A Note to Parents: The Mandalorian is a series from the Star Wars universe, which means it’s mostly family friendly with scenes of violence. We at The Source For Parents never want to introduce something to kids that you wouldn’t want them to watch, so we develop discussions that parents can use if they feel the show is appropriate for their child. Our friends at Common Sense Media have given us some specifics on what to expect from this show.
Season 1 Episode 7 – The Reckoning
After a couple of episodes that were more standalone in their format, we return to the main action in this penultimate episode of the season. When Mando gets a holographic message from his old frenemy Greef Karga, the stage is set for a reunion between him and his former number one bounty hunter.
Karga proposes that the Mandalorian eliminate The Client, using the child as bait to get close to him. Mando’s lack of trust in Karga causes him to protect himself by bringing his own team, including the return of both Cara Dune and Kuiil the Ugnaught. The surprise comes when it’s revealed that Kuiil has reprogrammed IG-11, the violent droid who Mando destroyed to protect the child in the first episode of the season.
The Mandalorian’s hatred for droids is amplified toward IG-11, obviously due to their violent history. Kuiil tells Mando that IG-11 has been programmed to protect, which prompts a fascinating exchange between the two:
The Mandalorian: I need someone to protect the little one, Kuiil.
Kuiil: I’m not suited for such work. I can reprogram IG-11 for nursing and protocol.
The Mandalorian: No! I don’t want that droid anywhere near him.
Kuiil: Why are you so distrustful of droids?
The Mandalorian: It tried to kill him.
Kuiil: It was programmed to do so. Droids are not good or bad. They are neutral reflections of those who imprint them.
The Mandalorian: I’ve seen otherwise.
Throughout this season, one of the themes has been the Mandalorian’s changing motivations, posing questions about his own nature and the ability to be transformed. The presence of the child into his life has done something, moving him away from being merely a ruthless killer who seemingly acted without a conscience. Here the Mandalorian is declaring that IG-11, as a droid, cannot have its nature changed. He is skeptical that IG-11 is merely a neutral reflection of his programmer.
His trust in Kuiil causes him to cautiously proceed, and they move forward in their mission. Of course, things fail to go as planned, and during their meeting with The Client, the evil boss is gunned down as the Mandalorian and his crew are attacked and cornered in a house.
We are briefly introduced to Moff Gideon, who appears to be a more evil and powerful boss than The Client. Who exactly he is becomes a bit more intriguing when he lands in an Imperial Tie Fighter.
In the final scenes, we see the Mandalorian’s concern for the child come out even more as he realizes Kuiil has not yet made it back to the ship with the child in tow.
As a stormtrooper scoops up the child next to Kuiil’s dead body, we hear Mando screaming over the communication device:
The Mandalorian: Kuiil! Are you there?! Do you copy?! Kuiil! Kuill!!
The finale of this season should be a doozy as the child is in Imperial hands and the Mandalorian and his crew are in a whole heap of trouble, but before we get there, let’s take some time to talk about the question of a changing nature.
The Mandalorian’s skepticism toward IG-11’s ability to be reprogrammed might reflect an inward struggle as to whether or not change is possible. Obviously in a droid it seems that it is merely a matter of programming, though Mando would seemingly disagree. The question we’ve been asking in this series is whether or not the Mandalorian is experiencing inward transformation throughout this season, likely due to the entrance of the child into his life.
In the New Testament book of Ephesians, the apostle Paul writes to a group of believers about their nature.
Ephesians 4:22-24
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Paul writes that our old selves are being corrupted by our deceitful desires. This parallels Jeremiah 17:9 which tells us that our hearts are deceitful and beyond cure. We are unable to fix our own lying hearts, however Ephesians tells us that Jesus brings transformation into the heart of the believer. As a result of His work on the cross, we can put off our old selves, and be made new. We can embrace new attitudes, thought patterns, and have God’s righteousness grown into our hearts.
The fact is that inward transformation is not only possible, but it’s something every person who has ever lived desperately needs. On our own, our hearts will stay deceitful, and we will remain in our brokenness. When we yield our hearts to Jesus, he “reprograms” us with a new nature, forming us to be like Him from the inside out.
Let’s take some time and talk about this episode, and what these verses might mean for us today.
Discussion Questions (for parents and their children to engage in together)
- What went through your mind when you first saw IG-11 appear in Kuiil’s home?
- Why do you think the Mandalorian is willing to go along with Greef Karga’s plan despite their checkered history?
- What was your reaction at the end of this episode?
- Read Ephesians 4:17-24. What do you think Paul is wanting to communicate in these verses?
- What are some things in your life that reflect your old self?
- What does it mean when Paul writes that you are made new?
- What are some things believers do that reflect their new nature in Christ?
- What steps might you take to live according to your new nature instead of reverting back to your old nature – which has been crucified with Christ on the cross (Galatians 2:20)?
Let’s end by praying together, thanking God for bringing transformation to our lives through Jesus, and ask His Spirit to live through us in a way that reflect our new nature.
Rob Chagdes
Rob Chagdes is one of the pastors at Prairie Lakes Church in northern Iowa. In the years since he met Jesus as a sixteen year old, Rob has spent his life working to raise up the next generation to love God and invite others into His unending story. He spends most of his free time with his wife Leslie, their three amazing daughters, and their energetic dog Jedi. You can reach Rob at chagdeswrites@gmail.com
Recommended To You
