Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for The Mandalorian season 3, episode 8The Mandalorian season 3’s finale features countless surprises and teases for the future of Star Wars. Season 3 has broadened its focus, telling the story of the Mandalorian attempt to reclaim their homeworld. Unfortunately, they soon learned Mandalore had become a major base for the Empire – leading to an explosive, action-packed finale.
As seen in The Mandalorian season 3, episode 8, Moff Gideon (Giancarlo Esposito) and his forces unleash a major assault upon the Mandalorians who are initially caught off guard by the Imperial Remnant’s presence on Mandalore. Having built an entire secret base on the planet, Gideon sought to stamp out the Mandalorians once and for all. However, a series of key victories ensured the faction’s destruction while also setting up a brand-new status quo for Bo-Katan (Katee Sackhoff), Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal), Grogu, and the entire Mandalorian people.
How The Mandalorian Season 3 Ending Connects To Grand Admiral Thrawn
As revealed in The Mandalorian season 3, episode 7, Mandalore became a crucial world connected to the efforts of the entire Imperial Remnant (not just Gideon’s sector). According to Grand Admiral Thrawn’s right-hand man Captain Pellaeon, a reclamation of Mandalore by its people would hinder their efforts, including Thrawn’s return to the galaxy. Now, it looks as though the Imperial Remnant has indeed been dealt a serious blow, losing not only Gideon’s entire facility and his forces but also the planet’s rare resources such as beskar.
The Mandalorian season 3 finale sees Din Djarin sign up with the New Republic, now seeking out the scattered Imperial warlords – unaware they are closely coordinated in the Shadow Council. This means Din Djarin will become an even greater thorn in the Empire’s side. Having allied themselves with the New Republic, it’s presumably only a matter of time before Din Djarin and Grogu face more Imperial leaders, and presumably Grand Admiral Thrawn himself as the trajectory builds toward the upcoming Mandalorian era movie.
Din Grogu: The Child’s New Name & Why He’s Not Called “Grogu Djarin”
Din Djarin requests that Grogu take the creed and be accepted as a true Mandalorian. Still too young to speak the creed, Grogu is unable to become a true Mandalorian by conventional means. Instead, Din Djarin officially adopts Grogu as his son in order to be his true parent and guardian, turning Grogu into his Mandalorian Apprentice, a Foundling no more. The Armorer also declares that Grogu shall now be known as “Din Grogu” taking Djarin’s name now that he’s officially his son.
Many may argue that Grogu’s new name should instead be “Grogu Djarin”, following the same naming conventions as other known Mandalorian families such as Jango and Boba Fett or Satine and Bo-Katkan Kryze (having shared surnames rather than forenames). However, perhaps the shared forename comes from Din Djarin’s homeworld rather than an overarching Mandalorian custom. It’s certainly the case that Din Grogu rolls off the tongue better than Grogu Djarin.
Why Moff Gideon Dies & What It Means For The Imperial Remnant
Moff Gideon is the biggest casualty in The Mandalorian season 3’s finale, caught in the blast that destroyed all his forces on Mandalore. Although Gideon had clones he’d been developing, they were all destroyed by Djarin and Grogu earlier in the episode. As such, it certainly seems as though Gideon has been defeated for good in the Star Wars galaxy. This also means that the Imperial Remnant will likely continue to serve under the directives of Grand Admiral Thrawn and Commandant Brendol Hux, rather than finding themselves caught in a hostile takeover Gideon would have enacted once his clones were ready and the Mandalorians were destroyed.
Moff Gideon’s Force Clones Explained: Grogu’s Blood, Snoke & Palpatine
As confirmed by Gideon prior to his death in The Mandalorian season 3, episode 8, the clones he was developing would have been improved versions of Gideon himself. Using the data collected from the early experiments on Grogu seen in The Mandalorian season 1, Gideon was close to cracking the code that would have allowed him to create an army of Force-sensitive clones. While the research was originally meant for Commandant Hux and Project Necromancer, Gideon co-opted the findings for his own ends, seeking to take over the shattered Empire.
It stands to reason Gideon’s work has an influence on the future creation of the First Order’s Supreme Leader Snoke as well as the resurrection of Emperor Palpatine, the most likely endgame behind Project Necromancer. Although Djarin destroyed all the clones Gideon had created up to that point, it’s likely the research itself can be recovered by the remaining Imperial leaders. While not the primary reason behind Gideon’s attempts to claim Grogu, the ties to Snoke and Palpatine are very much present nonetheless.
Why The Darksaber Was Broken (For Good) In The Mandalorian Season 3 Finale
Destroyed by Gideon during his duel with Bo-Katan Kryze, it’s ultimately a good thing that the Darksaber is no more. Referring to the legendary blade as a “trinket” from which the Mandalorians derive their power and purpose as warriors, there’s a ring of truth behind Gideon’s insult. However, Bo-Katan counters that Mandalorians are stronger together, disregarding the Darksaber’s demise just before the combined efforts of multiple Mandalorians led to Gideon’s ultimate defeat.
The destruction of the Darksaber is incredibly symbolic. The blade represented the old ways of unifying Mandalore through one worthy individual. Now, a new age has come where Mandalorians will remain united, finding their true strength in each other. Likewise, Bo-Katan will now have to continually prove herself as a capable leader, rather than relying on the Darksaber as her sole right to rule the new Mandalore.
The Return Of Mandalore & Bo-Katan’s Future After The Mandalorian Season 3 Ending
The Mandalorian season 3 ends with a large gathering as Bo-Katan Kryze relights the fires of the Great Forge. This symbolizes a new era for their people with the official reclamation of Mandalore. It’s possible Bo-Katan and the people of Mandalore will become allies to the New Republic, especially given Din Djarin’s new role working as a bounty hunter for the new galactic government. Regardless, it’s highly unlikely that this is the last audiences will see of Mandalore and its warriors who’ve finally returned to their home.
What Grogu Seeing The Mythosaur Means For The Mandalorian’s Future
Following Grogu’s adoption and renaming during the ceremony at the Living Waters of Mandalore, the Child looks down into the depths and seemingly connects with the mythosaur residing below, the mighty creature first seen by Bo-Katan in The Mandalorian season 3, episode 2. Connected to an ancient prophecy meant to herald a new age for Mandalore, Grogu’s link with the beast reaffirms that the new age has indeed come. Likewise, it also teases an exciting future, one where the mythousaurs may return to the surface to be tamed and ridden by the Mandalorian warriors just as their ancestors once did.
How The Mandalorian Season 3 Ending Sets Up Season 4, Ahsoka & The Mandalorian Movie
As seen at the very end of The Mandalorian season 3, Djarin strikes a deal with the New Republic’s Carson Teva (Paul Sun-Hyung Lee) to serve as an unofficial and independent contractor. As such, Djarin and Grogu will take jobs as bounty hunters to track down other Imperial Remnant leaders just like Gideon. Beyond The Mandalorian season 4, the duo is in a prime position to crossover with other Star Wars shows set in the same era such as Ahsoka and Star Wars: Skeleton Crew. It also lays the foundation for the upcoming Mandalorian movie which will reportedly culminate all the shows with an epic overarching narrative.
