The Mandalorian is one of the most popular shows on Disney+, and it’s easy to see why. The combination of action, adventure, and storytelling has captured the hearts of fans around the world. The latest episode of The Mandalorian Season 3, Episode 6 is no exception. In this article, we’ll be reviewing the latest installment and diving deep into what makes it both thrilling and satisfying. From the new characters to the action-packed storyline, there’s a lot to unpack in this episode. So, let’s jump in and find out what makes The Mandalorian Season 3, Episode 6 so special.
The Mandalorian takes a detour in episode six of season three as Din Djarin and Grogu join forces with Bo-Katan Kryze to retrieve her stolen Imperial Fleet from Axe Woves on planet Plazir-15. However, upon arrival, they become embroiled in solving an underdeveloped mystery involving an array of guest stars. Despite its light-hearted approach, the episode struggles to find direction — much like the series as a whole at this point.
The episode opens with a self-contained short story featuring clever set design and strong creature work. The captain of a Quarren merchant ship offers bribes to a warlord she has come across before deftly talking her way out of trouble. However, the Mandalorians have been hired to stop her from meeting with a Mon Calamari prince. Their subsequent embrace demonstrates the excellent details of the costumes. The shot showing the size of Axe Woves’ Star Destroyer compared to the Quarren merchant ship is evocative of the opening of A New Hope, driving home the Imperial vessels’ domination of other ships in space.
The tone remains whimsical throughout as Din and Bo-Katan attempt to make contact with Axe Woves only to be interrupted by the rulers of Plazir-15, the Duchess (Lizzo) and Captain Bombardier (Jack Black). The planet operates as a direct democracy where the people have chosen an ancestral noble and her ex-Imperial husband, who have used a workforce of former Separatist and Imperial droids and hired the Mandalorians for protection. The contrast between Din and Bo-Katan as the former bounty hunter prioritizes cutting straight to the chase with plenty of violence and the princess prefers diplomacy is well-utilized.
Plazir-15 is beautifully depicted with a decadent ballroom filled with aliens and vibrant colors. The Duchess’ holographic train blends well with her bejeweled dress, and Jack Black is effortlessly dapper with a curled beard and a mischievous grin. Grogu continues to show that the way to his heart is through his stomach, even if Din would prefer him to be more cautious around strangers. Grogu even winds up using the Force to help the Duchess win a sporting event with giant pill bugs that feels like a science fiction version of the croquet scene from Alice in Wonderland.
However, the planet’s droid workforce is malfunctioning, demonstrated in a hilarious sequence showing them throwing a fit while picking up garbage and menacing guests with knives at a hibachi bar. Sadly, the twist part-way through the plot involving the lead security officer Christopher Lloyd is telegraphed and underwhelming. Despite a few good moments during the investigation, such as when Din uses his connections with Kuiil from season 1 to get through to Plazir-15’s droid mechanics, the mystery ultimately lacks substance.
Bo-Katan finally meets Axe and challenges him to a knockdown, drag-out fight for control of the fleet, providing viewers with a well-done scene that features good use of jetpacks to spice up the grappling and close combat. While this is supposed to be the real triumphant moment of the episode, it feels anticlimactic as it was obvious since episode 2 of the season that Bo-Katan would eventually take control of the Darksaber. Din’s humiliating experiences during the season means he doesn’t need to lose a subsequent fight to Bo-Katan.
Although this is the silliest episode of The Mandalorian so far, the series has always had a light-hearted side, mostly involving Jawas. The script feels like it could be taken from the goofier sections of Star Wars: The Clone Wars or Star Wars Rebels, adding to The Mandalorian’s lore. However, with the final episodes likely putting the Mandalorians back in conflict with the war criminal Moff Gideon, it seems like we’re in for some significant tonal whiplash.
Overall, The Mandalorian Season 3, Episode 6 is another gripping addition to the series that is sure to leave fans on the edge of their seats. With plenty of action, strong character development, and intriguing plot threads, it sets the stage for an epic conclusion to the season. As always, we can’t wait to see what happens next in the story of the lone bounty hunter and his adorable companion. Stay tuned to IGN for more coverage of The Mandalorian and all your other favorite shows and movies. Thanks for reading!
