The Mandalorian - Spoilers thread

[OSHIROmodels]

Just a polite reminder, this isn’t a sequel/prequel bashing thread. It’s a thread about The Mandalorian.

Keep it on topic 

[gamer Mac]

Just a polite reminder, this isn’t a sequel/prequel bashing thread. It’s a thread about The Mandalorian.

Keep it on topic 

Yes please

[Manchu]

Some of you guys may have missed the subtext of not only the most recent episode of The Mandalorian but also of the ENTIRE SHOW, generally speaking. The sequel trilogy movies went in one direction, to the effect of dividing and frustrating the audience. The Mandalorian went in pretty much the exact opposite direction, to the effect of uniting and entertaining the audience. The issue of how Luke Skywalker was portrayed in Episode VIII is probably the most controversial aspect of the sequel trilogy and lo and behold The Mandalorian just happened to punctuate its main arc by weighing in on that specific matter.

I mean, this isn’t a coincidence. You don’t accidentally spend two hundred million dollars or so making a couple seasons of a show that aesthetically, thematically, and emotionally critiques the work of your peers and rivals. The Mandalorian has started to function as Favreau’s open letter to Bob Iger, stating something to the effect of “everyone knows I should be in charge of Star Wars.” His show has made an increasingly powerful argument for that proposition over the last two years and this season/series finale, with its fan-pleasing portrayal of Luke, is the most eloquent argument yet.

[DivisMal]

Well, to steer it back on topic: The Mandalorian has, for me, not only reignited my interest in Star Wars wargaming, but also set on a course of telling well-made stories after the two trilogies I enjoyed. The more it moves to the ST, the more I would grow suspicious, I thought.

On thr contrary, though, I even can see myself enjoying some aspects of the new movies (though I‘ll never forgive them the death of Han and Luke and RoS in general).

I now desperately want Dark Trooper minis!

[Manchu]

Someone has almost certainly already made STL files for the Legion community.

[Cubs]

I remember Dark Troopers in the old Battlefront game on my old Playstation years ago. They weren't much like these guys though, just standard troopers with black armour, jump packs and an odd scattergun thing. I wondered where the idea for them came from.

[DivisMal]

I remember Dark Troopers in the old Battlefront game on my old Playstation years ago. They weren't much like these guys though, just standard troopers with black armour, jump packs and an odd scattergun thing. I wondered where the idea for them came from.

The original Dark Troopers were a terminator cyborg like thing (and extremely dangerous) from the Dark Forces PC game, one of the better Doom clones of the 90s.

[Cubs]

The original Dark Troopers were a terminator cyborg like thing (and extremely dangerous) from the Dark Forces PC game, one of the better Doom clones of the 90s.

Looks like the Mandalorian's dudes are following this then.

Just saw the last episode by the way and I think I had a multiple nerd-gasm. I'm also really happy I converted MrsCub to being enough of a nerd to love Star Wars almost as much as me, although she's not so steeped in the lore.

[Grumpy Gnome]

Am I the only one who got a bit of a Disney “Black Hole” vibe from the Dark Troopers?

[Mammoth miniatures]

just watched it - I have never really had a major desire to game star wars. Watching Luke slice through dark troopers and then jumping to boba fett performing a coup in jabbas palace really changed my mind!

Also if Grugo goes with luke, does that mean he dies during kylo rens rampage/massacre at the new jedi academy? that would seem to be the implication unless disney are now basically declaring the sequels non canon.

[darthfozzywig]

I admit it. I had tears in my eyes when that green lightsabre ignited 

Instantly I was taken back to 1983 and being 10 years old again. Really, really enjoyed that episode and this series has more than made up for "The Rise of Skywalker". 2021 has the potential to be a really good year for Star Wars fans.

Same.

I called Luke coming in answer to the call from Tython to save the day a couple of eps back, but I was still giddy. Even with the slightly uncanny valley.

[mcfonz]

So much hate for one little thread 

Are you suggesting that the Sith is present among us?!!

Cara Dune won't be getting her own show any times soon it would appear. There was talk of her getting her own show but then other stuff got in the way. I do wonder if she'll be part of Rangers of the New Republic though...

I don't get the hate, it's Star Wars, just enjoy it. It's movie and not TV escapism. Just switch off a bit and enjoy it.

