[WARNING: very minor spoilers for The Mandalorian and Grogu follow.] Is The Mandalorian and Grogu the best Star Wars film ever? No. The Empire Strikes Back has held that title for forty-six years and counting. (Although, one could make an argument that Rogue One is a solid challenger… ) Still, it wasn’t the worst, either. (Lookin’ at you, The Last Jedi.) So why is there so much divided discourse between and among critics and fans over the adventures of Din Djarin and his pointy-eared apprentice? Sadly, the fandom is once again proving that we can’t have anything nice.
To be honest, most of the commentary I’ve seen across social media has been positive, with few, but fair, criticisms. But if one of the chief criticisms is asking about continuity with the Mandalorian Creed, or wondering how the Razor Crest got from Nevarro to Adelphi, I think the film’s doing alright. But, as usual, there is a vocal minority slamming The Mandalorian and Grogu for various reasons. I’m still scratching my head as to why.
The Mandalorian and Grogu: a case study for a divided fandom
The two biggest complaints I’ve seen are a) that the movie feels like nothing more than an extended episode of the show on a big screen; and b) that it did nothing to advance the lore of Star Wars. To that I say yes, that’s exactly what it was. Why does it have to be more? And why does it need to advance the greater lore? Perhaps Season 2 of Andor set the bar of expectation too high. Perhaps, seven years later, the sting of a sub-par sequel trilogy still feels fresh.
Whatever the reason, The Mandalorian and Grogu deserves little of the criticism it’s receiving. Who among my generation (Gen-Xers who grew up with the OG trilogy) didn’t exclaim with delight at seeing one of our childhood toys (the INT-4) on screen? Embo elevates from The Clone Wars, and we get more live-action Zeb? Amani warriors? I mean, Mando also got a new pulse rifle, Sigourney Weaver joined Star Wars, and we of course got a grown-up Rotta, bucking anticipated Hutt stereotypes.
So, what’s the problem?
I honestly don’t know. For me, and many others, The Mandalorian and Grogu delivered exactly what we expected, and maybe even needed. Call it a filler film, call it Season 3.5 of the show, call it whatever you like, but sweet jeebus, can’t we just enjoy it for what it is:
A fun-filled, action-packed, stand-alone, in-universe Star Wars adventure.
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