This post contains spoilers for The Book of Boba Fett “Chapter 7.”
Master Luke Skywalker didn’t have a Padawan for long. He presented Grogu with a difficult choice in The Book of Boba Fett “Chapter 6.” Grogu could continue training as a Jedi. Or he could return to his surrogate father. In the show’s season finale we learned Grogu opted for a reunion with his fellow foundling. It’s a good thing he did too. Otherwise Din Djarin might currently be moving through a rancor’s small intestine. Instead the pair face an uncertain future together in The Mandalorian season three. But they won’t be alone as they navigate their way through the galaxy far, far away’s many dangers. The Book of Boba Fett made it clear that, even though Grogu left Luke, he’s more powerful with his dad. And they’ll still have the Force to help them both save Mandalore and avoid the Empire’s clutches.
The Book of Boba Fett might ultimately be remembered more for what it meant for the first live-action Star Wars series than what it meant for Tatooine’s new daimyo. The final three episodes served as The Mandalorian‘s de facto season 2.5 as we discovered important information about both of that show’s main characters and what likely awaits them.
Din Djarin learned more about the Darksaber, a weapon he has yet to master. He also learned more about the prophecy behind it. So long as the person who wields the lightsaber won it in combat, they can unite their people and restore their home world. The spinoff series also showed why the world needs saving. The Empire completely destroyed all of Mandalore and left its few remaining survivors scattered throughout the galaxy. Resurrecting it from ruins to its former glory won’t be easy. Especially when the man who holds the Darksaber is an outcast from his own people. The Tribe excommunicated Din, leaving him without a clan or a home.
Luke Skywalker’s brief time with Grogu was just as fruitful. The Master Jedi unlocked one of Grogu’s repressed memories. It showed the child survived Order 66 as a Padawan at the Jedi Temple. (Though we don’t yet know who saved him and protected him for many years.) More importantly, Luke revealed Grogu had already received training. Master Skywalker told Ahsoka Tano it was more like Grogu was remembering his lessons rather than learning them from Luke.
If there was any concern the former Padawan’s short tutelage with the great hero would hinder his abilities, Grogu put that to rest when he showed up on Tatooine with his beskar chainmail shirt. He used the Force to stop both a Scorpenek annihilator droid and a rancor. The latter is an even more impressive feat than when Grogu used the Force to stop the Mudhorn in The Mandalorian‘s first season. Not only is a rancor much bigger and more fearsome, Grogu confidently came face-to-face with the beast. He didn’t rely on the Force while floating in his pod from a distance. Grogu acted like a brave Jedi Knight. He might be little, but he is mightier than ever. (Though his little cuddle nap with the rancor also reminds us he’s still an adorable toddler.)
Good thing, too. Din’s conversation with the Armorer and Paz Vizsla about Moff Gideon, the architect of the Purge of Mandalore, foreshadowed the Imperial Officer’s escape from the New Republic. If/when Gideon does, he’s certain to continue his hunt for Grogu. He needs Grogu’s blood to further the Snoke Project.
The Mandalorian‘s third season probably/hopefully won’t be its last. But The Book of Boba Fett made clear where that series is headed. Between Din Djarin, Grogu, and the Darksaber, Mandalore might have its own new hope. That could be Din himself. Or it could be Grogu. The only Jedi Mandalorian, Tarre Vizsla, created that ancient weapon a thousand years ago. Grogu would be a fitting choice to one day hold it. He is both Jedi and Mandalorian. And since we now know he won’t be killed when Kylo Ren destroys the Jedi Academy, Grogu and his centuries long lifespan might represent the long term future of both the Jedi Order and Mandalore.
Luke presented his Padawan with a choice that didn’t have to be made. Grogu is and always will be both. And he his stronger for it. His emotional ties to his surrogate father, who loves him just as much, is not a weakness. They are stronger together.
But he has to avoid falling into the hands of Moff Gideon and the remnants of the Empire. Because they’re going to continue searching for Grogu. And we already know they’re going to successfully make Snoke and resurrect Palpatine. Will it be Grogu’s blood they use when they do? Will that mean the foundling family never save Mandalore? The Mandalorian will answer both of those questions eventually. But it’s good to know Din and Grogu will have more than the Darksaber on their side going forward. They have the Force. And they have their unbreakable bond.
Mikey Walsh is a staff writer at Nerdist. You can follow him on Twitter at @burgermike. And also anywhere someone is ranking the Targaryen kings.
