The Mandalorian “Chapter 23: The Spies” Review

Season 3 Episode 7 – Survivors come out of hiding.

Please note, our reviews are based on likes and dislikes. These contain significant spoilers. If you haven’t already watched the episode, we recommend that you click off the article and come back once you have watched the episode. Enjoy!

What I Liked

1. Moff Gideon has returned. We knew this was coming regardless but it’s nice to see it all come full circle, especially with Elia Kane. We also see Gideon in a meeting with Imperial officers where they mention Thrawn’s return. This episode is already setting up something special.

2. This is just a small like on the list but in the Imperial meeting, they mention of the threat they face with the Mandalorians regrouping to take Mandalore. You truly see how powerful they are as a group if even Moff Gideon is frightened of what they can do.

3. IG-11 has been stripped down so he can be remotely controlled. Greef made sure it could fit Grogu in and I really like this. The new “IG-12” has buttons to say yes and no. It’s hilarious. Din is obviously fully against the idea but Grogu then just begins to irritate Din by constantly pressing the yes and no buttons. This is great.

4. The Mandalorian tribes truly coming together in order to undertake a mission on Mandalore gave me goosebumps everywhere. What a moment that was!

5. We learn how Moff Gideon came to possess the Darksaber. It was due to Bo-Katan being tricked into disarming Mandalorian cities in exchange for a ceasefire. Obviously, it’s Moff Gideon. He betrayed her and this is how Bo-Katan essentially fell. She explains all of this to the new Mandalorians found who survived the bombing. A touching scene. Bo-Katan is becoming one of my favorite characters in this show.

6. Another touching moment in the show, one that nearly made me cry I’m not going to lie. Bo-Katan talks to Din about how she doesn’t feel able to lead and unite the tribes. Din tells her it’s not about the saber. It’s about honor, character, and loyalty. He also mentioned he’d serve her until her song has been written. A lovely scene.

7. A fight breaks out between Paz and Axe. It’s actually a very good fight. It’s clear that although the two sides are still hesitant to work alongside each other, they were going to clash. It’s Grogu who breaks up the fight using his no buttons.

8. As the Mandalorians get down into the Forge, they’re ambushed by Imperial troopers wearing Beskar armor. A huge fight breaks out and this is beyond entertaining. We see everyone working together and it’s just great. This is what it is ALL ABOUT!

9. As the group advance forward, they see an Imperial base. It’s a trap and the doors close behind Din and a couple of others. The others are killed but Din puts up a fight until he’s subdued. Moff Gideon is there with a new type of armor and it looks absolutely beautiful.

What I Disliked

Nothing to report this week.

Favorite Moment

My favorite moment is when Moff turns his attention to Bo-Katan who is still behind the blast door and tells her to turn the saber over. She declines and retreats with the group using the saber to open a hole in the door. Paz valiantly and bravely stays behind for the group to get clear. He just sprays down the troopers until his gun burns up. He then decides to start taking them down using pure brute strength. Sadly he’s seemingly killed by 3 Royal Guards. What a way to set up the finale.

Standout Character

Moff Gideon takes it for me. It’s great to see him back in the show, back to his usual calculating and intelligent self. Plus, the suit he’s wearing that is made up of Beskar Alloy looks absolutely beautiful. I am incredibly intrigued to see where the final episode is going to go, especially now that Din Djarin has been taken prisoner.

Verdict

A truly phenomenal episode, perhaps one of the best episodes in the entire series. It featured everything you could possibly want from a Mandalorian episode. Granted, this season has been quite slow but this episode proves why The Mandalorian is the best Star Wars series.

Rating 10/10