Review "The Mandalorian" season 2 episode 8: big spoilers in sight!

Unfortunately, we arrive at the end of season 2 of The Mandalorian. Eight exciting episodes, which confirm that this second season is more successful than the first. A perfectly executed last chapter, which reserves major surprises. Obviously, this article contains huge spoilers regarding the last episode of this season 2 of The Mandalorian.

The Mandalorian: Too short a duration

Jon Favreau was expected at the turn. The showrunner had no right to make mistakes. He had to be up to the task of offering fans an impactful conclusion. And even if this last episode is not perfect, it totally fulfills its specifications, despite some criticism inherent to the show. Overall, this last opus allows to answer the questions asked during this second season. Even if the execution time is once again far too short. Even on the last episode Disney and LucasFilm choose a 45-minute format to develop their characters and universe. A duration far too short to allow The Mandalorian to fully express himself. Because of this questionable choice, some elements of the episode are barely touched or at least shipped. This is for example the case on the confrontation between Din Djarin and Moff Gideon. A confrontation expected since the end of the first season, here barely touched upon. The Mandalorian takes up the bad things of recent films in the franchise by staging fights that are too fast and relatively tasteless. We expected more from this exchange between the protagonist and his antagonist. Between the black lightsaber and the spear in Beskar. But apart from this small criticism, the episode is perfectly executed. This chapter 8, directed by Peyton Reed, has its share of action sequences, and tasty dialogues. Jon Favreau plays wonderfully with the Star Wars universe, placing here and there subtle references to Dave Filoni's expanded universe and animated series. This is the case, for example, with Bo-Katan, whose design refers to Clone Wars, and whose development takes an unexpected and exciting turn. She who wanted the black lightsaber will now have to fight against Din Djarin to get it back.And the fact that Mando is in possession of this very powerful weapon is a scenario choice, certainly expected, but very exciting.

A major appearance

Small flat also on the Dark Troopers. An addition not necessarily essential and finally quite weak. As an admission of failure in relation to a cruel lack of renewal. The clones have failed, the soldiers too, so we go back to the droids. Not really original the treatment and use of these Dark Troopers. Other than a quick and muscular confrontation with Din Djarin, they are literally useless. These are simply scripted pretexts to bring a new character to the plot. Those who have already seen the episode obviously know who we are talking about. Unsurprisingly, the long-awaited Jedi in this final chapter is Luke Skywalker. An easy choice, which has something to share the fans. It's hard to know if you're satisfied or disappointed. Even if it is a logical choice, Jon Favreau takes no risk to bring back the hero of the original trilogy. Rather than introduce another Jedi, or surprise fans with another figure from the Star Wars universe known to aficionados, the showrunner chooses the mainstream card, bringing back the most famous Jedi from this entire galactic universe. So certainly, the fan service is always fun, and its introduction in the episode is very successful. But, we can't help but ask ourselves a question: aren't we tired of going around in circles? Fortunately, his introduction has an incredible class. Peyton Reed offers a precise and exciting staging, which allows to stage a mysterious and imposing Jedi until the last moments of the episode and the revelation of his identity. Through surveillance camera recordings, and then live, it offers a solid approach, a vigorous and mysterious introduction perfectly executed. Unfortunately, Jon Favreau and Peyton Reed are doing a little too much. In addition to the return of Mark Hamill, digitally rejuvenated for the occasion, they make crates and can not help but make appear R2-D2. And fan service over fan service never mixes. The showrunner could have waited until season 3 before bringing back the little droid. But he chooses to make him appear as a grunt for a sequence dripping with good feelings à la Star Wars. It's a bit like when you take dessert three times and you're on the verge of a liver attack.

Music by Ludwig Göransson

We haven't talked about it enough this season, but Ludwig Göransson's work is just mind-blowing. Difficult to succeed John Williams, but the Swedish composer gave an incredible performance. This 36-year-old artist offered an absolutely remarkable score. In addition to the brilliant soundtrack that has accompanied the Mando since the beginning of the series, the composer has surpassed himself in this last episode. It offers a new soundtrack, which sticks to the Star Wars universe while having a strong personality. Whether it's the main theme, the Dark Troopers theme with a slight dubstep, Luke's theme, or Boba Fett 's theme in the post-credits scene, it's a delight for the ears. Let's talk about Boba Fett by the way. Jon Favreau has offered an absolutely brilliant return of the most famous bounty hunter in the galaxy. His return from the dead was undeniably worth it as the treatment of the character is fascinating. Somewhere between nostalgia and new adventures. The post-credits scene of this last episode is absolutely iconic. Jon Favreau, intelligent in his approach, offers an unforgettable final sequence, which reconnects the character with his origins, with his heritage. This small scene, perfectly realized, offers a monstrous final shot. It reminds us what a cult character Boba Fett is, a unique anti-hero, a protagonist who undeniably deserves his own series. That's good, it comes out in December 2021.