'The Mandalorian' answers an important question about 'Star Wars' blasters that has plagued fans for years
Spoilers for 'The Mandalorian' Season 2 Episode 7 'The Believer'
Everyone loves a good lightsaber, but without years of training from a Jedi Master (or a Sith, if you're so inclined), you're more likely to chop off your own arm than you are your enemies. For most people in the 'Star Wars' universe, a good blaster is really all they need. Stormtroopers, in particular, have no trouble wasting as many shots as they feel like – the laser-like blasts that come out of each blaster are of an infinite supply or, at least, that's what everyone assumed until now.
In the latest episode of 'The Mandalorian', however, it turns out that blasters DO need recharging after all. As Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) dons Stormtrooper armor to infiltrate an Imperial base, the truck he is on is attacked by pirates. Din is able to shoot most of them away, but before too long, he hears that disappointing "click" of a gun that's out of bullets – or a blaster that's out of "laser-things".
The throwaway moment is not one that's been missed by the fans, who were highly amused at having one of their longtime questions about the 'Star Wars' universe answered. "Best part of this week’s Mandalorian is Din looking at his depleted blaster like I honestly didn’t know they could run out of laser." wrote a fan, online.
Best part of this week’s Mandalorian is Din looking at his depleted blaster like “I honestly didn’t know they could run out of laser.”
— David Smith (@RhunWords) December 11, 2020
While it's known that Khyber crystals power the lightsabers that never seem to need charging at a local Jedi plug point, there's less knowledge on just what charges the blasters, which seems like an oversight. A limitless energy source that power the armies of both sides of the Imperial-Rebel wars would have been quite a find indeed. For what may be the first time in 'Star Wars' history, however, fans are treated to a moment of hilarity as Din Djarin's gun runs out of shots mid-battle. It turns out that Stormtroopers don't have an infinite supply of shots after all - which makes their terrible aim all the more egregious.
The next episode of 'The Mandalorian' airs December 17, on Disney+.