The Mandalorian season two has finally arrived and fans are already raving about the first episode. Titled “Chapter 9: The Marshal”, the episode follows the beloved bounty hunter on his quest to find other Mandalorians who can help him reunite with Baby Yoda’s species. With a number of exciting moments and nods to Star Wars canon, this recap of “The Marshal” can only be summed up in one word: “Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes…”
The latest episode of The Mandalorian was full of surprises, action, and heartbreak. In the penultimate episode of the third season, Elia Kane aka G68 was seen meeting up with an Imperial probe droid on Coruscant, which after scanning her face, displayed a hologram of Moff Gideon. She reported to Gideon that the pirates’ storming of Nevarro was foiled by the Mandalorians Bo-Katan and Din Djarin. An irked Gideon slipped off for a holo-meeting with the Shadow Council, a group comprised of Captain Pellaeon, the cloning-obsessed Commandant Brendol Hux, and others. Gideon requested resources in the form of bodyguards, TIE fighters, and bombers, as the Mandalorians were plotting to retake their home world, something that would “hamper” the council’s plans. With that request promptly approved, he declared, “We shall be rid of the Mandalorians once and for all! Long live the Empire!” This episode was full of surprises, so let’s dive deeper into some of the key moments:
Grogu’s First Words & IG-12:
This episode was a memorable one for Grogu fans as the adorable child spoke for the first time, and it was a lot. Meanwhile, on Nevarro, Bo brought the Mandalorians that she had rounded up to meet the Armorer, Paz Viszla et al, and shared a feast. Din met with Greef, who revealed a rejiggered IG-11, now known as IG-12, which is now piloted by an Anzellan, and then a moment later, by Grogu! Din had a bad feeling about this, saying, “Maybe when he’s older,” but Grogu made his stance known by slapping at the voice control to say, “No.” Grogu even tested driving his new ride with a few steps around the room, eluding Dad, he hammered at the button to say, “Yes, yes, yes, yes….”
The Return of Bo-Katan:
Back at the lava flats, Bo offered to lead a small recon party to the surface of Mandalore, to scout things out before bringing everyone else down to make camp. Reaching out to both sides, she was able to recruit Koska, Din, Paz, Axe, the Armorer herself, and others. Upon landing on their bombed-out home world, Bo & Co. were met by a long ship carrying three survivors of the Purge. At dinner that night, Bo heard from those survivors of how she is believed to have bailed on her people ahead of the Purge. She made clear that she, in fact, negotiated a peaceful surrender with Moff Gideon. That is how he came to acquire the Darksaber, but he betrayed her. Later, in private, when Bo voiced doubt about being able to unite their people, Din said that she has more going for her than any blade, bloodline, or station. She has honor and character. “Your song is not yet written,” he said. “I will serve you until it is.”
The Ambush:
The next day, everyone made tracks for the site of the Great Forge, which unsurprisingly is a shell of its former self. But Bo, Din et al found much more in the cavern than they bargained for – stormtroopers arriving via jetpacks and clad in beskar! While Axe jetted off for reinforcements, the others blasted and slugged it out with the troopers, to the point that they gained the advantage and started chasing the stragglers through the cavern, to…a quite out-of-place docking bay stocked with TIE fighters. An ambush followed as a blast door slammed down, cutting Din off from everyone else. Moff Gideon then floated down on his own jetpack and clad in black, Vader-ian beskar. He taunted Bo and Din for gathering all of the Mandalorians in one place. He then boasted of creating the next gen Dark Trooper suit that he is sporting and his plan to “create an army to bring order to the galaxy.” Gideon deployed the nearby TIE fighters to take on the Mandalorian fleet orbiting Mandalore, saying that “in a few moments, the Purge will be complete.”
Paz’s Death:
When Bo hissed that she should have killed Gideon when she had the chance, he suggested that it is time for her to give back the Darksaber. Instead, she used it to saw an escape through the blast door behind her and the others. Paz Viszla and his repeater provided cover as she did so, and as everyone escaped. When even more commandos arrived, Paz insisted on holding his post, saying, “This is the way.” Paz, impressively, fended off said commandos, but the arrival of three Praetorian Guards wielding plasma weapons was more than he could bear, and despite starting to choke one of them out, Paz lost the fight and was left for dead on the docking bay floor.
In conclusion, this penultimate episode of The Mandalorian showcased action, adventure, and heartbreaking moments that left the audience eagerly anticipating next week’s finale. The episode saw the return of familiar characters, introduced new ones, and its shocking end showcased the reality of a universe ruled by the Empire. From Grogu’s first words to Paz’s death, this episode of The Mandalorian was not one to miss.
“And there you have it, folks, our recap of The Mandalorian. The show continues to captivate audiences with its stunning visuals, thrilling action, and heartwarming moments. With season two just around the corner, we can’t wait to see what other adventures await our beloved bounty hunter and the adorable Baby Yoda. So we say it with enthusiasm, just like our little green alien friend – ‘Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!’ Let’s all strap in and get ready for another epic ride in a galaxy far, far away.”
