The Mandalorian and Grogu explore the ruins of a destroyed planet.

I’m sure it’s coincidence rather than by design, but how refreshing on International Women’s Day that Disney showcases a strong female character who takes the lead and saves the day on two occasions.

Mando and Grogu are exploring the ‘ravaged, plundered and poisoned’ remains of Mandalore so that the former bounty hunter can bathe in its living waters and be redeemed for removing his helmet (and thus breaking the Mandalorian creed).

It’s a simple enough plan, but a tribe of Morlock-like brutes and a modular creature in a series of exo-skeletons puts Mando through his paces. Even a selection of knives, blasters and the Darksaber aren’t enough to protect him, and it’s up to Grogu to get help from an old friend.

It can’t be a surprise to anyone that Bo-Katan is back, and Katee Sackhoff is formidable when she’s on the warpath, rather than moping around her deserted castle.

Verdict: Some impressive action sequences and the return of a legacy droid ensure that this is a fun 44 minutes – a stronger episode than the season opener. 7/10

Nick Joy