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Jon Favreau's The Mandalorian has been a smash hit for Disney and has single handily created the success seen in Disney plus. It's no surprise that its second season hit Disney's titular streaming service with a bang considering its rockstar characters, soundtrack, visuals, and production. Boasting a critic rating of 94% and a consumer rating of 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, The Mandalorian season two is setting out to be just as successful as season one.
There's a lot to unpack in the first episode; between Baby Yoda, worm dragons, and pit fights, there's one thing that stands out, a particular suit of green armor. Fans of the series will recognize it as the iconic suit worn by Boba Fett, the original Mandalorian.
Boba Fett is one of the series fan-favorite charters; he was even rated #3 in Rolling Stone's 50 best Star Wars characters of all-time list. Fett has been the subject of several book series, seen countless game inclusions, and inspired cosplayers the world over. The impact of Fett as a character in the series can't be understated. We literally wouldn't have The Mandalorian without Boba Fett.
His screen presence in the original series is shockingly small compared to his on-screen counterparts. With only a whopping four lines and a total of 6 minutes 32 seconds of screen time, it's somewhat shocking Fett had the impact that he did. With this in mind, fans have rightly assumed most of his initial appeal comes from his design.
Each element of his character's appearance allowed him to stand out, even stealing the spotlight from the main cast at specific points. The primary aspects of the design, namely the helmet and jetpack, are immediately recognizable and, at the time, not like any other character. Alongside this, his color scheme of deep greens, bright yellows, and red accents allowed him to pop amongst the muted beiges of Mos Eisley.
With the appeal of Boba Fett attributed to his looks, it's fitting then that the initial episode in season two focuses around his titular armor. Even more to this point, the show is going out of its way to emphasize Fett's armor's importance, both on a narrative and meta-level. The first season of the Mandalorian shows that Mando and his people hold their armor a religious reverence. This reverence acts as a nod to the importance of Fett's original design. Still, more importantly, it creates a direct connection between Mando and the Audience.
As Mando and fans both treat Fett and, more importantly, his armor as powerful icons. This creative approach allows the audience to have the same immediate response to Fett's armor as Mando; shock, awe, and deep concern. By doing so, the story creates an excellent, empathetic relationship with Mando right away, increasing our investment in his quest.
Beyond clever meta-commentary and empathetic connections, the inclusion of Fett's armor makes for some fantastic story potential. Fett, as a figure, is incredibly famous in the Star Wars canon. He was known as the best bounty hunter in the galaxy. He was feared as much as he was respected, especially to bounty hunters, and doubly so to Mandalorians. Therefore, it makes sense then that Mando would treat this armor with such respect. He would honor it from a religious standpoint, of course, but he would also have a vested interest in finding out why Fett lost it in the first place.
Which means he would likely go through hell and back to make sure it sees its proper resting place, or more importantly, returned to its rightful owner. As in this episode, we never learn what happens to Boba Fett; the armor was worn by a local sheriff who got it at the Mos Eisley version of a pawn shop. The episode concludes with Mando, the sheriff, a small town's populace, and a clan of sand people killing a Krayt Dragon. This results in Mando getting Fett's armor from the sheriff and riding off into the sunset, but not before an ominous figure watches from afar.
I was impressed at the show's author's ability to create a fantastic episode based on, what is functional, fan service. But unlike most fan service, which is all too often shallow and pandering, this call back to the Mandalorian that started it all felt both powerful and appropriate.
I love how they've woven Boba Fett's legacy into the story without making it feel forced. The way they treat his armor with such reverence really adds depth to the Mandalorian culture.
While I appreciate the nostalgia, I think some fans are too hung up on Boba Fett. Remember he only had 4 lines in the original trilogy. The show needs to forge its own path.
The armor represents so much more than just fan service though. It's a brilliant way to connect Din Djarin's story to the larger Star Wars universe while exploring Mandalorian culture.
Anyone else notice how the green armor really pops against the desert backdrop? Just like the article mentioned about the original color scheme standing out in Mos Eisley.
I actually think it's genius how they used something as simple as armor to create such a strong emotional connection between the audience and Mando.
The religious aspect of the armor caught me off guard initially, but it makes perfect sense in retrospect. Really adds layers to what could have been just a cool costume.
That's a fair point about forging its own path, but I think they've struck a perfect balance between honoring the past and creating something new.
Did anyone catch that subtle nod to the mysterious figure at the end? I bet we all know who that was watching from afar!
What impresses me most is how they managed to make armor tell a story. It's not just about looking cool anymore.
I have to disagree about Boba Fett being overrated. Sure he had limited screen time, but his impact on Star Wars culture is undeniable.
The way they connected fan appreciation for the armor with Mando's religious respect for it was really clever writing.
Just watched this episode again and noticed so many small details about how reverently everyone treats the armor. Really adds to the world-building.
That Krayt Dragon scene was incredible, but what really stuck with me was how the armor became a symbol of unity between such different groups.
You know what I love? How they managed to make old school Star Wars fans and newcomers equally invested in this armor storyline.
The whole episode felt like a western with a Star Wars twist. The armor was basically like finding an old sheriff's badge.
I wonder if the original costume designers had any idea how iconic that green armor would become when they first created it.
The armor storyline really highlights how well the show handles fan service. It adds to the plot instead of just being a cheap reference.
Not sure I agree with calling Boba Fett the original Mandalorian. Wasn't he technically just wearing the armor?
Can we talk about how perfectly they balanced action and storytelling in this episode? The armor wasn't just a plot device.
What fascinates me is how they turned a simple prop from the original trilogy into such a meaningful piece of lore.
My favorite part was seeing Mando's reaction to recognizing the armor. You could feel the weight of that moment even through his helmet.
The show really understands what made Star Wars special in the first place. It's not just about cool designs, but the stories behind them.
I think people are missing the point about Boba Fett's screen time. It was never about how long he appeared, but the impact he made.