The Mandalorian, Episode 2 – “The Child”
If there’s a bright center to the universe, the Mandalorian
has landed on the planet that it’s farthest from. The second episode of the Disney+ exclusive “The
Mandalorian” is exactly what I wanted from the first episode – an fun episodic adventure
without a lot of dramatic baggage dragging it down.
If the first episode tip its hat toward the westerns of John Ford and Sergio
Leone, this one leans more toward old Samurai epics. I thought immediately of Seven Samurai
and Yojimbo and more immediately of the 2010 epic Warrior’s Way. This installment is short on dialogue and
long on tone and mood and especially inhospitable environment, a Tatooine-like wasteland
called Arvala-7 in which our titular hero finds himself stranded thanks to some
fast-moving Jawas who scavage his ship.
What sets this episode apart from the first is that it isn’t trying to push the
story forward. If the first was gummed up
by plot details, this distinguishes itself with three very entertaining –
though separate and distinct – action sequences. First is an attack by Trandoshans. Second is a road chase involving the
Jawas. And third is an assault by a
horned creature in an effort to steal its egg.
What sets them apart is that they all feel different, all have different
purposes and all have a different pace.
Plus, the episode is light on dialogue.
There isn’t much that needs to be said.
The Mandalorian is in a hostile environment and constantly finds his
efforts to leave frustrated by native forces.
That’s it. That’s all you need,
especially in a show this visually incredible.
The shots of the hero and his infant bounty wandering across the desert
are breathtaking.
Although I still question what kind of show “The Mandalorian” fully intends to
be, I’m not complaining. I am in the
mindset of trusting writer and creator Jon Favreau. He apparently wants to dole things out slowly
and methodically and not push this show toward fan service. I’m okay with that. I have spoken.
About the Author: Jerry Roberts
Jerry Roberts is a film critic and operator of two websites, Armchair Cinema and Armchair Oscars. 
