No childish scenes. No forced drama. No stupid jokes. Simple in its premise and so far so good.
133 Reviews
Good Job
brettanderson-8999713 November 2019
The Mandalorian- Episode 1
wstallings-7501312 November 2019
Bounty hunting is a complicated profession
plo100012 November 2019
But being a Star Wars fan these days is not. This show is made with so much love for this universe. You can tell in every scene. Pure joy for a Star Wars fan. And the ending is just so sweet. Looking forward for the next one.
Positive Start!
jonathon-6407812 November 2019
Great Potential & Start for a Star Wars Series
justinwalters-2210712 November 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Visuals: Outstanding for a series. I watched in 1440p screen (Not quite 4k) and could not see any mediocre CGI. Maybe not as good as a movie but amazing if you compare to the Best Sci-fi Series out there (expanse, lost in space or any other). Amazing costumes and sets! Which I considered of more value than CGI.
Story: Light on story... it kind of a setup episode. Set the mood... the world... introduction of the characters. Amazing Ending. Personally I liked the slow second act, It helped understand the size of the world we are in... sometimes the Movies being sooo fast give the illusion that every world is right beside each other.
Dialogue: Mandalorians are a solitary species who are a people of few words... I wasn't expecting much in Dialogue from the main character. In the end that held true, but every time he spoke parts of his personality where revealed.
Action: Good action sequences but there weren't the highlight of the episode. Everything was clear, we understood what was happening and the action had purpose both for the plot and our understanding of the main character.
So far I love the slow start.... and I no opening Crawl... thank you! That should be saved only for the core saga movies in my opinion... not everything needs a crawl (Lazy Story telling).
Story: Light on story... it kind of a setup episode. Set the mood... the world... introduction of the characters. Amazing Ending. Personally I liked the slow second act, It helped understand the size of the world we are in... sometimes the Movies being sooo fast give the illusion that every world is right beside each other.
Dialogue: Mandalorians are a solitary species who are a people of few words... I wasn't expecting much in Dialogue from the main character. In the end that held true, but every time he spoke parts of his personality where revealed.
Action: Good action sequences but there weren't the highlight of the episode. Everything was clear, we understood what was happening and the action had purpose both for the plot and our understanding of the main character.
So far I love the slow start.... and I no opening Crawl... thank you! That should be saved only for the core saga movies in my opinion... not everything needs a crawl (Lazy Story telling).
Cool
brambergs-0918112 November 2019
Yes, Disney uses this franchise to fill their pockets even further and have made some weird decisions along the way.
However, this is Star Wars. VFX, acting, screenplay, all good by my standards. I'm glad to see, even know, stories explained behind characters and I really hope this show is gonna be and stay awesome. It's another great addition to the SW-universe so far.
Solid start for SW fans, old and new.
However, this is Star Wars. VFX, acting, screenplay, all good by my standards. I'm glad to see, even know, stories explained behind characters and I really hope this show is gonna be and stay awesome. It's another great addition to the SW-universe so far.
Solid start for SW fans, old and new.
Calm and Compelling Start
ROOKreations12 November 2019
Like many I've been looking forward to this series, while definitely having more excitement for this than Rise of Skywalkwer. The first episode gives us all a brief introduction into the Mandalorian character. You get a sense of what state the galaxy is in at this point in time. Enough said. We'll see how it goes from here...
Worth the wait....
azzadazzlaa-0345914 November 2019
"What did they send us?...HOPE!" Lucasfilm sent us hope with the Mandalorian!!!
hristo271014 November 2019
Truly exceptional, a piece of genius, absolutely brilliant! Truly the best gift for Star Wars fans after Rogue One! The story is great! The atmosphere is 150 % the Star Wars we all LOVE and live for! Absolutely brilliant, a piece of genius, exceptional! Changing frames was exactly like the way we know from Star Wars! All of these combined made me over-satisfied! I am INCREDIBLY THANKFUL to everyone involved in this beautiful GIFT for every Star Wars fan! It brought the kid in me back! Literally got me crying for an hour after I watched the episode and today again when I think of it as well! THIS IS THE STAR WARS THAT I LOVE!!! The ending could not have been better in any way possible! It literally blew my mind and brought back HOPE, the keyword for this amazing Galaxy far far away, that I dream about! It also answered a question that WE ALL have been questioning for so many decades! Undoubtedly the best thing every Star Wars fan could have ever hoped for! Go watch it! THANK YOU, LUCASFILM!!! <3
P.S. Wrote this crying all the way!
The one-eighty of the Star Wars franchise...
akashdefonsekaman22 August 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This episode was the perfect set-up for the entire series.
