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Managing editor & film and television critic with a Bachelor's of Arts in English Literature with a Writing Minor from the University of Guam. Currently in graduate school completing a Master's in English Literature.
“He means more to me than you will ever know.” – Mando
The second-to-last episode of Disney+‘s The Mandalorian Season 2 is titled “Chapter 15: The Believer,” written and directed by Rick Famuyiwa (Dope).
Some spoilers ahead for those who have not yet seen this episode, or previous episodes of the series. If you have not yet done so, get to that now, then return to this article when you can!
Nigerian-American director Famuyiwa returns with his third episode of the hit live-action Star Wars web series. Continuing from last season’s “Chapter 6: The Prisoner” and last week’s “Chapter 14: The Tragedy”, this week’s episode follows Din Djarin aka “Mando” (Pedro Pascal), Fennec Shand (Ming-Na Wen), Boba Fett (Temuera Morrison), and Cara Dune as they take Migs Mayfeld (Bill Burr) out of his prison sentence to help them find coordinates to Moff Gideon (Giancarlo Esposito)’s Imperial ship. Mayfeld guides the team to Morak, where he and Mando encounter specific circumstances such as masking their identities from Imperial soldiers and acts of trust. The episode develops Mando and Mayfeld as they run through a brisk mission of their lives so far.
Burr’s character says it best: “We’re all the same. Everyone’s got their lines they don’t cross until things get messy.” We mostly get his and Pascal’s characters in action while the others are kept on the sidelines. Mayfeld is given a chance to redeem himself and Mando is put to the test when he has to remove his mask and is faced (pun intended) with the pressures of exposing his identity in the eyes of others. The two characters are given a little depth as fans see different sides to them that haven’t been shown before.
In the eyes of the enemy or in the eyes of innocent bystanders, our show’s heroes are seen as bad guys. On Morak, Mayfeld says, “Invaders on their land is all we are.” This episode’s theme focuses on masks, and when he crosses paths with a former commanding officer, Valin Hess (Richard Brake), Mayfeld is urged into encountering his past once more. Hess says what all true villains believe: “Everybody thinks they want freedom, but what they really want is order.”
Burr and Pascal delivers incredible performances in their respective roles, including Mando’s message in the final scene of the episode. Burr’s character pokes fun a popular Star Wars plot hole about not being able to see through Stormtrooper masks. Aside from their developing backstories, this episode is pretty much a filler and yet a good set-up for the Season 2 finale. Hopefully, we get to see Famuyiwa’s direction and Burr’s acting again in future episodes of the series!
What do you think of this week’s episode? Have you seen the series yet? Let us know! For more action, drama, and Star Wars-related news and reviews follow The Cinema Spot on Twitter (@TheCinemaSpot) and Instagram (@thecinemaspot_).
Managing editor & film and television critic with a Bachelor's of Arts in English Literature with a Writing Minor from the University of Guam. Currently in graduate school completing a Master's in English Literature.
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