The Mandalorian is a hugely popular Star Wars series. Some feel it lost its original focus and direction in season 3. The groundbreaking program is the first live-action Star Wars series, beginning five years after the events of Return of the Jedi (1983), and stars Pedro Pascal as the eponymous character, a lone bounty hunter who goes on the run to safeguard the Force-sensitive toddler Grogu. Over the last few years the show has been controversial. But season three left fans divided and confused by the show’s direction.
Rumors have been spinning that the show is being canceled. But creator Jon Favreau confirmed that season four of The Mandalorian has been written and is waiting for the writers strike to end before heading for production.
The third season of the Mandalorian has had big highs and deep lows so here’s our definitive ranking of the seasons episodes from the absolute worst to the very best.
9. The Mandalorian – Chapter 24: The Return
Directed by Rick Famuyiwa and written by Jon Favreau
Season: 3, Episode: 8
Airdate: April 19, 2023
Official Summary: The Mandalorian and his allies confront their enemies.
The Mandalorian’s Season 3 finale lacks resolution and thematic work, focusing on moving characters around and needlessly resetting their character development. The uneven third season and choppy writing have shortchanged the live-action development of Bo-Katan’s mythology.
The season’s finale was an embarrassing and sloppy conclusion. Because the show lost its way, with a focus on its destination and a lack of enjoyment in the journey. But there were a few bright spots along the way.
8. The Mandalorian – Chapter 22: Guns for Hire
Directed by Bryce Dallas Howard and written by Jon Favreau
Season: 3, Episode: 6
Airdate: April 05, 2023
Official Summary: The Mandalorian visits an opulent world.
The sixth episode of ‘The Mandalorian’ Season 3 is a distracting episode with confusing guest stars like Jack Black, Lizzo and Christopher Lloyd. The show brings us closer to a resolution but sacrifices the space spaghetti western vibe. The writers crafted an empty story that adds nothing to the longer story arc and is as far away from the space western feel we’ve come to know and love. There’s a chase scene that involves a dull, underdeveloped detour that culminates in an ostensibly big moment that falls flat.
“Guns for Hire” moves at a slow pace and is a frivolous romp. But it does expand the galaxy’s mythos and allows Din and Bo-Katan to tag-team for a sci-fi mystery. All this couldn’t save an episode so bad that it inspired backlash from fans calling it a the show’s most goofy, commercialized filler episodes to date.
7. The Mandalorian – Chapter 19: The Convert
Directed by Lee Isaac Chung and written by Noah Kloor & Jon Favreau
Season: 3, Episode: 3
Airdate: March 15, 2023
Official Summary: On Coruscant, former Imperials find amnesty in the New Republic.
“The Convert” detours from its initial trajectory, focusing on Coruscant’s personal struggles and the Outer Rim’s consequences. Lee Isaac Chung, who scored an Oscar nomination for Minari, does a good job directing an episode that explores a dichotomy between those who accept and reject their new life.
The Mandalorian’s minor character, Dr. Pershing, is sympathetically portrayed by Omid Abtahi, but he has no long-term impact on the season. The show’s focus on Star Wars-related minutia makes it an exciting television show. Unfortunately the last thing season three needed is to focus on a minor character from season one.
6. The Mandalorian – Chapter 17: The Apostate
Directed by Rick Famuyiwa and written by Jon Favreau
Season: 3, Episode: 1
Airdate: March 01, 2023
Official Summary: The Mandalorian begins an important journey.
The Mandalorian’s season three premiere lacked excitement and has a slow start and lack of urgency. Because they moved the emotional reunion between Grogu and Din Djarin onto another show it weakens the core of the series.
The first two episodes barely make sense, with only occasional sparks from the splendid visuals. The show’s lack of excitement and groundbreaking elements make it a weak start to the season. However chapter 17 provided a solid foundation for the next portion of the story.
5. The Mandalorian – Chapter 23: The Spies
Directed by Rick Famuyiwa and written by Jon Favreau & Dave Filoni
Season: 3, Episode: 7
Airdate: April 12, 2023
Official Summary: Survivors come out of hiding.
