Heartwarming / The Mandalorian

"Wherever I go, he goes."

As a Moments subpage, all spoilers are unmarked as per policy. You Have Been Warned.

A no-nonsense bounty hunter becomes a Papa Wolf when he discovers his target is a mysterious child, and now does everything he can to keep the both of them safe.

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Season 1

Chapter 1: The Mandalorian

• The Client spends his whole first scene as a scary brute who's likely a former Imperial officer, and even coldly says the death of a baby would be acceptable, but he shows some semblance of a heart when he makes his first payment with a Beskar ingot.
  "The Beskar belongs back in the hands of a Mandalorian. It is good to restore the natural order of things after a period of such disarray. Don't you agree?"
  • Subverted if you think too much about an ex-Imperial talking about "restoring the natural order of things." He's talking about bringing back The Empire.
• The Mandalorian donates a sizable portion of his reward, earlier noted to barely cover his fuel, to a foundling home, remembering his own time as an orphan.
• After Kuiil leads him across the desert, the Mandalorian insists on paying him for his troubles even though his "fee" had already been settled. It's a surprising moment of charity from such a gruff and hardened character.
  The Mandalorian: Take this. You deserve it.
• Upon discovering their target is a baby, the Mandalorian immediately refuses to let IG-11 kill him, and unhesitatingly guns down his newfound partner when he insists on doing it. He then gently reaches out to the baby, who reaches up and grabs his finger. (The end credits shows an image of the two doing just this again.) Even though he's being paid to bring the baby in alive, there's a hint that he genuinely empathizes with him.

Chapter 2: The Child

• Throughout Chapter 2, the growing rapport between the Mandalorian and the baby continues to evidence itself. They act to protect each other on several occasions (though clearly more on the Mandalorian's side), almost feeling like expies of Lone Wolf and Cub at times.
  • The Mandalorian is patching himself up after a fight with other bounty hunters. The baby watches him for a moment before climbing out of its pod and then reaching out as if to heal him with the Force. The Mandalorian simply carries it back to the pod, only for the baby to try again.
• The child watching Mando's unconscious body laying on the ground, clearly worried for his protector as his ears sadly droop. He only brightens up once he notices Mando starting to move again and his ears perk up in relief.
• After finding out the Bounty is a child, Kuiil remarks “It is better to bring it in alive then.” After seeing so many people getting the Kill memo, it’s nice to see someone who agrees with the Mandalorian’s choice.
  • After the fight with the Mudhorn, Kuiil expresses genuine (verging on horror at the very concept) concern about if the Child was injured.
• As Mando attempts to negotiate an exchange with the Jawas, one of them suggests they take the child for his ship parts, which Mando vehemently objects to.
  Mandalorian: (towards a group of Jawas approaching the child) GET AWAY FROM IT!
• The Child revealing he can use the Force and uses it to protect Mando from the rampaging Mudhorn. Despite only knowing Mando for a short time, he knows that Mando's only trying to protect him, and so protects him in turn.
• A bit of a Tear Jerker, but when Mando finds the egg, you come to slowly realize that the Mudhorn mother was only trying to protect her baby, the same way Mando is for the Child.
• When the Child passes out after using the Force, the Mando is obviously concerned that the kid has been harmed somehow. In a motion that any parent who has cared for a young child will know, he keeps checking on the crib and even gives it a few gentle shakes to make the baby stir and confirm he's still alive.
• The Mandalorian again tries to pay Kuiil, who once again refuses. Then he tries to offer him a spot on his ship. It's clear he really trusts the rancher by now and the respect is mutual. The only reason Kuiil refuses a partnership is because he's worked too long to be his own boss, which Mando says he respects. The two part as friends and amicably wave goodbye to one another.

Chapter 3: The Sin

• When bringing the Child in, Mando quietly tells off some Storm Troopers who were roughly prodding the Child and tells them to be careful.
• The Mandalorian fighting off stormtroopers to rescue the child.
• At the beginning of the episode, the baby steals a knob off a ship's lever and the Mandalorian takes it away, saying it's not a toy. At the end of the episode, after being reunited, the baby tries to steal the knob again and reaches for it from the floor, just barely missing it. This time, the Mandalorian gives it to him. You can practically hear him saying "Okay kid, you won me over" as he simply drops it into the child's tiny hand.
  • More heartwarming is that he initially tries to forget about the kid by burying himself in work and immediately asking for his next job, refusing to take a recommended break from work. But once he goes back to his ship to leave, he finds the ball for his lever still unscrewed. As he puts it back on, he pauses for a moment while clearly debating whether to go back for the kid. It's clear through his body language that the guilt is eating him up. After a moment, he turns off his ship and immediately goes to rescue the child.
• The Child wakes up in the middle of the firefight and lets out a soft happy coo when he sees Mando. It's almost like he knew Mando would come back for him.
• As the Mandalorian flees the bounty hunters with the baby, several other Mandalorians show up to help him. This includes Paz Vizla, who previously called him a traitor for taking work from the Empire. They may dislike one another and scuffle among themselves, but as soon as any Mandalorian is threatened by an outside force? They fight as one.
  • Tellingly, once the others arrive (showing their strength and existence to all), The Mandalorian's first words aren't thanks or a snark, but rather the serious acknowledgment that this means the Tribe will have to relocate. He knows what he's done has caused trouble for his people. Which makes it more heartwarming that they don't care and come to help anyway, fully accepting the consequences for themselves.
    "This is the Way."
  • There's also the possibility that by rescuing an innocent infant (especially after having established in the episode that this Mandalorian enclave has a soft spot for foundlings), the Mandalorian's neighbors have realized that he is serious about honoring their way of life. And why wouldn't they protect someone who genuinely holds fast to "the Way"?
  • Not only that, but the fact that the Mandalorian took on an Imperial battalion to rescue said infant probably helped change the others' opinion about him.
• As the Mandalorian flies away on his ship, Paz flies beside him on a jetpack and gives him a salute.
• When the Mandalorian comes storming in, Doctor Pershing assumes he's there to kill the baby and begs him not to harm the child. He even shields it with his own body and pleads "he's just a child". After all the heartless sleaze we've seen in the last couple of episodes, especially those who made it clear they would harm an innocent baby, this basic humanity can bring a tear to your eye.
  • The Doctor wasn't just protecting the baby from the Mandalorian. He was the only one insisting the child be brought back alive during the active bounty for it. Once they had the child, the Client began demanding they extract what they needed from the baby's body and simply dispose of it. However, the Doctor pushed back and insisted they still needed the child alive and protected him from a much quicker death.
  • Pershing's selflessness doesn't go unrewarded either. His desire to keep the baby alive and unharmed is likely the reason the Mandalorian spared him, despite his apparent ties to what remains of the Empire.
  • Just the fact that Doctor Pershing is an Imperial and a decent human being. Making him a one-note Mad Scientist Deadly Doctor would have been wholly acceptable, perhaps even expected, but Pershing shows that even in the new continuity, while the Empire may be evil, not all of its citizens are.

Chapter 4: Sanctuary

• As the Klatooinians start to raid the village, everyone flees except for Omera, who runs back towards the woods (where the raiders were specifically coming from) to save her terrified daughter Winta and hides with her in plain sight.
• It's been well established that the Mandalorian is a quiet guy who only talks when necessary. So it's a little odd when he starts expositing about Sorgan, completely unprompted... but it quickly becomes clear that he's not talking to himself. He's talking to the baby just because he wants to, and caps off by affectionately calling him a "little womp rat."
  • According to French viewers, instead of referring to the child as "little womp rat", the Mandalorian calls him "my boy".
• Mando putting the kid on his lap, and the kid holding his finger while sitting there.
  • Both Cara and Omera refer to the child as "your boy/kid" and the Mandalorian doesn't even try to correct them.
• Winta sneaks by the hut and accidentally startles Mando. After Omera introduces her, Mando is noticeably gentle around her. Winta later shyly asks if she can feed and play with the Child, to which he hesitatingly allows. After taking him out of his crib, the child and Winta run off to play with the other children. Mando worriedly tries to follow and has to be gently persuaded by Omera that he would be fine. It really goes to show how the child really does bring out the best in Mando and his fatherly instincts.
  Mando: (moving to follow) I don't think-
  Omera: He'll be fine.
  Mando: I don't-
  Omera: (gently) He'll be fine.
• The village children take an instant liking to the child and are seen playing and holding him throughout the episode. Winta in particular overcomes her shyness around strangers to ask if she can feed and play with him. She's seen holding him in almost every scene of hers. At the end of the episode, she's obviously heartbroken that the Mandalorian has to take him away for protection and gives the baby a hug goodbye.
• The Mandalorian choking up when Omera tells him that he and the child can stay and have a peaceful life together, but he insists on leaving without the kid so that he can grow up normal and safe. He insists that a life with him "is no life for a kid" and he wants the child to have something better.
  • Cara pointing out that Mando could have a nice quiet life here with the boy, especially with Omera, who seems to taken a liking to him.
• It's a small moment, but Omera, noticing that the Mandalorian hasn't eaten where people can see him, brings him a meal to eat in private before he even asks.
• While their first interaction was a fight due to misunderstandings, Cara and Mando slowly become friends throughout the episode and part ways on good terms.
• Cara asks Mando what will happen if he takes off his helmet, wondering if the other Mandalorians will hunt him down and kill him for it. Mando answers that he "can't ever put it back on". She then blows off such consequences, remarking how he can just slip off the helmet, settle down with "that beautiful widow", raise his kid with a family and have a peaceful life. Later, Omera makes the same offer in a much more heartfelt fashion. He emotionally admits that a simple, family life would be nice. He begins to let Omera take his helmet off before gently stopping her. Even though he stopped her, the mere fact that he even let her begin to take it off shows that he was definitely tempted to stay.
• When he hears blaster fire, Mando tells Omera to get to the kids. Not just the Child but all of the children there.
• At the very end as Mando and the Child are leaving the whole village waves goodbye to the two. They really were welcomed by the village and are seen off as dear friends to them all. The music during the scene really sells it.

