The Mandalorian (3×03) Chapter 19: The Convert Review

*For our spoiler-free review of the first two episodes of The Mandalorian Season 3, click here.*

The last two episodes were action-packed and helped set the tone for the season moving forward. While Chapter 19: The Convert takes a step back in terms of its action beyond an exhilarating opening, it more than makes up for it with its storytelling and worldbuilding. To its credit, that opening action sequence was jaw-dropping, and continues to prove that The Mandalorian does action like no other Star Wars project. Taking a lot of inspiration from the Fast and Furious franchise, Din Djarin and Bo-Katan take out the Tie-Interceptors in an elaborate but absolute badass fashion. 

Following the events of the previous episode, Din Djarin, Bo-Katan and Grogu instantly become pursued by the Empire for reasons unbeknownst to them. After becoming overwhelmed by a second swarm of Tie Fighters, the two Mandalorians would need to travel through hyperspace to escape before they could figure out why they were pursued or even found by the Empire in the first place. Meanwhile, on the other side of the galaxy on Coruscant, Dr Pershing (Omid Abtahi) is seeking redemption for his past sins working with the Empire.

The last episode also saw Din Djarin redeemed for removing his helmet by bathing in the Mines of Mandalore, a subplot that was heavily advertised for this season. From there, it was unclear where the season would go from there and perhaps that mystery was to its benefit because many in hindsight may have been disappointed in the direction that this episode went. Rather than focusing on Din Djarin or Grogu, Dr. Pershing got the bulk of the focus here as the episode found him remorseful for all the horrific acts he committed under the Empire and trying to absolve himself of his past mistakes. Whilst he will never work for the Empire again, Pershing is convinced by the shady Elia Kane (Katy M. O’Brian) to work on cloning again for the benefit of The New Republic, even though it is banned under the Coruscant Accords. It is clear that cloning in one form or another will play a major role this season. Hopefully this may answer some big questions that have surrounded the Star Wars fandom such as how is the Emperor still alive? and how was Snoke created?

Over the course of the episode, viewers will find themselves caring for the broken Dr. Pershing and his quest for forgiveness which adds to the emotional stakes. Likewise, Kane is shady and untrustworthy from the start and she doesn’t waste anytime proving that by stabbing Dr. Pershing in the back. However, viewers aren’t completely void of Din Djarin, Grogu and Bo-Katan. Although their time here is limited, Grogu nearly speaks, Din becomes redeemed by his creed, and Bo-Katan gets invited to join Din Djarin’s extremely traditional Mandalorian creed. 

Chapter 19: The Convert certainly wasn’t perfect, and while it merely sets the stage for the rest of the season, its lack of Din Djarin and Grogu took a lot of heart and adventure from the episode, making it feel more like The Book of Boba Fett. Many questions may arise from the new plot of this season but all fans really want is to spend time with Grogu and the Mandalorian. The opening action sequence was phenomenal, but this episode ultimately shines in its storytelling, focusing on the redemption of Dr. Pershing. Though as a result, less time is spent with Grogu and Din Djarin thus depriving viewers from the heart which drew them to the series. While this episode may be the weakest yet, it was still important and highly entertaining in its own right.

*still courtesy of Lucasfilm

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Olly Dyche

Journalist, Writer, Film Critic and Professional Nerd. You will probably find Olly at the cinema chomping down on some popcorn and taking in the glorious visuals of the latest theatrical release.