The Mandalorain: Chapter 18 "The Mines of Mandalore" (Review)

This is the second episode of the latest season of The Mandalorian, and I thought that this was a major step up compared to the season premiere.

It starts off in Tatooine, and we get the first appearance of Peli Motto this season. We see Grogu leap into the air and into Peli's arms, just like the leaping that Luke taught him to do. Mando goes to her to to get the part he needs for the IG unit so he can visit Mandalore. The Jawas cannot get the part he needs, so Peli gives him an astromech droid that can do what he needed of the IG unit. R5-D4 is the same astromech droid we see in episode IV. I absolutely love that but somehow failed to notice that it was the same droid until this episode, despite appearing in season 1.

So, now Mando has a droid. Not sure how long he will have R5 for, but I love astromech droids, and hope he stays for a few more episodes.

Mando goes to Mandalore. I wasn't expecting him to get to it so soon, but I am glad he did. It looks really cool. There is a lot to wonder about it. We see some really cool creatures, and I did get startled a few times. I don't know any of the inhabitants of Mandalore have been seen elsewhere before, but I really loved how they look. Especially the thing that captures Din. It was really creepy looking for a Star Wars creature, and it's design reminded me of the types of things we'd see in the prequel era.

I don't usually like Bo-Katan, but she is growing on me. I really liked her this episode. I hope I'm wrong when I'm sensing some kind of romantic relationship forming between her and Din. It's the way they were looking at each other. I don't think it's something that would work, and I personally don't like it.

The episode ended in a way that left a lot of questions in my head, which is something you should want from a show with a weekly release schedule.

And to update on my thoughts from my last review about Grogu's impact on the season, this redeemed the validity of his presence. We see him use the force and defend himself, and even get the help of Bo-Katan to save Din.

I would give this episode a 8.5/10. I cannot wait for next Wednesdays episode.