The Mandalorian is created and produced by self-proclaimed superfans with near-encyclopedic knowledge of the Star Wars universe. Showrunner Jon Favreau and executive producer Dave Filoni were raised on Lucasfilm properties, and know the inner workings of the franchise well. Sometimes their niche knowledge can overpower the storytelling; at its worst, The Mandalorian feels like an exercise in fan service. When done right, however, The Mandalorian offers fitting tributes to the legends that made Star Wars what it is, and the series’ third season offers a compelling example.
