Warning: The following contains SPOILERS for The Mandalorian.

Moff Gideon finally makes his debut in The Mandalorian episode 7 and reveals that he's the true villain of the show's first season. The character is played by Giancarlo Esposito, who many fans will recognize as Breaking Bad's most memorable villain, Gus Fring. The episode, titled "The Reckoning," was directed by Deborah Chow and serves as the penultimate chapter for season 1.

After much patience, fans are getting their first look at Moff Gideon, the leader of his own remnant Imperial forces. The name "Moff" is actually a title given to Governors of the Galactic Empire. The rank wore a specific insignia on their uniform featuring ten colored squares. The highest-ranking Moff or "Grand Moff" was Wilhuff Tarkin in Star Wars canon.

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Prior to attaining the rank of Moff, Gideon served as a soldier in the Galactic Empire. He quickly joined the ranks and became a marshall, leading his own territory. Upon his promotion to Moff, the leader acquired his own platoon of stormtroopers, death troopers, and scout troopers. He also had the power to pull the strings, forcing the Client and Dr. Pershing into finding Baby Yoda. For this, he rises as The Mandalorian's primary antagonist.

Moff Gideon In The Mandalorian Season 1

The Mandalorian Death Troopers

Esposito makes his official Star Wars debut in the penultimate episode of The Mandalorian season 1, despite being indirectly referenced in episode 3. After arriving at the cantina, Greef Karga acts as though he is holding Mando captive with Cara Dune and the Child also in tow. Before Mando and his team can carry out their real mission, Gideon contacts the Client, revealing that Baby Yoda is not in their custody. A team of death troopers then open fire on the cantina, killing the Client and his stormtroopers while keeping Mando, Karga, and Cara trapped inside.

Gideon then arrives on Nevarro in his Outland TIE fighter and stands among his platoon of troopers. The man in great power then proclaims to Mando and his team that they have something he wants before adding "it means more to me than you will ever know.” The thing he was referring to was Baby Yoda. During the subsequent sequence of events, a pair of scout troopers set out to find Kuiil. They manage to take him out before the Ugnaught makes it to the ship. Even more troubling is the fact that the troopers successfully intercept the Child. Gideon will most definitely be involved in The Mandalorian season 1 finale as Mando fights to get back Baby Yoda.

Why Does Moff Gideon Want Baby Yoda?

It is never made clear why Gideon wants Baby Yoda, but it's likely that his motivations will be revealed in the season finale or in the follow-up season. The Imperial Remnant is planning something big and the fact that Gideon is leading a large group of forces proves that he still contains power. Considering Gideon put so much effort into acquiring the "asset," it means that Baby Yoda's existence is crucial in the Empire's plans. It has been highly speculated that The Mandalorian will focus on the early stages of the First Order's development and it's possible that Baby Yoda has something to do with those plans.

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Has Moff Gideon Been In Star Wars Before?

The Mandalorian Moff Gideon traps Din and the heroes in Season 1 Episode 7

Moff Gideon himself has never appeared in Star Wars prior to his introduction in The Mandalorian episode 7. That's not to say he won't become a memorable villain. With a universe so expansive, it's difficult to keep track of all the ongoings throughout the galaxy. Following the fall of the Empire, remnants of the Imperial forces hid out in the Unknown Regions. In order to rise back to power, figures in power like Gideon felt it necessary to remain in the shadows. His prominence in Star Wars seemingly coincides with The Mandalorian's timeline, explaining why he hasn't appeared prior to the Disney+ series. Gideon's presence in the galaxy, however, has the chance to go beyond the small-screen.

Next: Star Wars: What Happened To The Mandalorians & Their World

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