The Book of Boba Fett season finale gave fans a lot to take in, but possibly its greatest achievement is the relationship between Grogu and Din. Yes, there is an epic fight scene with Boba Fett and the Mandalorian fighting side by side, highlighting the capabilities of both characters. We also watch Fennec Shand continue to show off epic skills, as she covers ground to protect the team and hunt down the Pyke Syndicate leader. And, yes, I’m still wondering how Krrsantan was able to get away from that mob, other than to say he’s an “ultimate fighter.”
Din Djarin and Grogu are family. Much like a father taking care of his child, this pair is inseparable. The jubilation of Grogu seeing the Mandalorian in episode 7, and jumping into his arms is all you need to know about how they feel about one another. This is especially telling, because jumping was one of the tasks he struggled with in episode 6 during his training with Luke Skywalker. Although he seemed to master it by the end of that chapter, it’s telling that he did leap into Din’s arms when Luke initially had said, “Really? That’s all you got?”
If we cycle back to episode 6, we also recognize what Din Djarin was willing to do to protect “the child.” He’d been outcasted from his place within the Mandalorian clan, and he wanted nothing more than to see Grogu; he wanted to give him armor to help protect him. Yet, despite traveling far to see him, he passes off his gift to Ahsoka to make sure he doesn’t impede on his efforts to learn the Force. In wanting to make sure Grogu was safe beyond all else, he suffered harm by the action of turning around and walking away.
The action Din Djarin takes is selfless, one we’ve come to know and love. He stands by Fett’s side when all seems lost in the season finale of The Book of Boba Fett, knowing that the coming battle would mean death and never seeing Grogu again. This “last stand,” and subsequently Din’s survival, makes them reuniting even more impactful. And the moment the two of them come together, it’s during a scattered frenzy of mayhem in the final episode, but it doesn’t deter either one of them.
There is a mutual understanding that danger is all around them – and they’re both trying to help one another, because their first thoughts are to save the other despite the dangers to themselves.
Grogu and Din Djarin make an inseparable pair
Do you remember the beginning of their relationship when the Mandalorian would try to tell “Baby Yoda” what to do, and immediately the opposite would happen? Yes, Mando would inevitably relent to the adorable face and the two would go off together. This initial phase of their bond eventually turned into Din wanting to keep Grogu by his side at all times.
The bond continues to grow until the Mandalorian wants to make Grogu happy, along with keeping him safe. The Razor Crest, in my opinion, was an incredible ship. It also had a mechanism that resembled a joystick or a manual transmission gearshift. Grogu was fascinated by the sphere on top that would easily detach. Despite his efforts to keep Grogu away from it, it always seemed to end up in his hands. The Mandalorian made the decision to let him keep this “toy” in a way to make him happy, more comfortable; a security blanket so-to-speak.
Even when the Mandalorian lets Grogu go with Luke Skywalker, it’s out of love more than anything else. He believes his best chance of survival is to go back with his people, the Jedi; however, it proves that his place in Grogu’s life as father means making tough choices that benefit his kid. Despite them having to separate, it indicates to fans (and Grogu) that Din Djarin is willing to put the needs of his child above all else. He loves his “pal” Grogu and this bond has carried through three seasons of two different series, thus far.
All of these moments that have been placed together from The Mandalorian seasons to the latter half of The Book of Boba Fett, they’ve come together to paint a much larger picture: Grogu and Din Djarin are a force to be reckon with. Although the Mandalorian sees Grogu as a foundling early on, the journey to finding and leaving him with “his kind” turned into something else entirely. Grogu belongs next to the Mandalorian and their journey together might prove beneficial for future storytelling.
Does Grogu’s choice keep him safe from the ill-fated temple that was destroyed by Ben?
In the penultimate episode of The Book of Boba Fett, Luke gives Grogu a choice. He may take a lightsaber and further his training to become a Jedi, or he might take the protective armor that Din Djarin had crafted for him, but he would then have to rejoin the Mandalorian and forgo his training. It seemed like the possibility could’ve gone either way, but his choice establishes one of the greatest bonds in the Star Wars franchise; and maybe that’s the parent in me talking.
This bond might prove worthy of future storytelling beyond the timeline associated with The Rise of Skywalker. Luke admits to Grogu, “If you choose the armor, you’ll return to your friend the Mandalorian. However, you will be giving in to attachment to those that you love and forsaking the way of the Jedi. But if you choose the lightsaber, you will be the first student in my academy, and I will train you to be a great Jedi. It will take you many years to master the ways of the Force and you may never see the Mandalorian again. Because Grogu, a short time for you is a lifetime for someone else.”
Luke is telling Grogu that his training might last a lifetime, which means there’s a good chance he would still be at the temple that’s referenced (and destroyed) in The Last Jedi. So, not only does this choice further engrain the bond these two have with each other, but it presents the opportunity of seeing a much older Grogu in a later timeline. Will he speak at that time? Will he continue to communicate solely with his thoughts? Would it be possible to see Grogu and Rey on the same screen?
The possibilities of what might come are endless based off of this one choice. Grogu’s path has, at least for now, guaranteed hope for a future with this little Force-wielder being in it. If that’s the case, perhaps Grogu’s “attachment” to Din Djarin is the very thing we all needed to ensure more from this duo. Perhaps seeing Grogu on his own at an older age will be an opportunity to see how far he’s come, while giving us the gift of flashbacks to one of the best duos in the Star Wars realm.
What are your thoughts on Grogu and Din Djarin’s bond? Were you surprised to see Grogu rejoin the Mandalorian in the season finale of TBOBF? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let us know what you would like to see from this pair moving forward.
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