Chapter 13

Thirteen is traditionally an unlucky number, but that could not be further from the truth when it comes to Chapter 13 of The Mandalorian. Directed by Dave Filoni, this episode is filled to the brim with elements from the extended Star Wars universe along with major revelations that narrow the scope of the plot. 

*Additional note: this review will contain no spoilers.

This episode hits the ground running with a cold-open that will make any serious Star Wars fan jump out of their seats at the mere 2-minute mark. This opening contains an epic action sequence, but it was just the first in an episode with high quality action throughout. The fight choreography in this episode makes the fight scenes in Chapter 11 look like child’s play. However, the action that is present does not take up the entire episode as viewers get a myriad of quiet moments that go into the feelings of the various characters. In particular, The Child’s origin and feelings are explored in depth, and they even reveal his real name. 

The set design was impeccable, and it really emanated a samurai-like feeling. There were also some very nice shots in this episode, an aspect of The Mandalorian that may not get enough credit. Like the previous four episodes this season, Chapter 13 includes a myriad of connections to the expanded Star Wars universe, including a name-drop that will make die-hard fans get chills down their spines. However, ironically enough, this could actually be the episode’s biggest flaw. A majority of the satisfaction and joy that hardcore fans get from this episode will come from their prior knowledge of the universe. If you take away this prior knowledge, it is possible that the episode is simply average as opposed to the best one yet. Nonetheless, despite some accessibility issues, this episode was still good enough for average viewers to enjoy. 

Overall, Chapter 13 may be the greatest episode of the entire show, including both seasons one and two. It was the perfect combination of visuals, action, narrative, heart and everything in between. With that, Chapter 13 should be regarded with nothing but praise, and it deserves a 10 out of 10. Thank you Dave Filoni.

Chapter 14 

With the sixth episode of the second season of The Mandalorian, the show gets its most action-packed episode yet. While it is a shorter episode ( 32 minutes), it provides a moment that Star Wars fans have been waiting a myriad of years to see. This episode was directed by Robert Rodriguez. 

*Additional note: this review will contain no spoilers.*

It is hard to say much about this short episode without spoilers, but it can be said that it will satisfy any viewer itching for some good action sequences. This episode is mostly one long firefight, which is shot and executed very well. The biggest draw of this episode is the big reveal, but that cannot be divulged without getting into spoilers. Furthermore, this episode does a good job at setting up the last two episodes of the season by establishing the stakes while showing the main villain since season one, Moff Gideon, making his move. 

While not much can be said without giving anything away, this episode is very appealing It perfectly showcases the type of show that The Mandalorian is, and deserves a strong nine out of ten score.