The Mandalorian season two is, perhaps, a textbook case of sequelitis, but mostly in a good way. It’s bigger, more action packed and introduces several characters from expanded Star Wars lore, delivering plenty of fanservice in the process. At eight episodes, it has just the right length that allows good pacing and a handful of character moments.
The Mandalorian, Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) travels through the stars on a quest to reunite the Child (affectionately known as Baby Yoda among fans) with his people. Along the way, he meets many people, both old acquaintances and new, who guide him in his quest, often asking him to aid them in small quests of their own. Things take a turn, however, when a formidable old enemy, Moff Gideon (Giancarlo Esposito) catches up to Djarin, and he has to call on multiple favors to save the day.
The Mandalorian season two is different from the first season in important ways. Although some of the episodes follow the pattern of self-contained adventures like the first season, most of the season is about Djarin’s quest to find a Jedi willing to train the Child, who we soon learn is named Grogu. Memorable characters such as Bo Karan Kryze (Katee Sackhoff), Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson) and Boba Fett (Temuera Morrison) are introduced in different episodes spotlighting their characters and fighting prowess. In a way, this almost feels like a video game where your playable character meets famous legends and gets to fight besides them for a while. Old characters like Cara Dune (Gina Carano) and Mayfeld (Bill Burr) also appear and get good character moments.
The action set pieces are grander this time, as is the overall production budget. A battle with a giant underground creature in the first season is framed in full-screen IMAX format. The Sergio Leone and Akira Kurosawa homages are more obvious this time around. In fact, the way Djarin assembles people to take on Moff Gideon in the final two episodes is reminiscent of the coming together of The Magnificent Seven.
Of course, all the fanservice may be a case of “too much of a good thing”. The finale, in particular, had a lot for Star Wars diehards to enjoy, but it might have been too much for casual viewers.
Although seeing a certain main character from the movies being shown in a badass manner is very enjoyable, it feels like he is hijacking the moment from the characters who were established in the series from the ground up. Indeed, we are getting two spinoffs from the show, along with a smorgasbord of other Star Wars content in the next few years.
There is also a convoluted complication involving Bo Katan and a powerful weapon called the Darksaber, which goes against canon established in prior Star Wars properties like Rebels.
Overall, The Mandalorian season two builds on the successes of the first season. The way it ends, however, leaves interesting possible directions for future stories to take. Let’s hope we get to see Din Djarin’s character develop in a meaningful way in future seasons and find a new purpose.