Chapter 5: The Gunslinger

• After Mando lands in Peli's hangar there's a brief scene of him tucking the Child, who's swaddled in a blanket, into bed in the Razor Crest's container bay.
• Remember how 3PO and R2 got kicked out of the Mos Eisley cantina? Well, now droids are running the place, including the one who oversaw Jabba's acquisitions, showing just how much things have improved for them since the Empire's fall.
  • If you look closely, you can see R5-D4. While it’s sad he never made it off-planet, the fact he’s still around and kicking nonetheless is heartwarming for fans of A New Hope.
    • Amplified if you consider his tale in From a Certain Point of View as canon.
• As Mando returns to his ship to restock and check on the child, he notices the Child is not where he last put him. He immediately goes into a panic and runs outside to yell for Peli. She wakes up with a jolt from his yells and brings the baby out. As Peli complains how he woke the child up after it took her so long to get him to sleep, he immediately demands to be given the child. She instead begins scolding him for not being careful with the baby and leaving a child all alone. As she makes it clear she means no harm, his posture relaxes.
  Mando: (growls at a nearby Pit droid) Where is he!?
• Peli was previously insistent on not doing any repairs whatsoever until Mando actually paid her first. However, after discovering he "has another mouth to feed", she realized he was good on keeping his word of promised pay and did the repairs for him. After telling him how she did the repairs, Mando gives her a sincere "Thank you" and leaves for his bounty job. Peli's surprised face clearly says she wasn't expecting a reply of gratitude.
• When the Mando enters Tusken Raider territory, he is respectful of their beliefs and barters passage through their territory using sign language, a clear contrast to his behavior with the Jawas. The Mando clearly sympathizes to some extent with the Tuskens, since he is also part of a warrior culture whose home has been taken from them.
• Peli's interactions with the child throughout the entire episode. The first thing she does when seeing the child was left alone is to check him out and get him something to eat. Even though she's, supposedly, taking the opportunity to get more money out of the Mandalorian, she takes the care-taking seriously and genuinely cares about the baby. During the final confrontation, she rushes to make sure the child wasn't harmed. As the Mandalorian leaves with the child, she tells him to be careful with the baby.
• Mando could have easily murdered Toro and stolen his credits at any time during the hunt (which isn't too far off from what ended up happening, albeit in self-defense). They were tracking an elite assassin so no one would have questioned it, there were no witnesses, and it's doubtful anyone on the planet would have cared anyway. Furthermore, Mando was wary enough of the risk that he initially refused the job even though he really needed the credits. Yet there is no indication that he ever considered betrayal, in spite of the perfect opportunity and motivation to do so, and the enormous risks involved in remaining true to his word. Ruthless? Yes. Deadly? Without a doubt. But a cold-blooded murderer? Never.
• Again, despite needing the credits, he gives most of what he took from Toro's body to Peli in order to cover her work and for her trouble with Toro. She is visibly touched by the gesture.

Chapter 6: The Prisoner

• The Mando is completely stoic throughout the crew's bigoted cracks about his Mandalorian culture and refusal to remove his helmet. Then they find the Child, which suddenly unnerves him. When Mayfeld picks up the child and jokingly pretends to drop him, Mando is clearly furious. When the Razor Crest comes out of Hyperspace, the jolt causes Mayfeld to actually drop the baby. Mando immediately throws himself over the Child to protect him and gently puts him back in his compartment room. (In a background moment, as Mando is carrying the child back to his compartment room, he gives him a small comforting rub on the head.)
  • Also worth noting is that when Xi'an first sees Mando again, she pretends she's going to cut his throat. Without warning, she suddenly leaps at him and only stops just before actually touching him with her knife at his throat. Mando remains perfectly calm and unfazed by the sudden threat, only sarcastically commenting that it was "nice to see [her] too". However, when Mayfeld pretends to drop the Child, Mando instantly flinches. He jerks forward in an instinctive reflex to catch him, which the group notices and laughs about. Xi'an pretending she was going to slit his throat didn't make him cringe whatsoever, but harm possibly coming to his adopted kid made him instantly flinch in panic and brought out his Papa Wolf instincts.
• Later, most of the crew leave the ship for the extraction job while droid Zero stays on board to handle the security system and guide them through the job via comm. Before leaving, Mando is shown anxiously looking back at the compartment room where the kid is at. Even though it stems through tragic bigotry, he doesn't want to leave the child alone with someone he doesn't trust. By the end of the episode, his instincts were right.
• At the end of the episode, Mando unscrews the silver knob from "The Sin" and hands it over to the Child. It's particularly sweet as this time the kid didn't indicate he wanted it - the Mando just gave it to him because he knows the Child likes playing with it.
  • Also notice that the Mandalorian has acquired a make-shift child seat personally designed for the baby. Either he spent what few credits he does have on it, or he made it himself since the first pod wasn't recovered in "The Sin."
• Mando trying very hard to talk the New Republic guard down from a fire fight while every one of his crewmates was simply ready to kill the young kid off the bat. Mando fails and the guard is killed. He is disappointed that he couldn't prevent the man's death, but the fact that he had really tried his best to diffuse the situation and help him speaks volume.
• Mando had every reason to kill his treacherous teammates; they betrayed and abandoned him, were trying to steal his ship (with the Child on board), were actively trying to kill him after that, and had been royal dicks to him throughout the episode. It would be a big stretch to call any of their deaths 'murder'. Most people wouldn't even have the skill or the opportunity to take them alive, but Mando could and readily did. When he proclaimed earlier that they "weren't there to kill anyone", he wasn't just talking about the guard, but everyone on board. Even Ran and Qin would probably still be alive if they hadn't tried to backstab him.
  • Another way to look at it is that it's implied that the Mando is avenging the New Republic warden. He didn't know there were living beings inside the ship because his teammates lied to him and said there weren't any. When the warden got killed by Xi'an, Mando might have wanted to amend that sin by placing his teammates in a cell as a form of karmic punishment.
  • They are all still alive at the end of the episode with the exception of Zero. Which is a true testament to the Mandolorian's skill that he was able to defeat and imprison them in a cell together for the New Republic to find without having to kill any of them.

Chapter 7: The Reckoning

• When questioned on the loyalty of Kuiil's droid, Kuiil reveals that he has been reconditioning it through lessons and practice rather than hard-coding behaviors into it. Kuiil then realized that the droid has slowly developed a personality of its own naturally. Kuiil encouraged this, raising the droid as if it was a child.
  • This plays into a big theme from the Legends continuity, that droids that go long enough without memory wipes develop distinct personalities and basically become fully-realized beings. Standard procedure is to wipe and reload droid memories every month or so to keep them from getting "quirky." Our heroes don't do this, letting characters like Artoo and Threepio learn and grow and live not as mechanical servants, but as friends and family.
• The Mandalorian is still rightfully suspicious of the droid, but Kuiil points out that a droid is no more malicious than its creator; they are a reflection of who made them and do what they are programmed to do. So, by extension, this means the Mandalorian's distrust in the droid is also distrust in Kuiil (both in Kuiil's skill and in his character). The Mandalorian takes a moment and remembers all that Kuiil has done for him, and backs off in this instance. He still remains distrustful of the droid, but tolerates it out of respect for Kuiil.
• The Mandalorian asks Kuiil to touch up the container the child has been sleeping in so the kid can sleep better. Kuiil looks at it and says he will make a new one. Within moments, he creates a floating crib much better than even the one the child came in.
• Mando and Cara are having a friendly arm-wrestling competition, but the Child misreads it as Cara trying to hurt him. He then begins to Force-Choke her before Mando stops him and explains Cara is his friend. Even though the misunderstanding could have ended very badly, it shows the Child has grown deeply attached to Mando and only wants to protect him.
  Mando: No! No, no! Stop! We're friends! We're friends! Cara is my friend!
  • The fact that Mando calls Cara his friend and that he trusted her enough to ask for her help.
• Greef confessing to our heroes that he was going to double-cross them and take the Child, but changed his mind and now wants to help them after the kid saved his life.

