The Mandalorian has a very interesting and ever shifting character dynamic. The first season was essentially formatted as a western that followed Mandalorian Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) as a loner character on adventures. The second season expanded this format a bit as more characters were introduced and the world of the Mandalorian was fleshed out. Also The Mandalorian’s connection to the Star Wars universe at large was also explored. However, season three broke this concept wide open. Many fans complained that the Mandalorian had become a side character in his own show. This criticism, though, misses the bigger picture that makes the show so unique.
As a character, the Mandalorian has interesting motivations. He doesn’t necessarily strive for power or a crusade. Instead, he’s merely trying to live his life by the Mand’alor Creed the best way he can. This is highlighted by his relationship to the Darksaber. While many try to win it as a rite of passage, Djarin won it merely by taking on his enemy. He never sought the Darksaber or necessarily wanted it. He was essentially burdened by it and tried on multiple occasions to give it up to Bo-Katan Kryze (Katee Sackhoff), who many suggested had become the show’s main character.
Audiences have been trained in a way to view grand stories about kings and leaders. This is why Bo-Katan has drawn criticism from taking the spotlight away from Djarin. But this show has and will always be about a single Mandalorian. Yes, the culture at large plays heavily into the storyline, but it still shows the character development of a single person. Rather than a show about a king, this is a show about a knight. Din Djarin wants to see his people flourish and knows Bo-Katan is the person to make that happen. It’s not a position of glory. It’s merely a position of duty, which is why this show is so different. It has an honorable character back away from the spotlight for the sake of his people. And that is the true storyline, not Bo-Katan’s quest to become a leader.
The Mandalorian is now streaming on Disney+.
The Mandalorian has a very interesting and ever shifting character dynamic. The first season was essentially formatted as a westernCOMICONRead More