The Mandalorian (3×06) Chapter 22: The Hired Gun Review

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

Helmed by Bryce Dallas Howard, Chapter 22: The Hired Guns is another highly entertaining episode in an otherwise fantastic season so far. Directing episodes that consistently rank among the best of the series, this latest chapter is no different. This episode not only combines satisfying character arcs, a compelling detective story, jaw-dropping celebrity cameos, but also squeezes in plenty of Star Wars goodies.

Continuing from where the last episode left off, The Hired Guns follows Din Djarin, Bo-Katan Kryze, and Grogu as they search for Bo-Katan’s ex fleet on Plazir-15 to help reclaim Mandalore. Once arriving on Plazir-15 they are greeted and tasked with discovering why many of the droids on the planet have gone rogue and started attacking its citizens.

This episode essentially feels like it was ripped straight from a series of Doctor Who or Star Trek with an aesthetic and story inspired by the Blade Runner franchise. All things considered, it is a ton of fun that delves deep into its lore and universe, while telling a compelling story that at least for now, lacks any real impact on the season’s overarching storyline. In what will be reminiscent of Blade Runner, this story sends Din Djarin and Bo-Katan on an intriguing detective side-mission investigating those aforementioned rogue droids. Having the two work as detectives was a great call, building upon their relationship as well as simply allowing the two to spend more time together, which is always a win for viewers. As the overarching story takes a backseat for the most part in this episode, it gets some focus by the end and featured some brilliant moments where Bo-Katan finally gets the Darksaber and her fleet back so she can finally be the true leader of Mandalore.

Meanwhile, Howard infuses the episode with a ton of Star Wars goodness. From a brand-new gorgeous and pristine planet, combining the best parts of Bespin and Coruscant, as well as many amazing species and droids scattered throughout. Over the course of the episode, it offers glimpses to full-on appearances from Ugnaughts, Mon Calamari, Quarren and Rodians who help immerse viewers into the world of Plazir-15. Featuring a droid-heavy plot, the episode features a plethora of droids including a lot of familiar droid models such as protocol droids, R2-units, Gonk Droids and Imperial Droids, but also Battle Droids and Super Battle Droids from The Clone Wars era.

The Hired Guns is full of jaw-dropping cameos no one saw coming. Stars such as Jack Black and yes, Lizzo, appear as Captain Bombardier and The Duchess of Plazir 15 respectively in surprisingly big roles. On top of that, Lizzo gets to hold and cuddle Grogu, something audiences never knew they wanted, but will soon realize it was something they so desperately needed. This is all without mentioning Christopher Lloyd’s highly anticipated appearance in season 3 as Commissioner Helgait, which was magnificent.

At the end of the day, The Hired Guns is among the best episodes of The Mandalorian so far. Its compelling detective story, bucket loads of Star Wars goodness, phenomenal cameos, and satisfying character development that will leave viewers excited for what is to come, all make for a phenomenal episode. Let’s hope that Bryce Dallas Howard will be given the reigns of a Star Wars film in the near future.

*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.