Chapter 8: Redemption

• The Mandalorian mistakenly believes Greef caused the massacre of his people and is furious, until the Armorer says he wasn't responsible. She explains they knew revealing themselves to protect him and the Child (back in Chapter 3) could put them in danger. The Mandalorian feels responsible for what happened to his Tribe, but the Armorer tells him the choice was theirs. At no point did she imply it was his fault or that they regretted their choice to protect him and the baby.
• The Armorer declaring the Child an official Foundling in the Mando's care, stating that until the Child comes of age or they find others of its species the Mando is considered the Child's father. As she speaks, she forges a mudhorn-skull signet for the Mando, an honor he had previously refused as he felt unworthy of it. She then declares the Mando and Child to be "a clan of two". While the Mando had already taken on a parental role towards the Child up to this point, hearing it declared official by the leader of his Tribe makes it an iconic heartwarming moment. You can also see the moment has a clear emotional effect on him as well as he turns to stare at the Child.
  The Armorer: You must go. A Foundling is in your care. By Creed, until it is of age or reunited with its own kind - you are as its father. This is the way. You have earned your signet. (Gives Mando the mudhorn-skull signet on his armor) You are a clan of two.
  • It's also sweet that even though he had initially refused the mudhorn signet, the Armorer still made the mold for him regardless, just in case.
    • Mando turned down the signet because he was "helped by an enemy" and thus it wasn't an honorable victory. But now the Child is recognized as a member of his Mandalorian tribe. Being helped by an enemy isn't honorable, but being helped by your family definitely is. So it was an honorable kill after all. The Armorer probably realized this after Mando rescued the child and prepared the signet for when he returned.
  • When the Armorer declares Din as the Child's father, the little guy looks up at him and coos with delight, clearly very happy with the arrangement.
  • At the beginning of the scene the Armorer's voice is much flatter and sounds more worn than in her previous appearances. As stoic as she is it's clear the loss of so many from the covert has drained her. It's only after she sees the baby, and learns he was the one that helped Mando with the mudhorn, that her voice becomes livelier again. A new foundling, potential Jedi or not, means there's still hope for their way of life.
• The Armorer reveals to Mando that the Child comes from a people called Jedi who are Mandalorian enemies. He asks if this makes the Child their enemy, to which she clarifies that the Child's people are their enemies - not the Child himself. This is followed by her declaring the Child a Foundling.
  • It's heartwarming that despite the Child coming from a people who are historically their enemies, she's still open to the Child becoming a Mandalorian when of proper age (if he doesn't rejoin his own kind, that is). Well at least perceived to be coming from their enemies. Jedi are a religious sect, the Child is not one of them as far as anyone knows, merely a Force user.
• While pinned down in the bar, the heavily injured Mando tells Cara to escape with the Child and just about begs her to ensure the baby's safety. He gives her his Mandalorian pendant and instructs her to use it to gain the trust of the Covert. He tells her to tell them the baby was in his protection - indicating he wants the Tribe to look after the Child. At the end of the episode, he discovers the Child is now wearing the pendant. He looks at it and then tells the Child to keep it, emphasizing not only the Child's official Mandalorian adoption but also Mando's own personal fatherly feelings for the child.
  • As Mando removes the pendant from around his neck, there's a brief shot of the Child holding onto his adoptive father's boot.
• Cara absolutely refusing to leave Mando behind — even when he was all but begging her to — and her voice on the verge of breaking as she practically begs him to get up. When the Stormtrooper came in and is about to burn them all to death, she selflessly threw her own body over the Mando to protect him. When IG-11 said he would tend to Mando's wounds so the rest of the group could head to safety ahead of them, she refused to leave until the IG swore to bring him back to them.
• Seeing Mando overcome his prejudice towards droids. He was still distrusting towards the IG-11, even after it greatly helped the group in battle. It is only after the droid saves his life that he finally begins to bond with it and realize not all droids are bad. While it is also a Tear Jerker moment, showing the Mando genuinely sad over the droid's Heroic Sacrifice later on in the episode is character growth at its best.
• After the battle is over, Cara affectionately strokes the baby's ear and tells Mando to "take care of this little one". Greef repeats the gesture and then softly adds on, "Or maybe it'll take care of you."
• Greef welcomes Mando back into the Guild and on Navarro anytime, even saying when he comes by he can have his pick of the top bounty jobs. However, the Child tugs on the Mando's pant leg and smiles at him. Mando looks at him for a moment before picking him up and holding him. While never looking away from the Child, Mando responds that he has "more pressing matters at hand". This obviously being his new official role as the Child's father.
• Mando flying off with his new jet pack while holding the baby to him, who coos in contentment while looking over his shoulder. This perfectly mirrors the earlier flashback scene of Mando as a child doing the same thing - holding onto a Mandalorian who rescued him and flying him to safety and his new family.
• Before leaving Nevarro, Mando gives Kuiil a proper burial and uses Kuiil's hat as a grave marker.
• As for the flashback itself, the Death Watch trooper at the end rescuing the protagonist as a child from death by a battle droid. A fearsome elite Mandalorian commando attempting to offer solace to a traumatized child who just had their life destroyed. The boy accepts the faceless soldier's offered hand, and the soldier whisking the boy out of the battlefield by jetpack soon after. It was probably that moment that sold the young boy on becoming one of them.
  • Watch closely. Once the first commando picks up the boy, he looks to his comrades, and one of them nods at him. The unspoken conversation is clear as day: "We got this, you have something more important to do."
• Just the fact that Cara and Greef continue to refer to the Mandalorian—whom their Imperial enemy identified as Din Djarin—as "Mando". The Reveal of his name was not done willfully on Din's part, even after he does so to Cara for the Child's sake when he thought he was going to die. Greef and Cara don't take advantage of Gideon's use of that information purely out of respect for Mando and what he's done for them.

Season 2

Chapter 9: The Marshal

• After being told another Mandalorian was supposedly located on Tatooine, Mando makes a beeline to the planet and immediately enlists the help of Peli Motto from Episode 5. The fact he even remembers her is heartwarming in of itself.
  • When touching down, Peli tells her pit droids to back away from the Razor Crest, remembering Mando dislikes droids. This time, Mando lets the droids at it. It isn't much, but it speaks lengths about how much Mando has changed as a character, from having an intense hatred of droids to being okay around them - especially since the last droid he encountered saved his life.
  • Peli also has a new addition to her droid staff: R5-D4 from A New Hope^note The red astromech with a "bad motivator" has finally found a new home.
• Once he disembarks, Mando reaches for his bag and allows Peli to carry The Child, who happily coos in her presence. It's a heartwarming scene, akin to a family reunion. Peli jokingly asks about keeping The Child (even saying if the Child ever created offspring or multiplied, she will gladly pay for one) while the Mando searches for Mos Pelgo.
  Peli: Oh, thank the Force! This little thing has had me worried sick!
• In the Tusken village, a Tusken can be seen brushing a Bantha's teeth. With a gaffi stick. Whatever is said about Tuskens, they take good care of their animals.
• An understated one happens in Cobb's story of how he got his armour: Having escaped into the desert with a container of valuable crystals, he spends days walking and gradually succumbing to heat and thirst, until a sandcrawler full of Jawas happens upon him. It would have been trivial for the Jawas to kill an exhausted, parched, sunbeat man lost in the desert and take the crystals from his dead hands, but instead they give him water and a ride out of the desert before even knowing what he had, as well as insisting on a fair price for the crystals. While they like to steal what they can get their hands on, it seems the Jawas have at least some codes of honour and hospitality.
• By the episode's end, Mos Pelgo's inhabitants and the Tusken Raiders have taken real steps toward a peaceful co-existence that had seemed impossible before. Cobb also freely hands over Boba's armor as per his deal with Mando, and they both wish to meet again and part as friends.
  • As a Freeze-Frame Bonus, you can also see some of the Mos Pelgo villagers joining the Tuskens in their victory ritual of holding their blaster rifles in the air by either end.
  • The progression of Cobb and Mando's relationship, as well. On their first meeting, they're both fully willing to kill each other. But, by the end of the episode, they part ways as friends. Before enacting his plan to get the Krayt Dragon to swallow him Mando tells Cobb to look after The Child if he fails. Even if Cobb isn't a Mandalorian himself, his selfless and heroic actions during the episode prove him worthy of the honor, at least in Mando's eyes.

Chapter 10: The Passenger

• In the opening scene, a group of criminals attacks Mando and the Child. One of them holds the kid at knifepoint to force Mando to give up his jetpack. Mando tells him that if he hurts the Child "there is no place you will be able to hide from me". After they make the swap, the Child (adorably) runs over to Mando, who scoops him up and asks if he's okay before turning to deal with the escaping criminal. As they watch the criminal's demise the Child can be seen holding onto Mando's thumb.
• Mando sharing the huge chunk of Krayt Dragon meat he got last episode with Peli.
• After catching the Child eating some of Frog Lady's eggs, Mando tells him it's "nap time". We then see that he's made a little hammock for the child to sleep in above his own bunk in the container room, sharing the same sleep area.
• The small and quick moment of seeing the Child with a little tray of food for dinner, matching his size.
• When they have to camp out in the crashed Razor Crest, the Child leaves his original sitting spot and decides to snuggle up against Mando's side instead to sleep.
• While the Frog Lady gets plenty of moments to show her Mama Bear side, she shows it the most as the group are cornered in the cockpit of the ship and uses a hidden gun she carried to quickly snipe at all the spiders that managed to come through. She even protects the Child, even though she likely knows he's been snatching her eggs.
• As the two New Republic pilots who were chasing Mando earlier this episode end up assisting him to get rid of the creatures surrounding his ship, one of them claims that there's an arrest warrant out for him for busting out Qin back in Season 1. However, because Mando not only apprehended Mayfeld, Xi'an, and Burg - all three of them priority targets - but also placed his own life in harm's way to protect Lieutenant Davan (the ship's warden), the two choose to let him go without further issue.
  Mando: Am I under arrest?
  Carson: Technically, you should be. But these are trying times.
  • Furthermore, when Mando tries to subtly bribe the pilots with the three bounties he has technically earned, they bluntly refuse, leaving Mando stunned. After decades of rule under brutal imperial regimes and criminal overlords, some vestiges of integrity are seeping into the outer rim.
  • It's also an inspiring indication that the New Republic isn't just all talk and no show. In spite of the many, many problems that came with the fall of the Empire, Luke, Leia, and the others really are changing the galaxy for the better.

