Wednesday, November 25, 2020

Review: “The Mandalorian” Season 2, Episode 4 (Disney+ Series)


SPOILERS AHEAD... “hold tight”... 

Our hero — the Mandalorian named Din Djarin — visits some old friends (so he can repair his ship) in the fourth episode of Season 2 titled “Chapter 12: The Siege.” 

Mando and Baby Yoda head to Nevarro to see if they can find a competent mechanic to fix the Razor Crest. The episode starts off with a nice bit where Mando is trying to instruct The Child as he (she?) makes a repair in a tight space: 


As the Crest descends on Nevarro, Cara Dune (Gina Carano) and Greef Karga (Carl Weathers) are there to greet them. 


Much of the narrative in Season 1 took place on Nevarro, and the planet has undergone quite a transformation in the time since Mando was there last. 

Dune serves as the marshal; Karga is magistrate. Both have cleaned the place up. There is even a school: 


I’ve mentioned in my recent reviews of “The Mandalorian” that Mando constantly finds himself roped into helping people with problems — sometimes those missions seems like more trouble than they’re worth. 

In some instances, our hero gets involved because he has been painted into a corner. Other times he helps due to a sense of duty and honor. Sometimes he does it for the money. 

He is sort of like the character “Paladin” on the 1950s western series “Have Gun — Will Travel” — a character traveling from place to place, helping those in need. 

We all know a “western pastiche” is on full display in “The Mandalorian.” The question is whether a “mission of the week” format offers the dynamism the show needs long-term. So far, so good. 


Dune and Karga need Djarin’s help taking down an Imperial base on the other side of the planet (where Moff Gideon procured his troops from at the end of Season 1). The base operates with a skeleton crew, and hasn’t yet been abandoned. 


The assault on the base is entertaining. The blue Mythrol (Horatio Sanz) — who appeared in the very first episode of “The Mandalorian” — makes a return appearance (as a bookkeeper for Karga) and provides some comic relief on the mission. 


The best “easter egg” (if you can call it that) is the inadvertent appearance of one of the crew members in the background at the 18:54 mark of the episode: 


A number of fans had fun with this appearance (Bridget and I got a good chuckle out of it), and one fan even mocked up a Kenner action figure called “Jeans Guy” based on the goof: 

As our heroes move about the base, we learn the mission serves a strategic purpose for the overall story arc of the second season. 


They stumble upon lifeless humanoids floating in blue liquid, and discover that blood transfusion experiments were taking place (having something to do with Midi-chlorian count). Baby Yoda was part of these experiments (before he was rescued by Mando in the first season). 


We still don't know what these tests are for, or if they tie into any other "Star Wars" lore. (Some have speculated these have something to do with Supreme Leader Snoke.)

I thought “The Siege” was an entertaining episode. You can’t go wrong with gun battles and Stormtrooper chases in an Imperial base, and this episode served up a healthy dose of both. 


We also get to see speeder bikes back in action: 


It was fun to watch Razor Crest go toe-to-toe with some Imperial TIE Fighters: 


At the end of the episode, we learn a tracking beacon has been planted on the Razor Crest. We also see Moff Gideon (Giancarlo Esposito) with a couple rows of  what appear to be Dark Troopers (listening to the “Audio Description” track on the episode describes them as such): 


The directorial duties in this episode were handled wonderfully by Carl Weathers. I hope we’ll see him at the helm again the future. Series creator Jon Favreau once again handled writing duties. 


Some of my friends have suggested that episodes of “The Mandalorian” are too short. They believe the stories need a bit more weight. 

I get that sentiment. I think the overall goal is to craft each chapter like it is part of an old “Saturday Matinee Serial” from yesteryear. That style lends itself to smaller vignettes. That said, I understand the desire to have more depth. 

I’m excited to see where things go from here. 

Stay tuned for my review of “The Mandalorian” Season 2, Episode 5. 

Monday, November 23, 2020

Book Review: Hauty’s “Savage Road” Offers Thrills and Chills


This might be the most challenging “spoiler-free” review I have ever written. 

Here’s the scoop... 

