The Mandalorian Season 3 Feels Hollow

A Review/video essay going into why The Mandalorian season 3 feels hollow. Overall a major step down from season 2 and somehow even Grogu/Baby Yoda feels artificial now. This video will also be covering the first 5 episodes.

Music:
Star Wars: Mando x Grogu Goodbye Theme | EPIC EMOTIONAL VERSION

[tanmanstudios]

I found it insane that Mando’s arc of being accepted back into the tribe was concluded within three episodes. The entire season could’ve focused on how Mando desperately wants to reclaim his glory as a Mandalorian, which could greatly contrast with Bo Katan who disagrees with Mando’s beliefs as a Mandalorian. Bringing back Grogru was such a waste of time too. Besides the flashback in order 66, there has been almost nothing for him to do. I like the idea of him becoming a foundling, but Disney is afraid to age him up past a baby so there’s a huge limit of what you can do with him.

[femkev.]

I will never forgive The Book of Boba Fett for wrapping up two of The Mandalorian's major story threads left at the end of season 2. It left this season barely anything to work with character-wise.

[lebigfudge]

The thing is, in the original script grogu never returned to Mando.

[damianwilson]

The oddest part to me is that they're seemingly portraying Din's clan as good guys? When this season startes I WAS SURE that his arc this season would be learning that his clan is a cult with stupid rules and he doesn't need to follow them to live a fulfilling life or to have a purpose. But for some reason he's more committed than ever and shows no signs of leaving them, and the Armorer is portrayed as this moral, wise person as opposed to the controlling, irritating character she is.

[calebford]

The story naturally ended at the season 2 finale.

They should’ve made this Bo Katan season 1.

[Frangus_]

Andor has really broken Mandalorian for me. This season of Mandalorian just feels so shallow and uninspired, there is so little character development and a lack of interesting storylines. Everything also feels sooo rushed and superficial. The side characters are basically nothing more than glorified extras and one of my significant issues is the look.
Their reliance on The Volume/ILM Stagecraft is just breaking this show's look. Everything feels cartoon and fake.
Grogu, no matter how cute he is, is also a major negative for me. Him still being around is clearly just to sell merch.

Andor's usage of real locations and big sets makes it feel much more tangible and seemingly real. Ferrix is an amazing example in my mind. They have created a pretty rich background story, customs, and rituals through their environmental storytelling.

In Andor there is also a red thread that goes through every episode, most characters are interesting and have their own goals and stories that should be told. The action feels impactful because it's used sparingly so when you get an action scene it hits like a truck.

[kingStuLad]

Bad Batch has had Mando's pants down. It feels like Mando S3 is a vehicle to set something up, be that in the following season of Mando, or in Ahsoka. S3 is so messy, like the writers don't know what they want to do

[TheAudacityChannel]

I completely agree, I feel like this season was very lacking, and some of the scenes were just completely unnecessary or were just there to be mentioned episodes later

I expect the show to be like: "Hey, remember when IG-11 was brought back for a short amount of time in Ep 1? Well, he's back now in Episode 8!!"

[leoncca]

It's funny because the big guy is getting more development than Mando and he's Jon Favreau himself

[pjt]

Kinda true tbh the first few episodes had a lot of parts in it that did not need to be there and didn’t make sense yeah bathing in the waters needed to happen but that first part with trying to rebuild IG didn’t need to happen.

[aprilhippie]

Returning Grogu was the shittest fucking take they did and I will forever hate the writers for doing this.

I was hoping to see him return in future seasons or like ten years in the future.

Hell they could've done a spin-off with him all grown up, trained and talking

[rjstudios]

Ok, there is 2 things that should’ve happened

1: Luke should’ve let Grogu visit Mando, cuz he should know after everything with Vader that the lack of connection is what led Vader down the path of the Darkside. This adventure in season 3 would be a “summer vacation” type thing for Grogu as Luke would feel that strengthening his bond would give him more motivation. This way it wouldn’t undo the first 2 seasons while we get to see Grogu more

2: Mando prolly should’ve kept the Darksaber. I wish his arc would’ve been him accepting the role of the Mandalore & Bo Katan coming to terms that she’s not anymore

[SourRobo]

I wish the show would stuck with being episodic. I liked that almost every episode was Mando going to another planet, have a cool action scene, and take down a bad guy. Sure it wasn't deep, but it was way more fun.

[koalafiedkoala]

I think they have always done good on the mandolorian and I like this season it just feels like random episodes. There still really good, just kind of random

[StefunnyStrange]

To me, the show would be perfect if they just ended it at season 2 finale.

[MetalCharlo]

They should have ended it at season 2 but it's Hollywood

[anthonyroosenmaallen]

just feels like there is a lack of an overall plot now

[zserbs]

Season 2 was very formulaic imo. I enjoyed it overall but it made me want season 3 to be more serialized and character driven. Sadly what we’re getting is just an underwritten mess.

[moneshdasari]

Exactly. I am introduced to Stars Wars through Mandalorian & the main reason is Fatherhood of Mando & Grogu but now they are deviating & pushing Bo katan to become the leader 😢

[wizardswine]

I agree they honestly should have dropped in, I don't really mind Mando's appearance in the otherwise mid Book of Boba Fett. But really if this is going to be focussed around Bo Kotan, just make a Bo Katan show.

Cause now we're just watching Mando, who's pretty much completed his arc, look after Grogu who's also just completed and Ark, and Bo Katan has (understandibly) taken the spotlight.
You could make a show about her that still follows Mando for a few episodes.