The Mandalorian: Din Djarin's Journey Rivals Bo Katan's in Intrigue

Highlights

Bo-Katan is a complex and nuanced character who has undergone significant growth and development throughout her appearances in The Mandalorian and other Star Wars series.

With her involvement in the Death Watch and struggles with her past, Bo-Katan's history adds depth and enhances her character's compelling backstory.

Bo-Katan's transformation from villain to remorseful leader surpasses Din Djarin's character arc, positioning her as a potential dynamic protagonist for future seasons of The Mandalorian.

Premiering on Disney+ in 2019, The Mandalorian was met with much praise, introducing fans to a captivating new character within the expansive Star Wars galaxy. While previous Star Wars installments have featured similar characters, the focus on a non-Force-wielding bounty hunter Mandalorian was a refreshing twist. Fans eagerly anticipated a deeper exploration of Mandalorian culture, and the series did not disappoint.

Now, after three seasons and a significant presence in The Book of Boba Fett, The Mandalorian has surpassed expectations, delivering unexpected highlights. The inclusion of the iconic Darksaber, multiple encounters with the Imperial remnant, and the introduction of renowned Mandalorians like Bo-Katan Kryze have added depth and excitement. While Din Djarin has been a wonderful addition to the Star Wars universe, it may be time for Bo-Katan to take center stage as the true Mandalorian protagonist.

Bo-Katan is a More Interesting Mandalorian

Bo-Katan, a former lieutenant of the extremist terrorist group Death Watch, opposed Mandalore's shift to pacifism. As the ruler of Mandalore before its fall to the Empire, she engaged in a conflict against her sister, Duchess Satine Kryze. While those who only know her from The Mandalorian may find it hard to believe she was a villain, Bo-Katan is a complex character who has undergone significant development. Her transformation in The Mandalorian season three exemplifies the growth she has experienced.

Initially dismissing the Children of the Watch as a cult, Bo-Katan ultimately relies on them throughout the third season. She demonstrates the ability to recognize her flaws and adapt accordingly. In addition to accepting the Armorer's assistance, she actively works to unite the other Mandalorian clans, aiming to restore their once great culture on Mandalore. While Din Djarin is also multidimensional, his actions are largely driven by the plot, whereas Bo-Katan's decisions guide and shape her character.

Bo-Katan's History is More Compelling

Comparing Din Djarin and Bo-Katan's history is not entirely fair, as Bo has been around for a much longer time than Din Djarin. Nevertheless, that's just how things are. Bo-Katan made her debut in The Clone Wars, where fans gained a detailed understanding of the Mandalorian culture and the formidable cities of Mandalore. She also appeared in Star Wars: Rebels, where Sabine Wren passed on the Darksaber to her. Bo-Katan Kryze is a complex character who grapples with her past, including the tragic loss of her estranged sister, for which she played a part.

The Death Watch devised a plan in collaboration with Darth Maul to orchestrate conflict with Maul's allies, portraying the dissenting Mandalorians as heroes in the end. This scheme aimed to remove Duchess Satine from her position of power. Bo-Katan had a straightforward role to play: capturing Maul's criminal associates and bringing them to justice. Pre Vizsla, leader of the Death Watch (voiced by The Mandalorian showrunner Jon Favreau), proceeded to seize the Duchess and coerced her into announcing him as Mandalore's Prime Minister. Once declared the leader of Mandalore, Maul challenged Pre Vizsla to a duel for the right to govern the planet and its inhabitants, an offer that Vizsla accepted and met a swift demise, losing his life. Subsequently, Maul, in front of Bo-Katan, took the life of Satine after Bo-Katan refused to recognize Maul as the rightful leader of Mandalore.

Bo-Katan and her comrades aligned themselves with the devil, only to realize the repercussions of their decision. On that fateful day, Maul seized control of both the Darksaber and Mandalore. Fortunately, Ahsoka eventually joined forces with Bo-Katan, aimed at reclaiming the planet and apprehending Maul. Nevertheless, the scars left by the Sith lord ran deep. Katee Sackhoff skillfully portrays that anguish to the viewers in every scene she appears on The Mandalorian.

Bo-Katan Has a Deeper Character Arc

Although Bo-Katan started off as a villain in Star Wars, her trajectory quickly shifts towards becoming a hero. The turning point occurs when Satine's demise acts as a catalyst, altering her perspective and propelling her into the future. Bo-Katan's tremendous growth as a character in The Clone Wars captivated viewers and solidified her status as a beloved fan-favorite.

Fast-forwarding to The Mandalorian, audiences witness significant growth and development in Bo-Katan's character. Unlike Din Djarin, she undergoes remarkable changes and transformation. While Din has embraced his role as a father, he remains mostly a reticent loner who obediently follows instructions. Although he briefly seemed to reject "the way" by removing his helmet, he ultimately reverted to the Armorer's teachings. It is crucial for the central character to evolve and derive valuable lessons from their experiences.

Reflecting on the Skywalker family, both Luke and Anakin experienced profound personal journeys, ultimately leading to very different destinations compared to their origins. Luke initiated his adventure as a young farmhand with limited knowledge of the wider galaxy. However, by the conclusion of his trilogy, he had become a wise Jedi master, capable of perceiving goodness even in the second-most wicked entity in the universe. Bo-Katan Kryze, similarly, has undergone tremendous character development and is worlds away from where she initially began. Evolving from a narrow-minded terrorist to a remorseful leader, she has now emerged as the only Mandalorian to have witnessed a Mythosaur and potentially hold the key to saving her people. Furthermore, her development is far from complete, implying that she could continue driving the series forward as a compelling and dynamic protagonist.

The Mandalorian

Release Date November 12, 2019Seasons 3Creator Jon FavreauNumber of Episodes 24Streaming Sevice Disney PlusFranchise(s) Star Wars