The Mandalorian and TBOBF Episodes Ranked

 With two seasons of The Mandalorian out and one season of The Book of Boba Fett, the time feels ripe to countdown the strongest episodes of the two series. Due to stylistic similarities, character crossovers and shared filmmaking talent, the two shows are very compatible to be ranked (Rancored?) together. 

23. TBOBF- The Streets of Mos Espa 

The third episode of the series is by far the weakest of the bunch. Its biggest sin is how un-Star Wars-y it feels; the colour coded Power Rangers are the biggest offenders here, looking like they belong more in Alita: Battle Angel than a world of space bounty hunters. Perhaps this is because the episode was helmed by Robert Rodriguez, who directed Alita with a lot more flair than he does here. A painfully slow and inconsequential chase scene solidified both how weak a director he is and how little Boba Fett really does. The best part is Fett getting his own Rancor. 

22. TBOBF - Stranger in a Strange Land 

Boba Fett's opening episode is a slow-paced affair that just feels flat after what had occured in The Mandalorian. Whilst fans got to see Fett's survival from the Sarlaac Pit, it feels dramatically underwhelming. The fractured timeline is revealed, showing that the next episodes will split time between Fett's rebirth with the Tusken Raiders and his strolling around Tatooine to solidify his position. Ultimately, the episode feels stale just because Tatooine has been so repetitively put on screen. 

21. TBOBF - The Gathering Storm 

The fourth episode moves the show up to speed by ending the flashback sequences and focusing on the main storyline (which is still quite ropey). Here we are shown Fett's rescue of Fennec Shand that came from The Mandalorian's fifth chapter and his retrieval of the Slave I ship. It all feels like unnecessary storytelling, and Fennec still doesn't have much in the way of character or emotion. The episode does provide a fantastic visual: the Slave I looking straight into the Sarlaac Pit before dropping another satisfying seismic charge moment. And the ending musical note, hinting towards the return of Mando, is a belter. 

20. The Mandalorian - The Gunslinger

A very forgettable short episode in Mando's story, this is another 'help someone out to fill time' chapter. On Tatooine (yawn) Mando works with a small time bounty hunter called Toro Calican to win a score. Directed by  Dave Filoni, this is his weakest hour. The nods to the past are too obvious and familiar, though Fennec Shand is introduced and the ending sets up Boba Fett's return.

19. TBOBF - The Tribes of Tatooine 

Easily the strongest of the 'traditional' Book of Boba Fett episodes. the second episode utilises a greater runtime to provide a lot of Fett's backstory. Here we see Fett learning to fight like a Tusken Raider and, after stealing some speeder bikes, trains the Tuskens in return how to ride them. This then leads to an enjoyable train assault that echoes Lawrence of Arabia. Ths visuals are terrific and the ending tribal dance is a lovely moment of Star Wars Revisionism. In the present, we are shown the Twins, relatives of Jabba the Hutt, and are introduced to the mighty Krrsantan, a gladitorial Wookie who instantly stole the show. 

18. The Mandalorian - The Prisoner 

Another filler that loses out on riveting action scenes or dramatic weight, Mando's sixth episode introduces Bill Burr's Mayfeld in a story that sees a group of criminals rescue a prisoner from the New Republic. Mando is intimidating as he hunts his betrayers down, but nothing truly excels here as the main plot line feels too far on the horizon. 

17. The Mandalorian - The Sancutary 

The Star Wars debut for director Bryce Dallas Howard (whose father helmed Solo) this episode began the 'side-quest' story template that defines Mando's mid-season episodes. It is a cute enough episode as we see Mando and Child seek refuge with lovely farmers. The catch is that they are frequently raided by a menacing AT-ST and pirates. The episode is also worth mentioning for introducing the character Cara Dune, a tough Rebellion shock trooper who, despite actress Gina Carano's troublesome views, is at least an interesting new addition. Plus, the AT-ST has never looked scarier.  

16. The Mandalorian - The Child 

The second live-action Star Wars TV show episode continues Mando's story earnestly, as he mainly spends the episode engaged with Jawas who have stolen some of his ship's parts. The biggest moment comes from The Child, who here uses the Force to considerable levels of power to save his new protector. Audiences who got swept up in the 'Baby Yoda' hysteria were now confused by the show's section as they actually thought it was Yoda, but the reveal did open doors for much speculation. Elsewhere, Quill continues to be a very decent chap. 

