Revisiting The Mandalorian Season 3: A Surprising Redemption
Discover why giving Season 3 another chance is a rewarding experience. Dive into the reasons why this season deserves a second look.
The one-year anniversary of The Mandalorian season 3 is here, and after rewatching, it's actually not as terrible as some people may recall. As Star Wars' initial and most prosperous live-action TV series, the anticipation for The Mandalorian season 3 was high during the nearly two-and-a-half years following the epic conclusion of The Mandalorian season 2. However, the season didn't quite live up to the hype, resulting in mixed reviews that criticized its pacing, story decisions, and more.
To mark the one-year milestone, I decided to give The Mandalorian season 3 another chance and see if anything has changed since then. Other media such as Ahsoka and The Bad Batch season 3 have begun to connect to the events of this season, increasing its significance within the larger Star Wars universe and making this revisit even more relevant. Nevertheless, the season must be able to hold its own over time - and trust me, it's not as terrible as you might remember.
The Mandalorian Season 3 Is Better Than You Remember
Bo-Katan and Mandalorians in Season 3 Finale - The Mandalorian Season 3 Is Better Than You Remember
The Mandalorian season 3 received mixed reviews from viewers, with only a few episodes standing out as highlights. The introduction of the Mythosaur in the mines of Mandalore and the exploration of Mandalore's surface with the "spies" were particularly well-received. However, the rest of the season was seen as less impressive by the audience.
One of the main criticisms was the focus on Bo-Katan Kryze, which sidelined Din Djarin's character arc. The story also felt disjointed at times, with Din's redemptive journey resolved early on in the season. This left the spotlight on Bo-Katan as she reclaimed her title and homeworld. The pacing of the season was uneven, with quick bursts of Din's story mixed with episodic adventures that sometimes lacked focus on the titular character.
Upon rewatching, the complaints about Din Djarin's character arc in The Mandalorian Season 3 seemed less significant. As a big fan of Din Djarin, I initially expected to be disappointed by his perceived sidelining, but upon revisiting the season, I noticed a clearer development of his character. In particular, his role as the unifier of the Mandalorians stood out. The pacing of the season also felt more natural, with each episode building towards Mandalore's reclamation, including the one with Jack Black and Lizzo.
The Mandalorian Season 3 Unknowingly Set Up The Next Star Wars Movie
Din Djarin and Grogu fly away from an explosion in concept art for The Mandalorian & Grogu movie - The Mandalorian Season 3 Unknowingly Set Up The Next Star Wars Movie
The Mandalorian season 3 has made a lasting impact in the galaxy, and now a movie focusing on The Mandalorian & Grogu is set to bring Star Wars back to the big screen. This announcement came as a surprise to many, especially since there were previous rumors during the Hollywood strikes suggesting otherwise. However, creator Jon Favreau has already confirmed that The Mandalorian season 4 is in the works with completed scripts.
Some viewers may have initially believed that The Mandalorian season 3 was overshadowed by its immense scale, leaving its characters and story forgotten. However, it is clear now that the ambitious scope of season 3 has paved the way for the franchise to transition successfully from the small screen to the big screen.
As we look ahead, the future of The Mandalorian season 4 remains uncertain. Nevertheless, the significant achievement of season 3 should not be underestimated. Despite any initial concerns about the overwhelming scale, something special must have resonated with audiences for it to be recognized as the catalyst for a new era of Star Wars on the silver screen.
The Mandalorian Season 3 Still Isn't The Same As Its First Two Seasons
Grogu and Din Djarin kneel in front of a crashed Razor Crest in The Mandalorian season 2, episode 2 - The Mandalorian Season 3 Still Isn't The Same As Its First Two Seasons
The Mandalorian Season | Rotten Tomatoes Critics Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|---|---|---|
Season 1 | 93% | 92% |
Season 2 | 93% | 91% |
Season 3 | 85% | 51% |
After rewatching The Mandalorian season 3 multiple times, it's still clear that it doesn't quite capture the same magic as seasons 1 and 2. The reason for this difference remains a mystery, but there are a few potential explanations. Firstly, season 3 was written after viewers had already experienced The Mandalorian, unlike seasons 1 and 2. Additionally, the season heavily relied on its spin-off, The Book of Boba Fett.
The Mandalorian season 3 is worth rewatching.
The biggest reason why season 3 may feel somewhat disconnected from the first two seasons is the emotional impact of Din Djarin and Grogu's goodbye at the end of season 2. This moment was one of the most emotional in the entire Star Wars universe, and the lack of their reunion in season 3 may have left many viewers feeling uneasy. However, despite this, season 3 is still a good addition to the series.
Grogu and Mando in The Mandalorian season 3 - The Mandalorian Season 3 Is Worth Rewatching
Some people may have been put off by the mixed reviews and complaints about The Mandalorian season 3 when it first came out. However, it's a mistake to dismiss it without giving it a second chance. In fact, upon rewatching, you may find that the season actually improves. This is especially true for those who follow social media discussions during a Star Wars release. The opinions of others online can greatly influence how we perceive a show, so revisiting it without distractions could offer a fresh perspective.
No matter what the legacy of The Mandalorian season 3 is in terms of reviews, its accomplishments continue to prove its worth.
The biggest takeaway I've found in rewatching The Mandalorian season 3 is that it truly deserves better. It still doesn't surpass seasons 1 and 2 for me, but I overall thoroughly enjoyed getting to sit down and see the story play out with a brand-new perspective on it all. The lesson of unity in that "Mandalorians are stronger together" is beautiful to see, particularly because Bo-Katan only learns this lesson from Din Djarin himself, emphasizing his own role and his true importance. You may not think the same upon rewatching, and that's okay, but it's certainly worth trying.
No matter what critics say, The Mandalorian season 3 continues to impress with its success. It remains the top show on Disney+ and in the Star Wars universe, surpassing Ahsoka and even the highly anticipated Loki season 2 in viewership in 2023. This achievement has led to The Mandalorian making history as the first Star Wars TV show to get its own movie. The show has achieved a lot in its first year, and I look forward to watching it again soon.
You can watch The Mandalorian on Disney+ now.
Editor's P/S:
The article takes a nuanced approach to The Mandalorian season 3, acknowledging its initial mixed reception but arguing that it deserves a second chance. The author points out that the season has faced criticism for its uneven pacing, sidelining of Din Djarin, and disjointed storytelling. However, upon rewatching, the author found that these complaints were less significant than initially perceived. They highlight Din Djarin's character development and the season's impact on the wider Star Wars universe.
Overall, the article encourages readers to revisit The Mandalorian season 3 with an open mind, emphasizing its strengths and its role in setting up future Star Wars projects. It suggests that the season has been unfairly dismissed and deserves to be appreciated for its accomplishments, despite falling short of the high standards set by the first two seasons.