At first we get introduced to the eponymous Mandalorian, a yet-unnamed bounty hunter (who goes by the nickname "Mando") on the search for his current target. He is played by GOT star Pedro Pascal, who does so much but talks so little. We get an impressive show of his fighting skills, gadgets and badass reflexes in the opening bar scene (he's basically a cross between Batman and John Wick).
Soon enough we meet Greef Karga (played by Carl Weathers), the leader of the Guild. Yet another perfectly-cast role. He sets Mando on a one-off mission to recover a valuable living asset for a man simply known as The Client. This anonymous client (played to perfection by Werner Herzog) gives Mando the necessary instructions and down-payment for the mission.
Mando then goes to The Armorer, the leader of the planet's Mandalorian tribe, and we get a better understanding of Beskar Steel along with a flashback to Mando's childhood.
The rest of the episode is spent with Mando trying to reach his bounty, meeting a helpful alien named Kuiil, who teaches him to ride a Blurrg and points him in the direction of the valuable asset.
When he finally gets there, he teams up with a fellow bounty droid (IG-11) to engage in a shootout with the area's inhabitants. There is some incredible sound design and editing during this action sequence, and Taika Waititi gives an underrated voice-over as the blunt IG-11 unit. Mando and IG-11 finally reach the anonymous "asset" only to discover that it is an infant of unknown alien origin (Yoda's species!).
This yet-unnamed infant (which fans have come to call "Baby Yoda"), melts the heart of both the audience and our titular Mandalorian, who destroys the IG-11 unit in an attempt to keep the baby alive.
This Pilot does an incredible job of having enough callbacks to other Star Wars movies to excite super-fans, while staying wholly original at the same time. The world-building is flawlessly done, and the storytelling and lore is riveting.
Ludwig Göransson does a remarkable job of scoring this episode, with a musical aesthetic that is unique and intriguing. We also have some brilliant technical achievements regarding visual effects, art direction, costume design and cinematography most of all. Another thing I really enjoyed was the stunning illustrated end-credits sequence, which enhanced the episode's unique feel.
This has to be like the Game of Thrones of sci-fi shows. The producers of The Mandalorian had a clear objective of giving fans something new without derailing the franchise, and I'd say they've succeeded. Never has Star Wars material felt so fresh and yet so familiar since Rogue One.
Kudos to Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni, Kathleen Kennedy, Colin Wilson and everyone who worked in front of or behind the camera. They may yet make Star Wars great again.
At first we get introduced to the eponymous Mandalorian, a yet-unnamed bounty hunter (who goes by the nickname "Mando") on the search for his current target. He is played by GOT star Pedro Pascal, who does so much but talks so little. We get an impressive show of his fighting skills, gadgets and badass reflexes in the opening bar scene (he's basically a cross between Batman and John Wick).
Soon enough we meet Greef Karga (played by Carl Weathers), the leader of the Guild. Yet another perfectly-cast role. He sets Mando on a one-off mission to recover a valuable living asset for a man simply known as The Client. This anonymous client (played to perfection by Werner Herzog) gives Mando the necessary instructions and down-payment for the mission.
Mando then goes to The Armorer, the leader of the planet's Mandalorian tribe, and we get a better understanding of Beskar Steel along with a flashback to Mando's childhood.
The rest of the episode is spent with Mando trying to reach his bounty, meeting a helpful alien named Kuiil, who teaches him to ride a Blurrg and points him in the direction of the valuable asset.
When he finally gets there, he teams up with a fellow bounty droid (IG-11) to engage in a shootout with the area's inhabitants. There is some incredible sound design and editing during this action sequence, and Taika Waititi gives an underrated voice-over as the blunt IG-11 unit. Mando and IG-11 finally reach the anonymous "asset" only to discover that it is an infant of unknown alien origin (Yoda's species!).
This yet-unnamed infant (which fans have come to call "Baby Yoda"), melts the heart of both the audience and our titular Mandalorian, who destroys the IG-11 unit in an attempt to keep the baby alive.
This Pilot does an incredible job of having enough callbacks to other Star Wars movies to excite super-fans, while staying wholly original at the same time. The world-building is flawlessly done, and the storytelling and lore is riveting.
Ludwig Göransson does a remarkable job of scoring this episode, with a musical aesthetic that is unique and intriguing. We also have some brilliant technical achievements regarding visual effects, art direction, costume design and cinematography most of all. Another thing I really enjoyed was the stunning illustrated end-credits sequence, which enhanced the episode's unique feel.
This has to be like the Game of Thrones of sci-fi shows. The producers of The Mandalorian had a clear objective of giving fans something new without derailing the franchise, and I'd say they've succeeded. Never has Star Wars material felt so fresh and yet so familiar since Rogue One.