Chris Hauty’s upcoming novel, “Savage Road,” (set to be published Jan. 5, 2021) is a direct sequel to his 2020 thriller “Deep State” — a novel I wrote had a “stunning twist” that “left me speechless.” 

As a result of Hauty’s plot-bending twist, I wasn’t quite sure how to approach the review of his latest book. I certainly won’t spoil anything for readers unfamiliar with his work. 

Hauty — an accomplished screenwriter — approaches his novels in a fashion similar to the best serialized TV series on outlets like Netflix and HBO. But instead of the dramatic narrative building season-by-season, the narrative builds book-by-book. 

Metaphorically speaking, if “Deep State” is Season 1 in Hauty’s bibliography, then “Savage Road” is Season 2. 

As a result, I’d highly recommend readers check out “Deep State” first (it is one of the best thrillers I’ve read in recent years). 

“Savage Road” brings back plucky protagonist Hayley Chill. Not only does the character have one of the coolest names in fiction, she has also proven herself to be a stone-cold covert operator in Hauty’s universe. 

It’s a positive to see female protagonists coming to the fore in this genre. A couple years ago I reviewed K.J. Howe’s two Thea Paris thrillers — “The Freedom Broker” and “Skyjack” — and wrote “it’s refreshing when a writer creates something different.” 

Chill’s meteoric rise from humble White House intern to chief of staff for one of the president’s key advisors is being orchestrated by forces beyond her control — the “deeper state” organization known as Publius. 

In “Savage Road,” Chill finds herself rolling around like a pinball as she bounces between duties for political guru Kyle Rodgers and covert operations for the “deeper state.”

If that weren’t enough, Chill also faces a pair of existential crisis points in the novel — the possibility of a serious romantic relationship (something beyond her typical “one night stand”) and unearthed revelations about her deceased father. 

The meat of the plot centers around a series of mysterious cyberattacks impacting life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness in the United States. 

The cyberattacks definitely give “Savage Road” a sense of verisimilitude in today’s geopolitical world. In that regard, Hauty’s latest serves as a nice companion piece to the 2020 thriller “Total Power” by Kyle Mills (read my review). 

“Knives and guns are for dunces,” writes Hauty. “Information is the weapon of the twenty-first century. Truth can be split, like the atom, and weaponized.”

(I know I'm not technically supposed to quote an advance reader copy, but Hauty’s words epitomize the approach he takes to this thriller, and the world we live in today.) 

At the center of it all is Hayley Chill. The juxtaposition of character — bred from humble roots in Appalachia, but navigating the white-collar corridors of Washington D.C. — makes for compelling drama. 

We saw this at play in “Deep State” when Chill (plucked from the Army Infantry) interacted with her fellow White House interns — most of her peers coming from wealthy, Ivy-League-educated stock. 

Hauty shows in “Savage Road” he isn’t content to let his protagonist merely serve as a vessel to move the story forward. He also avoids texturing Chill by using pat “info dumps.”

Hauty’s style is more nuanced. He reveals Chill’s backstory piece by piece, revealing layers as if she is a matryoshka doll. 

I enjoy this method of character development.

Speaking of compelling characters, I liked Chill’s fellow “deeper state” operative Lt. April Wu, a West Point grad who works at U.S. Cyber Command. Chill and Wu play well off of each other in the novel. 

I also appreciate that Hauty crafts his books with a unique writing style. 

In my review of “Deep State,” I pointed out that Hauty uses a “third person, present tense” voice. It's something I’ve seen in a number of YA novels, but not typically in this brand of thriller. 

It definitely gives his novels an original flavor. The style used is commonly employed in screenwriting (a profession Hauty knows all too well). 

Hauty discusses his cinematic inspiration for Hayley Chill — along with how he uses pieces of un-filmed screenplays in his novels — during this terrific interview on The Crew Reviews podcast: 


Like “Deep State,” Hauty’s latest novel offers its share of twists (he really knows how to keep your interest piqued as the pages flip by). One in particular left me with “relentless questions” in the hours after I finished “Savage Road.” 

That’s why Hauty is one of the genre’s best new writers. Just when you think you have things figured out, he makes one more twist of the screw. 

After I completed reading the advance copy of “Savage Road,” I perused the “Acknowledgments” section. 

