Season 1 of “The Mandalorian” ends on a thrilling note, while setting up an exciting start for Season 2’s premiere

Disney’s streaming show, “The Mandalorian,” an original spin-off from the Star Wars franchise, written and produced by Jon Favreau, known for “Ironman” and “The Lion King,” is action-packed while still offering strong characters. The series also has helped Disney position itself, along with its library of popular favorites, in the competitive world of streaming video today. The show ranked number one in online streaming in the United States in 2019, dethroning Netflix’s popular series “Stranger Things” and competing neck to neck with “The Witcher,” which ranks number one worldwide in streaming video. The last episode and season finale maintained the momentum from the prior week’s episode to end on a high note.

Strong Characters, Compelling Story Line, Live Action and Unexpected Moments

Notable for its distinct style, with a different director for each episode, “The Mandalorian” is a story about a lone gunfighter, nicknamed “Mando” in a lawless galaxy. Mando wears a metal mask that he does not take off — part of the Mandalorian tradition that Mando defends by saying, “This is the way.” The series is full of heroism, sacrifice, excitement and humor with enough adventure and surprise moments to keep your eyes glued to the screen.

The show introduced a baby Yoda character at the end of the first episode. Soon after the surprising reveal, Baby Yoda quickly stole hearts all over the Internet — attracting both diehard fans of the original Star Wars franchise as well as new audiences drawn to the charming and quirky character.

Disney is also in the process of building out a Mando costumed character meet and greet at Disney Parks, according to In The Know.

The first season of “The Mandalorian” builds upon the Star Wars mythology, but offers its own take with new characters and new worlds to explore. Instead of rehashing existing stories, the new series has its own refreshing perspective. One of the references to prior series and spinoffs is the dark saber, a favorite of executive producer Dave Filoni, known for his production of “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” series. Revealed in the last episode, the dark saber is a unique black-bladed lightsaber that belonged to the first Mandalorian Jedi and well known to aficionados of that Star Wars series. The character of Moff Gideon played by Giancarlo Esposito, appears out of the fiery wreckage of a spaceship carrying the black-bladed lightsaber in his hand at the end of the episode, leaving some mystery and questions behind. What are his intentions towards Baby Yoda, whom he has been pursuing at all costs? The answer may be Machiavellian, but his uncanny knowledge of the Mandalorian creed leaves questions for audiences to think about before the next season. The ending hints at an impending struggle and suggests that Gideon’s mysterious relationship to the Jedi will also be revealed in Season 2.

The series introduces new characters in memorable scenes from the Child or Baby Yoda who uses the Force to stop a flamethrower to the droid IG-II who sacrifices himself to stop Stormtroopers and to protect the Child and of course, the Mandalorian, played by Pedro Pascal, whose face is obscured by his metal knight-like mask throughout the season until the very end, where both his face and name are revealed. He also gets to fly a jetpack, revealing director Jon Favreau’s skills in storytelling and entertainment, similar to his creation of “Ironman” in the Marvel cinematic universe. Just as Mando cuts down the TIE Fighter spaceship flown by Moff Gideon and flies away with his jet pack, Moff Gideon fights his way through out of the debris, holding the dark saber in hand. The last episode of the “The Mandalorian,” titled “Chapter 8: Redemption,” offers thrills and adventures, ending with drama and emotional rewards that leave you both curious and eager for the next episodes.

“The Mandalorian” offers a big budget, high adventure and live action streaming Star Wars series that is hard to match. Each character gets his or her time in the spotlight — enough to discover what makes the character tick and stand out. The series has a variety of diverse locations and battle scenes occurring outside, inside cramped locations and in the sky. From bounty hunters to droids, Storm Troopers, Baby Yoda and Mando’s Lone Ranger appeal, “The Mandalorian” entices with its range of compelling characters. The series had a few slow moments midseason, but recovered its momentum in the last few episodes to end with a spectacular finish. With a superb storyline and dramatic finish, “The Mandalorian” sets up high anticipation for Season 2 and enthusiasm for next installments.

Finally, it would be hard to not acknowledge the gorgeously designed credits for the series — works of art in and of themselves. Take a look!

Grade: A-