I must be the “Birthday Girl” because we sure did get a “Special” episode of The Mandalorian today! Somehow avoiding casting “Rumors” and news, Lizzo made a surprise cameo in Chapter 22: Guns for Hire! Acting in perfect “Tempo” with Jack Black, her role left me feeling “Good as Hell” once the credits rolled.
Lizzo played the role of the Duchess, the leader of the planet Plazir-15. Despite being the official monarch, it was a position that the Duchess was elected into along with her husband, Captain Bombardier, played by Jack Black. The Duchess and her husband loved her people, despite his past ties with the Empire. Bombardier wished to have a new life, something the Duchess supported him in.
The duo played comedically well off of each other. They also helped portray the themes of season three. Bombardier is part of the New Republic’s Amnesty Program, which ends up hindering their planet more than helping it. The Duchess and Bombardier are caught up in the red tape of the New Republic’s politics that they can’t actually help their people.
Best known for her musical career, Lizzo is a singer, songwriter, rapper, and flutist. She’s the only modern person to play President James Madison’s 200-year-old crystal flute. The Grammy and Primetime Emmy Award-winning artist is no stranger to acting. Some of her roles include The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, UglyDolls, The Simpsons, and the wonderful underrate film based on a true story, Hustlers.
It was such a joy to get the one-two cameo punch of Lizzo and Jack Black together. The costume work for the Duchess was excellent, especially the beautiful braid work for Lizzo’s hair to make up her crown. It felt like a callback to other rulers in the franchise, like Padmé Amidala. As a fan of her music, I had a good squeal seeing her pop up on my screen.
I’m sure the humor of this episode might not be up to every fan’s taste. To me, it worked in the campy and pulpy side of Star Wars, where The Mandalorian leans heavily into. I hope this isn’t the last time we see Lizzo and Black in the franchise.