Chapter 23: The Spies

Last updated

"Chapter 23: The Spies"
The Mandalorian episode
Episode no.Season 3
Episode 7
Directed by Rick Famuyiwa
Written by
Cinematography by David Klein
Editing byRachel Goodlett Katz
Original release dateApril 12, 2023 (2023-04-12)
Running time45 minutes
Co-starring
Episode chronology
← Previous
"Chapter 22: Guns for Hire"		Next →
"Chapter 24: The Return"
The Mandalorian season 3
List of episodes

"Chapter 23: The Spies" is the seventh episode of the third season of the American television series The Mandalorian . It was written by showrunner Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni, and directed by Rick Famuyiwa. It was released on Disney+ on April 12, 2023, and received positive reviews.

Contents

Plot

Moff Gideon is informed by Elia Kane of the Mandalorians' intent to retake their planet. Gideon relays this information to the Shadow Council, a group of Imperial remnant warlords. He requests reinforcements from Commandant Brendol Hux and questions Captain Pellaeon on the absence of Grand Admiral Thrawn, suggesting that the Council should choose a new leader.

Reassembling on Nevarro, Bo-Katan Kryze unites the Mandalorian clans and prepares a recon party to explore the surface of Mandalore and locate the Great Forge. Prior to leaving, Greef Karga presents the Mandalorian with IG-12: a rebuilt version of IG-11 which has been turned into a pilotable exoskeleton to be controlled by Grogu. The Mandalorian hesitantly allows Grogu to use IG-12.

On Mandalore, the group meets up with another clan, who is loyal to Bo-Katan. Bo-Katan admits that she surrendered herself and the Darksaber to Gideon shortly after the Night of a Thousand Tears, hoping that her people would be spared from further harm. She reveals that after her surrender, Gideon betrayed her and continued to bomb Mandalore. The clan directs Bo-Katan's search party to the location of the Great Forge, while the Armorer takes its weakened members back to the fleet to be tended to.

The search group finds the Great Forge but is ambushed by Gideon's beskar-enhanced stormtroopers and lured into a trap. Axe Woves sees an opening above and flies towards it to warn the Mandalorian fleet orbiting the planet of the attack and to reinforce the others below.

The Mandalorian is captured by a beskar-clad Gideon, who reveals his intent to create a new army of Dark Troopers and complete the Great Purge of Mandalore. He attempts to kill the search party, but Bo-Katan uses the Darksaber to make an escape for the group, with Paz Vizsla staying behind to buy them time to warn the Mandalorian fleet of the approaching attack. Vizsla fights off the stormtroopers but is killed by Gideon's Praetorian Guards.

Production

Development

The episode was directed by Rick Famuyiwa, [1] from a screenplay by series creator Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni. [2]

Casting

Pedro Pascal and Katee Sackhoff star as the Mandalorian and Bo-Katan Kryze, respectively. The Mandalorian is physically portrayed by stunt doubles Brendan Wayne and Lateef Crowder, with Wayne and Crowder receiving co-star credit. [3]

The co-starring cast for this episode returned from previous episodes, including Carl Weathers as Greef Karga, Katy M. O'Brian as Elia Kane, Emily Swallow as The Armorer, Simon Kassianides as Axe Woves, Mercedes Varnado as Koska Reeves, Taika Waititi as IG-11, Tait Fletcher and Jon Favreau as Paz Vizsla, and Giancarlo Esposito as Moff Gideon. [4] [5] Brian Gleeson and Xander Berkeley appear as Brendol Hux and Gilad Pellaeon, two Imperial warlords and members of the Shadow Council. Jonny Coyne, Jodi Long, Hemky Madera, Ron Bottitta, Marco Khan, and Imelda Corcoran appear as additional Warlords. [6] Charles Parnell and Charles Baker appear as the Survivor Captain and Scout. Parvesh Cheena, Shirley Henderson, and Wesley Kimmel reprise their roles as Karga's protocol droid, the Anzellan crew, and Ragnar Vizsla, respectively. [5]

Music

Joseph Shirley composed the musical score for the episode, with Ludwig Göransson composing the themes. [7]

Reception

On Rotten Tomatoes, the episode has a score of 86% based on reviews from 22 critics. The website's critics consensus reads: "There's some creakiness as The Mandalorian reincorporates an overarching threat after a directionless period, but "The Spies" succeeds in priming this season for an impactful finish." [8]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mandalorians</span> Fictional group of warrior people in the Star Wars universe

Mandalorians are a fictional group of people associated with the planet Mandalore in the Star Wars universe and franchise created by Joe Johnston and George Lucas. Their appearance is often distinguished by gear such as battle helmets, armor, and jetpacks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Moff Gideon</span> Fictional character in the Star Wars franchise

