‘The Mandalorian’ Recap – ‘Chapter 16: The Rescue’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season two finale of ‘The Mandalorian’.
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Over the course of the past few weeks, we’ve talked at length about how The Mandalorian has done a phenomenal job of reminding us exactly why we love the Star Wars Universe and all the incredible stories it has to offer and there’s been good reason for that level of intense discussion. Simply because season two of this series really has served as a ‘greatest hits’ reel for the franchise, since this year’s stories have cherry picked the best parts of the SWU and put them on display. Which has led to a satisfying and nostalgic viewing experience for certain.   
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But while it has been lovely to celebrate everything that makes the franchise great and see Din’s journey weave him into the connective tissue of the SWU, there is still one big question surrounding this series that has yet to be answered in that… what exactly does The Mandalorian want to accomplish as a series? After all, ‘The Skywalker Saga’ was a grand sweeping journey about the nature of good versus evil and the offshoot Clone Wars and Rebels were about the spoils of war and the battle for freedom under an oppressive state, respectively. But this series, has been a spaghetti sci-fi western from the get-go, one that works to pepper in some surprises along the way, and little else.

But it would seem that the series is finally starting to find a direction and purpose for Din Djarin. For ‘Chapter 16: The Rescue’ did indeed tip its hand as to what this story might focus upon in the future… after it once again paid tribute to the wonder of the overall franchise. Because there is nothing that fans love more than an epic final showdown between good and evil, and we definitely got that here. Because the battle aboard Moff Gideon’s cruiser was about as incredible as it gets, since we were able to see Din’s buddies take down Imperial Remnant in a satisfying manner before allowing for a grand final showdown between Gideon and Din, one that ended exactly as we hoped it would.

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Plus, we would be foolish to not talk about the most epic moment of this tale, specifically… when freakin’ Luke Skywalker popped up aboard the ship to put down the Dark Troopers as only a Jedi can, all so that he could bring Grogu back into the Jedi fold. Which was just... an amazing sequence from beginning to end, largely because it featured the biggest cameo on this series to date, but also because it allowed for us to finally see Luke Skywalker in action, doing all the kickass Jedi things that we’ve wanted to see him do post Return of the Jedi, making this one of the coolest moments that the series has ever put together. One that oddly enough, helped us to understand what the future and focus of this series might look like in season three.
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Because, let’s be honest, Grogu’s departure with Master Skywalker really does mean that Din’s quest to save the kid has in fact, come to an end. Which means that the story has to shift focus from here on out and it would seem Din's newfound possession of the Darksaber and Bo’s request that he help her restore the wonder of Mandalore, is all related to the future of this franchise. Which means that this series might become more intimate in nature than we normally see in the SWU. Because a return home to Mandalore would force Din to ponder upon his place in the universe and what it means to be a Mandalorian since he would be immersed within a culture he’s never fully understood and if that is indeed the case, what a brilliant way to grow this story.

In large part, because it would be something bold and new for the Star Wars Universe to attempt since this franchise is often about giant moments, as evidenced by this finale. But it would also be brilliant, simply because it would allow for some serious character development to take place as we watch Din Djarin grow into a genuine hero, one that helps to rebuild an ancient race of powerful warriors and that kind of fresh potential truly is enticing. Especially when one considers that the series will likely continue to give us big moments and epic cameos that keep this series tied tightly to connective tissue of the Star Wars Universe. However, there is also a chance the series could surprise us and go in a completely different direction. But that is the wonder of this particular season finale. In that, by closing the chapter on the Grogu storyline, the possibilities are now endless storytelling wise, and it will be interesting to see where Din’s adventures take us, in season three. Until next year.

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