The Mandalorian Season 1 featured several standout episodes that brought a new twist to Star Wars storytelling. But which one was the best?
The Mandalorian Season 1 has no bad episodes — straight up. Some were more small-scale like Episode 2, or featured some annoying characters like Episode 6. Still, each episode served its purpose and had moments to enjoy.
But which was the best? Everyone might have different answers. Here’s my ranking of all eight episodes, from good to “I can’t believe I’m seeing this.”
No. 8: “Chapter 5: The Gunslinger”
In this episode, Mando stumbles into a job with Toro Calican, an aspiring bounty hunter and hopeful guild member. The two eventually catch Calican’s assignment, Fennec Shand, who convinces Calican to turn on the Mandalorian. This leads to a tense hostage situation to end the chapter, with the experienced bounty hunter winning the showdown thanks to some smart sleight-of-hand.
This episode wasn’t the most memorable, which is why it comes in at No. 8. I didn’t particularly care for Calican in any capacity. Furthermore, Shand seemed like an interesting character, but she was easily apprehended and given a quick goodbye (sort of).
One highlight: Any scene with Peli Motto (Amy Sedaris). Her interactions with the repair droids and Baby Yoda injected some life into this episode.
No. 7: “Chapter 6: The Prisoner”
Here we see the Mandalorian team up with his old crew for a risky job aboard a New Republic prison ship. After rescuing their target, his questionable crew turns on him. Mando breaks out and proceeds to pick off each crew member one by one before saving Baby Yoda.
Frankly, most members of the crew are pretty annoying. And they aren’t as interesting as other supporting characters in Season 1. Their quick disposal also makes them hollow.
One highlight: Mando taking down the prison guard droids in the hallway. It was a reminder of how badass he is.
No. 6: “Chapter 4: The Sanctuary”
After an escape from Nevarro in episode 3, the Mandalorian looks for a quiet place to settle down. However, he stumbles into a conflict between local farmers and raiders. Thanks to his new acquaintance in Cara Dune, they’re able to take down an AT-ST and cause the raiders to flee.
This episode felt like a mini-movie. A lot of stuff happens but the story wraps up nicely by the end of the chapter. One moment the villagers need training, next they’re holding the frontlines. Besides the rushed pacing of the episode, it was a welcomed departure from the gray towns and tan deserts, as greenery features heavily on Sorgan. A more personal side of Mando is also shown as he contemplates his desire to settle down.
One highlight: Everything that Cara Dune does. She’s fierce while also being a good person. Saying “Come to mama” right before taking down the AT-ST was perfect.
No. 5: “Chapter 2: The Child”
The Mandalorian has now taken guardianship over Baby Yoda, but can’t get back to The Client as his ship is dismantled by Jawas. Kuiil helps the bounty hunter make a deal, sending Mando to face off with a mudhorn. He almost doesn’t survive until Baby Yoda steps in to help.
Chapter 2 is relatively low stakes and involves quite a bit of Jawa dialogue, but I found the episode highly enjoyable. It showed that not every episode of The Mandalorian needs to be an old-school western shootout. The Jawas produced several funny moments and Baby Yoda showed off some of its power.
One highlight: The negotiation between Mando and the Jawas. The bounty hunter unleashing his flamethrower after hearing he sounds like a Wookie is one of my favorite moments from Season 1.
No. 4: “Chapter 7: The Reckoning”
After a proposition by Greef Carga, Mando gets the band back together, recruiting Cara Dune, Kuiil, and the newly reprogrammed IG-11 to join him on his return to Nevarro. The deal that Carga proposed turns out to be a set up, but he saves Mando and they devise a plan to take out The Client. That plan goes awry as Moff Gideon crashes the party and pins down the crew.
I’m a fan of team up episodes, and this one does not disappoint. Unlike previous episodes that featured forgettable side characters, this chapter brings back the supporting players worth caring about. It’s fun to see the best people from Season 1 working together.
