Disney Plus’s original series The Mandalorian ,season three episode seven entitled “The Spies,” kicks off with Giancarlo Espostio’s Moff Gideon as he talks to the leader of the different factions of the defeated Empire. In his mind, he sees that everyone is putting too much of their trust in Lars Mikkelson’s Grand Admiral Thrawn. This is due to him being a highly regarded tactical leader. The viewer can see by the look on Gideon’s face that he holds resentment towards Thrawn. It can be assumed that deep down he is jealous that everyone holds him in such high regard. Meanwhile, everyone keeps questioning his orders at every turn when he has proven to be a good tactical leader as well. 

Additionally, the viewer sees Pedro Pascal’s Din Djarin and Katee Sackhoff’s Bo-Katan Kryze as they try to unite both of their Mandalorian clans to take back their home world. Thanks to the brilliant acting by the cast of Mandalorians, the series establishes a strong feeling of tension. This is demonstrated by how Din and Bo-Katan are a bit on edge due to the possibility of fighting among the clans. However, all seems well as Emily Swallow’s The Armorer holds a feast to show that everyone is on the same team now as true Mandalorians as fighting together is what it will take. The interesting part about this is how when they return to their home world, they each have a shock of horror at what is left of it. This demonstrates how no matter what their differences are they all still have a huge love for their home.

Toward the end of the episode, there is a huge surprise with how there are Mandalorians who never left the planet. This shows how devoted some are to their home world as most would leave the first chance they get. What is surprising is how the survivors are the last of the original supporters Bo-Katan had during her family’s reign over the planet. The viewer can assume they never left the planet due to them feeling ashamed for losing the battle against the Empire. This is supported by how when one of them bows in respect to Bo-Katan, they mention how they failed her. However, Bo-Katan reveals that she surrendered as a result of her seeing how outmatched they all were compared to the Empire.

At the end of the episode, the Mandalorians come under fire from stormtroopers. The interesting part about this they appear to be wearing new amor made of the same material as theirs. Luckily, they managed to get the upper hand as they pushed them back further into an unknown area. In their minds they see how the enemy runs away from their strength and tactical actions. Which is why the viewer can assume they follow them without thinking about how easily they won. Unfortunately, their overconfidence comes to bite them as it seems they fell for a trap set by Moff Gideon as they find a secret base deep within Mandalore. Thanks to the great acting by the cast of the series the scene is filled with mixed emotions due to how Tait Fletcher’s Paz Vizsla sacrifices himself to make sure the rest of the Mandalorians can escape. Not to mention that right before this the viewer has to watch in horror as Din makes a stand against Gideon’s forces alone. As a result of this he is soon captured in a brutal fashion with Bo-Katan, watching helplessly as someone she cares for is taken from her once again.     

Rating: 9.5/10