The Mandalorian, Season 2: Chapter 9 – Reaction
The Mandalorian avoids jumping the bantha… Non-spoiler thoughts.
Chapter 9 is here and, after a 5:00 AM viewing, I can say that I am very relieved.
I mean, 2020 has been such a kick in the teeth, that I almost expected a huge pile of bantha poodoo.
But, I needn’t have been worried – Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni and Co. did the impossible. Somehow, they constructed an episode that should satisfy both first-time viewers and hardcore Star Wars fans; meanwhile, they maintained momentum.
The Mandalorian Is Still Really Good
Dave Filoni and Jon Favreau. Image: The Walt Disney Company/Image Group LA.
And, of course, my good friend Eric started the day by messaging, “This just in, The Mandalorian is still really good….”
Will there be pinheads who complain? Sure. But there are also people who don’t like Dole Whips. These people are to be avoided and don’t let their lack of enthusiasm and desire to be “edgy” deter your fun. Kick back; dream of that citrusy goodness, and imbibe the fun that is The Mandalorian, Season 2.
By the way, this isn’t a review per se, and I am trying to be spoiler-free. However, just in case I foul up, please exit the space if you don’t want to know anything.
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Still here? Good.
Lots Of Fun To Be Had
Here’s the deal, those of us who read the Star Wars: Aftermath trilogy (and I very much enjoyed the books) were thrilled this AM; a solid connection was established, therein.
Meanwhile, we see the return of a favorite character from Season 1 and the appearance of canon-staples Tatooine, Tusken Raiders, and Jawas. There’s also a “return” of sorts of a creature we’ve only seen parts of, previously.
Not everything from the teasers was in the first episode, which takes place primarily in one location. So there is lots of fun to be had going forward.
This episode is low on the cute factor, which could have become a trope. Nor does The Child figure heavily in either the crisis or conclusion. Hey, I love Baby Yoda as much as the next guy, but there’s much to be had beyond infant Force-wielders.
Moreover, to their credit the creators kept the plot moving through via the trials and tribulations of The Mandalorian, rather than making this episode a Batman and Robin kind of thing.
However, there was an unlikely partnership or two in the episode that made me smile
Finally, there was a point in the middle of Chapter 9 where I was completely worried that there was going to be a two-part chapter, with a week-long break. The story was compelling enough to warrant a jam-packed show.
That said, I am happy to say that Filoni and Favreau stuck with the serialized, encapsulated story. And I was completely enthralled throughout.
If you enjoyed the first season, you’re going to love this season! #VFX #virtualproduction https://t.co/WF1RWGW5OY
— Industrial Light & Magic (@ILMVFX) October 30, 2020
Unfortunately, I haven’t yet been able to watch it again. So, I’ll be watching the virtual red carpet and re-watching Chapter 9 this evening.