Hauty dedicated a paragraph in this section to “book bloggers” and “superfans.” I follow many of the fine folks mentioned in the passage, and was stunned to find myself listed among them: 


As a self-proclaimed “book nerd,” it means so much when authors take a moment to recognize fans. I was not expecting that at all. I’m truly honored. 

“Savage Road” will be released by Emily Bestler Books/Atria Books on Jan. 5, 2021. Pre-order your copy here


You can learn more about Chris Hauty and his novels “Deep State” and “Savage Road” at www.chrishauty.com




Thursday, November 19, 2020

Review: “The Mandalorian” Season 2, Episode 3 (Disney+ Series)


SPOILERS AHEAD... “It’s gonna be a bumpy ride.”

The third episode of the second season of “The Mandalorian” is titled “Chapter 11: The Heiress” — and it was an entertaining episode. 

“The Heiress” finds Mando (Pedro Pascal), The Child, and Frog Lady (Misty Rosas) in a limping Razor Crest traveling to the Earth-like moon Trask (that orbits the gas giant Kol Iben). 


For all those who were concerned about the fate of Frog Lady's “yet to be fertilized” eggs, the amphibious mother is reunited with Frog Man (John Cameron) shortly after Mando’s ship crash lands in a harbor (the AT-AT-based crane that rescues the Razor Crest is pretty neat). 


In exchange for Frog Lady’s transport, Frog Man suggests Mando can find more information about nearby Mandalorians at a local inn that is known for its intergalactic version of “seafood chowder.”  


A Quarren tells Mando that he can take him to meet other Mandalorians, just “a few hours’ sail.”

It was fun to see a planet largely comprised of Quarren and Mon Calamari — species introduced in “Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi.”


Both species have been featured in the “Star Wars: Clone Wars” animated series, along with other SW properties over the years. 

One of my favorite plot points involving the Mon Calamari is found in Kevin J. Anderson’s terrific “Jedi Academy Trilogy” of books. Admiral Ackbar (a Mon Calamari) had his homeworld targeted by Imperial Admiral Natasi Daala. 

Anyhow, the Quarren takes Mando and Baby Yoda on a fishing boat to find the other Mandalorians. 

But in the inimitable words of Admiral Akbar many moons ago, “it’s a trap!”


The Quarren have nefarious goals in mind, meaning our heroes are in trouble. The entire sequence involving Baby Yoda’s pram getting swatted into the mouth of a Mamacore sea creature was well crafted. 

Mando and The Child are rescued on the boat by a trio of Mandalorians. 


One of the Mandalorians is Bo-Katan Kryze (Katee Sackhoff). Bo-Katan is a character with an interesting backstory. She has been featured in previous “Star Wars” properties — including “Star Wars: Clone Wars” and “Star Wars: Rebels.”  

She refers to Mando as a “Child of the Watch,” which is apparently a “cult of religious zealots” (meaning we still have a lot to learn about Din Djarin).  


In both animated series, Bo-Katan was voiced by Sackhoff. It is neat to see her take on the role in a live action series. There are a lot of interesting possibilities for future episodes involving the character. 

I should mention that this episode was directed by Bryce Dallas Howard. She previously directed the fourth episode of the first season titled “The Sanctuary” (read my review). 


I’ve enjoyed both episodes of “The Mandalorian” helmed by Howard. Like her father before her, she seems to have a natural feel for the “Star Wars” universe and the wares crafted by George Lucas (read my review of “Solo: A Star Wars Story”). She’s becoming a solid director. 

It was nice to see our hero interacting with other Mandalorians again. Bo-Katan’s trio convinces Mando to help them rob an Imperial freighter full of weapons — in exchange for information on the Jedi. 


This has pretty much become de rigueur for our protagonist. The lengths Mando goes to in order to return Baby Yoda is pretty impressive. 

Bo-Katan tells Mando to go to the city of Calodan on the forest planet of Corvus. There he will find Ahsoka Tano. 


Ahsoka Tano’s journey was largely the focus of the “Star Wars: Clone Wars” animated series (she also appeared in “Star Wars: Rebels”). She was Anakin Skywalker’s Padawan learner in the events that took place between “Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones” and “Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith.”