15. The Mandalorian - The Siege 

In his directorial debut, Carl Weathers returns as Greef Karger for season two. Mando makes a stop off at Nevarro for 'ship repairs'. In reality, another filler episode was required before Ahsoka Tano's entrance to the show. Weathers does direct with surprising confidence, and its entertaining to see Karger, Cara Dune and Mando team up again, even if Mando gets a little sidelined to allow the others a sustained action chase scene. Details about cloning facilities sparked intrigue and Moff Gideon continues to be a thrilling villain presence. 

14. The Mandalorian - The Passenger 

A creature feature episode, Mando is tasked with escorting a cutesy amphibious alien to another planet, but is attacked by X-wings and crashes on an icy planet. Whilst exploring, the episode veers into Aliens territory as hordes of spider-like critters swarm our protagonists. Its genuinely quite intense and ice planets are always welcome to see. As a side-quest episode it is a decent treat, though lacks enough character change. Still, watching Grogu eat those eggs is peak black comedy. 

13. The Mandalorian - The Mandalorian 

A very strong debut episode that is directed by Dave Filoni. From the opening scene we get a sense of the show's aesthetic: Greig Fraser's cinematography (a filmmaker to look out for on any project) brings the Wild West of Sergio Leone films into the Star Wars universe whilst Ludwig Gorranson's score is the best non-John Williams work for the franchise, echoing Ennio Morricone but giving it a sci-fi twist. Pedro Pascal shows instantly his ability to use his voice to emote without any facial features and the line "I can bring you in warm, or I can bring you in cold" is a classic. The end, in which Mando and an assassin droid team-up in a Wild Bunch shootout is great, and the final shot that reveals The Child is endearing. A premiere to look up to. 

12. The Book of Boba Fett - In the Name of Honor 

The finale of Boba Fett is a mighty 61 minutes long, giving it an epic feel but also reminding us that the show would have benefitted from eight episodes. The episode is dominated by some high highs and some average lows; the main positive is the returning focus on Fett himself. Seeing him don the helmet and engage emotionally is what the show has been missing, but luckily the reminder of his time with the Tuskens is brought back full circle. The action scenes work in bursts; one sustained shootout in the streets feels like a lesser version of The Mandalorian's season one finale and there is little stakes due to how many characters survive. That being said, the rancor sequences are top notch (one wonders that a better director would have drawn on IMAX cameras for it) and the HAL-9000 style droids are a force to be reckoned with. But in the hands of Robert Rodrguez we are shown a poor director at the helm; the biker gang are still deeply anachronistic, Amy Sedaris' character is still a GCSE Drama level performance of annoyance and Fennec Shand is just disposable as a character, disappearing for most of the runtime. When Cad Bane is on screen it's electric, and his interactions with Fett are tense, but the episode is too flatly directed. too directly linked to future projects and ultimately emotionally unengaging. 

11. The Mandalorian - The Reckoning 

Essentially a two-parter, the seventh chapter in Mando's story is the Deathly Hallows Part 1 of the show. An episode of narrative foreplay, the main plot thankfully returns as Mando reunites with Greef Karger on Nevarro to sort things out once and for all. With him is Cara Dune, Quill and the reprogrammed IG assassin droid who acts as Grogu's nurse. Moff Gideon, the show's big bad, gets his moment to shine and the show successfully elicits a sad whimper with the final few moments. Force healing is introduced quickly ahead of Rise of Skywalker too, something that still irks certain fans. 

10. The Mandalorian - The Sin 

This episode truly got the show's momentum going (if only for this chapter, afterwards it loses narrative tension until the final two episodes) by bringing Mando and Grogu back to Werner Herzog's uniquely voiced Client. After getting some truly dashing beskar armour, Mando then makes the decision to not be a cold bounty hunter and leave a child in Imperial clutches, so returns to the building and lays waste to the stormtroopers there. Seeing his new weaponry in action is thrilling, but most importantly its action for the sake of character that comes with huge repercussions. With the Child rescued, Mando is then saved by his Mandalorian allies in another absorbing firefight. It is a dramatically sound episode and ticks all the boxes a great episode should. 

