated by the ritual appeared to be doing a good job of that without his help?), they eventually become allies when two shuttles of Stormtroopers arrive sent from Moff Gideon (Giancarlo Esposito).

Guess what, “The Tragedy” was another excellent instalment. The Mandalorian has found a groove and is sticking to it.

Robert Rodriguez (Desperado) was in the director’s chair this week, which makes him arguably the biggest name to do so. His star’s waned a little since his 1990s breakthrough, not helped by some garish 3D children’s movies), so maybe this job marks a wise transition into television (and pop videos). Rodriguez already got a taste for TV with the small-screen version of From Dusk till Dawn, and he has a Netflix series called We Can Be Heroes due later this month (which does look beholden to his divisive Spy Kids aesthetic). Maybe it’s a better medium for his talents.

Anyway, Rodriguez unsurprisingly directed this instalment of The Mandalorian superbly. It was a simple enough setup, with most of the action involving Stormtroopers assaulting a clifftop temple being protected by three bad-asses, but the entire sequence was choreographed beautifully. I especially enjoyed the shock of the Razor Crest being destroyed (leaving only Mando’s Beskar speak intact), a paunched Boba Fett clubbing various Stormtroopers to kingdom come¹, and the sight of those mechanical “Dark Troopers” (think Iron Man-meets-The Terminator) descending from the sky to snatch away Grogu at the last minute.

1. But considering the idea of a TV series for Boba Fett was the germ of the idea behind The Mandalorian, and fans have spent decades imagining ways the character survived his ignoble fate in Return of the Jedi... it was curious how unmoved I was by seeing him in his iconic armour. I think Mando has overtaken Fett in most people's hearts, frankly.

Most episodes of The Mandalorian have been self-contained adventures with a few dangling threads, but it seems we’re heading into a more serialised patch now that Grogu’s back in enemy hands. The little green guy may be more powerful (or less hesitant?) about using the Force to protect himself now, by throwing Stormtroopers around his cell, but it tires him out and he’s in need of rescue. So now Mando has Fett and Shand to help, but also heads back to recruit Cara Dune (Gina Carano) to the cause — who can also help him break Mayfield (Bill Burr) out of prison. I love the way The Mandalorian has slowly developed its own repertory of characters, which it can dip into now, as it helps give the show a sense of there being a separate “world” within the Star Wars milieu.

There are two episodes left of this highly enjoyable season, which are likely to form the remainder of what feels like a three-parter. It’ll be interesting to see if the show finds a way to pivot away from its formula, at least a little, in preparation for the third season. Mando protecting Grogu in a sci-fi Lone Wolf and Cub riff has been a great idea, but I’m curious how long the writers think that can last without some template-changing development. Or perhaps that’s just silly talk and The Mandalorian would be unwise to meddle with a format that’s worked incredibly well so far, but particularly this year.

Cast & Crew

writer: Jon Favreau.

director: Roger Rodriguez.

starring: Pedro Pascal, Temuera Morrison, Ming-Na Wen, Giancarlo Esposito & Gina Carano.