The Mandalorian Series 1 Review: 7 Ups And 2 Downs

1. The Gritty, Perfectly Realized Tone

Much of the Star Wars fanbase has consistently requested a movie and/or show that takes an extended look into the seedy underbelly of the universe where scum and villainy reigns supreme. Rogue One came close, but it's The Mandalorian which finally achieves that gritty status fans were clamoring for.

Considering Favreau's more comedic background, it was unclear whether the show could maintain a consistent serious tone. Thankfully, both he and Filoni showed the beauty of a gritty tone that refuses to undercut its seriousness, allowing the stakes to feel real and the story to feel worthy of engagement.

There are also appropriate uses of comedy to keep things balanced (like the Force!), but in a way that feels earned and less like a cheap gag. Whatever the time or place in the season, The Mandalorian's tone always feels well-suited and effectively established.