Introduction
Man I can’t wait for the next series of The Mandalorian to finally drop in February. It’s going to be a great late Christmas present and also it’s just a fantastic series to binge. If you need any reason to watch The Mandalorian then maybe it should be for Pedro Pascal or just for Baby Yoda who is one of the cutest things in the world. Oh also SPOILERS ahead. So without further ado let’s get into some history about the show.
History
The Mandalorian first debuted on Disney+ in 2019 and is currently going into its 3rd season which is due to release this February. The show follows the titular Mandalorian, played brilliantly by Pedro Pascal, as he journeys across the galaxy to find the single cutest thing in the galaxy: Grogu or more commonly known as Baby Yoda. Along the way, the Mandalorian encounters numerous iconic Star Wars characters who attempt to stand between him and his bounty and reward. Oh and also the fact that former (?) WWE wrestler Sasha Banks is in the series makes it even better. The Mandalorian received very positive reviews from fans and critics alike and it probably still stands as one of the best Disney+ exclusive shows. This is because of its casts, performances and beautiful sets which all help bring the audience back into the world of Star Wars, post Return of the Jedi. So without further ado, let’s get into the best episodes of the Mandalorian.
Best Mandalorian Episodes – Top Ten
10. Chapter 10: The Passenger (S2, E2)
Kicking off the list of the best episodes of the Mandalorian is The Passenger. Now this episode starts off fine enough with the Mandalorian tasked to deliver a frog lady and her eggs to the planet Trask. However, on the way he crash lands on an ice planet due to the arrival of two X-Wings. This sets up a tense moment where it looks like the Mandalorian won’t make it to Trask with the eggs. Also, kudos to this episode for paying off the consequences from a Season One episode somewhere on this list……
9. Chapter 12: The Siege (S2, E4)
Now the planet Nevarro is obviously incredibly important to the series as demonstrated by this episode. Here, the Mandalorian returns to Nevarro to repair his battered ship and help his allies, Dune and Karga, take out an Imperial base. After an epic fight scene involving speedbikes, Stormtroopers and TIE fighters the Mandalorian and his allies take the base out. However, just as the episode seems to end on a high with the Mandalorian and Grogu flying off to Corvus, an Imperial spy is revealed to have planted a bug on the ship. I know quite frankly who would have seen that coming?
8. Chapter 14: The Tragedy (S2, E6)
Now this entry acts as a spoiler for a later entry but still this is just a joy to witness. After taking Grogu to an ancient temple on Tython, who should arrive but Fennac Shand? Oh and I suppose Boba Fett’s also there but I’m sure you haven’t heard of him….. After reclaiming his father’s armour from the Mandalorian, Shand and Fett help him repel an Stormtrooper attack but are unable to stop Grogu being captured. All this culminates in Shand, Fett and the Mandalorian agreeing to work together in order to rescue Grogu. There is just something so brilliant about this episode which just gets your nostalgia going……
7. Chapter 11: The Heiress (S2, E3)
Now this episode sees a whole bunch of Mandalorians attempting to raid an Imperial ship for weapons. That’s already a good start…. After being rescued by Bo-Katan Kryze, the Mandalorian agrees to assist her and her troops in the raid. Oh and there’s a lovely appearance by Sasha Banks or Mercedes Mone as Koska Reeves, one of Bo-Katan’s troops. Here, he learns that shockingly she has an alternative reason for wanting the raid to happen. After saving the ship from crashing, Bo-Katan points the Mandalorian in the direction of a certain Jedi on Corvus, who may feature later in the list. Another really solid episode overall…..
6. Chapter 13: The Jedi (S2, E5)
Ahh yes what good Star Wars related media would be complete without at least some Jedi’s? So when the Mandalorian and Grogu arrive on the planet of Corvus and find the planet living in fear of its governor something is clearly wrong. Oh did I forget to mention this episode also features Rosario Dawson as Ahsoka? I say this because despite the governor’s best efforts she and the Mandalorian team up and finally topple her. This obviously sets up the events of Episode 6 and also provides a great platform for Rosario Dawson to continue to be brilliant so that’s always great.
Best Mandalorian Episodes – Top 5
5. Chapter 6: The Prisoner (S1, E6)
So who is the titular prisoner referring to? Well it all starts when the Mandalorian reaches out to former partner, Ran Malek, for work and gets given a place on a 5 man mission. Here, they are given the order to free Qin, a prisoner of the New Republic. All seems to be going to plan until naturally the rest of the team learn the Mandalorian has Grogu and definitely don’t double cross him. Now I’m being sarcastic but still this twist really shows how untrustworthy just about everyone the Mandalorian are. Oh and also Richard Ayoade voices an assassin knife bot which is just phenomenal casting.
4. Chapter 9: The Marshal (S2, E1)
Remember when I mentioned the interconnectivity of the Mandalorian? Well there may be a certain famous Star Wars bounty hunter in this episode….. Oh and also it sees The Mandalorian recruiting Tusken Raiders and Cobb Vanth to fight, checks notes……. a dragon. Now that is how you open a series up to engage the audience. Have a bounty hunter fight a space dragon on Tatooine. This episode also acts as a great follow up to Season 1 whilst also capitalising on the hype for the second season.
Best Mandalorian Episodes – Top Three
3. Chapter 1: The Mandalorian (S1, E1)
I mean it only feels right to finally talk about the first episode of the Mandalorian as it’s just a great episode in its own right. Now as the best opening episodes of a show should it quickly immerses us in the world of the titular character. Here he is seen taking an under the table deal to safely retrieve a 50 year old target for a lot of money. This episode is full of some fantastic sets and more importantly some lovely fight sequences. Oh and just Pedro Pascal being the absolute best all the time.
2. Chapter 7: The Reckoning (S1, E7)
Who doesn’t love a good double cross in a Western? Well yes the Mandalorian is technically a space western but still the point stands. Anyway, sensing a trap the Mandalorian recruits backup in the form of Dune and Kuill, two more bounty hunters. And you’ll never guess what. It turns out that the suspicious offer from a friend turns out to be a trap. Insert Admiral Ackbar meme here….. Either way this episode sets the stage for the finale and is another great example of how the interconnected nature of the show really benefits later episodes.
Best Mandalorian Episode
1. Chapter 8: Redemption (S1, E8)
And the best episode of the Mandalorian is….. Redemption. So what makes the Series 1 finale so good? Well because it finally seems the Mandalorian and his team have hit a dead end when it comes to protecting and delivering Grogu. However, with the heroic intervention of IG-11, voiced by Taika Waititi, the Mandalorian is able to escape with Grogu and shoot down a TIE fighter in order to escape. This nicely sets up the Season 2 premiere and also acts as an excellent season finale. Oh also Pedro Pascal is typically brilliant again though that’s to be expected by this point.
