Disney+'s hit Star Wars TV series The Mandalorian has revitalized the Star Wars universe, and although it's only two seasons and sixteen episodes deep so far, critics and viewers alike have lauded this nearly flawless show.
It says a lot about the series quality that "The Gunslinger," it's lowest rated episode according to IMDb, still sits at a respectable 7.6 rating (although most episodes rank at at least a full point higher than that), and it's even more impressive that it's highest rated episode, "The Rescue," scores a 9.8 rating. However, there are plenty of things that "The Gunslinger" did right, and that "The Rescue" did wrong.
Wrong: Conveniently Timing The Rescue
Yes, Luke Skywalker is powerful in the Force, and thus has a lot of access to abilities that normal humans can't even fathom.
However, the fact that he shows up just in the nick of time when Mando, baby Yoda, and the entire squad are about to be demolished by a nearly indestructible squad of Dark troopers just seems too convenient to believe.
Right: Gave A Classic Star Wars Opening
One way in which The Mandalorian has never failed is that it manages to capture and recreate everything that made Star Wars so compelling. And despite being the lowest rated episode, "The Gunslinger" for the most part is no different.
Opening the episode with Mando and Grogu in the middle of an epic space chase scene really hearkened back to some of the iconic and memorable Star Wars cinematic openings as well.
Wrong: Letting Din Defeat Moff Gideon
The showdown between Moff Gideon and Din was a long time coming, and it makes a lot of sense that it would be a huge aspect of the season finale.
However, where the battle fell a little flat was that Din defeated Gideon and took the Darksaber, which was a twist that seemed more like a plot device designed to put Mando in an awkward situation than felt like a natural part of the story.
Right: Introducing Amy Sedaris
The Mandalorian is clearly a show about a lone wolf and his ward, but the show does also introduce it's fair share of recurring characters who come and go. And one of the best of them is introduced in "The Gunslinger" in the form of Peli Motto.
Peli is an interesting enough character in her own right, however the casting for her character is perfection, as Amy Sedaris is one of the most brilliant comedic actresses working today.
Wrong: Making Din King Mandalorian
Putting Din into a position of great importance within the world of Mandalorians does make some sense, but the way it actually came about just seems too easy and too absurd.
The fact that Mando had to win one fight and take possession of a weapon in order to win the Mandalorian throne, and that he managed to do so without even realizing what he was doing at the time, really stretches the bounds of believability.
Right: Returning To Tatooine
Although Tatooine is a Star Wars location that has been used many times over (and it's one that The Mandalorian should not overuse it in the future), it is a fantastic setting for the episode for many reasons.
Of course there is the fact that nothing is more classic Star Wars than Tatooine, but it also works well because the audience is super familiar with it, so any changes that it goes through (like Stormtroopers' heads being on display in public, for instance) can easily tell the audience what the current status of the galaxy is.
Wrong: Leaving Grogu Behind
Din saying goodbye to Grogu was undoubtedly the most heartbreaking moment of the series so far. And while it seems like a foregone conclusion that they will meet again (hopefully sooner rather than later), letting Grogu go fundamentally alters the foundation of the series in a way that no fan actually wants to see it change.
Keeping this found family together is really the heart of the story, and separating these two was a mistake.
Right: Giving Baby Yoda Friends
While nothing can ever beat the bond between Din Djarin and Grogu, it is nice to see the littlest Yoda get some social interaction outside of Mando.
Also, Din isn't particularly emotionally expressive even on the very rare occasions that he's without his helmet, so letting a character like Peli fawn over the adorableness of Grogu makes it feel like characters within the Star Wars universe are finally appreciating baby Yoda as much as the audience does.
Wrong: Using Luke Skywalker For Shock Value
The revelation of Luke Skywalker at the conclusion of The Mandalorian's season 2 finale was the most epic moment in the series so far, and brought many long-time Star Wars fans to literal tears.
However, one of the major strengths of The Mandalorian thus far has been that while it is full of classic Star Wars references, it doesn't rely on them. Viewers who know nothing about Star Wars can still enjoy the series, but the thrill of Luke's appearance relies solely on the audience recognizing Luke Skywalker and knowing his importance.
Right: Embracing The Space Western
Despite taking place in space, it's obvious that The Mandalorian draws a lot of inspiration from classic Westerns.
And although "The Gunslinger" is the show's lowest rated episode by a decent margin, it also feels like an episode that very clearly embraces the fundamental genre concept driving the series. Even if the episode's story doesn't lead much of anywhere, it really feels like watching an old-school Western with a twist.