Top 10 Things You Missed in The Mandalorian Season 3 Episode 2

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#10: R5-D4’s History

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Top 10 Things You Missed in The Mandalorian Season 3 Episode 1

While R5-D4 has been seen before on the show, it’s the first time we’re getting mention of his Galactic Civil War history. Surprisingly, we’re already pretty aware of this R5’s exploits, he being one of the original droids. All the way back in “A New Hope,” R5 is seen alongside R2-D2 and C-3PO as the Jawas look to sell them to Uncle Owen. Luke even picks out R5 specifically, but R2 secretly lets him know his importance to the Rebellion. R5 then willingly malfunctions, prompting Luke to settle on R2 and eventually receive Leia’s message, which sparks the whole plot. R5 seriously doesn’t get enough credit, but it’s fun to see he’s still acting up for our heroes.

Upon arriving on Mandalore, Din Djarin is forced to activate his pressurized helmet, just in case the atmosphere isn’t breathable after the surface was completely scorched. It may just be a universal “Star Wars” thing, but Mando’s breathing system sounds like that of another character who needs an apparatus assist. That’s probably the closest point of comparison between Mando and Darth Vader, but we just calls ‘em like we sees ‘em. In any case, Mando doesn’t have to rely on the thing for very long, as it’s eventually revealed that the atmosphere is in fact breathable. Though kinda convenient that so many in a galaxy far, far away are.

Sundari is obviously a huge callback to the “Clone Wars” series, with this being the first time we’re seeing it in live-action - aside from brief flashbacks. But we do see one location within the city in particular that harkens back to “Clone Wars” somewhat. When Mando and Grogu descend into the city, they travel through a decrepit sewer system that looks similar to the Undercity seen in the final season of the animated show. Ahsoka Tano and others are sent down there to meet with Maul, only to be led into a trap. Here too Mando enters a trap, but a little more on that later.

Upon reaching the Mandalore system, Mando points out the moon of Concordia, revealing that’s where he grew up. If you know your “Star Wars” history, this won’t be too surprising. In “The Clone Wars,” Concordia is used as a hideout for the Mandalorian terrorist group known as the Death Watch. Death Watch opposes new Mandalorian leadership that sees to do away with their ancient warrior customs. Seeing as the Children of the Watch was essentially birthed from Death Watch, and that Mando was brought up under the Watch, it makes sense that he’d come from Concordia directly.

While not an outright Easter egg, it is interesting to note how the Darksaber is being utilized since Mando was last seen wielding it in “The Book of Boba Fett.” While Mando is victorious in battle against the Alamites, he’s still shown to have difficulty lifting the thing, though it’s not exactly an issue with weight. Later, when Bo-Katan is going up against the spider-like cyborg thing, she’s shown to be incredibly proficient with the blade. While she didn’t win it in combat, just like she didn’t in “Star Wars Rebels,” the key factor may have more to do with one’s will relative to it than anything else. This may be an indication that the saber is better off in the hands of Bo-Katan.

While only a minor species in “Star Wars,” the Lurmen get a long overdue shout-out here. When Grogu reunites with Peli Motto, he flips into her arms with enthusiasm, prompting this comment. The comparison is quite apt, as the Lurmen are a monkey-like species living on the Outer Rim planet of Maridun. They appear in two episodes of “The Clone Wars” where they heal Anakin Skywalker back to health only to be drawn into their conflict with the Separatists. This is a huge deal for the Lurmen, who are pacifist to a fault. This might be where the similarities end, as, though not particularly violent, Grogu ain’t exactly a pacifist.

While Mando visits Motto in Mos Eisley, he learns that the city is celebrating Boonta Eve, as even a podrace can be seen in the streets. To give a brief theology lesson, Boonta Eve is a Tatooine holiday that celebrates a specific Hutt’s ascension to godhood. But more interesting is where it previously appeared in “Star Wars.” If you heard the word “podrace” and immediately perked up, you’ll be happy to know that Anakin’s race in “The Phantom Menace” is also organized to celebrate Boonta Eve. Honestly, we’d celebrate Boonta Eve over Life Day any day.

As Mando and Grogu traverse the Sundari Undercity, they come across a withered Mandalorian helmet in the wreckage. This however turns out to be a trap set by the cyborg-like being. While not a one-to-one comparison, this did remind us of an episode of “Clone Wars” where Boba Fett employs a similar tactic. In the episode “R2 Come Home,” Boba boobytraps his father Jango’s helmet in a shipwreckage, hoping to lure in Mace Windu in revenge for killing Jango. Windu’s able to put the pieces together soon enough to save both himself and Anakin Skywalker, but the explosion leaves both of them pinned down and helpless. Thankfully, R2 retrieves help much like Grogu does here.

While we as “Star Wars” fans are familiar with Bo-Katan’s history, “The Mandalorian” itself hasn’t mentioned too many specifics until now. While trekking to the Living Waters, Bo-Katan reveals being inducted there while her father, Adonai Kryze, looked on with pride. While not named here, we know Adonai was killed in the Great Clan Wars, being succeeded by Duchess Satine Kryze, Bo-Katan’s sister. While she’s not even alluded to here, this does give more insight into how jarring the transition was, as Satine’s pacifistic nature uprooted the warrior ways of traditionalists like Adonai. We only hope we learn more about these histories as the show looks forward to Mandalore’s future.

Granted, if you were paying attention, you probably have an idea what this is. But let us confirm; yes, that is a freaking Mythosaur. While we don’t get a good look at the thing, you can bet that it’ll play as big of a part in future events as its kind did for ancient Mandalorians. “Star Wars” fans are familiar with prophecies in the galaxy, so it bears pointing out the one the Armorer mentions in “The Book of Boba Fett.” Should this be the forthcoming of the “new age of Mandalore,” we have a lot to look forward to. But if Mando ends up riding the Mythosaur, let’s hope he looks cooler than Boba riding the Paar’s ichthyodont in the “Holiday Special.”