‘The Mandalorian’ Recap: ‘Chapter 1’

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

THIS IS THE EMERGENCY SPOILER ALERT SYSTEM...YOU ARE ADVISED TO READ AT YOUR OWN RISK...

​Yesterday, was truly a red-letter day for Star Wars fans everywhere, and if you’re reading this, you absolutely know why. For The Mandalorian arrived at last with the launch of Disney+, and I know I’m not alone in saying that I basically ran to my television the first chance that I could, to settle in and see what this live action Star Wars series had to offer. Because this really is a new exciting opportunity for this franchise to do some incredible things storytelling wise and I have to say, that I’m quite impressed with how this series premiere turned out. Because ‘Chapter 1’ wastes no time in plunging us right into the story at hand, one that allows for us to see the day in the life a bounty hunter and seeing this seedier side of a galaxy, far, far away is a real treat.
 
Because up until now, this saga has put a lot of its live action focus upon the Jedi, and their never-ending fight against the Sith and their lust for eternal power, and while that’s fascinating and fun in its own right, it does sometimes play akin to a broken record. Because let’s be honest, a galaxy this large has to have more stories to offer. So, being able to dive into a world where people operate in more muted tones is refreshing to say the least, as is exploring a galaxy that is free of the Empire since this story is set post Return of the Jedi and the immediate wonder of this particular tale doesn’t end with the fact that it is diving into undiscovered country for this franchise, it’s also providing us with a unique style of storytelling that is unlike anything we’ve seen before.
 
For often times, Star Wars as a whole employs a bit of exposition to get the plot moving along and to keep the audience clued in as to what complexities are playing out before their eyes. But his show, is about as organic as it gets in regard to how it tells its story. For example, we don’t learn right away when this particular series is taking place until casual conversation reveals the Empire’s fall at the Battle of Endor and there are no clues or visual cues to be found as to what we can expect in the powerhouse ending of this premiere, we are forced to settle in and enjoy the ride. But while all of that sounds alien and foreign in its own right, have no fear, everything we love about this franchise is present within the framework of this premiere as well.
 
The humor for instance, a true staple of the saga, permeates the fabric of the story as well. And heck, we even get a Holiday Special reference thrown in for good measure and the laughs here definitely do a fine job of breaking up the tension. Plus, the saga’s sense of adventure is present here as well, as are quirky and unique and memorable characters; as evidenced by the Mandalorian’s encounter with the gentile who guides him to his mission objective. Also, the action is downright breathtaking to say the least and for proof, look no further than the final act of this tale because that blaster battle was the stuff of legend and of course, one cannot go wrong with that stunning ending, since that has some powerful ties to some of the franchise’s most important moments.  
 
If anything, this was hands down one of the finest series premieres that I’ve ever had the pleasure of watching. Because this one was supremely polished and organic and that is quite the rare feat. For most pilots and premieres feel as though they’re still looking for their footing. But this felt as though I was reuniting with an old friend and that’s just glorious and already, I am hooked. Because I have to know more after that incredible ending and I’m curious to explore more about the seedy world that the Mandalorian inhabits and thankfully, I won’t have to wait that long for more. For ‘Chapter 2’ of this already powerhouse story arrives on Friday and I will once again be running to my couch for my Star Wars fix since this one is a worthy and magnificent addition to this storied franchise. Until next time. 

---