The episode also presents the first real danger as it doesn’t end on a happy note like the others; instead, Gideon has the main characters surrounded and Kuiil is seen on the ground while stormtroopers scoop up Baby Yoda. The cliffhanger ending is the first one of Season 1 and it leaves your mind wondering about what will happen next because you care about the characters involved, a credit to the work that the first six episodes put in.
One highlight: I really enjoyed the Jurrassic Park-like part of the episode when the crew is attacked at night by Mynocks, with only the camp fire providing any kind of lighting — it made it almost horror-esque as terrors hunted from the shadows.
No. 3: “Chapter 8: Redemption”
Season 1’s finale is full of humor, surprises, and action. The crew escapes Gideon thanks to help from IG-11, and the droid also saves Mando after a brain injury. The bounty droid then sacrifices itself in order to protect Baby Yoda, leading the Mandalorian to a showdown with Gideon. Mando’s newfound jetpack helps him clear the threat … for now.
What a powerhouse ending to Season 1. IG-11 plays a major role. Mando is tested, even wounded. The Armorer makes an appearance and helps guide the bounty hunter on what to do next, setting up an interesting Season 2. The Darksaber is finally seen in live-action. You couldn’t ask for anything more.
One highlight: The emotion that IG-11 brought to the episode, even as a droid. Chapter 8 showcased the turn for the droid from hunter to hero.
No. 2: “Chapter 3: The Sin”
The Mandalorian delivers Baby Yoda to The Client and gets a new set of armor after claiming his reward. However, he’s compelled to return for the child, developing a stealthy attack plan to break into the hideout. Mando craftily takes down his enemies and escapes with Baby Yoda. But, he then gets into a shootout with the town’s guild members. After getting pinned down, his Mandalorian clan saves the day.
I was completely overwhelmed by this episode in the best way imaginable. Chapter 3 felt like a departure from typical Star Wars storytelling, branching off to be part spy thriller, part western.
The tactical feel of Mando’s hunt in The Client’s hideout gave us a raw, violent perspective on Star Wars. Yet the episode didn’t stop there, instead testing the bounty hunter in an old-fashioned shootout that left you on the edge of your seat. We’ve seen Star Wars heroes overcome the odds before, but this situation felt more serious and real. Hats off to Deborah Chow for leading this episode.
One highlight: Din’s Mandalorian clan rescuing him at the last second. Mando appeared absolutely defeated, exchanging one long look with Baby Yoda before he faced certain demise. Then, we see a rocket racing through the sky and his clan members descending from above — it gave me goosebumps. Maybe some saw the rescue coming, but even if you did, you can’t deny how cool it was to see a whole clan of Mandalorians show their firepower.
No. 1: “Chapter 1: The Mandalorian”
Ranking eight solid episodes is hard, but it was an easy decision on what to put first. What more can be said about the episode that introduced the world to Baby Yoda?
Well, I think the chapter as a whole is incredible. The opening scene set the tone for this series, showcasing the Mandalorian’s sometimes ruthless ways and telling viewers that this is Star Wars in a new light. Carl Weathers brings his inherent charm to Greef Carga; when Carga tells Mando “There is one job,” that statement is said with so much weight that you know this “one job” will shape Season 1.
Werner Herzog’s performance as The Client is riveting, from his line about bounty hunting being a complicated profession to the way he says “parsec.”
The introductions of Kuiil and IG-11 are important as well. Kuiil shows that in a universe focused on scoundrels and evil empires that there are still good beings out there. He takes Mando in with open arms and helps to train him for his assignment. IG-11 and Mando make for a perfect bounty hunting duo, and their entire exchange during the shootout is wildly entertaining.
One highlight: The easy answer would be the reveal of Baby Yoda, but the moment I’ll always remember from the debut is Mando taking control of the Ewebb to clear out the guards. That was the first moment I fell in love with this show. It made me say, “I can’t believe I’m seeing this.”
Season 1 of The Mandalorian is now streaming on Disney+.