Here we are… We have just 3 episodes left of this epic season of The Mandalorian. Chapter 21 takes us back to the independent planet of Nevarro. After pushing the pirates back, life on Nevarro returned to tranquility, but there is something happening that the New Republic is choosing to ignore. The Pirate King, Captain Gorian Shard, returns to Nevarro with a swift vengeance and High Magistrate Karga’s list of allies is dwindling. The Pirate is available to stream exclusively on Disney+ now, so what are you waiting for?
Synopsis
The people of Nevarro need protection from rampant pirate attacks.
Review
This season has without a doubt been the most action-packed season of The Mandalorian. There have been some spectacular sequences, mostly in the air, but this episode brings it all together. The Pirate is an utterly explosive and epic episode in every way imaginable. We’re gifted with thrilling dogfights, stunning and mesmerising visual effects, and ground combat akin to Rogue One‘s battle on Scarif. Seeing the Mandalorians act as a unit, both in the air and on the ground, was absolutely brilliant. We don’t see enough of it due to the secretive nature of the Mandalorians, but this episode is a game changer in so many new and exciting ways.
Each episode seems to be getting bigger and bolder, but the battle against the pirates will be difficult to top. It’s doable, but it’ll be tough. There were so many highlights and looking back, each main character got their time in the spotlight. Mando was busy showing off in his N-1, Bo-Katan was actually leading a squad, Paz Vizsla had a nice speech and his big gun, and The Armorer… Well, The Armorer was busy doing what she does best. Everything and everyone came together in this episode and while there was still this “sidequest” vibe, the episode didn’t stagger or lose momentum. We got to see the Mandalorians at their best and sharpest, and we have Din and Bo to thank for that.
As we’ve seen in previous episodes, Star Wars knows how to deliver the goods. This season has been shrouded in mystery and each episode has included something incredibly exciting for those die-hard fans. For casual fans, nothing is lost, but for those who have been surrounded by all things Star Wars, we’ve had a bountiful supply of surprises. And this week’s episode delivered another dose. For so long it has felt as though Star Wars: Rebels was a forgotten relic trapped within a holocron… But that time is over. The wonderful characters and lore of Rebels is finally getting that live-action treatment, and considering how season 2 ended with Luke Skywalker, who knows what awaits us in the season finale.
Episode 5 truly feels like the beginning of the end. The pieces are falling nicely into place and this episode has finally given this season a well-needed focal boost. While I have indeed loved every single episode, this season has lacked a turning point where motivations become clear and narrative points align. With 3 episodes left, there is still plenty of time to check all of those specific boxes, but perhaps this particular season needed it earlier. Where certain stories have been taking place across the galaxy, it has been difficult to determine where the convergence will be. However, this episode is very much the catalyst. Things still aren’t 100% clear, but this season is now heading in a much clearer direction. There are still many questions left unanswered, but it appears as though next week’s episode will start dishing out more Mandalorian goodness, while also exploring that intriguing ending concerning a certain Moff…
Verdict
The Pirate is another exhilerating episode that delivers in scale and scope. This episode packs a punch in regards to style, special effects, and that Mandalorian action that we love so much. This Star Wars fan was gawking at the screen with the biggest grin on his face. Now, this episode may have been another sidequest but it was impossible not to enjoy it. It was simply too much fun. However, we are finally making some good progress story wise. There is something brewing beneath the surface and it’s getting ready to explode in our faces.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Chapter 21 of The Mandalorian is available to stream on Disney+ right now. Tune in next week on Wednesday April 5th for episode 6. The end is in sight… Doesn’t time just fly? Have you watched this week’s episode yet? Let us know what you thought in the comments.
The series stars Pedro Pascal, Katee Sackhoff, Carl Weathers, Amy Sedaris, Emily Swallow and Giancarlo Esposito. The directors include Rick Famuyiwa, Rachel Morrison, Lee Isaac Chung, Carl Weathers, Peter Ramsey and Bryce Dallas Howard.
Jon Favreau is the showrunner/head writer and serves as an executive producer along with Dave Filoni, Rick Famuyiwa, Kathleen Kennedy and Colin Wilson. Karen Gilchrist and Carrie Beck are co-executive producers.
