‘The Mandalorian’ Recap – ‘Chapter 24: The Return’

4/20/2023

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Three Finale of ‘The Mandalorian’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.

There are, a great many reasons to love the Disney+ series, The Mandalorian. Such as the fact, that it is indeed fresh Star Wars. The kind that explores a segment of the galaxy’s history that was for a very long time… unknown to us. For the time between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens was a true blank slate, and it is wonderful to see it begin to flesh out here. Plus, this series features fascinating stories that are now pondering upon the nature and the role of government after dark times, and what breeds dissent in civilized society, adding depth to this story, while providing commentary on our world. But above all, what makes this series so great, is that never loses sight of the franchise’s roots… which involves incredible action and adventure.

For that is a staple of this franchise that pulls us in time and time again and for the season three finale, the series leaned hard into just that and rightfully so. After all, the last chapter ended with Moff Gideon returning to the fold to sow chaos and sully the memory of Mandalore by revealing that his base of operations was buried deep within the planet’s scarred surface. Plus, he kidnapped Din Djarin and ended Paz Visla, setting the stage for a true showdown for the ages and well, ‘Chapter 24: The Return’, absolutely delivered regarding that. Since this episode saw the good people of Mandalore stand tall and fight once they had a moment to catch their breath.

Which allowed for us to watch a group of divided people come together to fight a great evil. But while it was amazing to watch the Armorer crack heads with her mighty hammer, it was the final showdown between Din, Bo-Katan, and Gideon that made this episode so worthwhile. For Din did escape and he was able to fight the wily Moff with Bo-Katan at his side and that brought forth a satisfying sequence of events. One that allowed for the duo to teach this twisted man quite the lesson in humility and distract him long enough to put him in harm’s way. For Axe Wolves used the Mandalorian battle cruiser as the ultimate weapon. For he was able to drop it upon the base, ending the reign of Moff Gidon at last, and thanks to little Grogu, our heroes were saved when the flames from that act came calling.

But while that action sequence alone could have carried this episode from beginning to end, it had plenty more to offer us. For this is a story that knows how important the intimate moments are as well and that is why it completed its story for the season by having the Great Forge re-fired, so that Mandalore could once again be made whole and so its people could rebuild and so… a new chapter could begin. Because the fight that Grogu put up, informed Din that he was ready to be more in this life, and that is why he adopted him as his own and moved him into an apprenticeship. So, he could learn the Way and eventually speak the Creed and that meant, leaving home and spending time amongst the stars, to teach this little one properly.

Which is why they now have a home on Nevarro and why… Din made nice with the New Republic; courtesy of an off-the-books deal with Captain Carson Teva. So, he could earn his keep and teach Grogu honorable acts and just like that… this grand and sweeping chapter has come to a close and well… that was indeed a wonderful way to bring this chapter of the story to an end. Because it is just beautiful and inspiring to see Din Djarin enjoy redemption at last, and the same goes for the people of Mandalore who have suffered for a long, long time, and well, now that this chapter has come to an end, it will be interesting to see what new adventures await Din Djarin and his apprentice… his son… in the next one. Until next time.

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‘The Mandalorian’ Recap – ‘Chapter 24: The Return’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

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