The Mandalorian season 2: The 5 best moments from Chapter 14

This week’s episode of The Mandalorian had action, character cameos, and some shocking developments in store. What were the best moments from Chapter 14?

Warning: This post contains spoilers for The Mandalorian Chapter 14.

The Mandalorian‘s second season has consistently upped the ante with each consecutive episode, and this week’s installment had some seriously consequential developments in store for fans. In “Chapter 14: The Tragedy,” Din and Grogu head to Tython at the instruction of Ahsoka Tano, and the Child finally gets a chance to connect with the Force using the ruins of the Jedi temple there.

However, trouble strikes almost immediately, with Mando unable to reach the Child and run away. First, Boba Fett and Ming-Na Wen’s Fennec Shand reappear, and though they pose no harm to the pair, tensions are high as Boba Fett demands his armor back. When the Empire arrives, things take a truly dire turn — and with two episodes left, viewers have to wonder whether we’ll be biting our nails for the next year until season three finally arrives on Disney+.

As we stress about the conclusion of this week’s episode and what it will mean for Baby Yoda and Mando moving forward, though, let’s reflect on some of the best moments from Chapter 14.

The Opening Scene

The Mandalorian has nailed it with opening scenes during season two, and we’d be remiss not to mention the adorable interaction between Din and Grogu that kicks off the latest episode. As the two fly toward Tython in the Razor Crest, Mando addresses the Child by his newly revealed name. As per usual, Grogu gives an adorable response, but it’s hearing the Mandalorian laugh for possibly the first time in the series that really makes this one of the episode’s best moments.

Din can say he’s planning to get rid of the Child all he wants, but it’s clear he cares for Grogu like his own kid — and moments like these really set the tone for the series and its emotional stakes.

Boba Fett and Fennec Shand’s Reappearance

The Mandalorian is known for its episodic character cameos, and Chapter 14 outdid itself. Not only did Boba Fett return, demand his armor, and do some serious ass-kicking, but Ming-Na Wen also reprised her role as Fennec Shand (and had way more time to shine this time around).

Not only did the two fan-favorite characters reappear this week, but it looks like they’ll be sticking around. Boba Fett vows at the end of the episode that he’ll uphold his end of their bargain and ensure the Child’s safety before moving on — meaning we’re getting a team-up involving these three vs. the Empire. Well, another one. And speaking of…

Protecting the Child

The real danger on Tython arrives in the form of Storm Troopers hellbent on bringing little Grogu to Moff Gideon. Of course, Storm Troopers never present that much of a threat (it’s the aim), but watching Mando, Boba Fett, and Fennec hold off the remains of the Empire while Baby Yoda reaches out to…someone…through the Force is exhilarating.

I mean, seriously, what’s better than watching three skilled mercenaries take on the Empire? The series didn’t even need lightsabers to make this battle fun to watch.

The Razor Crest Gets Destroyed

Storm Troopers rarely give Star Wars fans feelings of anxiety, mostly because the danger they present never feels all that serious. Viewers realize how dire things are during Chapter 14, however, when a ship flying above Tython blows Mando’s Razor Crest to dust — preventing he and the Child from escaping, even if the latter wasn’t in some Force-induced trance.

The only thing harder than watching the ship get destroyed is seeing Din sift through the remains of it after the Empire has taken the Child away. The only two items he recovers are the ball that Baby Yoda continuously tries to steal (oof, our hearts) and the Beskar spear he earned last episode. (He’s definitely fighting Moff Gideon with that at some point, and we can’t wait to see it.)

The Child Meets Moff Gideon

Speaking of Moff Gideon, Mandalorian fans will know fear when Giancarlo Esposito’s character finally introduces himself to the Child. The balance between such a sinister character and someone as seemingly innocent as little Grogu is a tough one to wrap your head around — though Grogu proves he isn’t that innocent during the exchange.

When Moff Gideon first enters the chamber where Baby Yoda’s being kept, viewers are treated to a show of the Child’s Force powers. Whatever he learned at that Jedi temple, it seems it restored some of his training. The little guy uses the Force to knock around some Storm Troopers — though the effort wears on him, and eventually he winds up in shackles. (Shackles?! Baby Yoda?! So not okay.)

With an ending like this one, the stakes are high heading into the final episodes of the season. It’s hard to believe there are only two left. Hopefully, Din can rescue the Child before we have to wait an entire year for new content.

What did you think of this week’s episode of The Mandalorian? Are you surprised there are only two more installments of season two?