STUNNING
In this episode, Hilda's hanging with her deerfox and her little friend Alfur at home. But after staying in the house for three days straight, Hilda's mum thinks it's a good time for a walk around the city. So Johanna forces Hilda to befriend some humans for a change, and it's all fun and games until the popular one hits a bird with a rock. It turns out this bird can talk. Only Hilda and the cool kid hears it, and Hilda runs away, with the popular boy's friends laughing at his absurd claim.
Alfur tries to interview the bird, but our feathered friend over here isn't much of a character. Hilda's mum drags her out of the house again, before dumping Alfur and the bird with amnesia outside. Then Johanna tells Hilda about the bird which passes over the parade to bless the town before Hilda realises the identity of her forgetful friend.
Alfur and the bird make their way through the city before the popular boy kidnaps them. And he's still butt-hurt by the bird embarrassing him around his friends. He tries to show them he's not crazy, which doesn't go well. And the bird falls into the river.
Luckily, Hilda arrives, reminds the bird his identity, before he transforms into a bird the size of a plane, and takes Hilda for an evening flight. He tells her how the people of Trolberg thought he was a bird of the gods when he's just a talking lightning-bird. Despite not being the bird the people think he is, he's still glad to make the people happy by flying over their festival every year.
After that history lesson, Hilda returns to her mum, bonds with her and comes to realise the city isn't as dreary as she initially thought.
That was another brilliant episode; a story about identity, misunderstandings and coming to terms with your reality. It's also one of my favourites. I can't wait to revisit the rest of the season!
TECHNICAL & ENJOYMENT SCORE: 8/10
TRAGIC
Now here's where the series picks up! The episode starts with Hilda talking to her mum, scared of the possibility of moving into the busy yet isolated city of Trolberg. At night, she has a chat with a giant, who explains the person they're waiting for hasn't shown up for their date. Hilda reckons he's been stood up and suggests he stops waiting & moves on. Hilda's words are some great advice that she fails to follow, as she and her mum take a visit to Trolberg. Hilda doesn't like what she sees.
After returning home, she stalks the Wood Man, before he welcomes her into his home and tells the story of the "Giants of Old". The giants once roamed the land. But after the humans arrived, they began terrorising them. The world "got too small for them," so they left. But the giant Hilda's met didn't get the memo, so she feels pity for this poor fellow.
The next day, Hilda wakes up and journeys with Alfur up a mountain to make peace talks with the King. And of course, the King says, "NO." But it turns out the mountain is a giant. And after saving the elven monarchy, the King decides Hilda and her mum can stay. It also turns out the giant Hilda met didn't leave. So he meets with the other giant, falls in love, right before he steps on Hilda's house.
Johanna: "They haven't even noticed what they've done."
Hilda's mum says as she puts her foot through an Elf's house. Hilda realises the hypocrisy here, before comforting her mum, telling her she's ready to move to Trolberg. The episode ends with a beautiful montage, a new status quo and an enormous bird sitting atop Hilda's roof. WHAT?
This episode tells a heartfelt tale about noticing people who are below you (figuratively & literally) and to learn when it's time to move on. The moment when Hilda grabs her mum's hand endeared her to me, and her gaze out into the beautifully illustrated city left me in awe.
TECHNICAL & ENJOYMENT SCORE: 8/10
WONDROUS
The introduction to Hilda, her mum and this magical world is still as fresh and endearing as it was the first time.
The episode starts with Hilda journeying through the wilderness. But after barely escaping a troll, she realises it doesn't want to eat them; it wants help. So Hilda realises the troll isn't a scary monster out to kill them and removes the bell she attached to its nose. It thanks her by returning her troll-spit covered sketchbook, before leaving her in peace.
Hilda: "Well that was traumatic. But such is the life of an adventurer."
Later on, Hilda's house is trashed by the the "hidden people" before one of them makes peaceful contact with her and gets her to sign some miniature paperwork (which she doesn't bother to read). Finally, she's able to see these "hidden people" are tiny elves, who have little houses all over the valley. But after trying to make peace with the town mayor and prime minister, she learns things are out of her and their hands.