I’m currently on the third season of “Clone Wars,” so I have a bit to go before I learn what path the character ultimately chooses in that series. 


How that character is integrated into “The Mandalorian” is yet to be seen, but I’m intrigued to see Rosario Dawson’s performance in the role. 

I enjoyed seeing actor Titus Welliver play the captain of the Imperial freighter. He is terrific on the Amazon Prime series “Bosch,” and I think he has a style that works well in “Star Wars.” Unfortunately, the character meets his end in this episode. 


Overall, I thought this was a solid episode of “The Mandalorian.” After last week’s “side trip,” this chapter moved the overall narrative forward (at least a little). 

I’m curious to see if Mando’s journey with The Child will lead to larger things. Thus far, the overall arc of the series has had a smaller focus. While things might stay that way (which would be fine), it could be kind of cool to see some epic clash between Mandalorians, Jedi, and remnants of the Empire. 


Stay tuned for my review of “The Mandalorian” Season 2, Episode 4!

Thursday, November 12, 2020

Review: “The Mandalorian” Season 2, Episode 2 (Disney+ Series)


SPOILERS AHEAD... I have spoken.

The second episode of the second season of “The Mandalorian” is titled “Chapter 10: The Passenger” — this episode has sparked varying views online since it debuted last week. 

Some people loved it. Others hated it. 

I’ve been chewing on the seemingly “bipolar” reactions to the episode. 

Personally speaking, I loved it. I’ve viewed it three times since it dropped on Disney+ Nov. 6th. 

The recurring argument against the episode is that it didn’t move the narrative forward. True enough. I can’t argue with that. 

That is a trait periodically exhibited by this series. Sometimes “side journeys” are entertaining; sometimes they can be frustrating. But, looking back at the first season, you start to see how some of those standalone episodes fit into the overall narrative. 

As I said, I really enjoyed watching “The Passenger.” 


I liked the episode’s pacing. Things kept moving — from Mando’s tussle with robbers on Tatooine in the opening moments through all the excitement transporting a “Frog Lady” (who apparently knows where a Mandalorian covert is) to an Earth-like moon called Trask.

I mentioned in my review of the previous episode (read my review) that I appreciated that the filmmakers didn’t overdo the cute “Baby Yoda” moments.

Lovers of the little green alien will be happy that The Child is back in full force in Chapter 10. 

The little guy’s appetite gets him in trouble in this episode.

The “Frog Lady” (played by Misty Rosas and voiced by Dee Bradley Baker) has a canister of her eggs in tow. Baby Yoda likes popping them into his mouth like popcorn — a big “no no” since the frog is traveling to have her eggs fertilized by the equinox (to keep her line from ending). 


The sensitive nature of the eggs means Mando has to travel at sublight (a jump into hyperspace will kill her spawn). 

“Moving fast is the only thing keeping me safe,” Mando implores.

The slow travel means Baby Yoda has time to sneak some eggs, and it also means the Razor Crest is noticed by a pair of patrolling X-wing starfighters. 


Series writer/director Dave Filoni returns as X-wing pilot Trapper Wolf. That character’s last appearance was in the sixth episode of the first season. He is paired up with pilot Carson Teva (Paul Sun-Hyung Lee). 


Mando is a wanted man after his exploits on a New Republic prison ship during the first season. 

And as this episode rumbles along, we see more connections to “The Prisoner” episode (read my review) bubbling to the surface (including an interesting reappearance by the RA-7 protocol droid that Mando shot during that episode). 

I kind of like watching the writers “layer on” elements from previous episodes. Given time, the strategy should add more depth to the series (and, hopefully, give meaning to these sorts of standalone/filler episodes). 


This episode was again written by series creator Jon Favreau and was directed by Peyton Reed. Reed helmed both of the “Ant-Man” movies for Marvel — which I loved (read my review of “Ant-Man and the Wasp). I thought he did a terrific job directing an episode that felt fresh and fun (I hope we see more of him in the “Star Wars” Universe). 

Anyhow, running afoul of a couple of New Republic starfighters wasn’t something Mando had on the agenda, and an entertaining chase sequence results in our hero’s crash landing on an ice planet. 


