The Mandalorian S2E5 The Jedi

 

I'm very happy with the live action iteration of Dave Filoni's character, Ahsoka Tano. This is a character that has earned the fan's approval and adoration. 

The future of the franchise was once believed to rest in the hands of the son of sons but that hope now rests in Dave Filoni's vision thanks to the lack of vision of JJ Abrams and Rian Johnson. Sadly they killed the legacy of the Skywalker. 

For me the Skywalker saga ended with Episode VI. The future now belongs to Ahsoka Tano, Bo Katan, Ezra Bridger, Din D'jarin, Grand Admiral Thrawn, Moff Gideon and all the new and fascinating characters that truly enrich the galaxy far far away that so many find enjoyment in.

Welcome to the greatest fandom on earth Rosario Dawson! And congratulations Ashley for being the strongest believer in a REAL powerful female character!

When we took our first steps into this larger world back in 77 the story was small and simple but then when episode V came out the galaxy expanded and so did our imaginations as did the fandom. 

Here we are almost 44 years later and the same thing appears to be starting anew, we have a simple man trying to make his way in a lawless galaxy post Imperial control learning about himself and the galaxy around him. He's met friends to help him on his journey as well as nefarious villain's such as Moff Gideon as well. 

But as a wise Jedi Master once said, "there's always a bigger fish."

So here we are on the forest planet of Corvus, but don't get ideas of Endor in your head Corvus is more reminiscent to Mordor! The planet is covered in a thick smog and there is nothing but dead trees as far as the eye can see, and a convor for the eagle eyed viewer. 

Fortunately we didn't have to wait till the final moments of the episode to meet Ahsoka Tano, we are introduced to Anakin Skywalkers Padawan immediately and I will say my anticipation was higher than seeing TRoS. and I wasn't disappointed. Rosario Dawson did a good job, it took me a few minutes to process seeing a character I've only ever know in animation and voiced by Ashley Eckstien but as I said before they did a good job. 

So Mando arrives at Calodan and meets Morgan Elsbeth the Cities Magistrate who offers Din a reward for killing a Jedi, I love how Din didn't accept the job but didn't deny it either but got the info he needed to find Ahsoka. Way to keep both options open Mando!

So the two meet and the quickest fight between a "Jedi" and a Mandalorian occurs and we get a more fulfilling and well thought out dialog between Din and Ahsoka than anything said in the sequel trilogy. 

Din has found the Jedi that he has been seeking since the Armorer on Nevarro set him on his way. 

Ahsoka tests the child and not only do we get some back story that connects to the prequels we get his name, Growgu! 

But wait there's more!

Ahsoka tells Din she cannot take Growgu and begin to train him because of there attachment to one another (they complete each other), and his attachment to Din makes him vulnerable to his fears, she says she's seen what these feelings can do to a fully trained Jedi Knight (Not Master)...the best of us. She's obviously referring to Anakin. It's a great line because she speaks about someone she cares for and holds in such high regard; it reminds me of how Obi Wan spoke about Anakin in his hovel to Luke in Star Wars Ep. IV A New Hope. The ripple is still going....

So the two come to an arrangement that Din will help Ahsoka with the Magistrate if she helps get Growgu to someone who will properly train him.

The part timer and the Mando head back to Calodan and we get a showdown that would make George tear up! This fight is straight up Ctrl C, Ctrl V Kurasawa, and then we get a Ctrl C, Ctrl V Eastwood Spaghetti Western mixed in while Ahsoka is facing off against Morgan Elsbeth!  

But wait there's more!!

If all this wasn't enough we get another name drop! 

Grand Admiral Thrawn!!!!! 

Yes I know he's cannon again thanks to Rebels but now, now he's 100% fully realized! And with this a new pathway to undo the absolute atrocity that was done to Luke Skywalker can be undone with 1 simple vowel!!! U

This episode of The Mandalorian is a day that will be long remembered, the day a thousand cries were not lost on deaf ears!

See you on Tython! Looking forward to a great history lesson!

   

The Mandalorian S2E4 The Seige

Last nights episode could’ve been a filler, when Din and the Child divert to Nevarro....but it was anything but! Last weeks episode connected Din Djarin’s journey to the past when he met Bo Katan, this weeks episode connects to the ST when Mando, Greeve and Kara infiltrate an imperial base to destroy it to free Navarro from the last remnants of the Empire. The mission begins just like every other base infiltration in Star Wars but the team stumbles onto something unexpected via a holo message from Dr Pershing to Moff Gideon regarding results of a blood infusion from the child. In this scene we see  bodies suspended in Bacta tanks. Now I’ve only seen The Siege once but I swear it looked like Snoke!

I really didn’t get hyped at this possible connection like I did when Bo showed up last week. Personally 

I was totally on board with the rumor that Filoni and Faverau were working towards relegating the ST to a possible future via the use of the World Between Worlds introduced at the end of the Rebels series. 

I guess that rumor is out the window, but I have faith Filoni and Faverau can improve the ST by explaining some of the numerous unanswered questions left by the ST.

Now back to discussing good Star Wars.....for the second big reveal, what were those things Gideon was checking out at the end of the episode? I asked some friends and they think they’re Dark Troopers. And since they’re from a part of the EU (legends ) I’m not familiar with I’m very pleased how Dave has successfully incorporated so much from the EU like The Bendu, Grand Admiral Thrawn, Cob Vanth, and the Nohgri, I'm sure what ever they are they'll actually be used to enhance the story not not end up being nothing but a marketing ploy for toy sales.

This episode had some great low key fan service moments during the base infiltration from sound bytes to a great chase scene reminiscent to the trench run in A New Hope with a dash of speeder bike chase scene in RotJ! 

Kudo's to Carl Weathers for directing a solid episode full of  fan service, intrigue and new material to theorize over till next Friday. 

K/DA - VILLAIN ft. Madison Beer and Kim Petras Official Concept Video

Relinquish control. See just how dark your mind can go. Let Evelynn in. K/DA presents the official concept video for “VILLAIN” featuring Madison Beer and Kim Petras.

K/DA is a virtual music supergroup by Ahri, Evelynn, Akali, and Kai’Sa. Their first EP ALL OUT is available to stream now: https://ffm.to/kda-allout  

The Mandalorian S2E3 The Heiress

 S2E3 The Heiress was awesome! I’m a huge fan of Bo Katan! And Katie Sackoff playing her character she’s voiced in TCW & SWR is Awesome!!! And the name she drops at the end of the episode to Din Jaren... YES!!! Can’t wait to see her in live action! Bo’s armor looked absolutely fantastic! 

The inclusion of Bo Katan just blew the doors wide open to a larger world and has, in my opinion, integrated Din D'jarin’s story more successfully into George Lucas’ Star Wars than the ST did by thousands of parsecs. The Mandalorian has brought a new hope to many fans across the world. Keep up the great work Dave and John!
This show is the way!