The Mandalorian Season 2 is officially over after Episode 8 was dropped on Disney+ today and WOW, what a way to go out!
I knew that The Mandalorian Season 2 Episode 8 was going to be an intense one. It is the season finale after all and we have had a lot of things happening that are starting to all come together. I will say, however, that there were a whole ton of moments that took my completely by surprise. I was in total shock a few times, and yes, I shed more than a few tears.
Below is my recap and review of The Mandalorian Season 2 Episode 8 — including the after credits scene. Please be warned this means there are MASSIVE spoilers below so if you have not watched yet, don’t read on, unless you want to be spoiled.
Warning: SPOILERS for The Mandalorian Season 2 Episode 8
“The Rescue”
Bo-Katan and Koska Reeves Join The Fight
The final episode of season 2 starts off with Boba and Mando going to recruit Bo-Katan and Koska Reeves (played by Sasha Banks) to their cause. These liar pants said they were not going to appear in the rest of this season but you know, Star Wars secrets and all. I get it. I guess.
In this discussion we learn about the Darksaber. Like the fact that it can cut though almost anything — just not pure beskar. Bo-Katan also mentions that the rightful holder of it is the leader of Mandalore. She discusses that they want to bring it back to its former glory. Oh, and Mando and Koska have a pretty great back and forth.
However, this ends with them joining them to take on Moff Gideon, as long as they promise to leave him for Bo-Katan.
Mando Vs. A Dark Trooper
The crew ends up on Moff Gideon’s ship after stealing a ship, having Slave One “attack” them, and they “retreat”. We get some serious girl power moments as Dune, Bo-Katan, Koska, and Fennec plow through the ship to the bridge, hoping to confront Moff. Except he isn’t there.
While they are doing this, Mando is heading toward the Dark Trooper room, hoping to stop them from being released. One makes it through the doors and it is quite the fight. Mando has a hard time taking on the droid, but does win in the end.
He also jettisons the remaining troopers out into space, hoping they will not have to deal with them again.
Mando Vs. Moff Gideon
After that Mando continues his hunt for Grogu. who he finds in a cell with Moff Gideon, who is wielding the Darksaber. Moff says that he has everything he needs from Grogu, his blood, and that as long as Mando leaves him the Darksaber, he can be on his way.
As Mando reaches for Grogu, Moff hits him the back. He was totally trying to kill him but the besker armor prevented that. The two get into an intense battle, but Mando eventually disarms Moff Gideon. However, he allows him to live so that he can bring him to Bo-Katan as promised.
Here’s the thing…. since Mando bested Moff Gideon and won the Darksaber in battle, Bo-Katan now needs to best Mando in battle in order to rightfully have it. Mando tried to give it to her, but she would not accept. Once they are back at the bridge Moff explains this to Mando, who even tries to yield to Bo-Katan but she refuses to take it.
Luke Skywalker Is Back!
While everyone is on the bridge discussing the Darksaber, the Dark Troopers board the ship. Moff Gideon points out that Mando had quite the time taking on one, how is he going to do against a whole platoon? Dune gets annoyed with Moff and knocks him out.
An X-wing is scene and I immediately thought this has to be Luke Skywalker. I mean, we have been waiting for the Jedi that Grogu reached out to arrive, and here he is. I fought internally about the odds of it being Luke, but over the course of an intense battle of Jedi vs. Dark Troopers we see a green lightsaber as well as the fact that one hand is gloved and one is not.
Luke reveals himself as he enters the bridge. Stating he is a Jedi and here to take Grogu, who wants Mando’s permission to go. We also get to see R2-D2 here and yes, it was AMAZING.
The Goodbye
Mando knows that sending Grogu with Luke is the right thing to do, but talk about a tearful goodbye! The part that really got me is that Mando takes off his helmet, in front of everyone there, to say goodbye to him. He is teary and MAN does Pedro really sell that moment. I was sobbing as I watched.
The fact that he took off his helmet is a HUGE deal because we know how much he has been keeping it on throughout the seasons. The episode ends with Luke and R2-D2 leaving with Grogu.
But stay tuned for an end credits scene!
The Book Of Boba Fett!?
In this scene we have Fennec and Boba Fett killing Bib Fortuna and taking over his throne. That alone is cool enough — and let’s take a hot second to appreciate this shot above. Love it! But then, the screen fades to black and we see:
The Book Of Boba Fett
and then….
Coming December 20201.
WHAT!!! So we have Boba Fett in his own series. Alongside Fennec (YES!!). Is this Season 3 of the Mandalorian or his own series? If I had to guess right now I would say his own series. There is still so much to explore with Mando and we are getting an Ahsoka Tano spinoff so why not a Boba Fett one? I imagine we will have clarification very shortly from the powers that be.
Overall Thoughts
The Mandalorian season 2 finale is everything I could have hoped for and more. We have insane battles and so many friends back. We have massive news about an upcoming series, or a continuation of this one, to come to us in a year.
There are also a lot of tears to be shed in this episode. I think it ranks as my number one episode of all The Mandalorian, so far. There is just so much here for new and old fans. I cannot wait for more, but unfortunately, I have to.
Check out my favorite quotes from The Mandalorian Season 2.
About The Mandalorian Season 2
The Mandalorian and the Child continue their journey, facing enemies and rallying allies as they make their way through a dangerous galaxy in the tumultuous era after the collapse of the Galactic Empire.
“The new season is about introducing a larger story in the world. The stories become less isolated, yet each episode has its own flavor, and hopefully we’re bringing a lot more scope to the show.” – Jon Favreau
The Mandalorian Season 2 is airing on Disney+ now!
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.