For me, the aerial chase hearkened back to “Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back.” It’s possible my love of that movie (and the sequences on Hoth) influenced my fondness for this episode. 

There’s something about snowy planets and wounded starships that adds intrigue to “Star Wars” stories. 


I’d also argue that Chapter 10 felt fairly “unpredictable.”

“The Mandalorian” isn’t a series necessarily known for surprises and hairpin twists. Considering that fact, I appreciated some of the more suspenseful elements in “The Passenger.”

Most of the tense moments involve a confrontation with a six-legged Krykna spider on the ice planet. 


To me, many elements in this episode epitomized the best that “Star Wars” has to offer. I think that’s why I liked it so much. 


I know some disagree, and some people wanted to have some of the questions posed in Chapter 9 answered in this episode (including the appearance of Boba Fett at the end of the season premiere). 

I just get the sense that things are going to develop slowly in “The Mandalorian.” Filler episodes like this are part of the rich world building the show’s creators are trying to layer in. 

I’m happy to be patient on this journey...

Stay tuned for my review of “The Mandalorian” Season 2, Episode 3!

Thursday, November 5, 2020

Review: “The Mandalorian” Season 2, Episode 1 (Disney+ Series)


SPOILERS AHEAD... this is the way...

I’m so happy “The Mandalorian” is back for its sophomore season on Disney+. 

The first season showed us how likable a “Star Wars” live-action series could be.

I know some people think the show is overrated. In a world where edgy, multi-threaded dramas seem to garner the accolades, it is understandable why a family-friendly show with a simple narrative structure might seem pedestrian.

Yet there is something incredibly joyous about watching a show that doesn't require story primers to follow — a show that reminds us why we loved “Star Wars” so much 40-some-odd years ago.

My spirits are also buoyed by the fact that I’ve been rather delinquent in writing blog posts recently. Peeling back the layers of the latest episode of “The Mandalorian” seems like the perfect antidote.

The second season of “The Mandalorian” picks up where the first season left off, following the venerable Mando named Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) as he tries to reunite “the child” (Baby Yoda) with his own kind.


I do wonder how long the journey to reunite Baby Yoda with his species will actually take. Will it happen in the near term? Or will that quest be the basis of the entire series?

It’s interesting to speculate on that point. The decision will have ramifications on the show’s overall narrative. String it along too long and viewers could get fatigued. Reveal it too soon and the show could lose a lot of momentum.

I’m not sure which approach I would prefer. It might keep the show “fresher” if they closed the Baby Yoda story arc at the end of this season and moved onto a new adventure. Of course, Disney would surrender millions and million of dollars in merchandise revenue if they did that (unless, of course, they created a Baby Yoda spinoff series).

The season 2 premier is titled “Chapter 9: The Marshal” and finds Mando and Baby Yoda returning to Tatooine.

We learn in the episode’s first sequence about a Mandalorian on Tatooine. Crime boss Gor Koresh (a well-disguised John Leguizamo) gives them the info during an axe match between a couple of Gamorreans (we aren’t made aware of the planet this is sequence is taking place on).


Apparently, Din Djarin needs to find another Mandalorian to chart a path through the “network of coverts.”

There is a line during this scene where Mando retorts “wherever I go, he goes” (regarding bringing Baby Yoda into the “Star Wars” equivalent of a boxing match). 


As a child of the 1980s, I instantly thought of the commercial for Hasbro’s My Buddy doll, which features an ear worm jingle with the line “wherever I go, he goes.”


(Hasbro owns the “Star Wars” line of toys now... maybe they should revamp the jingle for use in a Baby Yoda ad).

Anyhow...

When you hear about a Mandalorian on Tatooine, the first thought that comes to mind is that this is *finally* the moment where we’ll find out Boba Fett (who died in the Great Pit of Carkoon during “Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi”) is actually alive.

We do learn that he is, but I’ll get to that in a little bit.

As I watched “The Marshal,” I had mixed emotions about returning to Tatooine yet again. One of the things that has made the various “Star Wars” movies, books, and animated stories so compelling over the years is the discovery of new worlds and creatures.