Mandalorian writers revisit the principle of unity against fascism, focusing on the individual’s decision to unite against the darkness. But the show’s direction has been inert, with plot threads dropping and resolving.
The Armorer (Emily Swallow) has now tasked Bo-Katan with reuniting Mandalorian factions and reclaiming their home world. We still haven’t seen more from Grogu’s flashbacks with Kelleran Beq during Order 66, which ended on a cliffhanger. Basically, they dropped the storyline from the show. But it might come back in a book or comic or the upcoming movies.
4. The Mandalorian – Chapter 23: The Spies
Directed by Rick Famuyiwa and written by Jon Favreau & Dave Filoni
Season: 3, Episode: 7
Airdate: April 12, 2023
Official Summary: Survivors come out of hiding.
There is some shakiness when The Mandalorian reintroduces an overarching threat after a period of indecision, but “The Spies” succeeds in preparing this season for an impactful conclusion. Episode seven of The Mandalorian is very good but I started getting whiplash. It’s as though the tone of the show reverses every other episode. Although ” The Spies” restored my faith in the series potential.
Rick Famuyiwa returns to direct the episode, while Dave Filoni and Jon Favreau pen one of their better screenplays of the season. This season was a letdown in compared to the prior two. However, this episode changed the course of the season in a good way.
3. The Mandalorian – Chapter 20: The Foundling
Directed by Carl Weathers and written by Jon Favreau & Dave Filoni
Season: 3, Episode: 4
Airdate: March 22, 2023
Official Summary: Din Djarin returns to the hidden Mandalorian covert.
The Mandalorian is a simple show that excels when it remembers the formula of fights and flights, with clear-cut problems to solve each week. While Baby Yoda is an adorable character the action and fights with the dragon-like creature are not enough to make it interesting.
The fourth episode of the season eventually comes alive in bursts but often feels muddied and diluted by its own structure. The show continues Bo-Katan’s journey for discovery. Meanwhile Grogu must examine his past to embrace his future. Both characters are lost in their paths after decades of survival, but with Din, they may have found their path. Surprisingly this episode is refreshing. It feels fast and fun when compared to long and drawn-out episodes like “The Convert”.
2. The Mandalorian – Chapter 18: The Mines of Mandalore
Directed by Rachel Morrison and written by Jon Favreau
Season: 3, Episode: 2
Airdate: March 08, 2023
Official Summary: The Mandalorian and Grogu explore the ruins of a destroyed planet.
“The Mines of Mandalore” is a straightforward and engaging episode of The Mandalorian, thanks to Katee Sackhoff’s charisma and strong screen presence. It’s a surprisingly productive episode, with a heavy reliance on Grogu to keep audiences engaged. A misdirection from Peli Motto starts the episode. It ends with Mando and Grogu heading to Mandalore with Peli’s R5 astromech droid as their replacement canary.
The second episode also shows how the Watch’s stricter Creed isn’t always bad, with Din’s commitment to his beliefs eroded by Bo’s emotional armor. Mando and Bo-Katan teaming up to reunite the Mandalorian diaspora and reclaim the planet led to a promising direction for the season and the series.
1. The Mandalorian – Chapter 21: The Pirate
Directed by Peter Ramsey and written by Jon Favreau
Season: 3, Episode: 5
Airdate: March 29, 2023
Official Summary: The people of Nevarro need protection from rampant pirate attacks.
“The Pirate” has an ambitious plot and themes, with a satisfying episode featuring thrilling battle scenes and narrative developments. Director Peter Ramsay delivers the best episode of the season, focusing on the space pirate subplot.
The show explores Din’s character, highlighting his power and balancing various other aspects perfectly. The episode showcases the show’s ability to navigate complex themes and characters with admirable skill.
What did you think of season three of The Mandalorian? Which is your favorite episode? Which did you hate? Are you looking forward to next year?
<span class="dsq-postid" data-dsqidentifier="43642 https://www.thegeektwins.com/?p=43642">2 Comments
I think I liked the season and especially the last episode a little better. I would agree that the Hired Guns and The Convert were pretty weak.
There are some high points in the season but it’s ben very divisive.