Topic: The Mandalorian Season 3 Episode 5

Here's your handy spot to discuss all things spoilers about the latest episode of The Mandalorian, airing March 29 at 12am Pacific.

Rumored to be 41 minutes (including recap and credits, but not the long dubbing / multilingual credits apparently).

It's directed by Peter Ramsey, who directed "Rise of the Guardians" (2012) and co-directed "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" (2018). It's written of course by Jon Favreau.

UPDATE

Episode is called "The Pirate."
Total run time rumor was correct. 44 is counting the long credits.
The pirate Gorian Shard attacks High Magistrate Greef Karga's city, Navarro.
Paul Sun-Hyung Lee (X-Wing Pilot) is in this one, finding the hidden Mandalorian HQ but it's OK – he's friends with Din.
Din blows up Gorian Shard's ship above the city.
Bo-Katan Kryze tries the always-wear-your-helmet approach but bows out of it.

Let's get the elephant out of the room from the get-go.  According to the end credits, that pilot was indeed Zeb.  Too cool.  Very nice tie-in and possible lead-in for the Ashoka tv series.  Also noticed Misty Rosas pulling double duty as the Bartender at the Rebel Base that felt like "China Beach" and as the Pirate Coxswain assisting the main pirate guy.  Also at the bar, blink and you'll miss it; reprising their roles is Dave Filoni as Trapper Wolf, Rick Famuyiwa as Jib Dodger, and Deborah Chow as Sash Ketter.

Really liked this episode.  I've enjoyed the gradual grudging respect that Din Djarin and Bo Katan has earned from Paz Vizsla.  Seeing the Covert Mando's actually moving through the streets like a proper Mandalorian unit was good to see.  It felt a little more like Bo Katan's unit, when they took the Imperial Gozanti Cruiser in the second season; more organized and professional soldiering.  I never get tired of seeing Paz Vizsla using "Old Painless" to mow down a bunch of  baddies. 

For a minute, down at the forge, I was honestly expecting the Armorer to remove her helmet, as well.  I was thinking, this might be the episode they're all allowed to finally remove their buckets.  Guess not.  It was still pretty cool.  I still think the Armorer has met or associated with Bo Katan or her family before.  If she's not Rook Kast, I'm wondering if she might be part of Clan Kryze in some manner.  At least now, Navarro can finally stay independent from the New Republic. 

I'm wondering if the beskar found on the destroyed Imp shuttle was from a Dark Trooper?  I know in old canon, the Dark Troopers armor was made out of the lightsaber resistant metal Phrik.  However, since they've changed up a lot with the newer canon, I wouldn't put it past them to have some of them made out of Beskar.  After nuking the entire planet of Mandalore, I wouldn't think there would be ANY Mandalorian who would willingly work for Moff Gideon.  However, it'd be interesting to see if any more of Clan Saxon show up and are assisting him with what's left of the Imperial Super Commandos.  Maybe even Rook Kast?

I think I have to give this one a 4/5 stars.  Not too shabby.

"Bulloch Canyon"

Great tribute, great episode

Absolutely loved this episode. Greef Karga as High-Magistrate really reminded me of Boba Fett as Daimyo, even saying the same type of lines about not abandoning their cities. Carson Teva going out of his way to try and help Greef Karga was great too, loved the callback to R5 being a part of the Rebel Alliance. Zeb Orwellios looked amazing in live action, maybe Sabine Wren later in the season? The Mandalorians in the cave using the hammer as a speaking stick for their tribal meeting was just awesome and Paz Vizsla standing behind Din Djarin was great (though not unexpected for me). The squads of Mandalorians dropping from the Komr'k  was an awesome visual and their tactical prowess was just what I wanted from Mandalorian warriors. I'm fine with Bo Katan uniting the many clans and houses of Mandalore but I don't want her to lead again. Moff Gideon being extracted (presumptively just like Bane in The Dark Knight Rises) is nice, and the "beskar alloy" being left behind makes me believe even more that Moff Gideon himself was a Mandalorian collaborator just like Gar Saxon. In the finale I wish to see Din Djarin disarmed by Moff Gideon while wielding the Dark Saber but his good ally (Who thanks to Brendan Wayne we know will help when you need him) disarming and defeating Moff Gideon using his Gaffi stick and himself becoming the Mand'alor and embracing his Mandalorian heritage just like in legends.

Boba Fett french, yeah! Loved the tribute there to Boba Fett actor Jeremy Bulloch, when Greef Karga mentions the name of the canyon.

So the good: Zeb looked great.  Always enjoy Carson. Mamdalorians kicked ass and looked good doing it. 

