The Mandalorian (Season 1)

For the first time ever, I am reviewing a television show. I have never done that before in my nine years of blogging, but now I feel like I should give in and review certain shows that have a tie-in with a franchise. We’re going to start off with the first season of “The Mandalorian,” a Star Wars show that came out on Disney+ in 2019.

Taking place five years after “Return of the Jedi” – meaning the Empire ahs fallen and the New Republic is in its predominance – this intergalactic adventure is set around the mysterious, forever incognito bounty hunter Din Djarin, played by Pedro Pascal, an orphan who was rescued and raised by Mandalorian warriors.

When he refuses to hand over a mysterious being, the powerful infant called The Child (Baby Yoda), to The Client (Werner Herzog), Mando becomes its protector, helped by a pig faced Ugnaught (Nick Notle).

Mando’s main villains is the Empire’s Warlord Mof Gideon (Giancarlo Esposito), who wields the Darksaber, a weapon popularized on the franchise’s animated show, along with the droid assassin IG-11 (Taika Waititi) and tricky Fennic Hand (Ming Na Wen).

The second season has Mando launching a search for The Child’s origin and species, maybe with the help of “loner” mercenary Cara Dune, played by former MMA fighter Gina Carano.

Meanwhile, there are eight episodes in the first season, each a separate encounter, tied together by Carl Weathers, who plays Bounty Hunter Guild Chief Greef Karga.

Showrunner Jon Favreau wanted to make a series infused in the lore of the past while introducing entirely new characters, just like he did directing the first “Iron Man,” launching the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Susan Granger noted in her review, “Filming utilizes the new LED video wall technology, first introduced in last year’s “The Lion King.” Instead of navigating strict social-distancing requirements while shooting with a full cast and crew, each scene is captured visually by effects supervisor Robert Legato, a three-time Oscar winner.”

Granger continued, “Unlike the traditional “green-screen,” actors can now see the background and cinematographers can match perspectives and camera parallax to look like they’re on-location.”

This may come as a surprise, but I did not watch this when it first aired on Disney+. That is because my cousin did not share his login with us until last year, I think, or two years ago. However, I watched the first season at the beginning of last year and I really loved it. Since I was not satisfied with the sequel trilogy, this show really helped satisfy my love for the Star Wars franchise. If you have not seen the show and you have a Disney+, then go and see the show. If you have not been happy with the movies after “Return of the Jedi,” or you were happy with the sequel trilogy, this one will satisfy everyone. You will love this show, I promise. Especially those diehard Star Wars fans, like myself. Don’t think Baby Yoda will be introduced halfway or near the end of the season. He gets introduced at the very beginning.

How was the second season you ask? Stay tuned tomorrow to find out in “Disney Month 2022.”