RECAP:  The Mandalorian S1:E3:  The Sin

SOME SPOILERS FOLLOW. PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK.


(this space provide to save you from spoileration in case you clicked through despite the spoiler warning)


The Mandalorian Chapter Three: The Sin

The Mandalorian returns to deliver the, for lack of a better term, baby Yoda to the mysterious client. He doesn't seem to make any secret of his acquisition as he makes his way through the streets and we are treated to even more great visuals of this world that seems both so familiar and yet different to us. After being greeted by the Jabba's Palace doorbell driod, which never gets old, Mando hands over the goods to a clearly ecstatic Client and Dr. Pershing. His payment, a large amount of beskar in a Willrow Hood style ice cream maker is delivered and it seems the transaction is complete. However, before leaving Mando dares to ask what the plans are for the bounty. Although it certainly makes sense to us to be concerned about turning a baby over to these two weirdos; for the Mandalorian it is a serious faux pas. When the bounty is delivered and the payment is made, you are done. You walk away. And so he does, returning to the Mandalorian compound to have new armor and some new weapons fashioned from his recent payment. Any look inside the Mando compound is quite welcome, but this time we get so much more. We see several more Mandalorians up close, including the Heavy Infantry Mandalorian which will be coming to the 6' line. Mention is made of a 'great purge', it is said that their world was 'shattered by the Empire' and that this is why they 'live in the shadows'. Seeing his Imperial stamped beskar, the others are indignant that he would do business with them and they come to blows, but the armorer reminds them that our hero has never taken off his helmet or had anyone take it off of him. That calms the others down.

As the armor is fashioned we get more flashbacks to a violent episode from the Mandalorian's past as his parents (presumably) get him to shelter before (apparently) being killed. Is this part of the great purge that the others spoke of' Maybe; but it looks like the ones doing the attacking are Separatists. With his new, shiny armor Mando goes to Greef to find his next job, one that he wants to take him far away; but as he prepares for departure in his ship it becomes obvious he has caught some serious feelings in reference to baby Yoda. Is it simply the fact that he cannot abide the idea of this (mostly) helpless child in the hands of the Client, or is he concerned about the child's Force potential being used as a weapon? Either way, he abandons his latest job and sets off to commit the titular sin of this episode. He returns to the Client's pad, and from outside is able to hear them talking about the kid. The Client wants to 'extract the...material' and be done with it; but then Pershing says something that implies there is someone above them that wants the child to remain alive. The decision of what to do with it is taken out of their hands as Mando breaks in (he destroys the Jabba's palace doorbell droid) and makes his way past Stormtroopers to where the child is being held. The Client is not there, but Pershing begs for mercy, saying he is the one who has made sure the child has been kept safe. Mando doesn't kill him, but he does shoot an Imperial interrogation droid. With the package once again in hand, Mando fights his way back out only to find himself the target of every other bounty hunter in town, including Greef. A heated gun battle erupts, with many disintegrations taking place. It's great. I really don't think it's possible to get tired of the disintegrations. As awesome as he is, Mando is outgunned and it looks like his number is up. And then comes this episode's HOLY CRAP! moment. Out of nowhere, the other Mandalorians. With jetpacks. I mean, we've seen stuff like this in cartoons, but this is different. The definite highlight of an already great episode. They start to even the odds and Mando makes it to the Razor Crest; but Greef has been on his heels. Mando creates a distraction and takes his shot, hitting Greef in the chest. Now safely on board with baby Yoda, he departs the planet, a jetpack strapped Mandalorian saluting him as he leaves. It's glorious. We also see that Greef is alive, some beskar he had received as payment saved his life.

A great episode, maybe better than Ch. 1. My only complaint is the 37 minute run-time (and that's including the recap). It needs to be at least 45 minutes. On the other hand, every second is stone cold killer awesome. It goes out on a high note and leaves you wanting more. Can you imagine how we'll feel when this all too short season ends' It's gonna be rough; but as I've said before, this show has a ton of rewatchability. This episode was directed by Deborah Chow, who is slated to direct the upcoming Obi-Wan series. I think we are in good hands.

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