'Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian' Season 1 Episode 3 finally shifts focus from 'Star Wars' universe to 'The Mandalorian'
Though the first episode of 'Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian' did focus on the season's directors, the episode felt, more than anything else, like a celebration of the 'Star Wars' legacy that united all of them despite their varied vision. The theme of legacy was expanded on in the next episode, and now that the larger context has been thoroughly explored, the docuseries finally focuses on what everyone really came here to watch: stories about the making of 'The Mandalorian.'
A television series is most recognizable through its characters, and the actors who played those characters are the most familiar route to what makes them tick. Though there were many actors who made up the cast of 'The Mandalorian,' this episode focuses on three of its main ones: Gina Carano, played Cara Dune, Carl Weathers, who played Greef Karga, and of course, Pedro Pascal, who portrayed the titular Mandalorian of the series.
We're also briefly introduced to the two other men who contributed to the Mandalorian's performance: Brendan Wayne and Lateef Crowder. The stunt doubles were a large part of bring the action scenes of 'The Mandalorian' to life. Brendan Wayne's expertise in firearms extended to the show's use of grappling hooks, flamethrowers and blasters. Lateef Crowder, an expert in martial arts, was brought in for the Mandalorian's hand-to-hand combat.
The masked nature of the Mandalorian makes for both new challenges and new opportunities, and it's fascinating to see how three men combined their work to bring Mando to life.
Mando's helmet, which remained on him the entire time aside from a brief scene towards the end, was one of the biggest challenges for the series to overcome. It was a subject that appeared to fascinate everyone - both the people who had the challenge of getting the most out of a masked performance and those who had to act opposite someone with all the facial expressiveness of a brick wall.
Each of the actors bring a special enthusiasm for 'The Mandalorian' that's unique in their own right. In a complete contradiction to his character, Pedro Pascal brings an almost puppy-like joy to the round table with Jon Favreau as they talk about their experiences on set. Carl Weathers brings all the gravitas of a seasoned actor, with authoritative and almost poetic descriptions of what made his experience working on set so unique.
Gina Carano brings the heart, and her own shining light to the conversation; it's obvious how much her role on 'The Mandalorian' meant to her. She has an earnest and since appreciation for the universe, her character, and the talent of those around her, and the cast and crew obviously hold her in equally high regard as they talk about how perfectly suited she is for performing Cara Dune.
The episode is exactly what one hopes for when a documentary series about a show is made - a proper peek behind the curtain into the inner workings of a show. While the broader themes of the 'Star Wars' universe are always appreciated, this episode seems to mark the beginning of a more concentrated focus on 'The Mandalorian' itself.
The next episode of 'Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian' airs May 22, on Disney+