The not so good: Zeb looked great while other aliens just seemed… fake.  The trandoshan for one.  Still think they took the space pirate schtick too far.  Just way too corny.  Also thought the Bo taking her helmet thing off was contrived.  Not a fan.

Other observations: Saw kill stripes on another Mando.  Din is slowly taking a back seat and I’m not sure I’m cool about that. Lastly… any one else catch the Filoni cameo in the Space Nam hanger?

Final thoughts:  This episode suffered the same issues others this season have.  Uneven writing, characters and dialogue.  The Volume works great for Terrain, but Coruscsnt once again felt off.   I’m also not a fan of how the new Republic feels the way the first order did.  Over the top in their ridiculousness. 

Overall I give this a 3/5.  I enjoyed many aspects of the episode, but there are things that just broke the immersion for me.  Almost like they pour their work in to some things (Zeb) and phone it in for others. 

Lastly, I’d love for Jango to be name dropped as a pivotal figure of Mandalore.  Also… could this bizarre new helmet rule for Bo mean Boba is welcome now?

My first instinct is that Gideon was rescued by people that work for him, but...

It could be an interesting twist if it were Mandalorians wanted to get revenge on their own...so he's a prisoner somewhere or was left for dead. (And maybe escaped from them or at least survived.)

If this is going to follow the classic Indiana Jones formula, it seems (as others posted) he might get the Dark Saber back and ends up the leader of Bo Katan's faction...until she duels him to retrieve it fair and square.

Another, less pleasant twist, what would be the conditions under which Boba Fett might have been willing to free Gideon? Maybe it's too convoluted, but Boba Fett is a clone...Gideon had access to cloners...maybe Gideon has something Fett needs.

Also, does the group Din is with not respect the Dark Saber? It seemed like no one worked that angle while trying to convince the Mandalorians to go to Navarro.

I saw the other two directors cameos, but it took me a while to catch Dave Filoni on there.  Same group, but his back is turned.  Blink and you miss it.  Look for "the hat."

I just watched The Mandalorian Season 3 Episode 5, and as a common Star Wars fan, I have to say that it was absolutely amazing. The episode is packed with action and adventure, and it kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. The introduction of new characters like Bo-Katan and Koska Reeves was really exciting, and their interactions with the Mandalorian shed light on the Mandalorian culture and history. Fans of the animated series, "The Clone Wars" and "Rebels," will be thrilled to see these characters make their live-action debut. The battle sequence was definitely a highlight of the episode. It was well choreographed, and the special effects were impressive, making for an epic and thrilling spectacle. The episode also revealed more about Moff Gideon's evil plans, leaving me eager to see what comes next in the upcoming episodes. Mandalorian S3 has been a thrilling continuation of the series, with each episode building upon the previous one to create an engaging and immersive narrative. From the return of fan-favorite characters to the introduction of new ones, the show has kept viewers on the edge of their seats. One of the most exciting aspects of the season has been the inclusion of tano lightsabers and Jedi. The return of Ahsoka Tano, played by the brilliant Rosario Dawson, was a highlight of Season 2, and her continued involvement in the series has been a joy to watch. We also see the introduction of new Jedi characters, including a young Padawan who is being hunted by the Empire. The lightsaber duels in this season with the best dueling lightsabers have been some of the best in the entire Star Wars franchise, with well-choreographed action sequences that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The show's expansion of the Mandalorian lore has also been a highlight of the season. We see the introduction of new Mandalorian clans, each with their unique beliefs and customs. The political struggles within the Mandalorian culture are explored in-depth, with characters such as Bo-Katan Kryze and Boba Fett representing different factions within the Mandalorian community. This expansion of the Mandalorian lore has been a fascinating addition to the series, providing new layers to a culture that was previously only briefly explored. The character development in this season has also been outstanding. Din Djarin continues to grapple with his role as a father figure to Grogu and his duty as a Mandalorian. We see him grow and change as a character, with his interactions with other characters providing opportunities for introspection and growth. The return of fan-favorite characters such as Boba Fett has also been a treat, with the show exploring new aspects of their personalities and motivations. The visual effects in the show continue to be stunning, with each episode providing breathtaking set pieces and beautifully rendered environments. The score by Ludwig Göransson is also exceptional, with each piece of music perfectly complementing the tone and mood of the scene. Overall, Mandalorian Season 3 has been an outstanding addition to the series, providing engaging storytelling, well-choreographed action sequences, and excellent character development. It is a must-watch for Star Wars fans and anyone who enjoys epic, space-faring adventures.