Chapter 11: The Heiress

• Seeing Frog Lady anxiously looking around for her husband before the two finally see each other through the crowd. The couple happily reunites and are clearly thrilled to see each other again. As Mando approaches the couple, even though they speak different languages, the husband is clearly thanking him for bringing his wife back to him.
• As Frog Lady and her husband embrace, the Child looks at the eggs and whines a bit. Mando says that he knows he's hungry and assures him that he'll get a meal soon.
• Later in the episode, Mando asks the Frog couple to babysit the Child in order to complete his job. He tells the child (in a very fatherly manner) to "be respectful and mind his manners" before leaving. Just after he leaves, one of their eggs hatches and reveals a tadpole. Frog Lady finally has a child of her own and her family line has descended; just as she dreamed of happening.
  • When Mando comes to get him, the Frog couple has their new tadpole in a little bowl of water and the Child is gently petting and playing with it (and, tellingly, not eating it) as the husband holds him up to do so. As Mando takes the child away, the little guy clearly doesn't want to go and wants to continue playing with the baby frog. Mando also gives the new parents a polite "congratulations" as he leaves with the Child.
  • When the frog baby hatches, the Child's mouth opens like he's saying "Oh, wow!"
• As one of the ship's crew-mates shoves the Child into the cage (and the kid thankfully closes his pod in time before getting eaten) Mando's Papa Wolf instincts immediately kick in as he dives into the water without hesitation.
• When Bo-Katan's team first meet Mando, he tells them about the Child being in danger and Koska goes in after him without hesitation. Later in the episode, Koska can be seen making playful faces at the child while eating.
• Despite the significant Culture Clash between Mando (as a diaspora "Child of the Watch" Mandalorian) and Bo-Katan (who is mainworlder Mandalorian royalty), she treats him with understanding and respect for his skills and combat ability. Furthermore, when asked by Mando how can he bring The Child to the Jedi, she points to no other than her long-time comrade Ahsoka Tano.
  • After pulling Din out of the water Bo-Katan addresses him as "brother".
  • Earlier, when she alters the parameters of their mission in the middle of it, she snarkily tells Mando "This is the Way". At the end of the mission, after pointing him in Ahsoka's direction, she says it again but this time with true warmth and sincerity.

Chapter 12: The Siege

• Mando enlisted the Child in helping him fix the ship (even if it goes wrong).
• We see Mando and the Child enjoying some soup while trying (and failing) to do some work on the badly damaged Razor Crest. Mando lifts up his helmet just enough to drink the soup (and the Child adorably tries to sneak a peek at his adoptive father's face). Followed by which, they both drink their soups in a perfectly mirrored image of each other. Just seeing Mando being at all lenient in allowing the kid to seeing any measure of his face says a lot about his growing Character Development and the moment continues to prove the growing father/son bond between the two.
• Since we last saw it in Season 1, Nevarro has greatly changed for the better. Greef Karga has reclaimed his title as Magistrate, Cara Dune serves as the town's Marshal, what used to be the cantina has been converted into a school, and the "scum and villainy" got effectively pushed out to make the town a respectable place to live; teeming with street vendors, and citizens of all varieties.
  • Even the Mythrol from the very first episode is back. Karga was kind enough to give him a job as an accountant - granted, it's to pay off his debt, but still a kind gesture nonetheless.
• It's a Blink-and-You-Miss-It moment, but before Mando, Cara, and Greef enter the school, you can see in the background that a statue was erected in IG-11's honor.
• The ferret-like creature that Cara rescues from the Aqualish thugs takes an immediate liking to her. Happily wagging its tail and licking her face in clear gratitude for saving its life. She comforts it by assuring the creature he's not going to be eaten by anyone and gives it some food, telling the animal he's now free. In the end, she's shown feeding the little guy yet again in the town street.
• Greef is genuinely happy to see the Child again, probably remembering how the Child saved his life. He acts very much like a grandfather happy to see his grandkid again and carries him to the school for safekeeping until their job is done.
• Just seeing the child seated in his school seat (which is a tad big for him) during class is enough to warm your heart, especially when the other kids start fawning over how cute he is.
• The Child laughing and holding his hands in the air while Mando aileron-rolls in the Razor Crest is just too adorable. It's a rollercoaster!
• After Mando barrel-rolls the Razor Crest through the air, he checks on the kid... who throws up after the rollercoaster-esque ride all over his clothes. Mando takes a pause to clean him up (with his own cape) as he talks with Greef and Cara over the comm piece in true parental fashion when dealing with a sudden sick and messy baby.
• Carson Teva caps off his reappearance by sympathizing with Cara Dune over the destruction of Alderaan and leaving behind a Republic marshal's badge - a tacit acknowledgment of the good work she's done cleaning up Nevarro.

Chapter 13: The Jedi

• We finally learn the Child's name: Grogu. When the Mando repeats the name, the Child instantly looks up at him and coos happily.
• As we see Ahsoka take in Grogu, her face seems to shift between nostalgic and happy. No doubt she's reminded of Yoda and feels nothing but happiness towards seeing Grogu.
  • Pay close attention, and you'll hear a very familiar Leitmotif when Ahsoka mentions Yoda. Gone though he may be, his legacy lives on through Grogu.
• We don't hear Ahsoka and Grogu's telepathic chat, but the way Ahsoka glances over at Din and smiles, suggests Grogu is sharing his experiences of traveling with the Mandalorian and how close they've become.
  • During their "conversation", Din keeps his distance but continues anxiously pacing back and forth just outside the light while sneaking peeks at the two. He looks just like a nervous parent whose child is being interviewed for a spot at a high-end school.
• Ahsoka attempts to test Grogu's Force abilities by having him move a small rock to her, but he drops it instead. She then asks Mando to take her place, but Grogu still refuses to comply. Mando then pulls out the silver knob from the Razor Crest's dashboard that the kid loves playing with. When Grogu successfully pulls it to himself, the Mando reacts like a proud father.
  Mando: Good job! Good job, kid! You see that? That's right, I knew you could do it! Very good.
  • Notable that this is the first time we've seen Mando genuinely happy. Also notable that Grogu manages to pull this off only due to his father-figure prompting him.
  • When Mando sets Grogu down on the boulder before the test he gives the kid an encouraging pat on the back before stepping aside.
• The way Ahsoka tries to coax Grogu into using the Force, not pushing too hard, but also doing her best to encourage him. If Anakin could have seen her now, he would have no doubt have been proud of her.
• As Mando nearly begs for Ahsoka to train Grogu as a Jedi, she tells him she can't. Not only because she's seen what fear has done to the best Jedi, but also because she's seen Grogu's bond with Mando, even outright calling him his father. She worries that Grogu's love for Mando will open up pathways for fear (and anger) to take hold of him, leading him to the Dark Side, and states her refusal to put the child at such a risk. Therefore, she feels it's safer for Grogu's powers to simply "fade".
• Ahsoka seems to finally be comfortable with being addressed as a Jedi again, and speaks of Yoda with nothing but respect, referring to him as a "wise Jedi master".
• When Elsbeth orders her mooks to execute the strung-up prisoners, you can see Wing already rushing to help his people before Din beats him to the punch.
• While Din initially refuses the beskar spear saying he didn't finish the job, Ahsoka acknowledges this, but still offers the spear to him saying that it rightfully belongs to a Mandalorian.
  • Throughout the series, Din has had to barter or fight for every scrap of beskar he comes across (and then getting mugged for possessing it). For the first time, someone just gives him some with no strings attached as a gift. And not just anyone, but one of the Mandalorian's ancestral enemies.
• Even while cutting through dozens of the governor's lackeys like a wolf amongst sheep, Ahsoka still shows mercy to any who try to surrender.
• The villagers rescued by Ahsoka and Din are happily celebrating the end of Elsbeth's dark rule. They honor the recloaking of their Governor - who had shown earlier in the episode a genuine concern for his people - and they hold a flag-waving parade in the background as Ahsoka and Din say their farewells.
• While warning Mando about the dangers of training Grogu, she notes that she's seen "the best of the Jedi" fall, obviously referring to Anakin and the pain and suffering his choices inflicted upon the galaxy. While it's a Tearjerker moment in it's own right, the fact that she refers to Anakin as the best of the Jedi Order shows that despite everything he did after he became Darth Vader, she still regards her former master with a measure of affection and respect for the man he used to be.
• Ahsoka’s looking for Thrawn. By extension, she's looking for Ezra, keeping her promise to go and find him.
• The first concept art shown in the end credits is of Ahsoka kneeling down to meet Grogu, in the same way this◊ piece of The Clone Wars concept art (and the final product) show Plo Koon meeting Ahsoka.

