The E.T. moment
This is probably one of the most iconic moments from The Mandalorian‘s first season, where Mando and Baby Yoda meet for the first time and share a sincere, and perhaps a slightly familiar, moment.
After Mando has murdered the killer droid assigned to “terminate” Baby Yoda for the same client that hired Mando to bring The Child back alive, Mando stares down at the big-eared, big-eyed, green infant, nestled inside a little bassinet-like pod and the two characters reach out their fingers to touch.
For those familiar with alien cinema at all, you’ll recognize this tender moment as being very similar to scenes from E.T., whose film poster also illustrates both a human and alien index finger meeting in the middle. But just because this scene is familiar, it doesn’t make it any less special.
With Mando being a bounty hunter, with the intention to never get attached to anyone, and Baby Yoda having been held captive for who knows how many years, the end of Episode 1 is a turning point for both characters. This is possibly the first time in many years Mando has felt true compassion for any creature and the first time Baby Yoda hasn’t felt scared or alone. It really sets the tone for this character relationship in the rest of the season.