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Remembering and discussing what we saw in Episode 8 of Season 2 of The Mandalorian.

The second season of The Mandalorian has come to an end, delivering a wealth of emotions and bringing beloved heroes of the Star Wars saga back to the screen. The finale of the last episode was touching, unexpected, and worthy of the high standard set by Jon Favreau's show. Let's take a closer look.

Previous recaps:

Episode 1

Episode 2

Episode 3

Episode 4

Old Friends and Enemies. Recap of Season 2, Episode 4 of The Mandalorian
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Old Friends and Enemies. Recap of Season 2, Episode 4 of The Mandalorian

Remembering and discussing what we saw in Episode 4 of Season 2 of The Mandalorian.

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Episode 5

The Child Has a Name! Recap of Season 2, Episode 5 of The Mandalorian
Roman Kovalev
The Child Has a Name! Recap of Season 2, Episode 5 of The Mandalorian

Remembering and discussing what we saw in Episode 5 of Season 2 of The Mandalorian.

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Episode 6

The Empire Strikes Back. Recap of Season 2, Episode 6 of The Mandalorian
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The Empire Strikes Back. Recap of Season 2, Episode 6 of The Mandalorian

Remembering and discussing what we saw in Episode 6 of Season 2 of The Mandalorian.

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Episode 7

Masks Off. Recap of Season 2, Episode 7 of The Mandalorian
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Masks Off. Recap of Season 2, Episode 7 of The Mandalorian

Remembering and discussing what we saw in Episode 7 of Season 2 of The Mandalorian.

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Warning: spoilers for Season 2, Episode 8 of The Mandalorian ahead

A Dangerous Plan

After the Mandalorian threatened Moff Gideon and promised to get the Child back, he assembled a team of the most desperate fighters: Cara Dune, Boba Fett, and Fennec Shand. But it was clear that infiltrating and capturing an Imperial cruiser with such a small group would be nearly impossible. So Din Djarin decided to seek help from an old acquaintance, Bo-Katan, after first capturing a scientist familiar with the ship's layout.

The Mandalorian Season 2 Episode 8
Source: Disney/Lucasfilm

The warrior agrees to help Mando, but on the condition that she personally deals with Moff Gideon and takes the Darksaber for herself. With this weapon, she plans to restore the planet Mandalore and ascend to the throne.

Before the agreement, there was a brief quarrel between Boba Fett and Bo-Katan's lieutenant over differences regarding the worthiness of beskar armor, views on Mandalore's fate, etc. But a common goal unites the heroes, and they devise a clear plan to infiltrate the Imperial cruiser where Grogu is being held.

Unequal Battle

Even with the reinforcements, the rescue mission for the Child was incredibly dangerous. The captured scientist revealed that the ship housed a whole unit of Dark Troopers (the ones who originally kidnapped Grogu), who are actually droids.

The team decided to stage a small performance for Moff Gideon: Boba Fett on Slave I would pretend to attack the Imperial ship carrying the Mandalorian, Bo-Katan, and the others. In turn, the "Imperials" would board the cruiser under the guise of rescue.

Then they split up—Mando went to find the Child, while the rest stormed the bridge to defeat Moff Gideon. But a surprise awaited them. Gideon activated the Dark Troopers and headed to Grogu's cell himself.

The Mandalorian Moff Gideon
Source: Disney/Lucasfilm

To demonstrate the power of the Dark Troopers, the show's creators pitted one unit against the Mandalorian himself. To defeat the droid, Din Djarin had to use his entire combat arsenal, including the beskar spear. After taking down the trooper and sending the rest into open space, the Mandalorian finally faced Moff Gideon.

Gideon explains that the Darksaber grants its wielder power and that he knows Bo-Katan is on the ship and her intentions. Mando offers to let Grogu go in exchange for freedom. Gideon pretends to agree but treacherously attacks the hero.

Remembering Bo-Katan's words that beskar can withstand the Darksaber's power, the Mandalorian uses his spear and defeats Moff Gideon, but doesn't kill him; instead, he brings him to the bridge where the rest of the team awaits. But this is only the beginning of the unequal battle.

The Mandalorian 2020
Source: Disney/Lucasfilm

Unexpected Guests and a Touching Farewell

Just when victory seemed within reach, two new and unpleasant circumstances arose:

  • The Mandalorian cannot give the Darksaber to Bo-Katan because, by tradition, it can only be taken in fair combat;
  • The Dark Troopers manage to return to the Imperial cruiser, determined to destroy the ship's invaders.

And just when it becomes clear that trouble is unavoidable, another unexpected guest appears—a Jedi with a green lightsaber... At that moment, a thousand thoughts race through the viewer's mind about who it could be. Ezra? Maybe Kit Fisto? But no, it turned out to be him... Luke Skywalker himself, accompanied by the good old R2-D2.

The Mandalorian Luke Skywalker
Source: Disney/Lucasfilm

Grogu's message to the Jedi was indeed heard, and Luke answered the call, wanting to take the Child with him to teach him to use the Force.

The Mandalorian is great at combining thrilling action with touching moments. The Mandalorian's farewell to Grogu was perhaps the most emotional episode in the show's history. Din Djarin removed his helmet to show his true face to his little friend and companion on countless adventures before letting him go forever.

P.S.

We already know that The Mandalorian will get a third season, but it's now unclear what it will be about. At this point, the most reasonable assumption is that the story will involve Bo-Katan, the Darksaber, and attempts to restore Mandalore. Din Djarin currently has no other business left.

Boba Fett

In the post-credits scene, Boba Fett and Fennec Shand head to Jabba the Hutt's old palace, now occupied by Bib Fortuna. Well, not exactly occupied—the clone simply kills him and takes the throne himself. At the same time, the creators announced a solo series about Boba Fett, set to premiere in December 2021. We'll see how that turns out.

Thank you to everyone who followed our weekly recaps of the series; we hope you enjoyed them.