• News
  • Features
  • Video Games
    • Previews
    • PC
    • PS5
    • Xbox Series X/S
    • Nintendo Switch
    • Xbox One
    • PS4
    • Android
    • iOS
    • Tabletop
  • Film
  • TV
  • Anime
  • Comics
    • BOOM! Studios
    • Dark Horse Comics
    • DC Comics
    • IDW Publishing
    • Image Comics
    • Indie Comics
    • Marvel Comics
    • Oni-Lion Forge
    • Valiant Comics
    • Vault Comics
  • Podcast
  • More
    • Interviews
    • BWT Recommends
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Support Us
But Why Tho?
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube Discord
Trending:
  • Features

    Everything to Know About Kanan Jarrus

    09/27/2023
    ezra bridger - But Why Tho

    Everything to Know About Ezra Bridger

    09/27/2023
    Castlevania Nocturne - But Why Tho (3)

    ‘Castelvania: Nocturne’ Premiere Promises Action And Emotion

    09/27/2023
    Logitech G Creator Series - But Why Tho (3)

    Logitech G Creator Series Puts Creators First

    09/21/2023
    Like A Dragon Infinite Wealth - But Why Tho

    Everything We Know About ‘Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth’

    09/20/2023
  • Netflix
  • Jujutsu Kaisen
  • Star Wars
  • Fantastic Fest
But Why Tho?
Home » TV » REVIEW: ‘The Mandalorian,’ Episode 2 – “Chapter 2: The Child”

REVIEW: ‘The Mandalorian,’ Episode 2 – “Chapter 2: The Child”

Collier "CJ" JenningsBy Collier "CJ" Jennings11/16/20194 Mins Read
Share
Facebook Twitter Pinterest Reddit WhatsApp Email

After an outstanding pilot episode, The Mandalorian Episode 2 made its debut on Disney+ and it manages to live up to the sci-fi/Western aesthetic that the series has embraced. The Mandalorian (Pedro Pascal) finds himself in the possession of a young child and must survive a harsh, unforgiving environment. To make matters worse, he is ambushed by Trandoshan raiders and a crew of Jawas has stripped his ship, the Razorcrest, down to its bare parts. The only way to get the parts back is to face a massive horned beast and steal its egg for the Jawas.

Once again, writer/series creator Jon Favreau, alongside director Rick Famuwiya (Dope, The Wood) has managed to perfectly capture the look and feel of the Star Wars universe. Favreau’s script, apart from including several familiar creatures like the Jawas and Trandoshans, features all the hallmarks that have made Star Wars a pop culture phenomenon.

The Mandalorian, even though little is known about his past, endears himself to the audience due to his fighting skill, relationship with the child he’s caring for, and how he handles the various misfortunes that befall him. The creatures, especially the Trandoshans, feel alien in every sense of the word. And there are plenty of action, laser blasts, and spaceships to go around.

Famuwiya deftly balances the action-packed moments with quieter, introspective moments. A scene early in “Chapter 2: The Child” features the Mandalorian battling Trandoshan raiders, their blades glancing off of his armor as he whips out his pulse rifle and delivers punishing blasts. The audience feels every hit and blast. In contrast, several scenes in the episode feature the Mandalorian and his young charge trekking across the desert, the sun descending behind them. It’s a beautiful moment amid the chaos that plagues this planet.

These scenes also help to re-contextualize the series. Instead of the stereotypical lone wolf hero, we now have a hero who has to take care of a child, as well as defend himself. This development also gives Mando a chance to show a softer side of himself and show that he’s more than just a cool costume.

Great action and scenery mean nothing if you don’t have a compelling character, and Pedro Pascal continues to turn in a wonderful performance as the armored gunslinger. Favreau has said that he drew inspiration from the films like those from Sergio Leone and Akira Kurosawa and other greats while developing The Mandalorian, and it shows. Much like Clint Eastwood’s Man With No Name and Toshiro Mifune’s Sanjuro, the Mandalorian is a skilled warrior whose actions speak louder than his words. When it comes to defending himself, he’s quick on the draw and rarely, if ever, misses his target. He also doesn’t take kindly to the Jawas insulting him or stripping his ship and nearly roasts one alive with his flamethrower.

But there are quieter, more tender moments featuring him, especially with the child and Kuill the Ugnaut (Nick Nolte). When the child keeps reaching out for a cut on his arm, the Mando keeps scooping him up and placing him in his floating crib; he also tells the child to stop eating a lizard. Similarly, he offers to give Kuill a job after the Ugnaut repairs his ship. These scenes show that the Mando is more than your stereotypical grizzled gunslinger; a heart of gold beats underneath his armor.

The Mandalorian Episode 2 continues to impress, anchoring familiar imagery with a solid performance from its lead and a balance of action-packed and heartfelt moments. Now that the stakes are set, I hope to see more of the Mandalorian’s past, as well as future threats he will face since the child he’s carrying has a target on its back.

The first three seasons of The Mandalorian are available to stream on Disney+.

The Mandalorian, Episode 2 - "Chapter 2: The Child"
  • 10/10
    Rating - 10/10
10/10

TL;DR

The Mandalorian continues to impress in “Chapter 2: The Child,” anchoring familiar imagery with a solid performance from its lead and a balance of action-packed and heartfelt moments. Now that the stakes are set, I hope to see more of the Mandalorian’s past, as well as future threats he will face since the child he’s carrying has a target on its back.

  • Watch Now on Disney+ with Our Affiliate Link
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Email
Previous ArticleBlizzCon 2019: First-Year Experience Recap
Next Article REVIEW: ‘Force Collector’s’ Characters Deserve More
Collier "CJ" Jennings
  • Website
  • Facebook
  • X (Twitter)

Born and raised in Texas, Collier “CJ” Jennings was introduced to geekdom at an early age by his father, who showed him Ultraman and Star Trek: The Next Generation. On his thirteenth birthday, he received a copy of Giant Size X-Men #1 and dove head first into the realm of pop culture, never looking back. His hobbies include: writing screenplays and essays, watching movies and television, card games/RPG’s, and cooking. He currently resides in Seattle.

Related Posts

Everything to Know About Kanan Jarrus

09/27/2023
ezra bridger - But Why Tho

Everything to Know About Ezra Bridger

09/27/2023
Gen V

REVIEW: ‘Gen V’ Delivers An Engaging But Messy Spin-Off

09/27/2023
TRENDING POSTS
Mushoku Tensei Season 2 Episode 4 - But Why Tho (1) Anime

REVIEW: ‘Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation’ Season 2 Part 1

By Charles Hartford09/24/2023

Mushoku Tensei Season 2 Part 1 sees Rudeus struggle with personal problems as he is unexpectedly reunited with an old friend.

Invasion Season 2 Episode 6 - But Why Tho (4) TV

REVIEW: ‘Invasion’ Season 2 Episode 6 — “Pressure Points”

By Kate Sánchez09/27/2023

Invasion Season 2 Episode 6 is closer to cohesion, and each of the stories in “Pressure Points” feels like something impactful.

Ahsoka episode 7 - But Why Tho (2) TV

REVIEW: ‘Star Wars: Ahsoka’ Episode 7 — “Dreams and Madness”

By Adrian Ruiz09/27/2023

Ahsoka Episode 7 balances nostalgia with new twists, building anticipation for the finale as Ezra is reunited with Sabine and Ahsoka.

But Why Tho?
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
  • CONTACT US
  • ABOUT US
  • PRIVACY POLICY
Sometimes we include links to online retail stores. If you click on one and make a purchase we may receive a small contribution.
Written Content is Copyright © 2023 But Why Tho? A Geek Community

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.