Chapter 14: The Tragedy

• In the opening scene, Mando tests out calling Grogu by his name and chuckles warmly when the kid responds with an alert and perky reaction. He then has the kid hand over the silver ball so they can practice his Force abilities. When the kid summons the ball, Mando lets out a joyous "dank ferrik" that makes Grogu think he did something wrong and drop the ball. Once seeing this, Mando assures him he's not in trouble and that he did good. He then tells him that he's "very special".
  • He also calls Ahsoka "the nice lady" when reminding Grogu of what she said about his previous training.
• Boba Fett still looks up to his father after all these years. From wanting his armor back to showing Din that Jango fought in the Mandalorian Civil War, proving that Jango Fett is indeed a Mandalorian.
  • Even more beautiful is Boba's first line, "I'm just a simple man trying to make his way in the galaxy." It's nearly identical to his what his father had said to Obi-Wan.
    • There is even a callback to Episode 6 when Boba says the same thing Luke says about his Jedi lineage: "Like my father before me."
    • Boba even still has Jango's signature blaster twirl perfectly memorised.
  • Boba is established as a True Neutral with a serious personal honor when he vows to keep helping Din until his side of the deal is complete. In turn, Din acknowledges him as the armor's true owner after learning Jango was a foundling raised by the Mandalorians just like him.
• One subtle bit: it's only Boba saying he has no allegiance to anyone but himself that causes Din to deny his right to the armor, saying nothing about his being out of a helmet for so long. It seems that meeting with Bo-Katan really got him to rethink some things. Once Boba confirms that the armor is his by lineage, Din has no problem with him keeping it even though their beliefs differ.
• In spite of the fact he indirectly got her shot, Fennec seems to hold no ill will towards Din. In turn, he's gracious enough to admit he owes her for the trouble with Toro.
• Boba Fett and Fennec choosing to help Din save Grogu. Boba had already gotten what he came for and Grogu was now in the hands of the dangerous Remnant, so they had no reason to stick around. Yet, both Boba and Fennec feel the need to complete the deal since Grogu isn't safe with Din as they promised. They are willing to put their own lives on the line just to help reunite Din and Grogu just because it's the right thing to do. Din didn’t even get the chance to agree to the deal before the stormtroopers arrived, but they’re willing to help, knowing their arrival drew Din away from Grogu and they’re partly to blame for his capture.

Chapter 15: The Believer

• When Mayfeld wonders why Din needs his Imperial knowledge, Cara responds with, "They have his kid". Mayfeld reacts with visible shock and dismay; he may have been irresponsible with Grogu before, but he didn't actually mean to really harm him.
• After he's forced to don Tank Trooper armor to enter the base Din gives his Mandalorian armor to Cara who promises to look after it until he gets back. Considering how much his beskar means to him it's a sign of just how much Din trusts Cara.
• Villainous type of heartwarming: After an uneven battle against pirates the heroes get saved by TIE fighters and stormtroopers. While it's not clear if they salute out of respect or because it is a procedure, Mando gets a warm welcome from the Empire for dealing with the pirates and surviving.
  • It's not only the simple soldiers who get supportive. Officer Hess wants to take those two for a drink out of respect. It's a rare view because Star Wars has taught us the Empire is so full of itself and officers are killing each other and sending their own men to die just to get a promotion or a medal. We see some shades of grey by showing that some officers do respect their own men and their job. It's a shame Hess' next words prove that institutionally, the Empire is by far the bad guys.
• The Mandalorian proves that he values Grogu's safety more than even his own creed (which he's passionately kept since childhood) by publicly removing his helmet (which he absolutely refused to do before, even if it meant death) in order to get the coordinates on Gideon's ship and find Grogu - directly violating his oath in the process.
  • The reason Din had to go in was because Mayfeld recognized one of the officers in the room (Hess) as the last one he had served under. It did not end well. He refused to take the chance at being recognized by him. But when that same officer corners Din, particularly with certain stormtrooper protocols he didn't know, Mayfeld steps in to bail him out and risks the chance anyway.
• When Hess' words reveal the Empire's true colors, Mayfeld blows him away on the spot, then shoots down all the other officers and troopers in the room, coincidentally everyone who could've seen Din's face. He reassures Din that he "did what he had to do" in taking off his helmet, pointedly not looking him in the face as he offers him back the imperial helmet, and adds on "I never saw your face" before politely turning away to give him some privacy.
• Din and Cara letting Mayfeld go free at the end as repayment for helping them and stopping Vallin Hess. After everything we learned about him in this episode, it's surprisingly nice to see the poor guy finally get a chance to properly get his life together.
• Mayfeld shows in this episode that there was a reason he's former Imperial, as it's implied he participated in Operation: Cinder, part of a contingency plan that ensured the Empire and its enemies did not outlive the Emperor should he perish, by targeting both Imperial and rebelling planets alike. The operation resulted in untold amounts of casualties, including his fellow soldiers and civilians, while high-ranking officers (namely Hess) got to sit back and reap the glory. He really does care about people, and will not keep his opinions on the Empire's atrocities to himself even if it risks his life.
• As Mayfeld leaves the group, he genuinely wishes a "Good luck with getting your kid back" to Din.
• Copying his words verbatim, Mando's message to Moff Gideon can be seen as this, showing that he is not playing around, and that this is now personal:
  Mando: Moff Gideon. You have something I want. You may think you have some idea of what you are in possession of, but you do not. Soon, he will be back with me. He means more to me than you will ever know.
  • Take note of how when Gideon said this, he said "it" in reference to the child. Din, on the other hand, uses the term "He" and humanizes the kid as a living person.

Chapter 16: The Rescue

• A small one in the beginning with Boba Fett. Boba initially shrugs off Bo-Katan’s insults toward him with more witty comebacks. It is not until she insults Jango Fett by referring to him as Boba’s “donor” instead of his father that gets him visibly worked up. Boba still deeply loves his father and clearly hates it when Jango is referred to in any negative way.
• A small but noteworthy bit is when Bo Katan and Boba Fett are going over the plan with more snide remarks towards each other, at the end Boba adds "Just be careful in there.", in a very legitimate, non sarcastic way. Even given how much these two despise each other and how Boba is helping out Din and by extension everyone in the group that isn't Fennec due to feeling indebted to him, he still does have legitimate concern over their safety.
• Dr. Pershing volunteers a significant amount of information in the briefing without being interrogated, or even asked. Without his guidance, the heroes wouldn't have even known about the Dark Troopers. It seems that his service to the Empire wasn't exactly willing and he was more than willing to sell them out.
• When Cara, Fennec, Bo-Katan, and Koska team up against the Stormtroopers, they reinforce their friendships while backing each other up, and the show treats their all-female army as a perfectly normal sight. Viewers like to compare this episode and the self-congratulatory Avengers: Endgame as examples of how to pull off or fumble portraying an Amazon Brigade in a feminist light.
• After he defeats Gideon, Din is more than willing to give the Darksaber to Bo-Katan. When told she has to win it from him, Din immediately says "I yield," forfeiting the combat and the Saber to her. He is aware that whoever has the Darksaber rules Mandalore, and he's more than happy to give it to Bo-Katan. (While that may have more to do with Din not wanting the responsibility of being Mandalore, it still counts for his willingness to literally hand the responsibility to someone who does want it for the right reasons.)
• When Gideon realizes he's about to lose, he decides to try to kill Bo-Katan and Grogu before turning the gun on himself. When he tries to gun down Grogu, Din instantly jumps in front of him to take the hits on his Beskar cuirass.
• When Luke rescues the group from the Darktroopers, he requests that Grogu go with him for Jedi training and reassures Din that he'll give his life to protect the child from harm. He then reveals that while Grogu wants to join him, he will only do so if Din says it's okay. Despite not wanting to say goodbye to Grogu, Din only does so because he knows it's the right thing to do for his adopted son and warmly reassures him that it's okay to leave, before promising that he'll see him again one day. When Grogu reaches towards Din's helmet, Din takes the baby's yearning coo as a cue to remove his helmet (in a room with several people, including a stranger he just met) so that Grogu can see his face for the first time before parting ways. Grogu takes in what he actually looks like and touches Din's face (who likely hasn't had anyone do so in decades), who smiles at the gesture. He then urges Grogu "Don't be afraid" before allowing Luke to take him away. The two share a Long Last Look as Din is Trying Not to Cry (even nodding at Grogu in continued reassurance despite his own tears) as Grogu leaves with Luke to re-start his Jedi training.
  • In the previous two occasions we've seen Din's face, it was because of an emergency (being severely injured), or a necessity (the facial scan). This is the first time he takes off his helmet because he chooses to and solely because he wants Grogu to remember what he truly looked like.
  • As many noted, it's not unlike Vader's final scene with Luke ("Let me look on you with my own eyes"). You have to wonder if this is reminding Luke of that moment. Moreover, unlike Ahsoka, who was wary of Grogu's attachment to Din, Luke allows the pair to savor their goodbye, knowing how important their attachment is. Again, the Mythology Gag nature of the scene probably helps both in-universe and out.
• Luke and R2 allowing Grogu a proper goodbye to Din and warmly comforting him afterward. It's the exact sort of empathy and respect that the old Jedi Order practiced when taking in children, making it clear that Luke is honoring the ways of his predecessors.
  • Luke promising to protect Grogu with his life. Superficially, he is assuring Mando's fears about whether the child will be okay with him, but on a deeper level, Grogu likely reminds him of Yoda.
  • Not to mention the fact that Grogu probably reminds R2 of Yoda as well, as they've known each other since the prequel era up until R2 was going on adventures with Luke. It's no wonder R2 was excited to meet him. Grogu reminds him of an old friend.
    • However, R2 was at the Jedi temple with Anakin (during the time Grogu was also there). Hence, it’s completely possible that R2 and Grogu met each other at least once. If so, upon meeting each other again here, they are likely happy to see the other has survived the events that have since followed.
• Just the fact that we get to see a young Luke Skywalker, voiced by Mark Hamill, and his trusted companion R2-D2 once again, is just the right kind of fanservice for the old-school fans who've loved this saga since it first began.
  • The Force theme playing upon his reveal definitely makes the moment even more wonderful.
  • The reactions and awed whispers say it all:
    Mando: Are you a Jedi?
    Every reaction channel on YouTube: The Jedi.
• Fennec's very first action after blasting all of Bib Fortuna's guards and clearing the way for Boba to take over Jabba's palace is to free the current Twi'lek slave girl. There's absolutely nothing in it for her, it's just the right thing to do. The girl clearly wasn't expecting this either as she appeared to simply wait for Fennec to finish her off even after removing her slave chains, only for Fennec to gesture she's now free.
  • Even though it is currently unknown if they're planning on using their power over the remnants of Jabba's organization for good or evil, the fact that Fennec and Boba seem to be phasing out slavery from Jabba and Bib Fortuna's crimes is a pretty noble action to start with.
• Shortly after the episode aired, an In Memoriam was added to the end credits to honor Boba Fett's original actor, Jeremy Bulloch.