The episode ends with some childhood depression, endearing Alfur and the audience to her, which convinces him to "break every protocol" and arrange her a meeting with the King: the only person who can enact some change in elven kind.
A beautifully animated introduction that tells us not to judge magical creatures so harshly (see the troll and the elves), and although some situations are out of your hands, there's still hope.
TECHNICAL SCORE: 7/10
ENJOYMENT SCORE: 8/10
A SURPRISE TO BE SURE, BUT A WELCOME ONE.
I smiled when I saw that face Gideon made when Luke entered the light cruiser. He was talking about how certain his victory is, but his confidence went from 100 to 0 within seconds.
I can't believe Disney let Favreau and the team let Grogu go! I'm sure we'll see him next season, but if we don't, I'll be damned. I applaud Favreau, Filoni and whoever made it happen.
Also, it seems the culmination of Mando's character arc in the last episode progressed to him comfortably revealing his face in front of not only his friends but Gideon too! Wow. It sad to see Din look Grogu in the eyes, as the little one reached out and touched his face.
The next thing I should mention is Bo Katan's statement. She said there would only be a quarter of a hundred on board the light cruiser, but I swear they murdered at least 40 people. I nodded my head when Gideon said.
Moff Gideon: "And I imagine that they've killed everyone on the bridge, being the murderous savages that they are."
The plot was predictable, but it doesn't hinder my enjoyment of this episode, just like every other one. The Mandalorian is just too much fun with its non-stop action and earned fan-servicey moments. I love it, and I know I'm not alone. I can't wait for Season 3 and the next Lucasfilm projects to come!
Final note, it's weird they'd call (what I assume to be) a TV series "The Book of Boba Fett" I don't know, I find it funny.
TECHNICAL SCORE: 7/10
ENJOYMENT SCORE: 8/10
WHAT A CLIFFHANGER.
It seems like the whole season's been building up to this story.
After getting ejected from nowhere space to a dark forest, Hilda, Johanna and Twig find themselves lost and trapped. With the three of them missing, Frida and David set out beyond the wall to find them, but run into the Trolberg Safety Patrol instead. But with an ever-increasing number of Troll campfires, the wilderness has never been more dangerous.
It's a solid 46-minute episode that follows Hilda and Johanna in the heart of Trollkind, as they learn to appreciate and understand the difficulties they face when putting up with the other. Johanna has to learn to be more daring while Hilda begins to understand her mum's dread when she's anxiously waiting and worrying for her return every day.
As the B-plot, David, Frida, Deputy Gerda and Ahlberg do their best to survive the cold, the trolls and build a transport to get back home. But in doing so, Frida accidentally transforms Ahlberg into a bug. It's a lot of fun, intense yet oddly charming to see them coexist alongside the trolls.
Alfur's little adventure was fine. It's still great to see him take action instead of sitting by on the sidelines. Again, he's my favourite character!
Its impeccable pacing meant the time flew by, as usual. It never drags, and it felt as long as any other 20-minute episode, so that's a plus. It's got a heartfelt lesson for Hilda and Johanna, and the other characters' plots keep it interesting when the episode doesn't focus on Hilda and her mum. I can't wait for Hilda's next adventure, because that cliffhanger is quite jaw-dropping.
TECHNICAL & ENJOYMENT SCORE: 8/10
HEARTBREAKING & WHOLESOME.
I wish I had Alfur's job. You get to be a tiny invisible writer, recording the events of real adventures, generating a fanbase back at home. And to meet one of his fans, Adeline, was just charming. Her excitement and embarrassment around him are so cute. And when he asks her to co-author his report with him, I couldn't help but smile. They're blushing is adorable.
Alvin's interactions with Alfur are hilarious. His resentment and snobbishness, in contrast to Alfur's easy-going friendliness, is amusing.
