The second-to-last episode of The Mandalorian Season 3 has arrived on Disney+. “Chapter 23: The Spies” follows our group of Mandalorians as they tackle a brand new enemy. Season 3 has been disappointing from a narrative perspective thus far, and whereas “Chapter 23” units issues again heading in the right direction, there’s nonetheless an extended approach to go. At this level, the chances are low for the season to wrap up satisfyingly, however this particular person episode brings the collection to a course correction that makes the whole lot that got here earlier than it just a bit bit extra significant.
Our episode begins with visuals that look proper out of Blade Runner 2049. The cinematography rivals that of Andor as we comply with Elia Kane (Katy O’Brian) speaking to a hologram of Moff Gideon (Giancarlo Esposito). This episode lastly marks the return of the present’s foremost antagonist. Season 3 has lacked a villainous presence, and although Gideon has develop into considerably stale, it’s pleasant to see an adversary come again to threaten the heroes personally. Gideon speaks to Imperial officers in a scene that ties into quite a lot of different Star Wars media. The episode hints on the return of Grand Admiral Thrawn, a villain from Star Wars Rebels who will play a task within the upcoming Ahsoka TV collection.
“Chapter 23” additionally options Normal Brendol Hux (Brian Gleeson), the daddy of Armitage Hux from the Star Wars sequel trilogy. Brendol Hux advocates for a clone military, which ties into what his son wished for the First Order. It’s fascinating to see the seeds of the subsequent period of Star Wars planted on this present. This ties naturally into Gideon’s plan to wipe out the remaining Mandalorians, because the officers chant, “Lengthy stay the Empire!” The episode ties collectively a couple of threads from earlier ones, like Greef Karga (Carl Weathers) turning the IG-11 into IG-12, which Grogu can manually function.
The Mandalorian Season 3 Episode 6 is “Chapter 22: Weapons for Rent,” a brand new installment that options Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal)…
Given it is a present referred to as The Mandalorian, it’s good to see it deal with the Mandalorians. Whereas they don’t stand out sufficient to be memorable past our foremost gamers, they’re enjoyable to observe — particularly through the motion sequences. The episode additionally explains how Moff Gideon claimed the Darksaber within the first place whereas giving a superb scene the place Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) vows to serve Bo-Katan Kryze (Katee Sackhoff) till her music is written. Though Djarin has develop into one of many much less thrilling components of the season, this second stands out.
The ultimate motion set piece is implausible. Though the emotional stakes are missing, it’s well-crafted, and seeing Imperials in jetpacks and beskar armor battling the Mandalorians is enjoyable. Gideon arrives in a Darkish Trooper go well with, nevertheless it feels prefer it’s slightly too late to usher in this villain. Season 3 appears like a bridge to the extra thrilling Season 4, however the whole lot occurring now must be stronger. We now have Gideon fairly actually doing an evil monologue when he comes face-to-face with Djarin, although it’s good to see the stakes construct as Djarin is taken captive.
“Chapter 23” ends with Paz Vizsla (Tait Fletcher) sacrificing himself to save lots of the Mandalorians. He’s stabbed by Praetorian guards, who look like a predecessor to the Elite Praetorian guards from Star Wars: The Final Jedi. Sadly, his dying doesn’t have the emotional weight it might have, because the present doesn’t lean sufficient into the truth that Vizsla is a father whose son will develop up with out him. Finally, the episode is a step up from the earlier one, nevertheless it nonetheless options the identical points the remainder of the season has. All I can say is that I sincerely hope this season gives one hell of a finale.
SCORE: 6/10
As ComingSoon’s evaluation coverage explains, a rating of 6 equates to “First rate.” It fails to achieve its full potential and is a run-of-the-mill expertise.