The Mandalorian Season 3 Premiere: A Slow Burn with Smaller Baby Yoda Bits

The Mandalorian returns for its third season with the slow-burn entry, “The Apostate,” but don’t be fooled by its low-key approach. This latest installment sets the stage for a deeper dive into Mandalorian politics, with old friends and new foes, and of course, the cutest creature in the galaxy, Baby Yoda.

“The Apostate” reintroduces us to our hero, Din Djarin, who is grappling with his commitment to the Mandalorian code and embarks on a mission to atone for removing his helmet. Along the way, he encounters some familiar faces, including Greef Karga and Bo-Katan, who challenge his beliefs and add some humor to the episode.

While the premiere lacks the bombshell reveals of previous seasons, it still succeeds in its world-building and character development. Executive producers Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni continue to mine the vast Star Wars universe, bringing elements from the movies and animated series to expand the mythology. Keep an eye on hyperspace!!

The highlight of the episode is, of course, Baby Yoda, who steals every scene he’s in with his adorable antics. The humor in the episode is well-placed and adds some levity to the otherwise serious subject matter. While the second season closed Grogu’s arc, we’re not complaining they found a way to bring them back!

However, the slow pace and lack of action may disappoint some fans who are used to the show’s high-stakes thrills. And the absence of Gina Carano’s character, Cara Dune, is felt, but the episode does a decent job explaining her absence.

Overall, “The Apostate” is a solid start to the season, laying the groundwork for what promises to be an exciting journey into Mandalorian politics. While it may not have the same impact as previous seasons, it will hopefully be an enjoyable ride.

RATING: 3.5 out of 5.0

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