@finfan Hi! I decided to reply to the comment of this episode since it's the last aired so far, talking about the previous one too and the state of the series.
It was great to see some of the familiar characters from the series again. However, I'm still not convinced about the return of Grogu. I can't quite tell if it was a marketing decision or if it's actually important to the story. I'm afraid that it may have been reintroduced simply for the sake of ratings, although I do love the character and I'm happy to see him back. Nevertheless, I think it would have been beneficial for the series to have at least one season without him so that it could evolve on its own, especially with such great supporting characters. This would have allowed Grogu to train and become more powerful in the Force.
As for Din Dijarin, I also think that it's a step backward for his character to hide his face again. Removing his mask was an evolution of his character, and hiding it again feels like a regression. When I see Din, I don't see Pedro Pascal behind the mask, but rather a stunt double, and I wonder if the reason for hiding his face again is due to availability issues with the actor.
Overall, I've enjoyed the episodes so far. I love the evolution of Bo Katan's character, and I don't mind that the story focuses on her at times as it helps to evolve the series in a way that I love. While some additional character introductions may slow down the story, I do appreciate the attention to detail in the Star Wars universe. I particularly enjoyed the episode dedicated to Dr. Pershing, and I was happy to see him again, even though his demise was unfortunate.
One thing that I'm not a fan of is the New Republic. I feel that their current path is not in line with what I imagine Leia Organa's politics to be. This is not a critique of the series, but rather an interesting aspect that I'd like to see explored more. In fact, I think that the state of uncertainty in the galaxy and the reorganization of the New Republic would have been an interesting backdrop for Episodes 7, 8, and 9. It would have been fascinating to see how smugglers, pirates, and remnants of the old Empire navigated through this period, rather than just focusing on the First Order, which was already a powerful entity.
I apologize for the lengthy message, but I wanted to share my thoughts on the recent episodes. Let me know what you think!
@andreas1138 Sorry for the late reply.
First of, you never need to apologize for writing a comment. I appreciate people reading and replying to my comments very much.
As for the points you raised:
Grogu certainly is a seller for the show and therefore it was obvious he would be back. But there is also the matter of continuity. If I remember correctly from the sequels Ben Solo was the first student at Luke's new Jedi Academy. So having Grogu stay there could be seen as breach of canon.
Like I wrote in a reply to another comment for chapter 23 Rick Fumuyiwa confirmed at SWC that Din isn't the main focus any longer. But I agree it is rather convienient having a lead actor wearing a helmet pretty much all the time and, for all intent and purposes, just doing voice acting. I also wasn't in favor that his redemption took place early on aas I thought this would be a main arch of the season. But I guess the reason for that might also be what you pointed out.
I, too, like Bo Katan very much. Already did in Clone Wars and Rebels and Katee is really bringing her alive and her story is the most interesting by far at the moment. Din's become a side player and Grogu is just there to be cute and eat something.
I wholeheartedly agree on your last paragraph. We see bits and pieces of the New Republic but it seems it's just another variation of the Empire it replaces with all its bureaucracy and officials.
Overall the season is still good with two episodes really dragging the rating down so far from my point of view. But like I said, in an eight episode season that's 25 % of your content.
Thanks again for your reply.
Shout by FinFanBlockedParentSpoilers2023-04-05T14:19:49Z
That was a convenient way to solve the Darksaber issue. A bit too convenient if you'd ask me. But those final scenes couldn't safe the episode from basically just being a constructed, unessessary and boring sub plot to provide guest roles for some well known names. And they were not even great characters. With only eight episodes per season they really should not waste time on those things.
The one question this episode raised for me is: could have been Mandalorians that freed Gideon after all if so many of them became mercenaries ?