Kudos to Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni, Kathleen Kennedy, Colin Wilson and everyone who worked in front of or behind the camera. They may yet make Star Wars great again.
Very promising pilot
TGPoletti12 November 2019
Warning: Spoilers
So far the pilot seems to capture the essence of the universe very well. Top notch production, great action sequences, and I loved the bounty droid. Lots of familiar callbacks without the use of any actual Skywalker saga characters. Not too much in the way of character development yet, which is why I'm holding it at an 8 for the pilot. Overall, it's a great start and I can't wait to see where they take it.
The Mandalorian with no name
Fluke_Skywalker12 November 2019
The world we see in The Mandalorian has always existed in the Star Wars universe, but until now it has always remained in the shadows, just off screen. While Empires Strike and Jedi Return, beings struggle to eek out a living in a harsh galaxy.
The main character here is the titular Mandalorian. Like the most famous Mandalorian of all (Boba Fett), he's a bounty hunter. Unlike his more famous and mysterious brother (not literally, though this is Star Wars, so you never know), we get to get to see, if only a tiny bit, behind the mask (figuratively). The curtain is also pulled back a bit to see the Mandalorian culture, which evokes that of Earth cultures like the Native Americans and Norseman.
This first episode drops us right into this world with little to no setup. Not even an opening crawl ala the Episodes. Just a brief mention of its timeline and off we go. Things get off to a fun start and the pace is relentless, but much of the middle is less than compelling. The final act picks back up and it sprints to a fun conclusion, sticking the landing on a solid opening that holds the promise of the most entertaining Star Wars we've seen since Rogue One.
The main character here is the titular Mandalorian. Like the most famous Mandalorian of all (Boba Fett), he's a bounty hunter. Unlike his more famous and mysterious brother (not literally, though this is Star Wars, so you never know), we get to get to see, if only a tiny bit, behind the mask (figuratively). The curtain is also pulled back a bit to see the Mandalorian culture, which evokes that of Earth cultures like the Native Americans and Norseman.
This first episode drops us right into this world with little to no setup. Not even an opening crawl ala the Episodes. Just a brief mention of its timeline and off we go. Things get off to a fun start and the pace is relentless, but much of the middle is less than compelling. The final act picks back up and it sprints to a fun conclusion, sticking the landing on a solid opening that holds the promise of the most entertaining Star Wars we've seen since Rogue One.
Ha ha ha this is a spoof right!
akaslammin31 October 2020
It is so illogical and stupid it can only be a spoof.
The bar in the first scene is in the middle of no where on a remote ice planet. There is no community or town so why is the bar there, where do the customers come from and why do they go there, i guess the beer is so good that people are willing to fly across the universe to try it.
They have explored the universe, develop light speed and planet killing weapons but they haven't thought about having a double entrance to the bar on a below zero planet to keep out the elements. Nor have they realized that using an open top surface transport is probably not the best way to travel on such a planet.
Even though there is nothing around, the space port is miles from the bar on ice under which creatures big enough to eat space ships live.
You can find these sort of silly logic flaws in many other shows but if the show is good you don't notice them but this is so bad, so predictable and so clumsily made they are glaring.
Good start
MamadNobari9712 November 2019
It's not as bad as what other reviews say, I don't know what else they wanted cause this episode surprisingly had a lot of action and lots of good CGI. You don't get much of the story in this episode but it's only the beginning. So let's chill and wait for other episodes and don't rate the whole show base on the first and only episode you saw! at least maybe wait for the season to end?
Better than expected
noahgreen-4264412 November 2019
Warning: Spoilers
It starts on a high note, so you think it's going to fizzle out with dialogue etc? No, instead provides a new piece of the plot every 5 minutes. The look of the show is stunning, but the story lacks a bit in the third act only to provide a little backstory on the "mandalorian". I hope they don't lose track of what makes this unique.
Best from disney star wars!
havardwang17 November 2019
Great acting, spectacular CGI, AMAZING music! And a great plothook.
This show is off to a phenomenal start.
The atmosphere and the tense moments feels very similar to the originals, but everything else feels new and fresh!
And the music is just, wow... Its so good!
A solid start
nguyenbakhanhbicondova12 November 2019
Let's just get the obvious thing out of the way, the production value is top-notch, everything is practical and breathtaking. The cinematography is simply beautiful. Those things coupled with marvelous sound design resulted in a very immersive looking world, which is a must for any Star-Wars film/show.
