Title: The Mandalorian: “Redemption” Review
Release Date: December 27th, 2019
Network: Disney Plus
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Western
(This review contains full spoilers for episode 8 of The Mandalorian)
We’re here; after eight episodes, the first season of The Mandalorian has come to a close. Last week’s episode, “The Reckoning” finally shook up the recent formula for the show. I don’t believe “Redemption” was quite as good as the last episode, but it delivered. There was no doubt some right parts, predictable parts, combined with reveals, answers, and new questions. The final episode of season one will likely make you excited for the release of season two in Fall 2020.
“Redemption” Proves, Troopers Aim Sucks
I have to say the beginning of Redemption deserves high praise. It was likely the funniest scene this show has ever produced. Never in Star Wars have we been able to sit and listen to two troopers of the Empire speak freely to each other. We’ve heard brief conversations, but here we were looking to two guys just at their jobs. One guy is deathly afraid of the boss. The other not taking it as seriously, even though Moff Gideon killed his own men and just shot someone for interrupting him. All these circumstances don’t stop the other trooper from wanting to see Baby Yoda, despite the rule of followers warnings. It makes for funny back and forth banter, with one soldier making every excuse or reason in the book to see Baby Yoda, while the other desperately tries to uphold the mysterious wishes of a Moff.
One part of the scene ruled them all when both scout troopers take out their blasters and try to shoot a can a few feet away. A shot that looks as though the untrained could hit after a few attempts. Not these guys. Nope. Despite inching closer and closer, they miss every time. They even look at their blasters as if they’re the defective ones. This was one of the most on the nose jokes ever in Star Wars.
The IG-11 Episode
Throughout the years, we’ve seen these trained soldiers miss the shots taken at some of our favorite heroes, no matter how close they seem to be. They have some of the worst aims in the galaxy. It’s been a running joke within the fan base, even making its way into pop culture references. Despite it being so on the nose feeling like an SNL skit, I enjoyed the humor and the ability for a show that has felt pretty serious most of the time, to have such an out in the open joke.
The rest of the episode was littered with surprising reveals, combined with many predictable outcomes. I knew IG-11 would intervene; without him, they wouldn’t survive, and there was no way he would be left in the ship for the duration of the episode. In fact, this is the IG-11 episode. Sure enough, he came to the rescue, and I will say his daring speeder bike entrance was fun to watch. This also created a massive action scene that saw Cara, Mando, and Greef come out from their holes and fight. I didn’t love that after all the Stormtroopers they took out, they still ended up back in the same building, hunkered down. Despite that, it was a nice change to see Mando so vulnerable and feel more like a person.
Reveals & Answers
This lead to Cara’s desperate plea for Mando to get up, that she wasn’t leaving him. This scene felt like a welcomed choice. She has bonded with him and is one of his real friends. I thought Gina Corano’s delivery was excellent, while Pedro Pascal did a great job of conveying a wounded Mando. To the rescue, though, was IG-11. For the record, I enjoy this character. It just felt like in this episode; the show creators used him for a plot fix. Baby Yoda in danger? IG-11 to the rescue. Mando in trouble? Get me IG-11. Can’t open that grate? IG-11 will take care of that. Even his sacrifice at the end, once again, can’t get through the troopers, IG-11 has to give himself up. I will say that seeing Mando openly care for the droid and being called out for being sad was great. He can act tough all he wants, but he genuinely does care for others.
Redemption had many reveals that we had been waiting for. Mandalorians are not a race in the Star Wars universe as they were in the Legacy series. Instead, they are a creed. Despite this, I believe there is still a Mandalorian world? Also, Mando finally got his jetpack! About fricken time, am I right?! Also, Mando no longer has a fellow creed of Mando’s to back him up. It looks like they shed their skin so that they might escape. In other words, no more safety nets.
Get Out of the Armorer’s Way
The “Armorer,” however, is sticking around until she takes care of things. Take care of the things she did. Our boy has his signet, which fits perfectly. The Armorer also gave him… YUP, A JETPACK!!! I’m not screaming, you’re screaming! The moment felt like a promotion of kind. She gave him upgrades but also purpose on his journey for season two. This was the most we’ve seen of this character, and it was welcomed. She always brings logic and wisdom. Played by Emily Swallow, she brought a badass scene where she whoops some Stormtrooper ass with her Armorer tools. I do hope we see this character again. The episode left her alive, so there’s hope!
The biggest reveal of Redemption by far was the dark saber. The last I saw of this ancient weapon, was back in the Clone Wars animated show. This reveal was huge! Even more so for the origins of the blade. Moff Gideon was a huge part of the purge, and from what Mando said, a big part of Mandalorian’s demise. The dark saber was supposed to be made by the first Mandalorian ever inducted into the Jedi Order. After the creators passing, it was then stolen by the Mandalorians. This is ironic, as The Armorer sees Jedi as enemies, despite one of their own being in the order long ago. The point is, the dark saber is back, fantastic as ever, and I can’t wait to see where it goes from here. I’ll bet right now, someday, Mando will get a hold of that weapon.
With an End Comes New Beginnings
Verdict: Overall, it was a good episode, just predictable in some ways. Once again, Cara doesn’t come along for the ride at the end, this I’m sure as you know, disappointed me. Especially after the scene they had in the building. I hope we get to see her again, and now we have an end goal for Mando and Baby Yoda. Though I wonder, does the show end at Baby Yoda being reunited with his people? Or will that be the beginning of something new? Also, who is that mysterious figure from a few episodes ago? Darksaber? Yes, please. Losing IG-11 for the second and final time pulled on the heartstrings. Despite having predictable parts, Redemption does an excellent job of giving us enough answers but still making us curious. And now, we wait.
It’s recently been announced that Season 2 of The Mandalorian will be released in Fall 2020, looks like it will be a bit of a wait folks!
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