The Mandalorian Episode 7: 7 Star Wars Easter Eggs And References You May Have Missed
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Chapter 7 - "The Reckoning"
The first season of Disney+'s The Mandalorian is coming to a close, with one episode left, airing on December 27. Because the latest entry in the Star Wars movie saga hits theaters on December 20, Chapter 7 of The Mandalorian his the streaming service on Wednesday, December 18 instead of its normal release date on Fridays. Most likely, this was done to avoid releasing the same day at Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
This week's episode was all about getting the band back together for one final mission. We saw the return of IG-11, Cara Dune, Kuiil, and Greef Karga as they face The Client and his dirty Stormtroopers one last time. However, this isn't the finale of Season 1. There is still one more to go before we see how it all wraps up.
While the episode focused much more on story and development rather than gifting hardcore Star Wars fans Easter eggs here and there, "The Reckoning" did have some interesting moments worth discussing, from character's backstories to new character appearances.
Now, let's get onto breaking down some of the key things we noticed from "The Reckoning." Then, if you've missed them, make sure to check out our Easter egg guides to Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, and Chapter 6.
1. Kuiil worked for the Empire
Although he doesn't get into too much detail, it's revealed the Ugnaught (Kuiil) served on the Empire during the war, and he owed his client--The Empire--a debt. Later, he explains he was sold to the Empire and got his way out by his work ethic. He obviously didn't want anything to do with the rulers of the galaxy.
2. Baby Yoda is strong with the dark side
While Cara and Mando are arm wrestling, Baby Yoda comes to his keeper's defense to Force Choke Cara. This doesn't make Baby Yoda a Sith or a part of the Dark Side though, as various Force-sensitive beings have access to different powers. He just happens to know how to do the Force Choke, much like the man that made it famous, Darth Vader--who just so happens was born the same year as Baby Yoda.
3. This move is from a video game
For the first time in live-action, we get to see someone use the ability Force Heal. While this Force power has appeared once on The Clone Wars animated series, it's primarily been seen in various video games throughout the years, including Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and Star Wars Galaxies. Baby Yoda attempted to do this in Episode 2 of Mandalorian but was shooed away.
4. Scout Troopers
We've seen Scout Troopers before, most notably in Return of the Jedi on the forest moon of Endor. However, it's typically good old fashioned Stormtroopers acting at gatekeepers at various establishments--like in A New Hope at Mos Eisley. Seeing a Scout Trooper in this position is very new. Also, the voice behind the mask was none other than Adam Pally, who you may know as the cameraman obsessed with Tony Stark in Iron Man 3.
5. More backstory on Mandalore
The Client has a chat with Mando about the Empire, and how great they supposedly are because they allegedly improve on everything the "touch." However, the Empire's takeover on Mandalore was a bit hostile. Even when they ruled over the planet, they attacked the people there. This can all be seen on the animated series Clone Wars and Rebels.
6. Death Troopers
The Empire may not be as fledgling as we thought. Aside from plenty of very clean Stormtroopers closing in on Mando and company, we get a group of Death Troopers, which are an elite force that serves as protection to high-ranking Imperial officers. These troopers have appeared multiple times in Rebels and in the movie Rogue One.
7. Moff Gideon
Finally, we get to see Giancarlo Esposito as Moff Gideon, a high-ranking Imperial officer. Before this, the Empire seemed like a completely crumbled group with a few Stormtroopers holding onto the past, but Gideon seems to have restored some power to the Empire. This could be the beginnings of the First Order.