The Empire has fallen. The iron grip of the Emperor has vanished as many a backwater world of the Outer Rim are swept up in violence and greed. The Guild of Bounty Hunters is left to keep a sham of order in most of these desolate territories...
The Mandalorian is a simple story: the story of a man, dissatisfied with the low rewards the Guild offers for the petty criminals he keeps hunting down, taking on a highly classified and dangerous mission from a mysterious client. Simple though this may seem, this story allows the show to explore new corners of the universe, shedding light on the organization of bounty hunters or enriching the already intricate and fascinating Mandalorian mythology. It has the potential to grow into something special while setting up some truly unexpected twists.
For its debut, the Mandalorian immediately succeeds in crafting a unique world and atmosphere. The visuals are great, offering a lively, detailed and textured feel to the various and sundry settings. The most notable factor in how unique this new corner of the galaxy feels to me remains Ludwig Göransson's outstanding composition. Veering away from an at times over-imitated John Williams' score, this episode's soundtrack not only feels brand new but succeeds in recapturing the magic and essence of the OT too. Its simplistic but efficient approach to storytelling paired with such a soundtrack left me filled with wonder and delight, hooked to Mando's vicissitudes as he crossed icy, wind swept expanses and barren deserts.
The show's main protagonist is a nameless Mandalorian warrior, oozing charisma thanks to the sleek, elegant design of his armor and Göransson's instantly recognizable leitmotiv. Despite never revealing its face, the episode succeeds in adding warmth and emotion to such a cold exterior as it took the time to portray him as a man fully devoted to his clan and the survival of orphans, offering them the full profit of his Guild wages. Besides, Mando struggles. He is beaten, fails and needs help to get up. Far from being invincible, Mando is portrayed as someone who still has a lot to learn, making it easier to empathize with him. Moreover, Pedro Pascal's performance is no stranger to Mando being a compelling protagonist.
The Mandalorian is a truly cinematic experience on the small screen, an expertly paced escapist adventure full of colorful characters in this galaxy far far away. It delivers some very enjoyable spectacle, above all raw, visceral action sequences elevated by Ludwig Göransson's remarkable score, culminating in a very impressive and ambitious gun fight.
My overall score: 82/100
The Mandalorian is a simple story: the story of a man, dissatisfied with the low rewards the Guild offers for the petty criminals he keeps hunting down, taking on a highly classified and dangerous mission from a mysterious client. Simple though this may seem, this story allows the show to explore new corners of the universe, shedding light on the organization of bounty hunters or enriching the already intricate and fascinating Mandalorian mythology. It has the potential to grow into something special while setting up some truly unexpected twists.
For its debut, the Mandalorian immediately succeeds in crafting a unique world and atmosphere. The visuals are great, offering a lively, detailed and textured feel to the various and sundry settings. The most notable factor in how unique this new corner of the galaxy feels to me remains Ludwig Göransson's outstanding composition. Veering away from an at times over-imitated John Williams' score, this episode's soundtrack not only feels brand new but succeeds in recapturing the magic and essence of the OT too. Its simplistic but efficient approach to storytelling paired with such a soundtrack left me filled with wonder and delight, hooked to Mando's vicissitudes as he crossed icy, wind swept expanses and barren deserts.
The show's main protagonist is a nameless Mandalorian warrior, oozing charisma thanks to the sleek, elegant design of his armor and Göransson's instantly recognizable leitmotiv. Despite never revealing its face, the episode succeeds in adding warmth and emotion to such a cold exterior as it took the time to portray him as a man fully devoted to his clan and the survival of orphans, offering them the full profit of his Guild wages. Besides, Mando struggles. He is beaten, fails and needs help to get up. Far from being invincible, Mando is portrayed as someone who still has a lot to learn, making it easier to empathize with him. Moreover, Pedro Pascal's performance is no stranger to Mando being a compelling protagonist.
The Mandalorian is a truly cinematic experience on the small screen, an expertly paced escapist adventure full of colorful characters in this galaxy far far away. It delivers some very enjoyable spectacle, above all raw, visceral action sequences elevated by Ludwig Göransson's remarkable score, culminating in a very impressive and ambitious gun fight.
My overall score: 82/100