The Mandalorian — Series 3 Episode 8 — Chapter 24 “The Return” — A Review

17th July, 2023: an Introduction.

Right … it’s Monday.

Which means I’m trying, desperately, to not burn dinner … whilst listening to tonight’s episode of I’m Sorry, I Haven’t a Clue.

With games of Mornington Crescent, like that?

You can’t go wrong!

~≈👽≈~

At any rate … ?

It’s Monday.

So, once I’ve had dinner — a burger — I’ll be watching Chapter 24 of The Mandalorian: “The Return” is the last of the current series: so I’m hoping it’s a suitable finale!

~≈👽≈~

18th July, 2023: “The Return”.

Episode 8 — Chapter 24 — “The Return” — opens with the usual summary of earlier episodes.

Then shifts.

To show us Din Djaran’s (Pedro Pascal) captured by Moff Gideon’s storm troopers … and his rescue by Grogu.

Din tells his adopted child three things.

• Gideon (Giancarlo Esposito) needs to be beaten.
• Din needs Grogu to be brave.
• Things are going to get scary!

Post titles … ?

Din contacts Bo-Katan Kryze (Katee Sackhoff) to let her know he and Grogu are safe: and determined to find their enemy.

Whilst, in return?

Bo-Katan tells Din that she’s going to get reinforcements: and invade Gideon’s base.

Hopefully?

One of them should be able to corner the villainous Moff.

~≈👽≈~

With all that said, what did I make of “The Return”?

And what did I make of the series it’s part of?

Let’s start with that first question, shall we: what DID I make of “The Return”?

Both as an episode, and a finale?

“The Return” is near enough perfect!

It’s a huge great rollicking adventure: that sees the nefarious Moff Gideon, defeated, sees Bo-Katan installed as Mandalore’s rightful ruler, sees Ragnar Vista joining his tribe … 

And sees Din Djarin, the Mandalorian, himself, adopting Grogu!

As the end of the episode — and series — sees the pair retiring to a small home on Navarro!

After he’s spoken to Captain Teva (Paul Sun-Hyung Lee) about possible jobs he may have in the future.

All this, and some beautiful battles: and fantastic duels.

Was this a good episode?

Absolutely.

Do I want to see more?

Yes I do.

Of both the episode, and the series

They’ve been wonderful things to watch: mixing elements of The Lord of the Rings* with Cold War drama I found reminiscent of The Third Man.

Throw design influences from The King of the Rocket Men, and Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner into the mix?

And you have a wonderfully watchable piece: one I suspect will be hard to beat.

I am very aware that a fourth series of The Mandalorian is in development.

But don’t know when it’s due to be released.

I’d like to see that series.

I think the third will be difficult to beat!

~≈👽≈~

With all that said … ?

With all that said, that’s the last of my reviews done: at least, my reviews of The Mandalorian, done.

I will be back, however.

The Daily Teasers carry on.

As do my reviews of Star Trek Strange New Worlds.

I’ll be watching the next episode — “Lost in Translation” — on Friday, 21st July: and posting my written and video reviews of it on Saturday, 22nd July.

I — hopefully — see you then.

“The Return”.

★★★★

Series Average Rating

★★★☆¾ 

*        Aragorn’s story arc ends with his being named king of Gondor: it’s paralleled by Bo-Katan’s becoming leader of Mandalore.   At least, that’s my thinking.   King ascending his — or her — throne is an old story arc.