The Mandalorian (3×07) Chapter 23: The Spies Review

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

With two episodes left and a lot of ground to cover, many viewers were rightfully anxious about how the final two episodes of this latest season of The Mandalorian would play out. Thankfully, the penultimate episode of season three, The Spies, is a masterclass in storytelling, action, world-building and character development. In what amounts to, without question, the best episode of season three, it also ranks among the very best episodes in live action Star Wars television history. 

After reclaiming her Mandalorian fleet and gaining ownership of the Darksaber, Bo-Katan Kryze, leads her army of ex-Night Owls, and Din Djarin’s Covert on a mission to reclaim their home of Mandalore. But upon their arrival they are greeted by an ‘old friend’.

The episode feels like it’s written like an HBO drama, full of high-strung tension, satisfying character arcs, and jaw-dropping twists, surprises and reveals, none bigger than the unsurprising return of Moff Gideon. Everything surrounding Gideon and what he is trying to build while raise tons of questions, but also addresses other long-gestating questions related to Star Wars fandom. Those questions focused heavily on cloning and how far the Empire’s technology has come. Meanwhile, Gideon’s new army hints at the origins of the First Order, with his Stormtroopers boasting unbelievably cool white and black Beskar armor as well as a really cool reveal of three Praetorian Guards introduced in The Last Jedi. In addition to that, the episode introduces fans to the father of General Hux, Commandant Hux. These reveals all come together in planting the seeds of how the First Order rose to power.

The reintroduction of Moff Gideon’s also reveals that, as expected, Elia Kane was secretly working for Moff Gideon. Soon after, Gideon talks to his Shadow Council of The Imperial Remnant, informing audiences on how much power the Empire still has. However, the most exciting development was hearing Admiral Thrawn’s name getting thrown around, as the Council debated whether the rumors of his return were true. It was recently revealed in the Ahsoka trailer that Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen) will in fact return to the Star Wars universe in his live-action debut, but could it be possible that he makes an appearance in the final episode of the season?

Grogu is as adorable as ever. The Anzellans get IG-11, now IG-12, working again. Well mostly. The droid has had its memory circuit removed, forcing the IG-12 to now be operated by a ‘pilot’, allowing Grogu to sit in the Droid controlling it and having two buttons saying “Yes” and “No”, an ability Grogu hilariously abuses. Din gives Bo-Katan the confidence she lacks around leading her army to victory and being the rightful leader of Mandalore. Every character gets many great moments of character growth in this episode, something the show always delivers on, but The Spies was extra intense, especially towards its final moments when all hope seemed lost. Sadly, Din gets captured and Paz Vizsla gets killed, but both of them don’t go down easy, especially Vizsla who goes full beast mode on numerous Beskar armor clad stormtroopers, before coming face to face with the deadly Praetorian Guards. 

The action on display here was simply top notch. Seeing Din, Vizsla, Bo-Katan, and Axe Woves getting to show off their deadly efficiency and skills against the newly armored stormtroopers felt like it was ripped right out of the John Wick handbook. Not in terms of how the action is shot or choreographed, that comparison was more in terms of how it raised the stakes an opened the door for more creative ways to dispatch their enemies. 

All in all, The Spies was jaw-dropping and felt like something more akin to Andor than an episode of The Mandalorian, but in the best way possible. The episode builds upon the overarching storyline of the season, answering many questions while creating more. The action was exhilarating, and the characters get so many moments to grow resulting in a truly intense third act. This is an episode that should not be missed.

*still courtesy of Lucasfilm

If you liked this, please read our other reviews here and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter or Instagram or like us on Facebook.

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.