The Mandalorian

For months now the anticipation and excitement surrounding Disney’s new live action Star Wars series The Mandalorian has permeated social media; but was it all for nothing, or is it a new era in the Star Wars universe?

I first became aware of the project last year, and I began to follow the development of the show through inside sources, who leaked information and set photos from time to time.

I must admit that after reading all of the leaks and news reports surrounding the series that I was both excited and optimistic.

One thing that I saw from the first trailer was the fact that this show appeared to have the creativity and imagination that the Original Trilogy is known for, and that the sequel films sorely lack. These initial impressions were confirmed tonight as I watched the first episode on Disney Plus.

The show is set five years after the events of Return of the Jedi, and thirty years before the events of The Force Awakens.

The galaxy is splintered after the fall of the Empire, as the New Republic seeks to restore freedom and a peaceful, galactic government. The euros in the Outer Rim however, remain hostile, lawless, and unpredictable.

The opening sequence of The Mandalorian brings us face to face with a character who is both new, and yet familiar. Wearing Beskar armor similar to Boba Fett, we see our protagonist standing in the midst of an icy waste land, with a tracking device in hand.

His actions and demeanor don’t disappoint, as we follow the anti-hero on a quest that takes him to unsavory worlds where he meets with people that we don’t trust, and neither does he.

There are dark tones of desperation, and lighter moods of well balanced humor. All of it feels and looks like the Star Wars created by George Lucas.

Indeed, there is a wild west type atmosphere to what we see in The Mandalorian. There are dusty streets occupied by vendors, with the poor living in the shadows. It’s a desperate time for all, and many have chosen to profit from it any way they can. The Mandaloria. is the ultimate gunslinger, and his presence commands everyone’s attention.

I have to say that The Mandalorian has quickly become a personal favorite, simply because it is so authentic and real!

While watching the show I could picture myself living in that kind of environment, on a particular world. I didn’t get that with the sequels.

The only modern entry into the Star Wars franchise that is on level playing field is Rogue One.

The Mandalorian delivers a well thought out story, and features great acting and great cinematography. Most of all, it  takes us back to that era a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far, away where we were all captivated by Star Wars. Perhaps now, we can be captivated once more.