Returning to Tatooine can sometimes feel like a fan-service crutch — a problem exemplified by “The Gunslinger” episode during the first season (read my review of that episode).

The good news is that they maintained balance with "The Marshal." That could be because series creator Jon Favreau handled the writing and directing duties on this episode.


It turns out that the mystery Mandalorian on Tatooine is actually a man named Cobb Vanth (Timothy Olyphant), who heads up the local constabulary in a mining town called Mos Pelgo. 

This isn’t the first time Vanth has appeared in “Star Wars” lore (he first appeared in a series of books). Alex Damon with the “Star Wars Explained” YouTube channel has a really good video on the character: 


Timothy Olyphant did a nice job playing a laconic space cowboy, and seems at home in the “Star Wars” universe. I hope we see more of him. Because they provided quite a bit of backstory on the character, I’d assume he’ll be back. 

The Mandalorian armor Vanth is wearing fits his frame awkwardly, and will be recognizable to any SW nerd as Boba Fett’s. He procured it from a group of Jawas.

So yeah, it is obvious from the first introductions that Vanth won’t be able to help Baby Yoda find his home.

This again brings into question whether the second season of “The Mandalorian” will feature a continual series of red herrings that distract our heroes from the mission at hand. 


Not that it really matters at this point. The episode turns out to be an entertaining one.

Mando wants Vanth to return the armor once he discovers he isn’t a real Mandalorian. This results in an almost gunfight.

The showdown is interrupted by the arrival of a Krayt dragon — a gigantic creature that slithers around underground like a giant worm in the novel “Dune.”

The dragon is the sci-fi creature equivalent of Lee Marvin’s character in the movie “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” — an antagonist who follows the western trope of terrorizing law-abiding citizens in an otherwise peaceful burg.


The whole thing leads to a deal between Mando and Vanth. In exchange for helping the townsfolk rid their community of the Krayt dragon, Vanth will relinquish the armor.


In some respects, the story is similar in feel to “The Sanctuary” episode from the first season (read my review).

In addition, the motif of Mando taking on a the Krayt dragon is similar to the episode “The Child” (read my review) that saw our hero stealing an egg from a Mudhorn.

There has been much discussion about how this series follows western archetypes. We are seeing those patterns develop as the series moves along. Looking down the road, you wonder how the show’s creators will keep things feeling fresh.


I think they need to be careful about drawing from the same well too often.

One thing I appreciated about this episode is that they didn't overdo the “cute Baby Yoda moments” — something that would be tempting to do.

We’ve seen that concept play out time and again on television. There are many famous examples. Garry Marshall’s decision to emphasize “The Fonz” after the first season of “Happy Days” is notable. Another example is the sitcom “Family Matters,” which rebuilt the series around one-off character Steve Urkel. (“Did I do that?”)

Hopefully, the first episode of the second signals the direction producers are planning to take with the character. Audiences today are very fickle, and can burn out on novel characters rather quickly.

At the end of “The Marshal,” we catch a glimpse of actor Temuera Morrison as Boba Fett. Morrison portrayed Jango Fett in “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones.”


That character was the basis for all the clones being manufactured on the planet Camino. As a result, all the clones grew up to look like him, including his son, Boba Fett.

How much Fett is featured is yet to be seen. It could be cool to see Fett back in action in a significant way.

For years we heard rumors about the development of a Boba Fett movie — a standalone film in the vein of “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” (read my review) and “Solo: A Star Wars Story” (read my review).

It will be interesting to see if they incorporate ideas from the development of that movie into this series. It will also be interesting to see if this is a jumping point for a spinoff series. 

Whatever the case may be, I am looking forward to seeing how the second season of “The Mandalorian” evolves.

Easter Egg Alert: Many of you might have noticed the speeder Cobb Vanth rode during the episode. It is made from a podracer engine that I initially assumed to be a piece of Anakin’s podracer in “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.” 

This, however, is not the case. There are a number of differences between Vanth’s engine and the engine on Anakin’s podracer. That said, it was a cool nod to the prequels: 


There is so much more I could analyze from the first episode, but I’ll leave it at that for now. 

Stay tuned for my review of “The Mandalorian” Season 2, Episode 2!