Moff Gideon is a fictional character in the Star Wars franchise who first appeared in the Disney+ television series The Mandalorian, where he is the main antagonist of its first three seasons. Gideon is the leader of a remnant of the fallen Galactic Empire and wielder of the Darksaber responsible for the Purge of Mandalore, who attempts to capture the young Force sensitive child Grogu, who is being protected by the title character of the series, planning on using Grogu's blood to imbue numerous clones of himself with Force sensitivity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mandalorian (character)</span> Star Wars character

Din Djarin, known as The Mandalorian, or Mando for short, is a fictional character in the Star Wars franchise, who appears as the titular protagonist of the Disney+ television series The Mandalorian and also appears in its spin-off The Book of Boba Fett. Orphaned as a young child, The Mandalorian was adopted into the Mandalorian culture and trained as a warrior, later becoming a bounty hunter and taking the title of his people as a sobriquet. The character is barely seen without his silver, beskar helmet, which he is forbidden by creed to remove publicly.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chapter 7: The Reckoning</span> 7th episode of the 1st season of The Mandalorian

"Chapter 7: The Reckoning" is the seventh episode of the first season of the American streaming television series The Mandalorian. It was written by the series' showrunner Jon Favreau and directed by Deborah Chow. The episode takes place in the Star Wars universe five years after the events of Return of the Jedi (1983). In the episode, the guild leader Greef Karga offers the Mandalorian to kill the Client in exchange for his and the Child's freedom. Believing to be a trap but having no choice, the Mandalorian recruits Cara Dune and Kuiil to assist him, with the latter bringing a reprogrammed IG-11 unit. Arriving at Nevarro, they are soon surrounded by the imperial troops where the team will be forced to confront their leader Moff Gideon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chapter 8: Redemption</span> 8th episode of the 1st season of The Mandalorian

"Chapter 8: Redemption" is the eighth and final episode of the first season of the American streaming television series The Mandalorian. It was written by the series' showrunner Jon Favreau and directed by Taika Waititi. The episode takes place in the Star Wars universe five years after the events of Return of the Jedi (1983). In the episode, The Mandalorian, Greef Karga, Cara Dune, and IG-11 are forced to make their way out, fighting the imperial troopers and their leader Moff Gideon, in order to ensure the Child's safety once and for all. The Mandalorian, whose real name is revealed to be Din Djarin, is instructed by his leader, the Armorer, to deliver the Child to the Jedi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paz Vizsla</span> Star Wars character

Paz Vizsla is a fictional character in the Star Wars franchise. He first appeared in the first season of the Disney+ television series The Mandalorian as a member of the same tribe of Mandalorian warriors in service of the Armorer as the titular character, with whom Vizsla initially clashes with but later assists in repelling a remnant of the Galactic Empire. The two had another altercation in the spin-off series The Book of Boba Fett over ownership of the Darksaber, a legendary lightsaber forged by Paz's ancestor, Tarre Vizsla. He then returned in the third season of The Mandalorian, in which he dies protecting Bo-Katan Kryze.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bo-Katan Kryze</span> Character in Star Wars

Bo-Katan Kryze is a fictional character in the Star Wars franchise. She was introduced in the animated television series Star Wars: The Clone Wars, in which she was voiced by Katee Sackhoff. Sackhoff subsequently reprised her role in the sequel series Star Wars Rebels, and made her live-action debut as the character in the second season of the Disney+ series The Mandalorian.

<i>The Mandalorian</i> season 3 Season of television series

The third season of the American television series The Mandalorian is part of the Star Wars franchise, set after the events of the film Return of the Jedi (1983). It continues the story of a bounty hunter and his charge, Grogu, after they were reunited in the spin-off series The Book of Boba Fett. It also depicts efforts to unite the scattered Mandalorian people and retake their home planet from remnants of the Empire. The season was produced by Lucasfilm, Fairview Entertainment, and Golem Creations, with Jon Favreau serving as showrunner.

"Chapter 11: The Heiress" is the third episode of the second season of the American streaming television series The Mandalorian. It was written by showrunner Jon Favreau and directed by Bryce Dallas Howard. It was released on Disney+ on November 13, 2020. The episode stars Pedro Pascal as the Mandalorian, a lone bounty hunter on the run with "the Child", in search of the latter's people, the Jedi. Katee Sackhoff guest stars as Bo-Katan Kryze, a character she previously voiced on the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars: Rebels. The episode received positive reviews, with Howard's direction and the live-action introduction of Bo-Katan garnering acclaim.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grogu</span> Star Wars character also known as Baby Yoda

