Well, here we are. The third season of The Mandalorian has officially ended. Chapter 24, simply titled “The Return” is ready to stream on Disney+ now.
Synopsis
The Mandalorian and his allies confront their enemies.
Review
The season finale of The Mandalorian is here and I’ve definitely seen some division online- as is the way when it comes to anything Star Wars, so that’s not a huge surprise. It didn’t disrupt my enjoyment or jeopardise my first viewing, but I can absolutely see where some of the criticism originates from. The main issue with this season has been the pacing. I have been overjoyed by this season, however, we have been dipping and diving out of multiple narratives and that has made it somewhat difficult to commit to the finale…
The retaking of Mandalore really only encompassed episode 7 and 8, whereas the rest of the season followed a repetitive fetch-quest pattern thus making the season faulter in regards vision and direction. The endgame didn’t become clear until the penultimate episode. This season would have benefited greatly from focusing primarily on the Mandalore arc. rather than the various arcs it was tyring to tackle simultaneously.
Now, that’s the only “negative” thing I have to say about this finale. Although, it definitely could have been longer, purely because I’m greedy and wanted more Mandalorian action. However, what we got was absolutely incredible. As a Star Wars fanatic, I was utterly blown away.
This episode is, by the far, the most visually pleasing, goosebump-inducing, heart-warming and action-packed episode we’ve had, certainly in season three, and I would argue across the entirety of The Mandalorian. Star Wars knows how to deliver that electrifying action, and The Return was just beautiful to look at from the get-go. From the TIE Interceptor’s breaking through Mandalore’s atmosphere, to the epic clash between the Mandalorians and Moff Gideon’s army, this finale episode is so, so impressive from a technical perspectie. From a fan perspective… I was in awe of the scale, the execution, as well as the dedication to providing that high-octane action that always made The Mandalorian shine bright.
There are some absolutely outstanding sequences in this finale episode and they all allow our favourite characters that opportunity to show their mettle. Mando, little Grogu, The Armorer, Axe Woves, The Praetorian Guards, Moff Gideon, and Bo-Katan especially, all get a chance in the spotlight and they do not waste it at all. What’s more is that while the action is intense on a grand scale, the episode does not neglect the characters. There is no compromise where the development hinders, or where the action ceases. It’s not just showing off either. We get to see the culmination of everyone’s journey. The warrior, the friend, the leader, father figure, enemy, and family. It all comes together in this explosive and deeply satisfying finale.
This season has done a fantastic job of expanding our understanding of these characters, many of which are rooted deep in the Star Wars mythology. For obvious reasons, this season has focused primarily on Bo and Mando, and I could not be happier with their evolution and progression. The finale really puts them in the heart of the action and it only accentuates the level of thought and care that went into fleshing out these two characters who, in all honesty, could not be more different. Mandalorians are stronger together, and this episode is the epitome of that ideal.
It couldn’t please everyone, but I walked away content, full of adoration and excitement for the future. This episode could be the last episode of The Mandalorian, and I’d be alright with that despite the slight wobble we’ve encountered along the way. Stories don’t last forever and this season has rounded off particular storylines while also embracing unfinished arcs that can actually exist and thrive outside of The Mandalorian. Do I want more from Din and Grogu? I will always want more, but The Return handled them in a way that provided them with an escape- a resolution.
I think we will see Mando and Grogu again, but perhaps it is time to turn our attention to the newly reformed Mandalore and the imminent return of Grand Admiral Thrawn in Ahsoka. Mandalore is now a playground, wouldn’t it be great to see Bo-Katan reshape it? Plus, there are always going to be those who are threatened by the Mandalorians. Let’s explore that. Let’s see Bo-Katan fully embrace her role as leader of a new and more unified Mandalore.
Verdict
Season three’s finale is beyond epic. It’s a visual and immensely cinematic feat that brings all of the most beloved Star Wars elements into a single episode. While this episode was definitely hindered by the lack of direction of the season in general, there’s no denying that they pulled out the big guns and delivered a fun, thrilling and endearing finale that could well be the end of The Mandalorian and we wouldn’t be mad.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Chapter 24 of The Mandalorian is available to stream on Disney+ right now. Well, that’s it. Season three of The Mandalorian is officially over. What’s next for Din Djarin and Grogu? Hopefully we’ll find out very soon. What did you think of the finale? Let us know your thoughts 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.
