‘The Mandalorian’ Review: A great addition to the Star Wars industry

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Vincent Lanes

The Mandalorian maintains a gritty yet appealing aesthetic throughout season one.

“The Mandalorian” is Disney’s first foray into the live-action Star Wars television scene, and it’s paying off. The first episode of The Mandalorian aired on Nov. 12, 2019 on Disney+ to widespread critical acclaim from both critics and fans alike. Though the earnings are undisclosed, the success and popularity of the show have prompted the production of a second season; which is expected to debut fall of 2020.

It is fair to say that “The Mandalorian” lives up to the hype. The show shines in several key aspects that distinguishes itself far from other contemporary shows. The show excels in its production, cast and pacing.

“The Mandalorian” is filled to the brim with detail — and this can be owed to the production quality of the show. The visual effects, costume design and fancy space scenes rival that of a modern Star Wars film. Nonetheless, the show still captures the very essence of a Star Wars film; Disney incorporates several cheesy effects and the occasional campy voice line for good measure.

“The Mandalorian” simply has a high-quality production value. Every episode maintains a consistent level of polish that only a high budget and level of care can attain.

Perhaps the most popular aspect of the show is its highly memorable cast. “The Mandalorian” defies most slower-paced shows and focuses less on character; instead the show focuses more on the very nature of each character and how they further the plot. It lends to a more simplistic structure that appeals to a wide audience.

Mando is the quiet human protagonist with a sympathetic moral code. Baby Yoda cannot even speak; his characterization is entirely based off of subtle motion. Regardless, this simplistic duo has such excellent chemistry that truly propels the show.

Perhaps a more controversial principle that defines the show is its pacing. Even though “The Mandalorian” capitalizes on its simplicity to great success, the show sparks intrigue by incorporating a slower burn.

Each episode has very little stakes at play. Tiny villages and a small clan of elite space warriors pale in comparison to the several iterations of the Death Star that can blow up planets at ease.

Despite this, “The Mandalorian” creates many plot threads that lead to great payoff. The curiosity of the audience is rewarded with scenes that pay heed to small details and add to character development. One of the most profound moments was when one such character, Carasynthian Dune, had her entire motivations fascinatingly explained through a single line.

“The Mandalorian” is not a perfect television show, but the synergy of the various cinematographic elements of the show creates a strangely compelling and beautiful story about a lone bounty hunter — a compelling feat.