"Star Wars," more than any other premier franchise at the moment, has become a victim of its own brand recognition. Since Disney's acquisition of the George Lucas-created brand in late 2012, there has not been a universally praised reception from fans with the release of each new addition to the beloved universe. "Star Wars" is a much-cherished series that has had an impact on the lives of numerous filmmakers and average people since the '70s. To some individuals, tinkering with "Star Wars" is like tinkering with the Holy Bible.
Set a few years after the events of 1983's "Return of the Jedi", the first live-action "Star Wars" series, "The Mandalorian" follows the adventures of the titular character who hails from the planet Mandalore, home to very emotionally distant sect of militant bounty hunters who must never remove their helmets in front of others. Jon Favreau (director of "Elf", the first two "Iron Man" films, and the recent live-action "Jungle Book" and "Lion King" efforts) is the main voice in charge of spearheading this massive televised ship.
I'm not the biggest "Star Wars" fan as I am other areas of pop culture, but what I always appreciated with what "Star Wars" creator George Lucas constructed was the world that continues to expand with each movie and show. "The Mandalorian" plays like a classic western with its mysterious title character who underneath the tough interior has a heart and becomes less black and white as the narrative moves forward.
Instead of continuing to focus on the overdone Skywalker lineage, "The Mandalorian" shifts gears and opts to focus on this highly skilled Mandalorian outlaw whose face and backstory are currently shrouded in mystery. Similar to Darth Vader or the fan-favorite Mandalorian from the films Boba Fett, the fact that the face behind the protagonist remains a mystery just heightens the secrecy surrounding the character. It's a commitment that I would never expect an actor like Pedro Pascal ("Game of Thrones", "Narcos") known more for his face than voice to take, but glad the creatives were able to pull off as it adds so much.
Instead of lightsaber duels and spaceship battles, this classic western-inspired series centers around space bounty hunters hired to take out aliens or other bounty hunters usually for some kind of reward, which includes scene-stealer and meme icon himself Baby Yoda.
For the die-hard "Star Wars" fans, there are several Easter eggs and characters (such as certain famed bounty hunters) from other films in the series that people will recognize. But "The Mandalorian" truly shines when it carves out its own lore and mythology as opposed to having to be beholden to what has been established in the past.
The show's cinematography and effects are great, especially from a TV streaming show standpoint.
It's always nice to see high caliber veteran actors in this case: Carl Weathers, Nick Nolte (in voice only), and Werner Herzog in a heightened sci-fi setting.
Another unique aspect of the series sees each episode implement a famous director at the helm from "Thor Ragnarok's" Taika Waititi, "Dope's" Rick Famuyiwa, and even actress Bryce Dallas Howard, each bringing their own distinct vision to the Star Wars universe. With a second season of "The Mandalorian" currently in development and the series presently living up to its potential, "Star Wars" fans may once again be able to live in perfect harmony.
