The Mandalorian has been working hard to expand the Star Wars universe with new characters and fascinating stories. The story of Din Djarin and young Grogu is the main focus of the series, and Din’s commitment to Grogu has caused him some problems among his people. The Children of the Watch, the group who raised Din, has now banished him because he removed his helmet. While there is one way to redeem himself, will the noble bounty hunter really return to the Watch’s oppressive ways?
Din Djarin rescued Grogu from the Empire and has taken care of him ever since. He fiercely protected him until he was able to deliver him safely to the Jedi. When Luke Skywalker did finally come for Grogu, Din let him go, thinking that it was what Grogu wanted. Yet, Grogu chose a different path and returned to Mando. Now the Mandalorian must try to redeem himself in the eyes of his clan and return to the ruins of Mandalore to seek his redemption. The third season of the series is shaping up to be action packed and may feature some conflict between Mando and Bo-Katan. Even if he finds redemption, will returning to The Children of the Watch compromise his relationship with Grogu?
In order to redeem himself, the Armorer tells Din that he must go “in the living waters beneath the mines of Mandalore.” Mandalore was all but completely destroyed during “The Night of a Thousand Tears,” when the Empire razed the planet. This leads the Armorer to believe that his task is impossible, yet Din Djarin still seems determined to complete it. From the leaked footage out of Star Wars Celebration this year, fans know that Din Djarin does in fact return to Mandalore, so some fans assume that he completes his mission, but does he actually return to The Children of the Watch? He has been exposed to much of the galaxy now, and meeting Grogu seems to have permanently altered his world view. While he may believe that returning to his old life is the way, he may discover that he can never go back.
He may also discover a different destiny entirely while returning to Mandalore. Bo-Katan will be in the new season, and she wants to rebuild Mandalore for all Mandalorians. While she has asked for Din Djarin’s help before, she now is in more direct conflict with him because he has the Darksaber. This could lead to the two of them fighting, or to them becoming each other’s greatest allies. Din may learn that his role is no longer with The Children of the Watch; he may have outgrown their dedicated ideals, and he may be more willing to embrace a broader world view. If that’s the case, the Armorer may end up at odds with her former pupil, putting more pressure on Din Djarin.
Some theories even suggest that Din Djarin could discover a Mythosaur on Mandalore. The discovery of the legendary creature fulfills a prophecy that signals the return of the Mandalorians to power within the galaxy. If Din was the one to discover the beast, it may be more proof of his right to rule Mandalore and its people. Returning to The Children of the Watch seems like the safest and least interesting story for the character. He has evolved beyond their ideals and has learned that his rigid code works better when there is some flexibility. It would be a regression of his character for him to truly return to The Way and live under the Armorer’s rule.
The Mandalorian Season 3 is sure to have many exciting surprises and cameos. Fans have come to expect big things from this series based on how many surprises were in the initial two seasons. While Din Djarin could simply seek his redemption and return to his old life, this seems like a waste of potential. Mando is being built up to be so much more in the galaxy than a simple cog in The Children of the Watch. He may have a great future, and fans will watch his progress with great interest.
The Mandalorian is returning to Disney+ in February 2023.