I can't imagine anyone replacing Alfur, and although I thought it was a little cheap, I'm glad the episode ended on a happy note. I'm so pleased this season dedicated specific episodes to older characters, including Hilda's friends, and let them lead individual adventures. Each episode fleshes them out nicely and makes them even more endearing.
Alfur is my favourite character, and I'm thrilled to see him own the spotlight in the second-to-last episode of the season.
TECHNICAL & ENJOYMENT SCORE: 8/10
IT'S ANDY SERKIS!
What a beautiful Christmas episode. A story about not judging a book by its cover and accepting that even though somebody might do bad things, that doesn't necessarily make them a bad person.
It's Christmasy, funny and overall feel-good!
TECHNICAL & ENJOYMENT SCORE: 8/10
I CAN'T BELIEVED I CRIED TO A COP-OUT!
This episode had around ten more minutes than the usual one, so I expected it to be good. But man, this episode stunning! Seeing things from Twig's point of view, how he & Hilda discovered each other and the themes of growing up, change & taking things for granted resonated! I'm in awe.
Please watch it! It's so heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. It makes for a great Christmas story. Again, the wilderness is gorgeous. I love this series; it's a hidden gem.
TECHNICAL SCORE: 9/10
ENJOYMENT SCORE: 10/10
CRAP.
This episode was very problematic, but it got much worse by the episode's end. Crap. Okay, I'll start by saying I liked to see Frida's trippy magic trip and it was hilarious to see the lindworm & the Lost Clan with their codes of honour. It's a shame she killed some of them (I think). Also, Alfur and Wood Man were brilliant. They got some hilarious lines.
But that final scene; I'm just speechless. The build-up, and Bella Ramsey & Daisy Haggard brilliant performances made sure it hit hard.
TECHNICAL SCORE: 8/10
ENJOYMENT SCORE: 9/10
FANTASTIC!
In this episode, Hilda and the gang visit an old friend, Victoria Van Gale! The last time we saw her, Hilda and David weren't on the best of terms with her, but this time, she says she's changed. But David isn't convinced, so he does his best to uncover her secret plans.
I loved the character arc Hilda went through. She went from dying to enter Nowhere space to the opposite by the episode's end. David gets his time to shine here, Frida's comedic relief and Johanna & Tontu make a return. Alfur's nowhere to be seen, but I didn't mind.
So far, Hilda's second season has been better than I expected! It's gotten a little darker than the last one, but it's still got that childlike wonder and adventure that we all know. Such is the life of an adventurer.
TECHNICAL & ENJOYMENT SCORE: 8/10
IT'S NICE TO SEE FRIDA AGAIN.
It's even better to see her shine in this episode and show off her strengths in contrast to Hilda's. Also, the worldbuilding, WOW! It's just so interesting to learn more about the fantastical of Trolberg and the Librarian as well. It's nice to see pay-offs for set-ups from Season 1, and get more character development for Frida, Hilda, the Librarian and that old lady Hilda visited once. It's all connected.
TECHNICAL & ENJOYMENT SCORE: 8/10
EXHILARATING.
It seems that the leader of the Head Officer of Trolberg Safety Patrol, Erik Ahlberg, is going to be this season's villain.
I love the contrasting ideologies of Hilda and Ahlberg. Hilda sees the goodness in nature and its creatures, while Ahlberg sees security breaches and potential ways of elevating his name.
The episode was your standard Hilda adventure, fun, endearing, but not without its conflict. Alfur's still as charming as usual, Hilda's mother's still concerned for her safety and the bell keeper along the wall was surprisingly Scottish. I love it all! There's still some familiar, new but above all, fresh stories set in Hilda's world. I can't wait to see what the rest of the season has in store.
TECHNICAL SCORE: 7/10
ENJOYMENT SCORE: 8/10
REFRESHING.
In preparation for Hilda's second season, I decided to watch one of my (and another friend's) favourite episodes. Season 2 has me so hyped! Let's hope it's as good (or even better) than Season 1.
I'm delighted to see Hilda back in the wilderness. She's been in Trolberg for most of the season, so it's nice to return to the mysterious and unpredictable nature of its inhabitants. Somehow, being there is nostalgic, even though I've never lived there. It's nice.
