Disney Plus’s original series The Mandalorian, season three episode two entitled “The Mines of Mandalore,” kicks off with Pedro Pascal’s Din Djarin as he travels with David Acord’s Grogu to Mandalore to be redeemed in the eyes of his people for taking off his helmet. Thanks to the cinematography, the viewer can see that the planet is in shambles. This aspect along with the description of Din on how the planet was once beautiful makes the scene that much more impactful. To those who have only watched this series, it creates a shock of horror at what the planet looks like. However, to those who are familiar with the planet during its prime, it creates a sense of sorrow. This demonstrates how the series, manages to create a grip on new viewers while also tightening the grip on seasoned viewers. Not to mention that these emotions can be assumed to be what Din feels as he sees his people’s home planet after many years. 

Additionally, as Din explores deeper into the planet, he comes across the ruins of a destroyed city. In his mind, he sees what is left of his people’s home and even though he tries to hide his emotions he cannot help but feel despair. Deep down he always knew that his home world would look horrible only not to the extent he saw before him. The viewer can tell that some part of him wanted to believe that there were some areas where life could grow. Unfortunately, as Din continues deeper into the ruins both he and the viewer see that there truly is no life on Mandalore. 

Toward the end of the episode, Grogu runs to find Katee Sackhoff’s Bo-Katan Kryze to rescue Din as a result of Din being captured by a cave dweller. In her mind, even though she hates him for taking her opportunity to unite their people, he is still Mandalorian. The interesting part about this is how she seems to have a connection to Din as they are both one of the last members of their respective clans. Deep down she may even care for Din as he may be the only one who can understand what it means to be a clan of one to two members. This could eventually develop into a friendship or a relationship. This could make things complicated as she may challenge him for the right to claim the darksaber for herself.

At the end of the episode, Bo-Katan saves Din yet again and ends up seeing a creature in the process. This creature turns out to be a legendary mythosaur that ancient Mandalorians used to ride. Having seen this creature, Bo-Katan realizes that Mandalore still lives on and may even be able to be restored to its former glory. In her mind, having seen the creature reawakened the hope that she had lost long ago. Also, now that she is accepted by Din’s group of Mandalorians she feels ready to help rebuild what the empire destroyed. 

Rating: 9.5/10