The Mandalorian (3×04) Chapter 20: The Foundling Review

For our review of the last episode of The Mandalorian, click here.

Last week’s episode was a slight departure from the usual format of the series as it took a step back from Din Djarin and Grogu’s adventure, instead building upon future plot points which will soon come into fruition. The Foundling brings the series back to its roots in what was perhaps the best episode of this season. Leaning more towards the adventures of Din and Grogu, at the end of the day, this was without a doubt Grogu’s episode. The episode saw Grogu begin his official training as a Mandalorian and the Armorer welds him some more Beskar armor. However, the most thrilling part is learning more of Grogu’s backstory. As per usual, there is once again plenty of action, compelling character arcs, and satisfying expansion on the Star Wars lore.

Continuing where the last episode left off, Din Djarin, Grogu and Bo-Katan after the two Mandalorians are redeemed and affiliated with the creed. Meanwhile, Grogu finally begins his training as a Mandalorian, as the questions about his past are quickly answered, including who saved Grogu from the Jedi Temple? While many casual audiences may be unfamiliar with the Jedi who saved him, fans will surely be left satisfied and shocked after learning that it was Jedi Master Kelleran Beq (Ahmed Best). That being said, there are still so many unanswered questions. The Order 66 sequence is far more fleshed out then the quick flashback from The Book of Boba Fett. This sequence is a jaw-dropping treat for Star Wars fans and is reminiscent to the exhilarating attack on the Jedi Temple flashback in the recent Obi-Wan Kenobi series. The action was exciting as viewers see Jedi Knights and Masters attempt to protect Grogu from Clone Troopers. 

The action drops off from there as Bo-Katan, Din Djarin, Paz Vizsla (Tait Fletcher), and their rescue crew set out to hunt down a dragon who kidnapped Vizsla’s son, Ragnar (Wesley Kimmel). Despite seeing Mandalorians fly as a unit with their jet packs, the action felt a little lifeless. 

Bo-Katan is still battling with her Mandalorian beliefs after seeing the Mythosaur in the waters beneath the Mines of Mandalore, but she is a wholly badass character who over the past few episodes has removed layers to her character, giving her a Mandalorian creed once more as well as re-establishing her traditional Mandalorian beliefs. Through that, Grogu had many moments to shine besides his big flashback sequence. The force sensitive child finally began his training as a Mandalorian battling Ragnar for which Grogu came out victorious, starting to earn pieces of Beskar armor to add to his collection. Hopefully by the end of the season, Grogu will be fully decked out in Beskar armor alongside his Beskar armor-clad surrogate father, Din Djarin.

In the end, The Foundling is perhaps the best episode of the season so far in spite of its shortest running time yet, clocking in at a solid 33 minutes. Making the most out of that time, viewers get fed a lot of Mandalorian lore and goodness to keep them invested and engaged from beginning to end. The episode also answered some of the biggest questions of the series while also giving many of its fan favorite characters brilliantly subtle moments of character development. In terms of action, this episode may have felt a little lackluster, but the Order 66 sequence more than makes up for it.

*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.