The Mandalorian Episode 7 has, what I believe to be, the perfect title, “The Reckoning.”
It’s perfect because since the second episode, Mando has been on the run with The Child in tow, hopping to different worlds, planting seeds for possible returns, and in this case, recruitment. The garbled message Zero attempted to access last episode was in fact quite significant. Greef Karga (Carl Weathers) seems to be begging for Mando to return to Navarro, as Imperial Remnant Forces have seized control of major cities. This sounds awfully familiar to a plot in the animated series Rebels following with Ezra and his team severely infuriating Imperial forces.
Keeping to tradition, those forces return en masse, causing a problem for The Guild. The episode sets up the reckoning Mando has been running from as he is left with the choices of continuing to run or to stand his ground and face his pursuers. You know from the get-go there is no trust at all, and Mando needs options.
Rewind back to episode four. He returns to pick up Cara Dune (Gina Carano) and of course, heads back to trusted ally Kuiil (Nick Nolte) for help. Obtaining the former drop-soldier was easy, but the dialogue between Mando and Kuiil was particularly poignant, you get the sense the Ugnaunt knows Mando is in way over his head.
The casting is brilliant, the genuine look of distrust and caution radiates from Carano, with her portrayal of a soldier who senses danger is spot on. There is more than one turning point this episode. We’ve seen The Child use the force previously, but this episode marks two uses, which are extremely significant.
The episode flows forward, and you know, you just know things will take a turn. Stormtroopers, Scout Troopers, and another type of trooper thought to be a one-off for a one-shot, and oh my forces, they are back with a vengeance. A new villain in the form of Giancarlo Esposito arrives and the dude gave me force chills with his opening scene. The music as it all unfolds is dramatic and a real stark reminder that while this takes place after Return of the Jedi, the Empire is not truly dead and the remnant is a hell of a lot bigger than one may have imagined.
Tragedy strikes. By the end of the episode you will have goosebumps.
Fear, you will know.
Comments are closed.