Season 3

Chapter 17: The Apostate

• The Armorer interrupts the foundling's repeating of the Creed, knowing something's wrong, and immediately embraces and protects him just before the monster emerges from the water and attacks. This goes to show just how much of a protectorate she is for her Tribe.
• Din helping the Tribe by killing the monster, attacking them with his starfighter's heavy weapons. Even though he is technically an Apostate, he still regards them as his family and is working hard to try and regain their trust.
  • Just the sight of the Tribe themselves. When we last saw them, they were reduced to only a few members and struggling to rebuild. Now, there are dozens of adult Mandalorian warriors in attendance for a very special ceremony; the coming of age for a Foundling so that he might receive his helmet and be sworn to the Creed. And we can see that he isn't the only child in their clan. They are beginning to rebuild, and with the new Foundlings lies the future of all Mandalorians.
  • When Din reveals that it may be possible for him to achieve redemption for removing his helmet in front of outsiders, the Armorer looks at him, then at Grogu, and says "This is the Way" in a manner that implies hope and faith in her former clanmate.
• During their trip to Nevarro, Grogu sees a pod of purgill flying through hyperspace alongside the ship. Long after Rebels, it's nice to see them still making their way around the galaxy, and serves as a subtle reminder that Ezra is still out there.
  • After the Purgill leave, Grogu crawls into the pilot's seat so he can sleep curled up in Din's lap.
• Greef Karga urging Din to stay on a heavily rebuilt and vastly improved Nevarro as "landed gentry" due to his status as one of the heroes who helped liberate the planet.
  • Greef and Nevarro in general have been steadily rising in status over the seasons, and it's quite satisfying to have seen Greef tidy up his own reputation; from a simple mercenary kingpin to the dandy, respected magistrate Gideon mentions him to have been. But Greef hasn't lost the skills from those hard days: when pirates show up to cause trouble, he'll outdraw them with his blaster and drive them off to keep his people safe.
• Navarro has improved so much that Kawakian Monkey-Lizards, that we last saw being eaten on the streets of Navarro, are now living happy and free among the greenery in Navarro's public spaces.
• Din's plan to rebuild IG-11 is a huge moment of heartwarming when you remember how much he hated droids at the start of the show, he wouldn't even get into a cab driven by one. IG-11 earned his trust and friendship and Din is willing to go the extra mile to bring back his and Grogu's friend, even after his initial failure brings back the murderer IG once was, Din isn't deterred and is putting his own quest on hold to restore IG to the kindly but badass carer he became.
• Grogu is delighted to meet the Anzellan Droidsmiths who have taken up shop on Nevarro, and eagerly inches closer and closer to them, and quickly grabs the lead one to hug him like a teddy bear. Rarely does Grogu get to meet creatures smaller than him (that aren’t something he wants to eat), so he’s jumping at the chance to get a new little friend. Din has to sheepishly apologize as he explains Grogu is young, but Grogu doesn’t give a damn and makes one last futile lunge for the littler guys. Din's exasperated, “No, Grogu!” sells it.
• Din teaching Grogu how to navigate in space, despite the pirates so rudely interrupting the lesson.

Chapter 18: The Mines of Mandalore

• The first person Din goes to in search of a memory circuit for IG-11 is old friend Peli Motto. As always, she's happy to see him and especially Grogu. The kid uses the Force to flip out of the N-1's cockpit and into her arms. It’s nice to see Grogu recognizing people besides Din as honorary family members.
• Peli talks Din into taking R5-D4 with him to Mandalore instead of fixing up IG-11. She even offers to only charge half price for putting the droid port back in his ship. As their ship takes off, Peli calls "May the Force be with you" after them.
• Din is initially brusque with R5, bluntly ordering the droid to go out onto the surface of Mandalore even though it doesn't want to. When the droid gets into difficulty underground, Din still goes searching for it and brings it back to the ship instead of just leaving it behind.
  • While Din was dismissive towards R5, Grogu wasn’t, and when the droid goes missing, starts needling Din into going after him with some cute, but clearly agitated coos. It makes for a compelling argument as Din agrees. Din may still not fully be over his lifelong hatred of droids, but Grogu grew up in a time when droids were friends (especially R2) and has already accepted R5 as one of their crew.
• That Din trusts Bo-Katan, even with her apparent souring towards him, enough to instruct Grogu to flee to her.
• Grogu, despite being a toddler, had enough moxie to attempt rescuing Din from his captor's gibbet, and then a sharp enough memory to retrace their path back to the surface with all the haste his little hover-pram could muster. And then he learns Force-Throw and flings an impeding alamite right out of the cave entrance.
• When Bo-Katan sees Din's fighter returning, she suits up and sets out to tell him off once and for all. Violently if necessary. But when Grogu pops up alone, she realizes Din is in trouble and that attitude drops in an instant. She doesn't hesitate to get her own ship and come down after him.
• As they're walking through the ruins, Bo-Katan tells Grogu that she has a history with the Jedi and considered them friends despite the stories pitting them against Mandalorians. She asks him about his Force abilities, recognizing that he must be strong if he made it all the way to Kalevala alone to ask for her help.
  • Because she knows what the Jedi are capable of, Bo is one of the few people in the galaxy who talks to Grogu like an equal (while being careful to remember that he's still a child).
  • Grogu stops, afraid of what lies ahead. Bo turns to him, realizing he’s afraid, and gently, but sternly comforts him and implores him to keep going if she’s to save his father. It works, and the little guy activates his crib’s flashlight to carry on.
• When Bo sense they are walking into a trap, she stops talking suddenly and silently pushes Grogu's pram into a corner behind her, before springing the trap and getting into a 3-on-1 fight against a group of hungry baddies who she kills handily. Upon seeing Grogu's awe-struck reaction to all of this:
  Bo-Katan: Did you think your father was the only Mandalorian?
  • In particular, Bo warmly referring to Din as Grogu's father. With so many others teasing him about Grogu being a pet or some weird kid he found, Bo acknowledges the relationship for what it is.
• After freeing him, Bo-Katan makes a traditional Mandalorian soup and shares it with Din (although not without teasing him over the fact he's never had it before). Din takes a drink and then gives the rest of it to Grogu.
• When Din hears how Bo-Katan's father died fighting for Mandalore, he turns to her and respectfully says "This is the Way." Even Bo-Katan, who thinks poorly of his faith, seems moved by it.
  • Bo-Katan comments on the day she swore the Creed before the entire planet, seeming to feel her father was just happy she didn't embarrass him at the ceremony. Din gently suggests that perhaps he was simply proud of her.
  • Overall, Bo-Katan's understanding of Din's faith seems to evolve from a dismissive belief he is foolishly upholding a fundamentalist outlook, into a more sympathetic grasp of the still important but arguably more symbolic way he now holds The Creed in, even if he still insists upon a literal re-baptism in the Living Waters.
• The whole episode, in a way, is as much about Bo-Katan as it is about Din. He still has his faith in his version of the Mandalorian Creed, she's lost everything including her faith. Bit by bit, she rediscovers within herself what it means to be Mandalorian, first dropping everything to help Grogu rescue his dad (family being the cornerstone of Mandalorian culture), demonstrating her skill and tenacity as a warrior, diving into the Living Waters to rescue Din, and then finally, on her way up, seeing a Mythosaur, a creature that many believe never actually existed. Din emerges from the Living Waters redeemed; Bo-Katan emerges from them reborn.

