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The Mandalorian S2 E2 “The Passenger” Review: Another Fun Sidequest, That May Alienate Some Fans

After last week's thrilling season premiere that tied together Star Wars legends materials, books, and the films, fans may be a bit disappointed that the second episode of The Mandalorian, "The Passenger", is yet another episode that deviates from the core story.

After last week’s thrilling season premiere that tied together Star Wars legends materials, books, and the films, fans may be a bit disappointed that the second episode of The Mandalorian, “The Passenger”, is yet another episode that deviates from the core story.

While this episode was still fun and had some great moments, I understand the growing frustration that some fans may be having that The Mandalorian spends too much time avoiding its overarching narrative. What people need to understand is this show is not your procedural narrative TV drama. It’s a western serial, and it it’s essence it will always follow the “adventure of the week” format.

The Mandalorian Baby Yoda
The Mandalorian S2 E2 “The Passenger” puts a lot more emphasis on the adorable antics of one Baby Yoda

The Mandalorian Gets Weird

That being said there are some terrific moments in this episode.

The Razor Crest evading the New Republic pilots in the atmosphere of the planet was one of the best chases in recent Star Wars memory. The Frog Lady is quintessential weird Star Wars, and I argue that when Star Wars goes bold and goes weird, it’s often some of its best material. I loved the many callbacks to the sixth episode of the first season, “The Prisoner”. Including the Frog Lady utilizing the remains of the droid Q9-0 to speak to Mando and the reveal that the reason the New Republic was after him in the first place was his role in the prison break onboard the prison ship.

The Mandalorian "The Passenger" Concept Art
The designs of the spider creatures (Krykna) were inspired from Ralph McQuarrie concept designs for Dagobah and The Empire Strikes Back

RELATED: THE MANDALORIAN SEASON 2 EXPANDS INTO A LARGER, LESS ISOLATED STORY

“The Passenger” contains many scenes stealing moments for a very, very hungry Baby Yoda. Fans may also notice that the designs of the spider creatures were a nice callback to some of Ralph McQuarrie’s original renderings for Dagobah and The Empire Strikes Back.

While “The Passenger” may have seemed like more aimless wandering for Mando and The Child, this episode directed by Peyton Reed, did some great lore building and contained great action sequences. Fans need to be patient with how this series is plotting. We are definitely heading towards the answers of many of the series lingering questions and the introduction of some highly awaited characters. We just need to remain patient, and remember that this is, indeed, the way.

What did you think of the new episode of The Mandalorian? Let us know in the comment section below or let’s really dig deep over on Twitter!

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Sean McLaughlin

Sean McLaughlin

Sean is a writer, theater director, and actor based on the Jersey Shore. He is an avid lover of all film, but Star Wars holds a special place in his heart. Sean also runs his own film blog The Dailie Talk, dailietalk.com, which you should check out!