The new Disney+ show “The Mandalorian,” written by Jon Favreau, officially replaced “Stranger Things” as the most-watched show. After only four episodes, the show has received a rating of 95% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Throughout the “Star Wars” saga, we see many CGI characters and places. Some major characters we see through “The Mandalorian” and Star Wars movies are IG-11, AT-ST, and the Jawas. Like IG-11, we see IG-88 in “The Empire Strikes Back.” Granted, it was 1980 and the cast didn’t have the same technology as today. IG-88 was very robotic moving rather than an intelligent droid. IG-11 looks more fluid and like an advanced droid. Personally, I liked IG-88 better because he shows more imperfections of George Lucas’s dream. IG-11 has more human characteristics which is not what Star Wars is about.
Next, we see the AT-ST from the “Return of the Jedi” and “The Empire Strikes Back”. The shape and structure of the AT-ST hasn’t changed throughout the years but the representation of the machine has. In “Return of the Jedi,” the AT-ST was simply an armed transport machine for imperial soldiers. In “The Mandalorian,” the AT-ST looks like it came out of a horror movie. With red eyes and upgraded weapons, the AT-ST looks more threatening than before. I prefer this show’s take on the machine as it promotes what the Imperials were about. They had rage in them and an appetite for power.
We also see the small scavenger Jawas taking apart the Mandalorian’s ship in the second chapter. Every time we see these aggressive Jawas, they wear the same brown woven robes. The only difference this time is their eyes. In “A New Hope,” they have small yellow eyes. Now, they have dark-red eyes and carry blasters. This small detail adds to their personalities and makes them more captivating. The red eyes and blasters give a sense of fright and uncertainty.
Finally, we see some characters we haven’t seen in the past, like the mudhorn. The CGI of mudhorn, a giant rhino-like creature with a horn, shows the true contrast of the Star Wars planets. The mudhorn was generated to look like a truly scary and terrifying creature. Overall, the CGI of characters in the “The Mandalorian” make the show a lot more fun to watch with new and old, improved characters.
Additionally, the cast of “The Mandalorian” was great for each role. The Mandalorian, played by Pedro Pascal, keeps a dark and mysterious tone throughout the episodes. Pascal portrays the Mandalorian as a chill and laid back guy. Although this is true, he also shows the serious side of the Mandalorian. Pascal acts much like Jeremy Bulloch as Boba Fett in the original “Star Wars” trilogy. Bulloch holds up the standard for “Star Wars” bounty hunters, and Pascal exceeds the standard while playing the Mandalorian.
Next, Greef Karga, the head of the bounty hunter guild, also plays his character well with the contrast of emotions. Karga becomes the head of the guild after the fall of the galactic empire. Carl Weathers, who played Greef Karga, seemed nice and helpful to the Mandalorian. As the head of the guild, Karga has to keep people happy but still keep them in line. As soon as the Mandalorian breaks his trust, Karga immediately changes his tone. This flawless switch between roles is what made Weathers seem to fit his role well.
Furthermore, Cara Dune, played by Gina Carano, is a strong and independent woman. Carano portrays Dune exactly that way. Dune was an ex-rebel who turned to become a mercenary. Both of these roles require two skill sets. We can see her strength and independence when she fights the Mandalorian herself. She even takes on an AT-ST during the battle against Klatooinian raiders, which shows her loyalty and perseverance. Overall, Carano plays her character flawlessly with total confidence.
Undoubtedly, all the actors played their roles impeccably which helped in the formation of “The Mandalorian” becoming the most-watched show. Along with CGI and casting, the plot played a major role in making “The Mandalorian” a great and most-watched show. Similar throughout all the episodes, fight scenes including gunfights and hand to hand combat keep the story line intense. I liked this edition because of the Mandalorian’s personality. He is very serious and is also somewhat laid back just like the plot. It gets intense and loosens up through the episodes. Each episode starts and ends with an intense scene. Chapter one started out with a fight between the Mandalorian and a drunk goon. This was a good scene to add because it showed the skill of the Mandalorian.
The episode ended with the major surprise, showing the bounty to be Baby Yoda. This was also a great addition that made me come back and watch the next episode. The second chapter started with the Mandalorian and Baby Yoda being ambushed by a group of Trandoshan warriors. This showed the responsibility that the Mandalorian took on in order to keep the child alive.
The episode ended with Baby Yoda using the force to save the Mandalorian which started to build their relationship. This was a major scene where the Mandalorian starts to care for the child. It was a great addition, which allowed us to predict the next episode.
Overall, each episode allows us to get engaged at the beginning and ends with us asking for the next episode.
In conclusion, “The Mandalorian” is a great show because of CGI, the casting, and the plot. Not to mention, the Mandalorian takes us on a new adventure while reminding us of the original “Star Wars.”
