Revisiting the Star Wars series The Mandalorian season 1 episode 5

Recently, I have begun rewatching The Mandalorian season 1 on Disney Plus. As I started rewatching “Chapter 5: The Gunslinger”, I recalled how this was my least favorite episode of season 1.

After completing the episode, this still holds true, my opinion has not changed. It’s a shame as this is the episode that introduces Peli Motto and Fennec Shand.

Not to mention it’s the first glimpse we get of Boba Fett, who indeed escaped the dreaded Sarlacc. Both Peli and Fennec are great characters!

Peli is spunky, funny, with a lot of heart. Fennec is intelligent and deadly, with more to her than just her occupation.

Why The Mandalorian Season 1 Chapter 5 falls flat.

The episode also highlights some of the more bone-chilling and inventive visuals like the several stormtrooper helmets on pikes for all to see in the village. If that doesn’t send a message to the remnants of the Empire to stay out, I don’t know what does.

So, what makes this episode my least favorite? Overall, I find it incredibly dull.

Din Djarin’s ship suffers pretty heavy damage from a fight he wins in space. He has no choice but to land on the nearest planet and figure out a way to make money to pay for the repairs.

Naturally, this is the catalyst for the plot of the episode however, the plot itself is dull. As he tries to find work, he meets a bounty hunter wannabe Toro Calican.

How can I describe him? Desperate to join the Guild, Toro decides to take on Fennec who even Din Djarin knows is nearly unstoppable.

Other than that, he’s insufferable. That may have been the point of the character.

I might have missed the point of his character entirely. In the end, the two do manage to subdue Fennec, however she is able to convince Toro to let her help him get the bigger fish, Din Djarin.

Toro kills Fennec and decides to do it himself. The battle lasts barely a second before he’s killed, thankfully.

The Razor Crest is fixed, and Din Djarin leaves with the Child. The ominous ending reveals a mysterious figure standing over Fennec (later we know this to be Boba Fett who saves her).

Otherwise, nothing really happens. It felt as though the episode’s purpose was to introduce Peli and Fennec, but I felt as though this could have been handled better.

Not to mention the fight scenes at night were way to dark to see anything (I understand it is night but seriously) and the musical score choices during the episode really fell flat. Every television show is going to have an episode or two that does not resonate well with audiences.

For me, unfortunately, it’s this one. As for my least favorite episode of season 2, well, you’ll find out soon enough.

What are some of your least favorite moments from The Mandalorian season 1? Share them in the comments below!