'The Mandalorian' Season 2 Episode 6 Review: Tragedy strikes as the Empire reestablishes itself as a threat
Spoilers for 'The Mandalorian' Season 2 Episode 6 'The Tragedy'
Last week, we talked about how 'The Jedi' elevated the show, giving it a more focused sense of purpose that the series has been lacking up to this point. This episode builds off of that, as long-idling threat of the Empire finally makes a play for Grogu, and succeeds in a major way. Despite the combined efforts of Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal), a resurrected Fennec Shand (Ming-Na Wen), and a returned Boba Fett (Temeura Morrison), the overwhelming might of the Empire has managed to do the unthinkable, and steal everyone's favorite green-eared Force-wielder (sorry, Yoda) away.
Aside from a few moments of set-up, this episode is primarily one large action scene, and it's really everything a fan could ask for. For decades, Boba Fett has been a legendary badass despite having very little to actually do in his original appearances. For the first time, we're getting to see what a live-action Boba Fett is truly capable of, and he's finally living up to his name both in his beskar and without it. It's also a joy to see the return of Fennec Shand after her all too brief Season 1 appearance. The partnership between her and Fett implies the two have some sort of shared story between them that could rival IG-11's (Taika Waititi) and Kuiil's (Nick Nolte) - but this episode had no room for that.
It's worth noting that in the quieter moments at the start of this episode, we get more dialogue from Din than we may have all season and with that comes the most characterization, too. Din, as a person, has been well-masked through the series, but as he considers the end of his mission, some of his personality is finally beginning to shine through. It's about time, as it's been too long into the show without having an understanding of what Din's motivations really are besides his adherence to his Creed.
This episode ramps up the stakes in a big way, as Grogu may have made contact with a powerful Jedi master though we're only left to guess if he succeeded, and if so, who did he summon? In the meantime, we're treated to more Moff Gideon (Giancarlo Esposito) villainy as he taunts Grogu. We're also given a clear reminder that the Empire currently holds all the best weapons - the Dark Troopers and the Darksaber. We're only given a tease for what they can do, and 'The Mandalorian' appears to be setting up an epic finale, which is saying a lot for a season that's had jetpack dragon fights, underground spiders, lightsabers and a Mandalorian strikeforce. The show is ramping up to something big here - and next week, it looks like we're likely to get another heist episode.
The next episode of 'The Mandalorian' airs December 11, on Disney+.