[Gibby]

I don't get the hate, it's Star Wars, just enjoy it. It's movie and not TV escapism. Just switch off a bit and enjoy it.

I get where you're coming from, and there is definitely a tendency online for negative conversation to spread exponentially. But I think that it's unfair to not at least understand that for some, particularly fans of world-building, some of the story decisions and character developments of the latest Star Wars offerings are disappointing. I for one feel that way, and think the story beats of the sequel trilogy harmed the entire saga. It's made worse when you read about how behind the scenes they were scrambling to figure out what to do, to come to some kind of ending that'd please everyone, hence they had no plan. It shows a lack of care that Star Wars didn't deserve. Star Wars can and has been more than brainless laser-show entertainment.

The Mandalorian shows a lot of care has gone into it, including the respect it shows to what was built before. The difference is really night and day, to me. I also repeat, hate is a strong word. If Star Wars is just silly escapism that no one should take too seriously, then no one should take criticisms of it too seriously either.

I know the mods might frown on this diversion, but I enjoy discussing these things with this community. I hold no hate at all, or anger, or disrespect. Please don't tell me off! 

To steer it back to the topic, though, I did find myself with a nice reminder that Star Wars is a real pulp adventure. The plucky heroes either don't get hit, or all the shots his their bits of armour. It was great to see Luke annihilating those Dark Troopers. One particular nod to his power was when he crushed one with the force! He's come a long way even by this point. I'm curious to see where they go with all that. Is taking Grogu the only part Luke has to play? Who knows?

I also am curious to see how the dark sabre conundrum is resolved.

[Grumpy Gnome]

With where the Mandalorian has gone story wise I think it is impossible to separate it completely from the sequel  trilogy... even as much as I would like to.

Whilst I agree with much of what Gibby says, I do in fact hate the sequel trilogy. I dislike the prequels but I absolutely abhor the sequel trilogy. That feeling ruined The entire IP for me, so much so I did not even like hearing Star Wars music any more... and it was at one time my all time favorite film soundtrack music.  I am the Star Wars loving fan who memorized dialogue from A New Hope back I the day and the inept handling of the sequel trilogies made me feel like I could not enjoy Star Wars Assault or Legion. The Mandalorian gets credit for bringing back the love. It is important to discuss that because it is relevant to the nature of the Mandalorian and it influences what can be made in the future.

Comments of do not over analyze it, just sit back and enjoy it is the kind of thing that keeps getting things some of us do not like made... and things some of us want never made. Saying the sequels were good enough would have us seeing more of those and no Mandalorian.

People can like the sequel trilogy, they do not have to feel about it the way I, and others, feel. But then bring up the positive points. Hating alone is no good, or loving.... constructive criticism has considerably more value in improving things. Honest, respectful debate improves art and community.

When I ask for feedback on my painting I want genuine, honest respectful compliments and suggestions on improvement. Empty platitudes feel nice, like junk food, but are not going to make my art better. I only improved for example the eyes on my figures because some friends encouraged me toners harder.

So since I want more like the Mandalorian and less like Rise of Skywalker, I am going to praise the things I like in both and criticize the things in both I do not like. I am going to share my thoughts to influence others and read the thoughts of others to see if they can influence me.

The Star Wars IP is worth billions of dollars and influences millions of people. What people think of what is created with all those resources matters and influences the future.

Mentioned earlier... it is interesting to compare space opera Star Wars with sci-if Expanse, both are excellent for what they are. They can be different from each other and not detract from each other. But one Star Wars story can, and does, impact all the others.... even the Ewok Christmas Special.

Edit: And yes, the Mandalorian has made me optimistic about the Star Wars future. I am hungry for more. I am listening to Star Wars music whilst painting and trying to figure out how to get some Mandalorian vibe going in my still in Development Core Space project.

And will Din become the Mandalore?!

[Paratrooper 42]

Just finished watching season two and came to the LAF for some wargames porn and this was at the top of the Recent list so I thought I'd give it a read.

As a result I thought I'd add my perspective and personal observations

1.  Star Wars is just a western set in space, it's not a religion, credo or guide for life 
2.  Just because you're the 'biggest Star Wars fan evva', doesn't mean the Madalorian is wrong, it's just a TV series 
3.  Perhaps time could be better spent painting minis and playing games rather than writing a thesis about space westerns and how they could have done it better? 

Just my point of view.