Din Grogu, colloquially referred to as Baby Yoda, is a character from the Star Wars Disney+ original television series The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett. He is a toddler member of the same species as the Star Wars characters Yoda and Yaddle, with whom he shares a strong ability in the Force. In the series, the protagonist known as "the Mandalorian" is hired to track down and capture Grogu for a remnant of the fallen Galactic Empire, but instead, he becomes his adoptive father and protects him from the Imperials. The character's real name was not revealed until "Chapter 13: The Jedi", which also explained that Grogu was raised at the Jedi Temple on Coruscant during the Clone Wars. Before this, the character's official name, used in subtitles and captions, was "the Child". At the end of "Chapter 24: The Return", he is given the name Din Grogu after being formally adopted by the Mandalorian, whose family name is "Din".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chapter 14: The Tragedy</span> 6th episode of the 2nd season of The Mandalorian

"Chapter 14: The Tragedy" is the sixth episode of the second season of the American streaming television series The Mandalorian. It was written by showrunner Jon Favreau and directed by Robert Rodriguez. It was released on Disney+ on December 4, 2020. The episode received critical acclaim, with praise towards Rodriguez's direction, the action sequences, and emotional weight. Critics particularly highlighted the return of Temuera Morrison as Boba Fett.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chapter 16: The Rescue</span> 8th episode of the 2nd season of The Mandalorian

"Chapter 16: The Rescue" is the eighth and final episode of the second season of the American television series The Mandalorian. It was written by showrunner Jon Favreau and directed by Peyton Reed. It was released on Disney+ on December 18, 2020. The episode received strong critical acclaim, in particular for the action sequences, Reed's direction, writing, performances, score, and emotional weight, with the surprise cameo of a digitally de-aged Luke Skywalker being a major highlight among fans.

"Chapter 17: The Apostate" is the first episode of the third season of the American television series The Mandalorian. It was written by showrunner Jon Favreau and directed by series executive producer Rick Famuyiwa. It was released on Disney+ on March 1, 2023. The episode received generally positive reviews from critics.

"Chapter 18: The Mines of Mandalore" is the second episode of the third season of the American television series The Mandalorian. It was written by showrunner Jon Favreau and directed by Rachel Morrison. It was released on Disney+ on March 8, 2023. The episode received positive reviews from critics.

"Chapter 19: The Convert" is the third episode of the third season of the American television series The Mandalorian. It was written by Noah Kloor and showrunner Jon Favreau and directed by Lee Isaac Chung. It was released on Disney+ on March 15, 2023 and received mixed reviews.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chapter 20: The Foundling</span> 4th episode of the 3rd season of The Mandalorian

"Chapter 20: The Foundling" is the fourth episode of the third season of the American television series The Mandalorian. It was written by Dave Filoni and showrunner Jon Favreau and directed by Carl Weathers. It was released on Disney+ on March 22, 2023 and received generally positive reviews.

"Chapter 21: The Pirate" is the fifth episode of the third season of the American television series The Mandalorian. It was written by showrunner Jon Favreau and directed by Peter Ramsey. It was released on Disney+ on March 29, 2023 and received generally positive reviews.

"Chapter 22: Guns for Hire" is the sixth episode of the third season of the American television series The Mandalorian. It was written by showrunner Jon Favreau and directed by Bryce Dallas Howard. It was released on Disney+ on April 5, 2023, and received positive reviews.

"Chapter 24: The Return" is the eighth episode and season finale of the third season of the American television series The Mandalorian. It was written by showrunner Jon Favreau and directed by Rick Famuyiwa. It was released on Disney+ on April 19, 2023, and received positive reviews.

References

  1. ↑ Couch, Aaron (January 16, 2023). "'The Mandalorian' Reveals Season 3 Trailer, New Directors". The Hollywood Reporter . Archived from the original on January 17, 2023. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
  2. ↑ "The Mandalorian (2019–2023)". Writers Guild of America West . Archived from the original on December 4, 2022. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
  3. ↑ Lovitt, Maggie (March 1, 2023). "'The Mandalorian' Season 3 Review: Din Djarin Sets Out on a Path of Redemption". Collider . Archived from the original on March 1, 2023. Retrieved April 12, 2023.
  4. ↑ Bonomolo, Cameron (July 31, 2021). "Star Wars: The Mandalorian Star Says Season 3 Begins Filming "Soon"". ComicBook.com . Archived from the original on August 1, 2021. Retrieved July 31, 2021.
  5. 1 2 Saavedra, John (March 1, 2023). "Star Wars: The Mandalorian Season 3 Episode 1 Easter Eggs Explained". Den of Geek . Archived from the original on April 2, 2023. Retrieved April 12, 2023.
  6. ↑ Johnston, Dais (April 12, 2023). "Project Necromancer? The Mandalorian Episode 7's Opening Scene, Explained". Inverse . Archived from the original on April 13, 2023. Retrieved April 12, 2023.
  7. ↑ "Joseph Shirley Scoring 'The Mandalorian' Season 3". Film Music Reporter. February 3, 2023. Archived from the original on February 5, 2023. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
  8. ↑ "The Spies". Rotten Tomatoes . Fandango Media . Retrieved April 17, 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.