The Hidden Weakness of ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’

(SeaPRwire) –   After much hype and fanfare, The Mandalorian and Grogu has arrived, but the response is mixed. This wasn’t entirely unexpected after three seasons of explosive action. While the opening sequence is thrilling in IMAX and seeing X-wings swoop down at the end is fun, even staunch defenders admit something feels “off.” The list of flaws from fans and critics is long: no female characters besides Sigourney Weaver’s Col. Ward, a seemingly phoned-in performance by Jeremy Allen White as Rotta, low stakes, and inconsistent or repetitive action.

However, the core issue isn’t these specific points. While valid, a smoother, smarter flow would have helped overlook them. The reason for focusing on specific nitpicks or generalizing that the movie feels like a TV episode is the structure itself. It violates an unwritten rule of Star Wars films (with the exception of The Phantom Menace). The real problem is the third act, where the action returns to Nal Hutta.

This is the film’s biggest mistake. As J.J. Abrams explained in his 2007 TED Talk on the “mystery box,” the brilliance of the original 1977 Star Wars was its constant movement. Like Indiana Jones or James Bond, dashing to new places is the story. While Abrams’ concept is often joked about, the key to the first film’s success—and others—is that new locations advance the plot. Generally, stories don’t look back on locations once left behind.

Imagine if The Empire Strikes Back ended on Hoth, or if the original Star Wars ended back on Tatooine, or if Return of the Jedi had its final battle on Tatooine after starting there. That is essentially what Mando and Grogu does. Once the audience realizes they are heading back to Nal Hutta, interest wanes. We’ve already seen the Hutts; we’re done. The mystery and excitement vanish because we know what will happen.

Yes, The Phantom Menace also returns to Naboo in its third act with Jar Jar saying, “Wessa going home!!” This isn’t a highlight and arguably contributes to the film’s debate. Stakes are fuzzy at the end of that movie, and similarly fuzzy here. Why rescue Rotta alone? Why not get help from Mando’s underworld contacts? Why now? Furthermore, with the New Republic already en route, the movie removes tension. Mando had a bailout the whole time, making the assault on the Hutt palace seem silly.

Certainly, some great adventures do circle back, like The Hobbit or The Odyssey. However, Nal Hutta doesn’t feel like a destination worthy of the entire third act; it feels like a stop on Mando’s journey.

In short, the return to Nal Hutta in the final act makes The Mandalorian and Grogu feel off-balance and slow, much like a massive space slug weighing down the story.

The Mandalorian and Grogu is currently in theaters.