The Mandalorian, Season 3

The Mandalorian, Season 3 (John Favreau, 2023)

Click here for the basics

Rating: DSQ=11, SP=7 / Decadence

Scale A=4, Scale B=3, Scale C=4, Scale D=3, Scale E=4

Fantasy, Science Fiction, Star Wars Universe, Epic

I was so excited for The Mandalorian Season 3. So much was packed into this season and it ended with probably my favorite battle sequence in all of Star Wars. Unlike season 1 and 2, this installment focused less on our beloved duo and more on the Mandalorian creed itself. We learn more about Mandalore, return to characters and scenes from earlier seasons, and see a lot of wrestling with what is truth vs. myth. Grogu is not the only one growing up (when is he going to speak?!)... While this season has a resolved ending, I'm not sure it's truly the end. I have a feeling that the Star Wars universe will keep overlapping and crisscrossing shows and characters so we'll be seeing more of everyone.

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Women Talking

Women Talking (Sarah Polley, 2022)

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Rating: Q=7, P=6 / Can't Get Enough

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=3

Drama, Religion, Based on True Story, Complex Relationships

I don't know how it would feel to grow up and live isolated and away from other people, perspectives, and ideas. To only know one, extreme way of life where being a woman meant your voice and thoughts don't matter and have no place. But I know this is the reality for many. I can't imagine the turmoil and trauma of being brutally and repeatedly attacked by men you raised and love. And worse, seeing your children also be attacked. Women Talking is a powerful film. It shows us that strength comes from discussion, conflict, and reasoning. It shows us that challenges can be overcome, it just takes the strength to act. From strength comes solidarity. And, most importantly, from solidarity comes hope.

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Star Wars: The Bad Batch Season 2

Star Wars: The Bad Batch Season 2 (Jennifer Corbett and Dave Filoni, 2023)

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Science Fiction, Action, Adventure

Season 1 Rating: DSQ=10, SP=6 / Can't Get Enough

Scale A=4, Scale B=3, Scale C=3, Scale D=3, Scale E=3

I was expecting season 2 of The Bad Batch to launch right into where we left off from season 1, but instead we got some fun little side stories that explored the Bad Batch family. This was nice but I was worried that we wouldn't get answers or feel the same tension and suspense that season 1 had. By half way in, though, we returned to the main storyline and plenty of new information was revealed. I really enjoyed the new episodes and Omega's growth. While it was a little less engaging, season 2 still offers gorgeous animation and dramatic situations. And, of course, the finale left me wanting more. Why must we always have cliffhangers!

Click here to see how I rated Season 1.

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