The first episode doesn't spend any time building the characters and just get right down to the business, which is both good and bad. Good because you don't have to wait very long for some sweet action, which is quite well done here. Bad because our main character, The Mandalorian, is pretty boring, at least so far. His dialogue, his voice, his action, nothing is unique, nothing makes him standout. The only thing you get to know about this guy is shown through a vague flashback, the oldest trick in the book. He was built up as the best bounty hunter, but then is easily taken down by 2 fish-like creatures. I'm all for characters not being super overpowered ( looking at you, Rey ) but maybe give him some real threats if you want to show that your character is not God ( and maybe wait a bit longer before doing it too) ? The fact that we don't see his face also doesn't help. Dredd 2012 works because Karl Urban's lips are extremely expressive, but emotion is just not an option here.
This episode also has a lot of conveniences, and couple of things don't make sense, which is a let down for me because I expected Game of Thrones (season 1-4) level of realism. But this is Star-Wars, suspension of disbelief has always been a part of the franchise, so it's not a big deal. One piece of dialogue near the end in particular is just bad, The Mandalorian literally asks the same question twice. The dialogue in this show doesn't show any promise beyond being serviceable too.
Could have been a lot better, but not bad. Can be really entertaining if you're a Star-Wars fan. I really love the western, cowboy feeling.
The first episode doesn't spend any time building the characters and just get right down to the business, which is both good and bad. Good because you don't have to wait very long for some sweet action, which is quite well done here. Bad because our main character, The Mandalorian, is pretty boring, at least so far. His dialogue, his voice, his action, nothing is unique, nothing makes him standout. The only thing you get to know about this guy is shown through a vague flashback, the oldest trick in the book. He was built up as the best bounty hunter, but then is easily taken down by 2 fish-like creatures. I'm all for characters not being super overpowered ( looking at you, Rey ) but maybe give him some real threats if you want to show that your character is not God ( and maybe wait a bit longer before doing it too) ? The fact that we don't see his face also doesn't help. Dredd 2012 works because Karl Urban's lips are extremely expressive, but emotion is just not an option here.
This episode also has a lot of conveniences, and couple of things don't make sense, which is a let down for me because I expected Game of Thrones (season 1-4) level of realism. But this is Star-Wars, suspension of disbelief has always been a part of the franchise, so it's not a big deal. One piece of dialogue near the end in particular is just bad, The Mandalorian literally asks the same question twice. The dialogue in this show doesn't show any promise beyond being serviceable too.
Could have been a lot better, but not bad. Can be really entertaining if you're a Star-Wars fan. I really love the western, cowboy feeling.
Great episode
charlie-2558012 November 2019
I have spoken
Son_Of_Darkness2222 November 2020
The Empire has fallen. The iron grip of the Emperor has vanished as many a backwater world of the Outer Rim are swept up in violence and greed. The Guild of Bounty Hunters is left to keep a sham of order in most of these desolate territories...
The Mandalorian is a simple story: the story of a man, dissatisfied with the low rewards the Guild offers for the petty criminals he keeps hunting down, taking on a highly classified and dangerous mission from a mysterious client. Simple though this may seem, this story allows the show to explore new corners of the universe, shedding light on the organization of bounty hunters or enriching the already intricate and fascinating Mandalorian mythology. It has the potential to grow into something special while setting up some truly unexpected twists.
For its debut, the Mandalorian immediately succeeds in crafting a unique world and atmosphere. The visuals are great, offering a lively, detailed and textured feel to the various and sundry settings. The most notable factor in how unique this new corner of the galaxy feels to me remains Ludwig Göransson's outstanding composition. Veering away from an at times over-imitated John Williams' score, this episode's soundtrack not only feels brand new but succeeds in recapturing the magic and essence of the OT too. Its simplistic but efficient approach to storytelling paired with such a soundtrack left me filled with wonder and delight, hooked to Mando's vicissitudes as he crossed icy, wind swept expanses and barren deserts.
The show's main protagonist is a nameless Mandalorian warrior, oozing charisma thanks to the sleek, elegant design of his armor and Göransson's instantly recognizable leitmotiv. Despite never revealing its face, the episode succeeds in adding warmth and emotion to such a cold exterior as it took the time to portray him as a man fully devoted to his clan and the survival of orphans, offering them the full profit of his Guild wages. Besides, Mando struggles. He is beaten, fails and needs help to get up. Far from being invincible, Mando is portrayed as someone who still has a lot to learn, making it easier to empathize with him. Moreover, Pedro Pascal's performance is no stranger to Mando being a compelling protagonist.
The Mandalorian is a truly cinematic experience on the small screen, an expertly paced escapist adventure full of colorful characters in this galaxy far far away. It delivers some very enjoyable spectacle, above all raw, visceral action sequences elevated by Ludwig Göransson's remarkable score, culminating in a very impressive and ambitious gun fight.