Chapter 19: The Convert

• As they're flying away from Mandalore, Bo-Katan comments on how Din won't be taking his helmet off again now that he's been redeemed. Din replies with "This is the Way" which Bo-Katan repeats...and then Grogu babbles as if he's trying to say it too.
• Din Djarin's quest is fulfilled. Once she verifies the proof, the Armorer readily accepts his Redemption. And Bo-Katan's as well. She did, after all, bathe in the waters herself (when rescuing Din) and has not removed her helmet since. As far as she and the other Mandalorians are concerned, Bo-Katan is one of them now as long as she likes. After losing her forces, and having just had her castle bombed by the Empire, she has a home again, and people who will accept her despite her previous failures.
  • Bo-Katan's unprompted testimony on Din's behalf twice, including first in the face of Paz Vizla's argumentative disbelief.
  • The other members of the covert eagerly welcome Din back and extend the same warmth to Bo-Katan. They all warmly grip their shoulders, offering them welcome and well-wishes as Brother and Sister Mandalorians.
• Though it all goes horribly wrong, Pershing has become an overnight celebrity among Coruscant’s elite who largely regard him as a brave hero for defecting from Gideon, recognizing he didn’t want his research corrupted in the first place. After being an Imperial prisoner for who knows how long (possibly decades given the Advanced Science Division is shown to have been active since the formation of the Empire per The Bad Batch), it’s nice to see Pershing finally getting a chance at a new life.
• Even when Pershing is arrested, the New Republic scientists who are preparing to rehabilitate him with the mind flayed are sympathetic, stating that Imperial conditioning is hard to get out of. The Mon Calamari in particular tries to assure him he’s in for a painless experience. Of course, Elia Kane is on hand to ruin everything like a good fascist does…

Chapter 20: The Foundling

• The Armorer uses some of the beskar set aside for foundlings to make a new armor piece for Grogu. She makes a roundel with a mudhorn signet to match the one on Din's pauldron. The roundel is slightly too big for him, but the Armorer notes that he'll grow into it.
  • The Armorer would later extend the same courtesy to Bo-Katan, having been successful in leading the party to rescue the child Ragnar (and losing her right pauldron in aerial combat). While forging the new pauldron, the Armorer offers to emblazon it with the symbol of the Nite Owls, recognizing Bo-Katan's heritage even though she's been accepted into the Children of the Watch. And when Bo-Katan gingerly asks if she can have it branded with the mythosaur (which has been occupying her mind for a while now), the Armorer readily acquiesces, as "the mythosaur belongs to all Mandalorians".
• The Armorer respects Grogu as one of her clan, despite him being too young to speak the creed and likely being quite some time away from it, let alone too young to don a helmet. She notes that he is too young to go with Din and the hunting party but assures him his time will come, and gives a history lesson to him while forging his new roundel.
• Kelleran and Grogu's escape from Coruscant is assisted by some local guards that have a Naboo corvette waiting for him; in the midst of the sadness of Order 66, it's bolstering to see that not everyone is out to remove the Jedi from existence.
  • "Local guards" nothing. Those were Naboo Royal Security Forces; Padme's men! It's clear that before she left for Mustafar to confront Anakin alone with C-3PO, she sent all her remaining men and craft on Coruscant to help as many Jedi escape. And the moment the clones arrive to stop them, they do not hesitate to give their lives to help even just two Jedi escape. Undying Loyalty to their Senator and former Queen and all she stands for, all right there!
• Paz Vizsla is the father of the boy we saw at the beginning of the season. And when Din Djarin saved his son, Paz is quick to thank him for the action, as well as hugging his son in the process, while Djarin merely nods humbly.
  • When the hunting party disperses to eat, so as not to see each other without their helmets, he stops Bo-Katan from leaving the camp, stating that as the leader of the group — presumably as she was able to shadow the Raptor to its nest and devised the plan to reach it without alarming the beast — she has the right to remain at the fire and doesn't challenge her status as leader or have a bad word for her through the whole episode.
• Din Djarin takes Grogu for combat practice and insists that Grogu be allowed. Bo-Katan sums it up the best to the little foundling.
  Bo-Katan: My dad was the same way. He's just proud of you.
  • Din never wavers in his faith in Grogu, even when everyone else points out Grogu is awfully small to be competing. And when Grogu shows what he can do, everyone else knows it, too. Even Paz Viszla, Din's perennial rival, acknowledges the consequences of the outcome, repeating Din's citation of a statement in the Mandalorian Creed in admonishment to his own adopted son Ragnar.
  Paz Viszla: One does not speak unless one knows.
  • The fact that everyone points out how small Grogu is likely speaks to how they do want to look out for the kid and don’t want him to get hurt. The judge sounds genuinely puzzled, and Ragnar chooses a challenge that even the tiny Grogu can participate in.
• At first, Grogu holds back during combat training because he's been conditioned to hide his powers for so long. Once Din assures him it's safe and he can show the other Mandalorians what he can do, he wins handily. Grogu is finally in a place where he can be himself.
• Bo-Katan and the hunting party decide to bring back the Raptor hatchlings to tame and keep as pets and allies, rather than let them starve without their mother. Initially, everyone is apprehensive due to how dangerous Raptors are, but they're very quick to just roll with it and welcome them in. Mandalorians do have a history taming vicious beasts, after all.

Chapter 21: The Pirate

• Greef's effort to stand up to Shard, refusing to even consider paying him to leave for fear of this becoming a regular occurrence, refusing to abandon the townspeople via escape pod, and even swallowing his pride to reach out for the New Republic's help despite his desire for Nevarro to remain independent.
• Zeb came out of his apparent retirement to Liresan to join the New Republic rangers, and as Ahsoka will later clarify, to train new recruits. The war may be over, and Zeb’s retirement would’ve been well-earned, but he got back into the service like a true Lasat honor guard, rebel, and member of the Ghost family.
• When Teva's efforts to convince the New Republic to send help fall through, he risked earning the hostility of the Covert just to inform Din about Nevarro. Teva's reason?
  Teva: Karga's your friend. You won't let him die.
  • Sure enough, Din did not, coming to Greef's aid alongside his tribesmen.
• When questioned by Din on Teva's motives and what he would benefit from telling him, Teva explains that the New Republic needs to know the Empire is still growing, warns them that something nefarious is happening behind the scenes, and that while saving Nevarro isn't the Mandalorians' responsibility, he still thinks Din should know because Greef is his friend, and that he is in danger. In the brief encounters he has with the Mandalorian, Teva knows he wouldn't abandon Greef.
  • And even further goodwill, although Teva knows they'll relocate again soon anyways, he does swear not to reveal the Covert's location, and apologises for trespassing.
• Despite their rocky history with Greef, the Children of the Watch readily agree to take up arms and liberate Nevarro from Gorian Shard's men, led by Paz's wholehearted call to action. And the reason for Paz's change of heart? Both Din (who he admits he's had disagreements with, something of an understatement) and Bo-Katan (who is infamous among the Mandalorians in her own right) didn't give up on rescuing his son last episode, even when the rest of them had resigned themselves to his fate. The Armorer's word about saving a foundling being the highest honor among Mandalorians rings true.
  • Paz echoes and cites Din's hope that this, coupled with the land he's been offered by Greef, can be the moment the Children of the Watch re-emerge from the shadows.
    Paz: These two are asking us to take up arms in the name of a brighter future. And I for one will take up arms to fight by their side! This is the Way!
  • Paz also makes a clear distinction between Greef and his hunters who he fought to rescue Grogu, and the Imperial Remnants who wiped out the Covert.
• Carson Teva's efforts to get aid for Nevarro even though they're not a member of the New Republic.
• Though they used to be enemies, Greef welcomes the Mandalorians to Nevarro and gives them land to settle on.
  • Even sweeter is the Mandalorians reaction — unlike the manufactured heroics of Death Watch, their efforts to liberate Nevarro were sincere. By all accounts, they're warranted boisterous celebration. Instead, they humbly and quietly salute.
• The Armorer tells Bo-Katan to remove her helmet, not as an act of excommunication but as a sign that she trusts her to unite the different sects of Mandalorians.
  • The Armorer leads this by explaining the similarities as well as the differences between the Great Forge on Mandalore and the one on Nevarro, again showing her ability to understand and respect those who live by different creeds. After asking Bo-Katan if she respects her station her voice softens noticeably as she repeats the request, seemingly seeking to reassure Bo-Katan there will be no negative repercussions for doing so.
  • It's subtle, but when the Armorer announces this to the Children of the Watch, Paz has a bit of doubt (mostly over her showing her face), yet looks to Din's opinion on things. Din's nod of approval seems to close the matter for him, which combined with his support earlier, is a refreshing show of solidarity.
    • Indeed while Bo-Katan walking back without her helmet causes a stir amongst the Covert, none of them - even Paz - offer more than uncertainty about seeing her without her helmet or the Armourer's declaration that she will reunite all the Mandalorians.
• One of the boundaries of the Mandalorians' new home is Bulloch Canyon, named for the late Jeremy Bulloch, Boba Fett's original actor.

