Expectations were always going to be high for The Mandalorian, both the first live action Star Wars series and one of Disney+'s first originals. But no one could have anticipated the way that fans all around the world have absolutely flocked to the adorable relationship between the series' main character, The Mandalorian aka Din Djarin, and his adorable charge, Baby Yoda aka The Child.
Though these two have only been together for a very short period of time across the series' first season, it's clear that they make a perfect team - and a perfect family, too. We're looking back at the best moments to come from their time together so far, including some absolutely adorable and hilarious ones.
Mando and Baby Yoda meet
It may have only been the series' first episode, but its closing moments changed the world of The Mandalorian forever. Accompanied by droid IG-11, Mando finally meets the bounty he has been sent to collect: none other than Baby Yoda himself. Between Din's awestruck words, the baby's searching and wide eyes, and the adorable way they reach out to one another, it was clear that these two were an iconic duo in the making.
Baby Yoda is ready to eat
Baby Yoda doesn't shy away from his need to eat, given the way he shoves any kind of space frog into his mouth as soon as he is near one. But one of his cutest food-related moments comes when the Mandalorian gives him the total baby pampering treatment, placing him up in a raised highchair style seat and ordering some bone broth for the little one to enjoy as he discusses business matters.
Mando gives Baby Yoda his pendant
No matter how hard he may have tried all season long, the Mandalorian couldn't help but become emotionally attached to the adorable tiny alien in his care.
This is made abundantly clear in the end of the first season's finale, when he finds the young Baby Yoda essentially teething on his Mandalorian pendant. Rather than try to get The Child to let go of it, Din instead lovingly allows the baby to keep it.
Mando gives Baby Yoda his ball
Like any curious baby, Baby Yoda is known for getting into places he really shouldn't, and making mischief and trouble wherever he can. Take, for example, the adorable series of exchanges between the Mandalorian and the baby in the cabin of the Razor Crest. When the baby becomes fixated on the shiny ball atop one of the gear shifts of the ship, the Mandalorian repeatedly tries to get him to leave it alone. But in the end, like a loving but tired father, Mando caves in, handing the little alien his desired toy.
Mando comes back to save Baby Yoda
As hard as it may be to think about, Baby Yoda was just meant to be like any other job for the Mandalorian: a bounty which held a hefty price, and would supply him with much desired Mandalorian Beskar. After handing the bounty of The Child over to The Client, however, Mando has a real change of heart and risks it all to fight his way back in and save the baby from those who wish to do him harm.
Baby Yoda saves Mando from the Mudhorn
Mando isn't the only one who does some saving, however. Not long after this unlikely pair become attached to one another, Baby Yoda puts on an incredible display of The Force, saving his new quasi-father from a fearsome beast known as Mudhorn.
The tiny alien lifts the large creature through his sheer strength, saving the Mandalorian and allowing him to carry on the task at hand, in order to win the Jawas' favor.
Baby Yoda presses Mando's buttons
Baby Yoda doesn't just have an eye for the shiny balls atop the parts of the Razor Crest's steering system. He also loves to push buttons - both literally, and figuratively. While the two are journeying through space, Baby Yoda starts pressing random buttons on the console, even as Mando tells him repeatedly not to do so. But Baby Yoda is giddy, and mischievous, and can't be stopped until Mando picks him up and physically moves him away from the buttons that have caught his attention.
Baby Yoda wants to come along
As should be clear by now, Baby Yoda has a real tendency to not do what he's told - and look absolutely adorable while doing so. In the series' fourth episode, Mando and the baby visit the planet Sorgan. When they arrive, Mando tries to convince The Child to stay behind on the Razor Crest and stay safe. Though The Child seemingly agrees, as soon as the Mandalorian opens the ship's door, the baby is standing right beside him, cooing and gazing up at him with warm eyes. And naturally, Mando gives in again.
"A clan of two"
The character of the Armorer is one who is shrouded in mystery, but she nevertheless plays a pivotal role in the series' first season finale. She informs the Mandalorian, officially and in line with the official code of Mandalore, that he is now to serve as Baby Yoda's father, until he is returned to the planet he comes from. Further, he and The Child are now "a clan of two," which informs the creation of his signet: a Mudhorn.
"Or maybe it'll take care of you"
Din Djarin takes care of Baby Yoda for the entire first season of The Mandalorian, but it's Greef Karga's observation that perhaps The Child is the one really taking care of the bounty hunter that touches our hearts the most. That, coupled with the baby earnestly reaching to be picked up and hugged by his newly declared father, makes for a picture perfect moment between these two.