This review contains full spoilers for episode five of The Mandalorian Season 3, you can watch it now on Disney+.
The Mandalorian’s Season 3, Episode 5, titled “The Pirate,” has breathed new life into the series, tying together the storylines of Nevarro’s pirates, the New Republic’s dysfunction, and the dream of reclaiming Mandalore. While some of the dialogue can be repetitive, the episode is packed with twists and turns that promise an exciting journey ahead.
The episode starts with Greef Karga’s urban planning meeting being interrupted by Captain Gorian Shard’s anticipated return. Despite Greef’s experience, his plan to deal with this significant threat seems ill-conceived, as he merely sends a droid with a distress message to the New Republic.
Captain Carson Teva (Paul Sun-Hyung Lee) and Star Wars Rebels’ Zeb Orrelios (Steve Blum) receive Greef’s message. Zeb’s live-action debut is a fantastic treat, but it’s a shame that he and Teva don’t immediately fly to Nevarro to offer assistance. Instead, Teva heads to Coruscant to follow the proper channels, only to be met with bureaucratic obstacles.
Colonel Tuttle (Tim Meadows) and Elia Kane (Katy M. O’Brian) remind Teva that Nevarro hasn’t signed the necessary charter for the New Republic to intervene. Frustrated but undeterred, Teva looks for help elsewhere.
In the meantime, Din Djarin and the Children of the Watch decide to step in and assist. Despite the episode’s attempts to create suspense around their decision, it’s hardly a surprise, especially after Din’s recent heroic actions. The use of the Armorer’s hammer as a talking stick adds a touch of humor to the situation.
When it comes to the pirates, it’s hard to take them seriously as they’re depicted more like characters from Pirates of the Caribbean. Din’s confidence in facing them feels justified, and the subsequent action is more comical than harrowing. The Kowakian monkey-lizards pointing the Mandalorians in the right direction adds to the light-hearted atmosphere.
The Mandalorians’ battle against the pirates is an absolute romp, with the heroes dominating on both land and in the air. Although the overall action lacks intensity, the beautifully animated fall of Shard’s ship, accompanied by Joseph Shirley’s brilliant score, is a highlight of the episode.
This victory serves as a turning point for Bo-Katan, earning her the support of the Children of the Watch. However, the final reveal surrounding Moff Gideon’s fate raises intriguing questions about his possible allies and their plans for Mandalore.
Final Thoughts:
In conclusion, “The Pirate” has a few delightful surprises in store, even if some of the plot developments are predictable. As the second half of Season 3 unfolds, the stage is set for conflicts that will truly matter. With Moff Gideon’s return looming and the quest to reunite the Mandalorians gaining momentum, we can’t wait to see what comes next. This episode marks a turning point, setting up an exciting path forward for the series. As the various storylines begin to converge, we’re looking forward to seeing how The Mandalorian continues to build on this strong foundation, delivering engaging and captivating content for fans.