My overall score: 82/100
The Mandalorian is a simple story: the story of a man, dissatisfied with the low rewards the Guild offers for the petty criminals he keeps hunting down, taking on a highly classified and dangerous mission from a mysterious client. Simple though this may seem, this story allows the show to explore new corners of the universe, shedding light on the organization of bounty hunters or enriching the already intricate and fascinating Mandalorian mythology. It has the potential to grow into something special while setting up some truly unexpected twists.
For its debut, the Mandalorian immediately succeeds in crafting a unique world and atmosphere. The visuals are great, offering a lively, detailed and textured feel to the various and sundry settings. The most notable factor in how unique this new corner of the galaxy feels to me remains Ludwig Göransson's outstanding composition. Veering away from an at times over-imitated John Williams' score, this episode's soundtrack not only feels brand new but succeeds in recapturing the magic and essence of the OT too. Its simplistic but efficient approach to storytelling paired with such a soundtrack left me filled with wonder and delight, hooked to Mando's vicissitudes as he crossed icy, wind swept expanses and barren deserts.
The show's main protagonist is a nameless Mandalorian warrior, oozing charisma thanks to the sleek, elegant design of his armor and Göransson's instantly recognizable leitmotiv. Despite never revealing its face, the episode succeeds in adding warmth and emotion to such a cold exterior as it took the time to portray him as a man fully devoted to his clan and the survival of orphans, offering them the full profit of his Guild wages. Besides, Mando struggles. He is beaten, fails and needs help to get up. Far from being invincible, Mando is portrayed as someone who still has a lot to learn, making it easier to empathize with him. Moreover, Pedro Pascal's performance is no stranger to Mando being a compelling protagonist.
The Mandalorian is a truly cinematic experience on the small screen, an expertly paced escapist adventure full of colorful characters in this galaxy far far away. It delivers some very enjoyable spectacle, above all raw, visceral action sequences elevated by Ludwig Göransson's remarkable score, culminating in a very impressive and ambitious gun fight.
My overall score: 82/100
Old School Star Wars
schroederagustavo8 January 2020
This is a great opening episode. It's not perfect but it feels like a huge breath of fresh air. Pedro Pascal is able somehow to convey so much without ever seeing his face. I love how much more tighter and smaller scale this story is. It's a space cowboy show. The bounty hunter here is The Man With No Name, but it takes place in the Star Wars universe. I also love how they explore how the fall of the empire has affected the economy and stuff like that. Oh and how to forget: "I have spoken." Good stuff, feels a lot like 1977 Star Wars somehow.
Not bad. Let's see how this develops.
M0vieL0ver12 November 2019
A solid start, feels like Star Wars
Unformed824 November 2019
Main character is done well, altought the intro leaned on the "strong silent type" for too long for it to feel natural to me, yes you want him to be seen as badass but there are limits.
The best part that I give a 10/10 is in the middle, when he goes to turn in the job, returns to his folk and gets the next job, it's brilliant and brought me to the edge of my seat.
Next parts are okay, riding gives a little backstory but is somewhat pointless there a big finish with even bigger plot armour.
It's not bad, definately a good watch with great potential
The best part that I give a 10/10 is in the middle, when he goes to turn in the job, returns to his folk and gets the next job, it's brilliant and brought me to the edge of my seat.
Next parts are okay, riding gives a little backstory but is somewhat pointless there a big finish with even bigger plot armour.
It's not bad, definately a good watch with great potential
Overrated
harrymckenna21 August 2020
S**t storyline went on for too long. When I watched this I despised it, it was so boring. I'd never been more bored watching Star Wars until seeing this. I was so bored I don't want to watch the next episode or anything else from this series unless I go back to this episode and give it a second chance.
I loved everything about this episode.
paulkeegan-3222729 November 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I'd heard good things and was quite buzzed before I watched the first episode; oh sweet lord it didn't disappoint.
I was plunged, head first into a Star Wars universe that I fell in love with as a child. I found myself gleefully wondering where exactly this fits into the narrative timeline, and hat species Yoda was and how they have managed to effortlessly crowbar the best TV Western since Deadwood into a 'galaxy far, far away'.
Brilliant.
I was plunged, head first into a Star Wars universe that I fell in love with as a child. I found myself gleefully wondering where exactly this fits into the narrative timeline, and hat species Yoda was and how they have managed to effortlessly crowbar the best TV Western since Deadwood into a 'galaxy far, far away'.
Brilliant.
The Return Of Star Wars.
ianbrace25 March 2020
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