But above all the forest giants and elves, my favourite wilderness character is Woodman, and he's still as charming & deadpan hilarious as usual. I also love his back and forth with Hilda. His selfish and unsympathetic nature contrast well with Hilda's kind and sympathetic heart. But by the episode's end, he shows genuine compassion.
Hilda: "I guess Trolberg is my home now."
Wood Man: "Well, obviously. For now anyway. And someday your home may be somewhere else. But that doesn't mean you leave your other homes behind. The wilderness will always be a part of who you are. That's why we're such good friends."
Hilda: "We are?"
Wood Man: "Repeating myself makes me anxious. I'll stop by next time I'm in town. Make sure you do the same. Just walk on in."
Anikka, the song that plays during the evening montage and end credits, was so calming. I'm in love with the gentle strums of the guitar and the whistling. It makes me want to huddle by a fire with a cup of hot chocolate on a cold Winter's day.
Chapter 11: The House in the Woods is endearing, fun, and very ominous. It consists of Trolberg, the wilderness and all my favourite characters, which makes for a balanced and heartfelt episode. Showing the journey to & from Trolberg helps connect the two places well, and reminds the audience—not just Hilda—that despite living in a bustling city, the wilderness is still out there.
TECHNICAL SCORE & ENJOYMENT SCORE: 8/10
SPOOKY.
Welp, I just received more questions than answers. I'll admit, it's intriguing, but the episodes still end like nothing's happened. I guess that's a testament to the pacing because the time flew by! I don't have much to say other than I enjoyed it, but I will say that I feel really sorry for Ken. Like, hell, he's the hostage of a psychopath and almost got attacked by some rando in the woods.
I should also mention that those Ted, Fred and Ned guys are creepy. I feel so sorry for Farah and the Missing Persons duo. RIP that FBI guy.
TECHNICAL SCORE: 7/10
ENJOYMENT SCORE: 8/10
The Mandalorian: "Fett?"
Boba Fett: "Let's just say they might recognise my face."
I burst out laughing. Now that's a reference I can get behind!
It was nice to see Mayfeld again; he's such a charming character. And I was surprised to see Mando go through another character arc. In Season One, he had to get over his prejudice/hate of droids but that all changed when IG-11 proved to him that droids aren't all that bad. In this episode, it took Mayfeld to convince Mando (as well as quite a few others throughout both seasons) to finally let others see his face. I think it really sunk in when he met Bo Katan and her crew, but after losing the kid, he really was desperate. And it was as he said:
The Mandalorian: "He means more to me than you will ever know."
Again, fantastic writing. The twisting of these words, thrown back at Gideon is so menacing and satisfying.
TECHNICAL SCORE: 7/10
ENJOYMENT SCORE: 8/10
AWESOME!
That was a fun introduction to the ATLA world 70 years later. First, we get introduced to Korra, the world she inhabits and how different it is compared to the one in ATLA. I don't have a huge problem with the modern(ish) technology, but I wish Republic City were less American and more Asian. It would've been cool to see the three nations' architecture blend together to make one harmonious city. What a missed opportunity!
Also, the music was so 20s. I thought it was pretty jarring at some parts, just because of how Asian ATLA was, but it didn't bother me too much.
Now, it's time to talk about the 1920s American influence. Our new Avatar and their world are very different in contrast to Aang and the four nations during the Hundred Year War. In ATLA, Aang had no support group until he found Katara and Sokka. He was humble, almost alone and had the burden of saving the entire world on his shoulders. In this world, though, Korra has all the support she needs. Teachers are just handed to her, and she's got no worries! There aren't any firelords to defeat or elements to master before the Fire Nation takes over; she's free!
Korra's fine in this episode. She's pretty naive, confident, but still quite charming. I mean, she literally convinces Tenzin (J. K. Simmons) to let her stay, despite him insisting she remains in the South Pole and away from Republic City. That scene when she knows what money is but still asks for all that food is baffling. I mean, if you know what money is, then why did you bother?
