The Mandalorian S3E4: The Foundling review

The Mandalorian Season 3, Episode 4 is finally here. The show has been praised for its successful blend of western and space opera themes. However, in The Foundling episode, the western elements took a backseat to the introduction of one of the most significant tropes of the genre – sharing a meal around a campfire.

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Instead of following the usual pattern, the show subverted it. Although Bo-Katan was given a warm place to eat, this episode highlighted the isolating nature of the Mandalorian’s helmet taboo. We all know that Bo-Katan could finally eat without having to take off her helmet in private, but this episode highlighted and demonstrated the social cost of this rule.

One of the most striking aspects of The Mandalorian has been its excellent creature work. In The Foundling, the mother monster felt genuinely terrifying as it used its maw, talons, and wings to fight off the Mandalorians. The design of the baby monsters was also impressive, as it turned the odd proportions of a baby bird into a flesh-eating threat. It’s presumed that the Mandalorians will learn how to ride these beasts, following in the footsteps of Boba Fett.

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Bo-Katan’s lost pauldron and her decision to replace it with the mythosaur were a clear metaphor for her struggle to reconcile her past and her future. The Armorer’s calm and patient response to Bo-Katan’s questions and disclosure about the mythosaur suggests that she is open to the possibility of strange and unexplainable things, assuming that the encounter was a vision. The world of Star Wars is filled with such phenomena, and Mandalorians seem to encounter them more than others.

The fourth episode of Season 3 sees another giant monster attacking the Mandalorian covert, delivering some great action sequences. But it also serves to further establish Bo-Katan’s connection to the Children of the Watch, putting her in a stronger position to potentially retake Mandalore. Hopefully, the second half of the season will deliver on the set-up required to achieve this goal.

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In conclusion, The Foundling may have marked a shift away from the western elements of The Mandalorian, but it still managed to deliver a thrilling and thought-provoking episode. The show’s outstanding creature work, coupled with its exploration of Mandalorian culture, continues to impress audiences. With Bo-Katan’s story arc taking center stage, it remains to be seen how the show will develop this intriguing character further.