IR TV Review: THE MANDALORIAN - EPISODE 7 (“The Spies”) [Lucasfilm/Disney+-S3]

The texture of story and how it functions has to be organic in its plot progression. The path of Mando and his colleagues continues in Episode 7 of the 3rd season entitled "The Spies". There has been chatter than the show is moving away from what it is supposed to be. However it has always been about Djarin's search for belonging. Thus it has to transform from The Man Who Has No Name and his ward to something bigger. He is teaching Grogu but you only learn by doing and forming your own mythology. Grogu has chosen his path with Mando wherever that may lead.

The rise of Bo-Katan is necessary in the way it feeds the story if one looks at "Rebels" and "Clone Wars" (both animated series overseen by Dave Filoni). There is also a reference to the possible inlay to "Ahsoka" (since with one episode left in this season, that is the next plot progression). The essence of how the Darksaber is wielded and the essence of balance is front and center, even if the core of what the show initially was about is shifting (and yet it really isn't). Filoni co-wrote this episode so alot of this meaning is in there, especially with the ending of the last episode. Even the plot (which this episode illustrates) is about return and redemption which plays exactly as it should but with a sense of the mythic. Giving away any more and the conflict that arises would ruin the surprise but suffice to say, the pendulum works in the way it should. The episode also adds exposition and depth to the journey ahead. For Mando, even if he is becoming more of a follower, this is The Way and one that Grogu needs to learn as well. B+

By Tim Wassberg