IN REVIEW: STAR WARS: THE MANDALORIAN (S2 – E5) CHAPTER 13 – The Jedi

Synopsis: In ‘The Jedi’. The Mandalorian journeys to a world ruled by a cruel magistrate who has made a powerful enemy.

The Story

Din Djarin and The Child journey to Corvis in their search for the Jedi known as Ahsoka Tano. Upon arriving they visit a township, which is being ruled by a cruel magistrate called Morgan Elsbeth. As soon as he steps foot in the town. Mando is approached by Elsbeth and hired to kill Ahsoka Tano.

Of course, Din Djarin makes out that he is on task in order to further his own goal of reuniting the child with his own people. As he gets close to Tano’s location he is suddenly attacked, but soon reassures his attacker that he is not a threat. Ahsoka hears Din Djarin out and agrees to commune with the child.

After some time passes. The former Jedi. Ahsoka Tano reveals that the child’s name is Grogu.  Additionally, she tells Din Djarin that Grogu was taken from the Jedi Temple on Coruscant during Darth Vader’s devastating attack.  She reveals that she cannot train Grogu because the child is full of fear…

The Acting

Rosario Dawson gets a brilliant introductory scene as Ahsoka Tano. Which only sets up what has been perhaps the most anticipated episode of this series to date. Added to this is the fact that Dawson’s intonation and delivery of Ahsoka’s dialogue are on a par with how the character was portrayed in the animated shows. Furthermore, her scenes with Din Jarin and baby Grogu were great fun.

Adding to all the excitement is the fact that Rosario Dawson wasn’t the only big-name guest star on this episode. Fans of the original ‘Terminator’ movie would have recognized Michael Biehn who played Morgan Elsbeth’s hired gun, Lang. Rounding out the guest stars was Diana Lee Inosanto who added just the right amount of menace to Morgan Elsbeth.

Overall

This latest episode included a ton of new information and references to other characters from the animated Star Wars universe. Additionally, we learn the child’s name, which is Grogu who clearly has a past. Furthermore, we also learn that Ahsoka Tano is looking for Grand Admiral Thrawn, which turns out to be the reason that she is on Corvis.

The addition of Thrawn to this ongoing story holds some interesting possibilities given that he outranks Moff Gideon, and was known for his strategic skills as one of the Empire’s most formidable leaders. The question remains. Will we see Thrawn come into the live-action universe on The Mandalorian. If he does. He will be an especially more dangerous enemy for Din Djarin to deal with, which would clearly add to his need for allies.

Overall. A great episode.