Mar 22, 2023
Welcome to Challenge Accepted, the podcast where we review the latest episodes of our favorite shows. I'm Frank and I'm joined by my co-host Thomas. Today, we'll be discussing Chapter 20 of The Mandalorian, titled "The Foundling."
Right off the bat, we were conflicted by this episode. On one hand, it did everything we love about the show: our heroes embark on an epic adventure while expanding the franchise's mythology. However, it left us wondering what the big plan is for the season, especially coming after an episode that seemed to take the show in another direction. What exactly is "The Way"?
But, there was one reveal in this episode that was simply magnificent and almost saved everything else around it. We're talking about the flashback that shows how Grogu was saved during Order 66 by none other than Kelleran Beq, played by Ahmed Best, who previously portrayed Jar Jar Binks. Best has had a tough time in the public eye due to the reception of his character, but it's great to see him back in the Star Wars universe, and even better to see his character's redemption in the form of saving Grogu.
In this episode, we also see Grogu start training with the other foundlings and using his Jedi skills to beat another Mandalorian in a game of darts. We get some great scenes of the Mandalorians in training, but we can't help but feel like the episode was dragging at certain points.
The Armorer continues Grogu's training and explains the importance of the beskar forge to Mandalorian culture. Grogu watches the machinery and is transported back to his Order 66 memory, where we see Beq come to his rescue. It's a satisfying turn of events to finally get some answers about Grogu's past, and we hope to see more of Beq in the future.
Overall, this episode of The Mandalorian had its ups and downs, but the flashback with Beq was a standout moment that we won't forget anytime soon. We'll be eagerly awaiting the next episode to see what the show has in store for us next. Thanks for tuning in to Challenge Accepted!