9. The Mandalorian - The Tragedy 

The Tragedy is another whirlwind episode that has one of the shortest runtimes of both shows. Yet in it a tonne of action and detail is included. Mando and Grogu land on their next planet, with Grogu connecting to the Force via some nicely arranged stones. Whilst Grogu is occupied talking to a Jedi Master, Mando has to deal with the gleeful arrival of Slave I, and with it the presence of Boba Fett and Fennec Shand. Its great to see Temuera Morrison inhabit the role of the veteran bounty hunter, and once two ships of stormtroopers arrive, things get exciting. Essentially one set-piece, seeing three trained bounty hunters smash Imperial troops to smithereens is joyous, especially once Boba gets his armour back on and frightens everyone off. A true barbarian with a gaffa stick and a lethal master of projectiles with his armour. But whilst this occurs, the awesome dark troopers steal Grogu and escape. Whilst its sad to see the Razorcrest and Mando's pulverising rifle get obliterated, the addition of Shand and Fett to the story promises more to come. Robert Rodriguez's direction isn't the strongest however, with a very sterile camera making things look too clean. 

8. The Mandalorian - The Heiress 

The second season of The Mandalorian brought in many new characters, but some of the best were new renditions of already existing characters. Bo-Katan is a notable figure in the animated show The Clone Wars and her inclusion here in live-action brings the titular character closer to the planet Mandalore. Katee Sackhoff plays her once-animated character well here, and the show depicts how split Mandalorians are culturally and religiously. It is a short episode, but Bryce Dallas Howard packs in some great shots, bursts of exhilirating action and two key details: the darksaber and Ahsoka Tano, both of which prove useful in the future. Ludwig Gorranson's score is also fantastic. And who didn't smile at the two frog aliens reuniting?

7. The Mandalorian - The Believer

Mando's penultimate episode is a blinder of great moments. A slew of meme stills set the stage, with Bill Burr's Mayfeld returning to the story so Mando and his team (Dune, Fett, Shand) can infiltrate an Imperial base and track Giddeon's ship, which contains the abducted Grogu. Set on a jungle planet, its a joy to see Mando stripped of his beskar and put in a standard outfit for his action scenes, which riff on Mad Max: Fury Road with a big vehicular chase. Chekov's seismic charge is perfectly deployed and Mayfeld's sniper shot is solid, but the best sequence is a sit down conversation between an unmasked Mando, Mayfeld and a diabolical Imperial officer (Richard Brake, equally sinister in Peaky Blinders and Game of Thrones). Pedro Pascal shines with his facial acting; how refreshing it must have been for him to emote with his eyes. But Bill Burr proves that comedians make great actors, as we see a fascinating insight into a traumatised ex-Imperial. It makes you wonder why Finn's story in the sequel trilogy didn't go for so compelling a story. 

6. The Mandalorian - The Marshal

Showrunner Jon Favreau had written all of the episodes, but he only stepped up to direct once with season two's 50 minute opener. Highly rewatchable, it opens with a kick-ass Mando fight scene in a fighting arena and then takes the action back to Tatooine as Mando looks for people with Mandalorian armour (who he believes will lead him to Jedi). Enter Timothy Olyphant's Cobb Vanth, an instantly likeable cowboy type who is introduced wearing Boba Fett's armour. His town is plagued by a fierce Krayt dragon and the compromise is giving up Fett's armour if Mando helps him kill the dragon. Enlisting Tusken Raiders too, the epic confrontation is masterfully filmed, with an enlarged IMAX aspect ratio change perfectly timed to accomodate the dragon's enormous scale. Favreau helms the visual effects work with assurance, and its joyous watching two jetpacks fly about shooting at a giant worm. There's a gold moment of the dragon choosing to eat a Tusken and not a bantha, whilst the closing moments reveal Temuera Morrison watching the binary sunset, confirming the return of Boba Fett. Its an all round blinder. 

5. The Book of Boba Fett - The Return of the Mandalorian 

The Book of Boba Fett plays out exactly how we all expected season three of The Mandalorian to begin: following a lone Mando functioning in a world without his child to protect. The episode was completely baffling in the context of the show; Boba Fet does not appear once in it. Whilst that may be a criticism because of which show it belongs to, it points to the Marvel-isation of the Star Wars franchise (imagine if Yelena got her own episode in Hawkeye without Clint Barton appearing). Bryce Dallas Howard returns to direct a third time and nails it- it is visually satisying to open on a space set ring world after having had so much desert. Mando's opening, in which he wipes out some scum with his darksaber, is brutal and he is such a compelling character at this point we don't mind following him limping around this urban environment. The Armourer is back and Mando practices his darksaber training, gets Grogu a gift made from the beskar spear, and is banished from the Mandalorian creed for removing his helmet. In need of a new ship, he returns to Peli Motto on Tatooine, rebuilds an N1 Naboo starfighter in glossy silver and goes for a test drive before Fennec recruits him into the main show's storyline. The mechanical stuff is a bit tedious and Peli is annoying, but there is an acute visual eye that matches the focus on character. 