And Ikki was pretty annoying. The part where she interrupts Jinora was funny but pretty obnoxious.
The animation has "improved", more or less. I thought some of the faces Korra made were weird (there's this one shot in particular, where she's on the boat, travelling to Republic City, and it's just a still image of her hands behind her head, tilted upwards, smiling at the roof). The aspect ratio is wider, the design work is well defined, but in some places, It was just awkward.
Now, I have to mention the bending choreography—it's fine. It's uninspired by any martial arts this time, but it makes sense in-universe. It's been 70 years; the world has moved on and forgotten its traditional roots. They don't do any of those old rituals anymore, so bending is less an extension of the body and more a tool. It's sad, I know, but it's what happens when a world like that industrialises and leaves its tradition behind.
The season seems promising, especially with that ominous ending. Amon's voice is so anime, though.
It was a fun adventure and an effective introduction to a few of the new characters and the world. At least we know what she's aiming for in this Season. The animation is pretty nice, and I appreciate having an aspect ratio that fills my entire screen.
NOTE: I have seen this series before, but I'm going to try to remove as much bias as possible, so I can enjoy it as it is. I'm also going to treat it as a spin-off, rather than a direct sequel. I've found both series to be strikingly different, and since ATLA is on another level, it feels unfair to compare the two. I mean, which one is on the top 250 on IMDB and which one isn't?
TECHNICAL SCORE: 6/10
ENJOYMENT SCORE: 7/10
INTENSE.
Those were some pretty juicy returning characters. It's great to see what this show's been building up finally pay off. Boba was awesome and Fennec taking out all those Stormtroopers was epic. I can't believe one of the stormtroopers brought out a mortar. And those freaking death troopers! Just like Iron Man.
It was cool to get some action that had tension and stakes. Tython wasn't as cool as I had hoped, but it's still cool to see the planet, nonetheless. I expected waterfalls or grand trees, but I guess I forgot the Jedi put their temple in the middle of a grey, lifeless planet.
The episode was solid and a step up in the stakes department. I liked the returning characters, and the action scenes were way more intense. That scene where Grogu goes full dark side on those Stormtroopers, though.
Also that totally cheesy yet badass scene of Boba Fett obliterating the Empire. It's almost like it's an apology for him being so useless in the films.
TECHNICAL SCORE: 7/10
ENJOYMENT SCORE: 8/10
WHAT?
So this is what it feels like to be confronted by the Doctor. It's so creepy and annoying how he keeps trying to force Todd onto the case. I've gotta say, a lot is going on in this episode. First, there's Dirk, Todd, his sister, this girl locked upstairs, the "holistic assassin" (poor Ken), the Rowdy 3, the detectives, military and so many more. Jesus Christ.
It was so weird and spontaneous. It wasn't distasteful at any parts, and it never dragged. Instead, it kept on introducing something every few minutes.
I'm intrigued, but I'm uncertain my curiosity will be paid off in future episodes. For now, it was fun, not particularly emotional but never boring.
TECHNICAL SCORE: 6.5/10
ENJOYMENT SCORE: 7/10
I WONDER WHO THE JEDI COULD BE...?
Wow. Rosaria Dawson played a decent Ahsoka Tano. I really miss Ashley Eckstein's voice work, but this older Ahsoka did well nonetheless.
Also, Dave Filoni! Of course, he directed this. Ahsoka's from one of the biggest characters from the critically acclaimed animated TV series Star Wars: The Clone Wars, which he heavily worked on that elevated his name to the high regard it holds today.
I also liked that new planet, Corvus. It was just so dead, with all that dirt, green haze and leafless trees; mysterious and spooky. Also, the town that Mando enters is so menacing. The people who don't want to talk to him and the masked guards, with voice modulators reminiscent of the Death Troopers, made for such an ominous atmosphere.
I like how the only guy Mando talked to was the old Magistrate. They didn't need to tell us he was; they just showed him helping the townsfolk, instructing them and gets a set of robes put on him at the end. He also saved my boy's (Mando) life.
