The Mandalorian season 3 finale follows Filoni’s “good feeling” footsteps
The Mandalorian season 3 finale has come and gone, but the impression it left is familiar. Much like the Season 1 and 2 finales, hope and happiness was something to look forward to in the third season – even if we were afraid something bad would happen. There were plenty of ways The Mandalorian season 3 finale could’ve gone horribly wrong, but the creators of the show were perhaps leaning on Dave Filoni’s vision.
"“And you realize that you’ve been a part of constructing something that’s giving that experience to people. This good feeling, which fundamentally, Star Wars should deliver a good feeling, an uplifting feeling, in you and your family, your kids, whatever.”"
Did Dave Filoni’s vision lead to a “good feeling” in The Mandalorian finales?
The third season of The Mandalorian has seen many characters highlighted with significant roles in various episodes. Din Djarin and Grogu are staples, but Bo-Katan Kryze was central to this season. Her role in unifying all Mandalorians and reclaiming their homeworld was paramount to the story. On top of that, she witnessed the destruction of her home along the way, while also rescuing Mando from the depths of the Mines of Mandalore more than once.
In The Mandalorian season 3 finale, Bo-Katan ignites more than the Darksaber in an epic sky battle as Mandalorians skillfully use jetpacks to defeat their enemies. She presents herself as exceedingly capable as a leader even when the Darksaber is destroyed. Despite injuring her hand and losing the symbol of leadership among her people, she doesn’t give up and admits to Moff Gideon why it doesn’t necessarily matter: “Mandalorians are stronger together.”
Additionally, this wonderful feeling of seeing good triumph over evil is relevant to the previous season’s finales. Season 1 highlighted how Mando and “the kid” could depend on others to help them escape Gideon’s grip while leading to another season finale that would ultimately strengthen the relationship between father and son. Let’s face it, Mando had adopted Grogu long before publicly admitting it in The Mandalorian season 3 finale. Bo-Katan even referenced Din as Grogu’s father in this season.
The season 2 finale gave fans an all-time sense of hopefulness as Luke Skywalker returned to save the day. The video where Dave Filoni discusses the importance of Star Wars and its associated good feeling is in reference to this episode, but it would seem his idea continued as the season 3 finale left fans with the good heavily outweighing the bad. Although it is fair to expect bad things in Star Wars, it’s necessary to be reminded why fans love the beloved franchise – hope is everlasting and otherwise, it only leads to constant darkness.
What moments in The Mandalorian season 3 finale give fans the goods?
Does everyone – meaning the baddies – forget that Din Djarin is an incredible fighter? His capture at the end of the penultimate episode could have led fans to believe something terrible might happen to him, Grogu, or Bo-Katan, especially when Paz Vizsla made the sacrifice play. Fans (like me) are thrilled that did not happen.
Din does his best to take down his captures while being handcuffed, but Grogu, fortunately, comes back to save the day. On top of that, they both agree to stop Gideon. This team-up leads to Gideon’s clone lab being destroyed, while again highlighting Mando’s skill as he carves and blasts his way through troopers. Ultimately, Mando and the kid get separated, and that “uh, oh” feeling stirs within as Grogu is trapped with three Praetorian Guards as Gideon subdues Din.
Again, Bo-Katan enters the fray, rescues the Mandalorian, and sends him off to save Grogu. The fight sequences are incredible to watch as father and son work in tandem to defeat an overwhelming force. Baby Yoda uses the Force to push and pull at the guards or their weapons and does the same when they help Kryze battle Gideon.
Okay, can we also talk about the outstanding slide saves from Bo and Mando? Bo slides with her energy shield to protect him when he falls, and he then does the exact same thing using his body armor to protect his kid when Gideon is about to blast him. Chef’s kiss!
On top of that, fans previously wondering about the Armorer’s allegiances will have to wait a little bit longer as she seriously brought down the hammer as she also fought in the amazing sky battle. Whether the enemies were sliced with the Darksaber or cracked down with mighty hammers, it’s safe to say these moments left an indelible mark on fans (and the troopers’ helmets).
Lastly, the final sequences with the great forge being relit signify such a wonderful full circle for Mandalore and what its people have overcome. On the flip side, watching the two central characters relaxing in the front yard is possibly the most parenting thing ever seen in all of Star Wars. Mando kicks his feet up on the front porch, while his son plays out front in the creek; perfect.
Watching the characters we love survive and then having a moment to celebrate a triumphant victory is special. It is a good feeling, a very good feeling, and it’s worth rooting for again and again. Because at the end of the day, don’t fans hope to see many of these characters make it in the end?
Filoni’s premise makes for such impactful storytelling, as it furthers our attachments to characters, and having The Mandalorian season 3 finale finish on a happy note only solidifies fans’ (or at least my) love of the show and the characters in it.
But what are your favorite moments from The Mandalorian season 3 finale? Do you agree with Filoni that Star Wars should provide a good feeling? Share your thoughts in the comments below and don’t forget to follow Dork Side of the Force for future Mandalorian coverage!