Chapter 22: Guns for Hire

• Despite Bo Katan's attempts to speak with the Ugnaughts, none are willing to give her the time of day. It is only when Din Djarin namedrops his old friend Kuiil that they begin to listen. From his own experiences with his late Ugnaught companion, Din treats the others with incredible politeness and respect, even using Kuiil's favoured "I have spoken" Character Catchphrase (Which is a cultural phrase among Ugnaughts).
• When Axe Woves dares to insinuate that Din Djarin has no Mandalorian blood in him, Bo Katan quickly defends him by stating that he took the creed just like their ancestors did in ancient times, and has followed the Way of the Mandalore for most of his entire life. She firmly believes that he is as much Mandalorian as any one of them, and isn't embarrassed to say so. It shows how much respect she has grown for Din long since they departed from Mandalore.
• While Captain Bombardier and the Duchess initially seem like airheaded nobility who are obsessed with pleasure and recreation, it soon becomes clear that they are good-hearted people who truly love each other and genuinely care about the people of Plazir-15.
  • And same goes for all the various droids that live there. They're worried that if the incidents continue, they'd all be replaced by humans, when all they want is simply a place to live and the opportunity to help out when able, for older and newer models alike. Plazir-15 and its people gave them that chance, when the New Republic might not have even considered it and scrapped them.
  • Going deeper into that. This is at a Droid Bar. Take a moment to consider what that even means. A place where even the droid labor force can take time to relax and think for themselves after their duties are finished, not just stuck in a cubicle or box somewhere to recharge and await their next task. This even includes CIS Battle Droids. Machines built to be nothing more than ruthless and disposable blaster-fodder have a chance to find a new life for themselves.
    • After the Resistor's Bartender droid tells Din his fears of what would become of the droids if this situation continues when the latter threatened to yank the former's memory circuit, the whole bar uproars as droids from the era of Separatist to those of the original trilogy beeped and booped in near unison. One could easily interpret this as them pleading to the Mandalorians to have some humility to save them from being scrapped but also a true sense of loyalty towards organics and genuine plea to be allowed to help them. Despite prior prejudice towards battle droids, Din backs off from his threat after the bartender finished his speech.
• Despite his depravity, Hellgait actually seems to genuinely respect the Duchess as he seems stung when she tells him she's disappointed in him, and actually apologizes and professes a desire to earn her forgiveness someday.
• The Duchess and Captain Bombardier give Din and Bo-Katan the key to Plazir-15 to honor them for solving the droid problem, and promising they will always be welcome there. The Duchess also grants Grogu a knighthood, seemingly not to leave him out.
  • Look at Bo-Katan's face as she steps forward to take the Key. She clearly thinks this whole thing is ridiculous indulgent pomp, but also that it's a genuine gesture of honor and respect, and she accepts it in the spirit of the latter.
  • The Duchess and Grogu waving goodbye to each other as they part.
• Din exploiting Loophole Abuse to give the Darksaber to Bo Katan without having to fight her. It’s clear that he’s wanted to figure out a way to hand it over ever since he got it, and now he’s finally able to do so without having to duel his friend.
  • Bo is clearly touched when she thinks Din is trying to simply give the Darksaber to her, again, for the sake of Mandalorian unity.
  Bo-Katan: It is not a gift to be given, no matter how well intentioned.

Chapter 23: The Spies

• In a villainous example, Pellaeon is shown to still have Undying Loyalty towards Thrawn. Years after they were lost to the unknown in the Liberation of Lothal, he still regards Thrawn as his hero and encourages everyone to wait for his return. Given Thrawn was shown to be a pretty Benevolent Boss to his underlings, it speaks volumes to the good relationship he had with Pellaeon.
  • Pellaeon is also shown to be on good terms with Brendol Hux, who looks to him for a second opinion on Gideon’s request. Considering the atrocities Hux will have to his name it’s refreshing that there’s at least someone Hux isn’t a complete ass to.
• Grogu sitting in Bo-Katan's lap as she pilots her Kom'rk-class ship to Navarro is both adorable and heartwarming, and a sign of how they've bonded over the season.
• Grogu is absolutely delighted to have IG-12 to commandeer, immediately squeaking happily when he sees him. Greef helps him take his seat inside, and Grogu excitedly relishes having not only much more agency in moving around and picking things up, but also a limited way of speaking plain basic with his dad and allies.
  • Din tries to remove Grogu from IG-12 due to being worried he’s too young to operate it, but Grogu responds with a "no". Greef eagerly says that Grogu must be trying to say that he can handle it, and Grogu replies with a "yes". It’s a big growing up moment for the group as they realize Grogu isn’t as much of a helpless baby as they originally thought - he wants to help as a full fledged hero.
• After having doubts about her ability to lead, Din assures Bo that she is qualified, not due to owning the Darksaber, but because of her character and honor, having been moved by her tale of surrendering to Gideon in the hope her people would be spared, and swears his loyalty to her.
  Din Djarin: I only know of this weapon what you taught me. To be honest, it means nothing to me, or my people, nor does station or bloodline. What means more to me is honor... and loyalty... and character. These are the reasons I serve you, Lady Kryze. (Bo-Kotan turns, clearly stunned and touched despite her self doubt as Din places his hand over his heart) Your song is not yet written. I will serve you, until it is.
• The Reveal that some Mandalorians were able to survive on Mandalore and that they've been waiting for Bo to return to them.
• When Bo begins revealing how Gideon came into possession of the Darksaber, Koska tries to speak up to keep Bo from continuing. Bo assures her it's fine, but Koska still fears for her boss's safety.
• The Armorer agreeing to take the wounded Mandalorians back to the fleet to recover, even if it means missing a chance to see the Great Forge for herself.
• While it leads to a knife fight over an argument about the rules, Paz and Axe sat down to play a board game to pass the time. Two men with very low opinions of each other, yet they decided to at least try to bond over a friendly game (well, as "friendly" as anything gets in Mandalorian culture, anyway).
• Grogu jumps into a fight between Paz and Axe. Bo-Katan tells Din she's impressed at his ability to stop them, but Din admits that Grogu didn't learn that from him. Three guesses who taught him that.
  • Note the way he stops them. Holding them apart while using the IG-12 Suit to repeatedly say 'No.'.
  • When the monster begins attacking the skimmer, Axe and Paz nod to each other as they help Grogu evacuate the ship, since he cannot due to lacking a jetpack, the child's kindness towards them not being forgotten.
• Despite their fight on the skimmer, when Axe offers to make a break for it to get help, Paz provides him covering fire so he can escape.
• Bo refusing to leave Paz behind when they're retreating. Paz has to shut the blast doors from the outside to get her to finally run.

Chapter 24: The Return

• Grogu shows up in IG-12 just in time to save Din from an Imperial Dark Trooper that was choking him with a grappling line and about to shoot him. Din later returns the favor by saving him from the Praetorians. Grogu also tries to use IG-12's bacta spray on Din after rescuing him.
• Din starts calling R5 "buddy", a far cry from when Grogu had to guilt him into checking on the droid when he looked to be in danger back in "The Mines of Mandalore", and even when R5 is waylaid by the mouse droids and risks his life, Din still gratefully thanks him for his help.
• When the cruiser crashes down into Gideon's base, Bo (alongside Din) tries to shield Grogu from the incoming wall of fire. It ends up being unnecessary because Grogu protects her and Din with the Force, but kudos for trying.
• Ragnar is re-baptized in the living waters of Mandalore. It is notable that the Armorer leaves out the part about never removing his helmet, showing that she is becoming more flexible.
  • Look closely at the armors of some of the attendees: Not only are Children of the Watch present for Ragnar's Baptism Take Two, but some recognizeable Night Owls and Survivors are present as well.
• Din formally adopts Grogu to the seeming delight of not only Grogu, but the Armorer as well as her voice softens.
  The Armorer: This is The Way.
• Din uses the head of an old IG-series droid to finally resurrect IG-11. The people of Nevarro are pleased to have him as their new Marshall. In return, Greef gives Din his own cabin outside the city. Din graciously accepts, and the end of the season shows him relaxing on his new back porch while Grogu plays with a frog with the Force. Finally, father and son have a place to call home where they can just be, well, father and son.

Tie-Ins

Tie-Ins

• The end of This is the Way, a Little Golden Book based on Season 1:
  The Child helped heal the Mandalorian's lonely heart.
  And the Mandalorian gave the Child a home.
  They became a family. This was the way.
• This adorable short, promoting the original LEGO Razor Crest, of Grogu playing in the snow.
• Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic cancelling Star Wars Celebration in 2020 and '21, Grogu couldn't attend SWC until 2022, taking the stage for the first time at the end of the Mandalorian+ panel. After he finally made it, several Mandalorian cast and crew members posed for a picture with him, then Pedro Pascal planted a kiss on the top of the Child's head.
• "The Foundling" reveals that Grogu was rescued from the slaughter of the Jedi Temple by Ahmed Best's character Kelleran Beq from the Jedi Temple Challenge game show. Many fans were delighted to see Best being given such a prominent role, and a connection to the much-loved Grogu, especially considering the history of how badly he was treated by sections of the fandom in the past. Best thanked those who welcomed him back to the Galaxy with this video.

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