The fantasy/sci-fi television world is full of loveable single dads right now. Who could have thought that if you're looking for magical family dynamics you would have to steer away from standard sitcoms and enter a much more magical setting? Well, that's just what Netflix and Disney+ have put together and they seem to have hit their mark.
The Witcher (based on Polish novels by Andrzej Sapkowski) and The Mandalorian (based on the Star Wars universe created by George Lucas) have not only come up against each other as new fantasy programs looking for an audience but as two different versions of the single dad experience. Who does it better? Mando or Geralt? Let's find out.
Geralt - Never Gives Ciri Up
We know that Mando quickly returns to rescue Baby Yoda in episode three of The Mandalorian, but it is very hard not to hold the delay against him forever. Geralt, on the other hand, is all about keeping Ciri away from those who would do her harm once he meets her (and even before, once he hears she may be in danger). That definitely gives Geralt a few extra good dad points.
Even though fans have seen Mando and Baby Yoda interact more often than Ciri and Geralt it looks like Ciri and Gerald may start their relationship on their show on slightly more stable footing than the Bounty Hunter and the Child.
Mando - Wants What's Best For Baby Yoda
Sure, the first time Mando attempts to leave Baby Yoda behind it's a hot mess. Payment in beskar or no payment in beskar it doesn't take a genius to know that "the client" does not have Baby Yoda's best interests at heart. However, it is in the next episode, episode four, that Mando does try to leave Baby Yoda behind because he knows that's what would be best for him.
It's no real life for a kid to grow up with a bounty hunter (at least Mando thinks so). So he makes plans to leave Baby Yoda with Omera in her village with the other children and the blue shrimp. It's well-meaning for sure, and a sacrifice as we can tell Mando finally likes the kid.
Geralt - Trains Ciri
Spoiler alert for television viewers, but fans of the books know Geralt will take Ciri under his wing and return with her to the Witcher training stronghold of Kaer Morhen.
He doesn't only want to protect his "law of surprise" he wants her to be able to protect herself as well. That's how you can really tell good parenting from the problematic kind, a parent who doesn't only take care of their child but trains them to take care of themself once they are ready to leave the nest is the best kind. Bonus points to Geralt.
Mando - Builds Him a Car Seat
Safety first when it comes to little ones. After Mando loses Baby Yoda's original floating stroller after he turns the child over to the client, he later sets up a little holder in the passenger seat of the Razor Crest. Baby Yoda very easily climbs out of it to make trouble and steal shiny objects, but when the Razor Crest goes into a tight spin, Baby Yoda does not go flying around the cockpit either.
Major props for making the effort, and accepting the fact that, because of the other bounty hunters, Baby Yoda is going to need to stay around for a while.
Geralt - Destiny
Destiny is no joke, particularly in fantasy worlds. Characters usually find themselves particularly well suited for the tasks they are destined for. Geralt, being "destined" for Ciri certainly gives him a leg up in the caregiver position. Luckily he is aware of this destiny and can prepare for it, even going to look for Ciri after Cintra falls.
When you know you're going to end up taking care of a kid you can plan a little bit better, and at least consider your actions in advance. He may not know it yet, but being destined for Ciri will make Geralt particularly well suited for caring for her.
Mando - Feeding Time
Again, Geralt and Ciri haven't been seen together on screen quite as much as Mando and Baby Yoda but, Geralt's traveling lifestyle hasn't left him with quite as much sustenance on a regular basis as Mando seems to have. Though Mando may not be a fan of the child consuming live frogs, the first thing he does upon landing in episode four is take the kid to a cantina where he orders him some bone broth. (Sipping tea meme, anyone?)
Mando doesn't end up eating anything himself, but he makes sure that the kid in his care is fed as soon as possible.
Geralt - Long Life
Questions have already been raised about the difference in age between Baby Yoda and Mando. In fact, it's likely that Mando is younger than "the child" and will pass away long before Baby Yoda himself reaches maturity. Geralt, on the other hand, should he not be killed in battle, is likely to live centuries as a Witcher.
Having a long life ahead of him makes it possible for him to guarantee to be there for Ciri for many years to come. That would certainly be a comfort to any child and offers an advantage in the parenting department as well.
Mando - Doesn't Use Baby Yoda
Mando learns early on about Baby Yoda's special powers (the mud horn incident takes place in episode two) yet he is never the one to ask for help or depend on Baby Yoda for assistance. It is Greef Karga who asks for Baby Yoda's "magic hands" in the season one finale, not Mando.
Mando understands that no matter what Baby Yoda's powers are, he is the child, and Mando is the adult. It is up to him to take care of the foundling, not for the foundling to take care of him.
Geralt - The Hair
Ciri and Geralt both have very long blond/white hair. Whoever thought a dad and daughter could look so similar without sharing any genes? Well, Ciri and Geralt do, and that means that, as she trains to fight as he does, he will probably be able to help her style her hair in a way that won't hinder her in learning skills or in falling into unsavory situations. It's helpful to have something in common and to have skills to pass on that don't all have to do with murdering other people and beasts.
Mando - Clan of Two
Geralt may be Ciri's destiny, but it means a lot that Mando gets to make a choice to take Baby Yoda into his family. By accepting his signet of the mud horn, a beast he and Baby Yoda slew together, he is joining them officially as family.
This symbolic gesture is sweet and meaningful (even if it may take a few more years for Baby Yoda to fully appreciate it). Mando's acknowledging the connection and family he is making with his foundling makes him a good dad indeed.