Like every great story ever told, The Mandalorian is full of beautiful metaphors and morals that untangle what it means to be human. From the many faces of fatherhood to villains succumbing to their inner goodness, this smash hit TV series starring Pedro Pascal is packed with messages that – even in a lawless galaxy – resonate. Now mid-way through the adventures of Season 3, here are 5 of the most profound lessons we’ve learned from The Mandalorian.
Warning: spoilers ahead!
1- Parenting is a learned skill
The relationship between The Mandalorian himself, Din Djarin, and “the Child” – who we now know as Grogu – is central to the series, which is why this lesson ranks high on our list. The series pokes and prods at what it means to be family, from connections that run thicker than blood to how far one will go to protect their own.
Throughout the show, we see Din protect Grogu like his own son, putting Grogu’s desires and needs above his own. They forge a family of their own and The Mandalorian begins the trying task of becoming a parent. His initial detachment, which we see at play in his irritability and leaving Grogu alone on Mos Eisley, transforms into something akin to love. By the next season, The Mandalorian has embraced his role as the protective father – risking his own life for Grogu and, in an ultimate show of vulnerability, revealing his true face to his chosen child.
What’s moving about The Mandalorian is that it shows parenthood for the journey it is. Despite being of different species and cultures, their relationship speaks to the love, sacrifice and vulnerability universal in parent-child relationships.
2- Compassion is a powerful force
For a bounty hunter making his way through a dangerous and unforgiving world, The Mandalorian is a surprising mirror of compassion. He frequently puts himself in danger to help others and makes sacrifices for what he believes is right.
Take the first episode, for example. The Mandalorian saves Grogu from the clutches of the Empire, even though it would have been easier (and more profitable!) for him to simply turn The Child over. In another episode, “The Prisoner,” the Mandalorian shows compassion towards a former associate Ranzar Malk, who betrayed him in the past. Rather than seek revenge, he gives the man a chance to redeem himself by helping him on a dangerous mission.
Or how about when The Mandalorian in episode five, is introduced to the Frog Lady, who is on a mission to look for her husband and is trying to save her family-line from extinction. The Mandalorian protects her and her eggs, taking immense risks to get them to safety. Talk about an anti-hero!
His compassion and forgiveness extends to characters who are often marginalized or oppressed – remember the Tusken Raiders in “The Marshal” and the inhabitants of a struggling village in “The Gunslinger”? Despite living by his own code of ethics, the Mandalorian embodies kindness, empathy, and selflessness.
3- There is nobility in sacrifice
One thing the show doesn’t lack is characters willing to stick their neck out for others. The Mandalorian removes his helmet to pass as an Imperial soldier to find Grogu’s – which we know goes against his ancient creed. No one has seen the character’s face since he was a kid, and here he is, putting all his principles at stake for his ward. Even Kuiil and Greef Karga make similar sacrifices to help the Mandalorian and Grogu. Ultimately, we learn that it is noble to sacrifice for the ones you love.
For the greater good is as much a reason for sacrifice as for those, who are part of your inner circle. In episode one, the Mandalorian rescues a man named Kuiil from a group of raiders and later enlists his help in protecting The Child. In episode six, he risks his own safety to help a group of prisoners escape from a New Republic prison ship.
Selflessness and compassion without judgement is one of the show’s most heart-warming and inspiring messages. Even against the backdrop of a cruel and unforgiving galaxy they call home, the Mandalorian exercises love and empathy.
4- People can change
A lot of character development relies on all these themes – making it a valuable lesson in itself!
Like the beginning of any story, the first episode is a natural place to start for this one. Mando meets IG-11, an assassin droid who was created for the sole purpose of being a bounty hunter. As the season progresses, we learn he is reprogrammed as a nurse droid who gives up his life to protect Grogu and Mando.
If you find that example a little on the nose – the show isn’t saying that your inner code has to be physically reprogrammed for a chance at being a better person. In Season 2, we meet Migs Mayfeld, a cynical and untrustworthy character who resents the New Republic for how they treated him and his fellow soldiers during the war. As the story progresses, Mayfeld begins to question his own belief system. He becomes empathetic towards the very people he was once ordered to oppress. He begins to question the morality of war and the role of soldiers in perpetuating violence and goes on to relinquish his own freedom to help Din Djarin complete his mission.
Once more wrapped in a fabric much like sacrifice, this theme shows us that all people – even sharpshooters turned prisoner heroes – can be and do good.
5- It’s never too late to make amends
Everyone in The Mandalorian has their own story, and many characters are still grappling with their past. Cara Dune, a former Rebel shock trooper turned mercenary, finds a sense of purpose and redemption as the story progresses, resulting in her becoming a New Republic officer. Like Dune, Mayfeld works to right his wrongs during Operation Cinder. Much like the lesson “people can change”, The Mandalorian shows us that we can also make amends along the rewarding journey of growth and self-reflection. Selflessness and courage return once again.
The Mandalorian, much like the other chapters in the Star Wars Universe, follows a fast-paced narrative that thrills and shocks in equal parts. Also, much like its predecessors, it is bound by strong themes around community, connection and courage. Throughout the series, The Mandalorian learns to be accountable for his choices and his consequences. As the series heads to its season finale, we need to wait and watch if these lessons will hold him and Grogu in good faith as they navigate the dangers of the galaxy.
Don’t miss out on Season 3 of The Mandalorian, with weekly episode drops on Wednesday, only on Disney+!
