TV Review: ‘The Mandalorian’ Season 3, Episode 4

After two seasons of treating Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) like a lone wolf in a western, The Mandalorian is starting to reintroduce him and its audience to Mandalorian society. The re-assimilation is also being done in two parts both with Bo-Katan Kryze (Katee Sackhoff) and Grogu. It’s truly starting to grow the characters towards a future storyline. What’s awesome is that it’s doing this while also not minimizing the action. In fact, the opposite is happening. Earlier seasons of the show downplayed action and special effects. But as the show has become more successful, there have been bigger set pieces to go along with the show’s expanding mythology.

This episode picks up where the previous one left off as Bo-Katan and Din become a part of the Watch. After Grogu wins a training duel, his opponent is snatched up by a large flying creature. A rescue party led by Bo-Katan tracks the creature back to its lair, and promptly rescue the child. Meanwhile, Grogu learns about the history of Mandalorian culture, which triggers a flashback to his escape from the Jedi Temple during Order 66.

Previously, a lot of the story was external and plot driven. Din had some sort of obstacle in his path that he had to overcome. This season, a lot of the story appears to be internal and character-driven; he is trying to reintegrate himself with his clan. Also, Bo-Katan is going through a similar transformation as she tries to carve a path for herself and the future of her people.  Grogu, meanwhile, is on the very long road of becoming a Mandalorian warrior himself. There’s sure to be villains and foes coming down the line, possibly even a return of Moff Gideon (Giancarlo Esposito). Until that time arises, though, it’s awesome to see the growth of this trio.

The Mandalorian streams Wednesdays on Disney+.