After an effective first episode, which brought the viewer back into the pleasant universe of The Mandalorian, the second episode is a logical continuation. Directed by Peyton Reed (Ant-Man), this second episode is, like the other games, a delicious little sweet that nevertheless retains the inherent flaws of the show. In this second episode, Mando finds himself on an inhospitable frozen planet, without having confirmation that it is Hoth. Djin Djarin is chased by rebels. He hides in an ominous crevice, the damaged Razor Crest. He must also take an unexpected passenger to his planet. In short, the plot is set, and this new episode remains a real pleasure of fans.
An episode without consequences
As is often the case in The Mandalorian, this week's episode doesn't have much of an impact on the overall plot of the season.As is often the case, Jon Favreau chooses to tell the usual problems of the Mandalorian rather than advance the action surrounding Baby Yoda and his origins. The show prefers to keep some in reserve and thus, as usual, tell a side story, anecdotal, and devoid of impact. Thus, the Mando finds himself stuck on this planet, and faces some adventures without much suspense. Our hero braves a horde of spiders borrowed from Harry Potter or The Lord of the Rings, while paying tribute to Ridley Scott's Alien. Even if the creatures have a stylized appearance, the idea nevertheless lacks novelty… 
Level originality, it is not very high. But it is clear that Jon Favreau is able to nevertheless excite his audience. Because even if the spectators are sent into a known universe, punctuated by stereotypes, and which lacks renewal, the artistic mastery of the product is undeniable. Jon Favreau and his team offer from episode to episode, a dazzling plastic beauty. Driven in particular by a sumptuous artistic direction, and a real concern for authenticity. Jon Favreau supports his desire to return to an old-school Star Wars , magnified by beautiful sets, costumes, puppets and other nostalgic animatronics. The Mandalorian has a powerful graphic identity, backed by impressive photography and an inspired soundtrack. And even if this episode 2 is quite common, it once again offers creatures with refined design, and an indisputably fluid action. Special mention to the brilliant opening sequence and a well-conducted ship chase.
The Mandalorian: an effective series
Peyton Reed does not revolutionize the series but offers forty minutes of pure show. In addition, the few clumsiness of the first episode are corrected. This new chapter is better paced, the dialogues are slightly less mechanical and the situations are better brought. At least, in a more subtle way. We will also highlight the writing of Baby Yoda, which transforms the adored mascot into a killer of babies. A slight irreverence that we certainly owe to the director of Ant-Man, who was already playing with the insolence of Scott Lang in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. 
Finally, Peyton Reed abandons the tribute to the western of the first episode to look more towards horror, paying a discreet tribute to the works of John Carpenter, including The Thing. In short, nothing new in the landscape of The Mandalorian, but it is still an undisguised pleasure. Very effective episode 2 of The Mandalorian. Peyton Reed offers a polished realization, including a muscular opening scene and a successful ship chase. Pleasant transition episode, which embellishes a little more the Star Wars myth. https://youtu.be/M0O_1M_l-S8
