Warning! This article contains SPOILERS for The Mandalorian season 3, episode 3.The Mandalorian season 3, episode 3 "Chapter 19: The Convert" ended with several major character changes, some of which may explain what's to come throughout the rest of the season. From Pedro Pascal's Din Djarin and Katee Sackhoff's Bo-Katan Kryze returning to Kalevala, to the political intrigue on Coruscant, the episode featured a great deal of development for the main characters and the season's overarching plot. The ending even suggested that season 3's story won't be what it was initially set up as, going in a different direction entirely. This will not only answer lingering questions from the first two seasons, but potentially tie in to other Star Wars media, too.
Past episodes of The Mandalorian prominently featured the Imperial Remnant, which offered a glimpse at a galaxy recovering from the Empire and struggling to maintain the New Republic. The Mandalorian took this a step further by primarily focusing on Omid Abtahi's Dr. Pershing in season 3, episode 3, who found himself caught in the middle of both these struggles. Bo-Katan similarly saw herself wrapped in conflicting identities, being welcomed into the Children of the Watch despite never having embraced the Way. The fates of these characters going forward will shape how The Mandalorian's story plays out in season 3.
Why Officer Kane Betrayed Dr. Pershing
While New Republic Officer Elia Kane (Katy M. O'Brian) presented herself as Dr. Pershing's ally, she was really just manipulating him into being brainwashed. Pershing ended up having his brain flayed by Kane, meaning he'll be reprogrammed with total loyalty to whatever she has planned for him. This is most likely to continue his secret cloning project for the Imperial Remnant, which may be connected to Palpatine and Snoke. The music accompanying this scene is evocative of the Sith, strongly supporting this theory, but either way, Kane has succeeded in setting up Dr. Pershing to continue his work.
What Din Djarin Being Redeemed Means For The Mandalorian
Din Djarin redeeming himself in the eyes of his clan means that his story may not be heading in the direction that some had assumed. The Mandalorian season 2 focused heavily on Din expanding his views on what it means to be a Mandalorian, and to wear Mandalorian armor without swearing the Creed. He even reached the point of removing his helmet willingly, representing how he had peeled back his rigid exterior to reveal the gentler man underneath. However, Din Djarin swore not to remove his helmet once again, and after being in exile for so long, he will likely be more committed to the creed than ever.
There are several ways that this development can affect Din and the other characters, for good and bad. The biggest advantage for Din is having the support of his fellow Mandalorians again, who could help him and Bo-Katan retake Mandalore and fight the Imperial Remnant. Since Din has no pressing business elsewhere, at least for the moment, the series could take the opportunity to actually show him living among his people for a change. Of course, this may create a rift between Din Djarin and Grogu, the reason he took off his helmet and the first place, and Bo-Katan may not be ready to follow him in embracing the way.
Is Bo-Katan Truly Joining The Children Of The Watch?
Bo-Katan was offered a place among the Children of the Watch, and while she didn't outright refuse, it's unclear whether she will truly join them. Embracing a completely new sect with a strict Creed would be difficult for any Mandalorian, especially one like Bo-Katan who viewed them as a cult for so long. The Children of the Watch may have difficulty accepting her anyway, since many Mandalorians blame her for the destruction of Mandalore. She would face many challenges in trying to convince those who doubt her, especially the devout Paz Vizsla, who viewed her as an apostate and also desires the Darksaber.
On the other hand, there would be several advantages to joining the Children of the Watch - at least temporarily. Bo-Katan remains short on allies after failing to win the Darksaber from Moff Gideon, so embracing the Way of the Mandalore could help win the Children of the Watch over to her cause. It would also be a chance to learn about the culture Din Djarin grew up in, since his faith and persistence earned her respect back on Mandalore. Bo-Katan was also a member of another group that held on to Mandalore's past, the Mandalorian Death Watch, so the Children of the Watch could cause her past self to resurface.
What Bo-Katan Lying About The Mythosaur Means After Episode 3's Ending
Bo-Katan chose not to tell Din Djarin about the Mythosaur, which hits a bit differently after the end of the episode. The Mythosaur being alive would be a very big deal for the Mandalorians, so it makes sense that she would keep it secret until she can fully process the information. At the same time, honesty is a key tenant among the Children of the Watch, and learning that Bo-Katan kept a secret like that could cause trouble if she does join them. However, if Bo-Katan were to keep the legendary Mythosaur's existence a secret, she could tame it before anyone else, increasing her chances of being accepted as Mandalore's ruler.
The Mandalorian Season 3, Episode 3 Sets Up Its Real Stories
While The Mandalorian season 3 seemed to be going in one direction, season 3, episode 3 indicates that the real story has only just been revealed. It's no longer just Din Djarin's personal journey, but rather a unification of the Mandalorians, in which Bo-Katan will play a key role. With the return of Dr. Pershing and the Imperial Remnant's cloning project, this means they'll likely be the main villains once again, with Moff Gideon potentially returning to lead them. The Mandalorian may connect with Ahsoka by introducing Grand Admiral Thrawn, who would make a fantastic villain if season 3 were his live-action debut.
The Mandalorian season 3 could also tie into the sequel trilogy if the cloning project is related to Palpatine or Snoke. The show is already helping to bridge the gap between Return of the Jedi and Star Wars: The Force Awakens, from the shortcomings of the New Republic to the Imperial Remnant that will likely grow into the First Order. Tying in to Palpatine's clones could answer pressing questions and make the sequel era feel more cohesive overall. Season 3, episode 3's ending leaves many possibilities open, all of which could lead to a completely different story for The Mandalorian season 3 than what was originally expected.
New episodes of The Mandalorian release Wednesdays on Disney+.