The Mandalorian (3×08) Chapter 24: The Return Review

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

After eight brilliant episodes, for the most part, the third season of The Mandalorian is now, sadly over. Also, it has been an incredibly controversial season in the eyes of many, as viewers found themselves not getting much out of it until its fantastic final two episodes. The last episode was, without a doubt, some of the best live-action Star Wars television ever and thankfully, the season finale keeps up that pace, resulting in another electrifying, action-packed, and wholly satisfying episode. 

Continuing from last week, Bo-Katan and her army of Mandalorians continue their siege to reclaim their home planet of Mandalore. Din Djarin, assisted by his surrogate son Grogu, evades being captured to finally take down Moff Gideon for good.

The Mandalorian has always shined in its exhilarating, well shot, and well choreographed action, and this finale is among the best action so far. From the opening seconds, viewers are engulfed with scene after scene of action until a thrilling climax, making for a wholly thrilling ride. Among the best moments of action, is seeing an army of Mandalorians lead by The Armorer and Bo-Katan take on an army of Beskar Armor clad Stormtroopers, all while flying through the air using their jet packs. It truly is a spectacle, seeing Bo-Katan cut through Stormtrooper’s and the Armorer go full on beast mode mid-air. 

Meanwhile, Din Djarin fought his way through waves of Stormtroopers in a labyrinth of red laser-gates. Eventually Grogu and Din Djarin finally team up, in the best tag team duo ever. As the deadly Praetorian Guards return, Din defends his surrogate son and attempts to defeat his attackers, all while Grogu aids his Mandalorian father by force pushing the enemies and their weapons away from them. This leads to the final moments where Bo-Katan and Gideon finally go toe-to-toe, with him sadly destroying the Darksaber, before Din and Grogu come in and lend a hand. The action in this episode is truly sensational.

When it came to Grogu, he was as adorable as ever here, saving Din Djarin on multiple occasions with his awesome IG-12 mech suit, often smiling and chuckling with absolute glee. In addition, Grogu leans deeply into his force powers, protecting Din Djarin and force jumping around as much as he can. Once the trio eventually defeats Gideon by way of an Imperial Star Destroyer crashing into his base, he protects both Din Djarin and Bo-Katan from the fiery wreckage using the force in what was a powerful moment. 

The episode also sees many lingering character arcs and stories get resolutions. While Bo-Katan and the Mandalorians finally reclaim their home planet, the most satisfying moment comes when Din Djarin officially adopts Grogu as his son who receives the new name of Din Grogu. Emotional stuff. The end of the episode saw Din Djarin and Din Grogu settle down on Nevarro but their adventures are far from over as they are now independent contractors for the New Republic.

In the end, The Return is an action-packed thrill ride full of satisfying conclusions and exciting teases for the future of the series and its characters while getting fans of the series a little emotional as Din Djarin finally adopted Grogu as his son and Mandalorian apprentice. While the episode may not be the best finale, is is certainly a satisfying finale. 

Season three did answer many questions and resolve numerous threads, yet its finale also raises many new ones questions. Gideon reveals that he made clones of himself infused with the force to create the ultimate soldier, which Din Djarin destroys. Are all the clones destroyed ? Perhaps Gideon placed some other clones in a separate location. Speaking of Gideon, it’s highly unlikely that he is dead. Although the trio defeated Gideon, it’s hard to believe he is actually dead. It is currently uncertain as to where the series will go next season but based upon where the characters end up after the finale, it is safe to expect more fun adventures with Din Djarin and Din Grogu in the near future as they look to seek out and destroy and remnants of the Imperial army.

*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.