BABY YODA NAME DROP!!!
"Grogu"? that's Baby Yoda/the Child's name?! It's cute; I like it. I don't know if his name will reach most people, though. My friends might not believe me. I also liked his backstory and what Ahsoka decided to do with him. I mean it's obvious, given the way we've seen him around Mando, so her decision makes sense.
However, I'm confused as to why they call Ahsoka a Jedi. Didn't she leave the order? Didn't she get those white lightsabers to show she's not a Jedi (or Sith)? I thought she was in this grey area, that made her free from the Jedi and their dark past and burdens? The Star Wars wiki legit says she's a force-sensitive outcast (https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Force-Sensitive_Outcast#Ahsoka_Tano)
GRAND ADMIRAL THRAWN NAME-DROP. LET'S GO!!!
In the end, it was a solid (non-filler) episode. We got more worldbuilding, homages to established Star Wars material, and a fun, action-adventure set on a desolate, The Lorax kind of planet.
TECHNICAL SCORE: 7/10
ENJOYMENT SCORE: 8/10
THEY LIKE ENDING WITH A TWIST, DON'T THEY?
I'm glad they finally told Don and Gilda, that was a touching moment. At the start, I thought Don was an imbecile but after seeing him talk about his powerlessness.
The morse code was interesting; more mysteries that are really intriguing.
In the end, another solid episode. Don is a lot smarter than he looks too. He's just frustrated, and I can understand that.
TECHNICAL & ENJOYMENT SCORE: 8/10
RAY, YOU DISAPPOINT ME. I WAS ROOTING FOR YOU, MY DUDE.
MORE NOTES
TECHNICAL SCORE: 7/10
ENJOYMENT SCORE: 8/10
THE MUM THOUGH.
TECHNICAL & ENJOYMENT SCORE 8/10
STRANGE.
Some of the faces Sister Krone makes is literal nightmare fuel. God, that woman is gonna give me nightmares. She also moves fast. Very fast. She's also smarter than I anticipated. The way she catches the younger children (how do you do that with those leaves?) and figures out who were the ones down at the gate the other night.
I didn't anticipate there was an imposter amongst them. Dang. This series just turned into a psychological thriller. These kids are too smart.
TECHNICAL SCORE: 7.5/10
ENJOYMENT SCORE: 8/10
OKAY...
Emma is so naive, my god. I still like her, but seriously girl, you think you can get everyone out? After Norman said he liked Emma, I could understand why he'd agree with Emma, but after he said, "Maybe. Both Emma and I are insane. We've completely lost it." I burst out laughing.
I admire Emma's enthusiasm and Norman's support for her, but I've gotta side with Ray on this one. There's no way they're gonna get everyone out safely. We'll see. The twist at the end doesn't make their job look any easier.
IT'S GOOD.
TECHNICAL SCORE: 7,5/10
ENJOYMENT SCORE: 8/10
THAT TOOK A DARK TURN.
My friend introduced the show to me, and I was enjoying the intro up until he told me, "It's MA, 15+." Then all of a sudden, all of these branded children, in their wholesome bliss, with a woman that has purple eyes, made me dread what was to come.
That twist was so messed up. Holy crap. That poor six-year-old. Jesus Christ. That was morbid.
Other than that, the time flew by; it only felt like it had been several minutes.
MORBID.
TECHNICAL SCORE: 7.5/10
ENJOYMENT SCORE: 8/10
DEVASTATING.
I took a little break from BoJack since I was starting to feel burnt out after watching more than my usual one to two episodes a day. This episode was a fantastic way for me to get back into the groove and in typical BoJack fashion, it got me comfortable before leaving me with a gut-wrenching ending.
The first thing I noticed was the reversal of our main characters' roles. Instead of BoJack, Princess Carolyn, Mr Peanutbutter, Diane and Todd as our heroes, we get Vanessa Gecko and Rutabaga.