4. The Book of Boba Fett - From the Desert Comes a Stranger 

Dave Filoni's stint in the director's chair delivers another knockout installment, one that continues the previous episode's sidelining of Boba Fett, for better or worse. Filoni's eye for beautiful shots, no doubt influenced from his work in animation, is employed for a tranquil forest planet where a mind-blowingly well digitised Luke Skywalker teaches Grogu in a nice reversal of The Empire Strikes Back. It is great to see Luke actually teach new Jedi (unlike the poor excuse in The Last Jedi) and we get an Order 66 flashback for Grogu. In an episode full of cameos we also get a returning Timothy Olyphant, Ahsoka Tano and, best of all, a live-action introduction to the icy cool Cad Bane, whose entrance and actions are captivating. Battle lines are drawn for the finale whilst Luke's ultimatum to Grogu acts as a neat cliffhanger. As an episode in a greater franchise, it succeeds in doing so much even if a lot of the runtime disregards the titular bounty hunter and gives him one small scene in it. 

3. The Mandalorian - Redemption

Taika Waititi earned himself a feature length Star Wars project after his smooth execution of this cathartic finale. Besieged in a trapped building, Mando and his allies await confirmation of Grogu's safety whilst Moff Gideon pins them with an enormous gun. Utilising the singular location well, the episode is packed with payoff: the IG droid rescuing Grogu reverses the first episode, sailing in on a speeder bike with aimbot on. Mando finally removes his helmet and trusts a droid to look after him in one fell swoop, making him a well-rounded character at this point. We also get a brilliant Armourer fight scene, Mando at long last getting a jetpack, Grogu deflecting a flamethrower with the Force and, in its final moments, the reveal of the darksaber. Plus, Waititi finds a perfect spot at the start to bring his trademark humour to two procrastinating scout troopers. It is hysterical. It is a balanced end to a wonderful opening season. 

2. The Mandalorian - The Rescue

The Rescue is one of the most fan-pleasing moments in any franchise's history. Brought to the screen by Peyton Reed, this is an action-packed finale filled with all the best characters. Mando, Fett, Fennec, Dune, Bo-Katan and another Mandalorian rush Moff Gideon's Imperial ship to rescue Grogu. Each character gets their moment: Fett's blasting away in his ship, the women shooting their way through stormtroopers and Mando getting two riveting fights- one against the menacing dark trooper and one against the darksaber of Moff Gideon. And then, when things seem dire, a lone X-wing arrives. Who could this be? Ahsoka? Moments later a cloaked figure, a black hand and a green lightsaber appear and fans got to see their childhood hero Luke Skywalker at the peak of his powers as he lays waste to the near invincible dark troopers in a way that would please his father. Dodgy deaging CGI aside, his return is unforgettable. As jaw-dropping as this is, the necessary farewell between Mando and Grogu gives the episode, and the show, its heart. Grogu finally sees Mando's face and tears drop everywhere. What stops it from being top is that the crescendo loses power on rewatch. 

1. The Mandalorian - The Jedi

Ahsoka Tano is Dave Filoni and George Lucas' creative baby. Anakin Skywalker's Padawan in The Clone Wars, her evolution of a character is dramatically sound. After stealing the show in The Clone Wars' final season, her reintroduction here is of course masterminded by Filoni. On a murky, desolate swamp planet the Grey Jedi appears, duel wielding white lightsabers and proving to be a total threat to the local enemies. The episode may function as a 'help someone out to get information' episode, but when it is executed with such passion it is excusable. Mando and Ahsoka's synthesis in the action recalls the merging of samurai and cowboy; Sergio Leone and Akira Kurosawa would enjoy the homages. Michael Biehn co-stars in an Tombstone nod and the standoffs at the end are wickedly good. Plus, we find out Grogu's name, get an Admiral Thrawn name-drop and finish the episode clamouring for more Ahsoka.