It was interesting how our character's paths converged and separated. BoJack's foolish choices, PC's past actions, Diane & Mr Peanutbutter dealing with the potential death of his brother, Captain Peanutbutter and the downfall of Todd's company. All of their actions ultimately had severe consequences which were both sad and beautiful to watch. At the start, it's all going great before the episode ends with crushing blows to all of these beloved characters. BoJack ends up without a gig, letting down Kelsey and Princess Carolyn. Without any of the gigs, the pressure and stress of PC's company's situation get to her as she reveals her insecurities, lashing out on Judah before apologising and telling him to go home. Mr Peanubutter has to deal with the difficult truth that his brother could pass away. And it ends with Gecko and Rutabega, celebrating their victory because they're "the good guys."
The episode's ending was heart-breaking, and it reminded me that this show wasn't made to make you feel good. It's made to portray real people with unforgiving and messed up lives. It was so strange to see characters who've been predominantly portrayed as villains, celebrating while the main cast is depressed on New Years Day.
MY NOTES
What an episode.
TECHNICAL SCORE: 8/10
ENJOYMENT SCORE: 8.5/10**
BO-KATAN!
This was the episode I was waiting for from this season. Finally, we progress a little bit of the season's overarching goal, and we get everyone's suspicions confirmed. Bo-Katan and Ahsoka Tano are coming to the Mandalorian!
Not only this, but we finally get an explanation as to why Mando acts so different compared to those in other Star Wars media (e.g. Star Wars: The Clone Wars). He's apart of a Mandalorian clan (cult) who wants to restore the original way of the Mandalore. It all makes sense now.
Seeing him interact with Bo-Katan and think they're fake Mandalorians at first was pretty amusing. It's quite a "fish out of water" moment.
I love this show.
IT'S SO MUCH FUN.
TECHNICAL SCORE: 7/10
ENJOYMENT SCORE: 8/10
How the hell does Dee Bradley Baker voice all of these creatures?
TECHNICAL SCORE: 6/10
ENJOYMENT SCORE: 7/10
WHAT A WAY TO BEGIN SEASON 2!
This episode has some fan-service I actually like. You'll find so much stuff from other Star Wars media here, and I feel so rewarded for being a longtime fan. I mean, we got Boba Fett's armour (worn by Cobb Vanth)!, Temuera Morrison and a Krayt Dragon! It's funny, because a lot of this stuff I've already known about and first discovered, years ago, after reading one of the Aftermath books. To see all of these characters and concepts come to life was such a treat. Especially that short story about Cobb Vanth. It plays out exactly as I imagined it when I was reading the book!
This episode was so much fun. The runtime didn't drag, the scenery is gorgeous, and I like where this season is going. It was nice to see Amy Sedaris again, as well as the Tuskens, but to see Mando exploring Tatooine was something I didn't know I needed.
Was there a compelling narrative? No. Were there any compelling themes? Not really. But the scale and the score (Ludwig Göransson rocks!) were phenomenal. The VFX team are flexing their budget.
Now here are some of my notes:
Overall, this episode was a fantastic expansion of pre-established locations and characters while doing an excellent job to flesh out Tatooine beyond cantinas and towns. It is very reminiscent of a Western, and I urge everybody to check it out. This is the most fun I've had watching any Mandalorian episode, and I think a lot of you would agree.
IT'S FUN.
TECHNICAL SCORE: 6.5/10
ENJOYMENT SCORE: 8/10
Mickey is such a treat.
Every one of his lines, Noel Clarke's performance: it's all golden.
I wish they dedicated an episode to the cost of travelling with the Doctor and I wish Rose faced more consequences (although she faced more than I expected and I'm glad it lingered long enough).
The scenes where the soldiers listen to the Doctor, no questions asked, was a bit far fetched. I mean, couldn't these extras have improvised some lines or something? Whenever the Doctor talks to them, they just stare at him and each other in silence. It's so weird.
I HOPE PART TWO IS BETTER.
TECHNICAL SCORE: 6.5/10
ENJOYMENT SCORE: 7/10
