The Mandalorian season 2: The 5 best moments from Chapter 15

The Mandalorian season 2 is building up to its finale by showing fans that Mando isn’t messing around when it comes to saving Grogu.

Warning: This article contains spoilers for The Mandalorian Chapter 15.

The Mandalorian is rapidly approaching its second-season finale, and this week’s episode proved a compelling and heart-pounding addition to the show. And seriously, it’s saying something that it was a great episode even without Baby Yoda’s presence. (We won’t lie, we missed the little guy.)

After Moff Gideon’s successful kidnapping last week, Mando and his companions set out to save the Child from the Empire in “Chapter 15: The Believer.” This involved a prison break, some moral compromises on Din Djarin’s part, and a whole lot of explosions and blasting Stormtroopers.

Mando is not messing around when it comes to saving Grogu — or as Cara Dune adorably called him, “his kid” — and he made that abundantly clear this week. As the gang goes on a mission to retrieve Moff Gideon’s coordinates,

So let’s dig into the biggest and best moments from Chapter 15.

Tables Turned

After springing Migs Mayfeld — the ex-Imperial sharpshooter Mando captured back in season one — from prison, he and Mando set off toward Morak. Mando’s forced to wear Stormtrooper armor, already showcasing how far he’ll go for Baby Yoda (who can blame him), and the two slip into an Imperial base by stealing an Imperial Juggernaut and pretending to deliver what turns out to be rhydonium.

In the midst of this mission, Mando and Mayfeld’s Juggernaut is assaulted by pirates, who normally our characters and viewers may sympathize with given that they’re attacking the Empire. Since we know that the two are in disguise — and since the mission to get Moff Gideon’s coordinates takes precedence — fans wind up rooting for Mando and Mayfeld as they get rid of the pirates. And even as they’re saved by Stormtroopers, Mayfeld points out the odd twist of fate, asking Mando if he ever thought they’d be happy to see the Empire’s helmeted fighters.

It’s always clever when shows manage to turn the tables like this, and it underscores just what Mando will do to get the Child back. Speaking of that…

Taking Off the Helmet

Mando has always refused to remove his helmet in public, something he was raised to believe is, as the Children of the Watch would put it, “the way.” Naturally, that detail set the character up to eventually go against his beliefs, even if fans didn’t know what the circumstances of that situation would be.

We found out this week, however, when Din needed to undergo a face scan to access the information that would lead him to the Child. His willingness to do this highlighted just how much he cares about little Grogu — and honestly, that’s just so dang adorable, even if Mayfeld turned out to be the first person who ever got to see our Mandalorian unmasked.

A Drink

Things truly get tense in Chapter 15 when an Imperial officer approaches Mando and begins asking him questions. Of course, poor Din has no idea what commanding officer Valin Hess is talking about, leaving viewers to wonder if he’ll get caught and the operation will be put to a halt. It’s a nail-biter moment, but luckily, Mayfeld steps in and convinces Hess that Mando has hearing problems and can’t understand him.

Things remain tense as Hess questions them, congratulates them on successfully getting their shipment to the Imperial base, and then demands a drink. The situation reaches a boiling point when Hess — the titular “believer” of this week’s episode — discusses how the men who died at Burnin Konn did so for the greater good. Mayfeld isn’t having it and winds up shooting the officer, prompting a lot of blasting and a quick escape for him and Mando.

The tension during this part of the episode is fantastic, and the action helps to keep fans engaged. It’s definitely a highlight of Chapter 15, even if it doesn’t compare to all of Din’s big moments.

Mayfeld’s Freedom

Despite Cara originally telling Mayfeld that he won’t be freed for helping them, their fight with the Imperial officers and Stormtroppers actually pays off for the ex-sharpshooter in the end. Now that Cara can tell her superiors the escaped prisoner was killed in the blasts, Mayfeld is free to go — and after watching him renounce the people he once worked for and help Din get Gideon’s coordinates, it’s a satisfying moment as he wanders off — though where he’s going is anyone’s guess.

A Promise

For an episode packed with tension and suspense, it’s amazing just how much Chapter 15’s final moments managed to steal the show. When Mando contacting Moff Gideon and sending him a message — one that’s reminiscent of the speech the villain once gave him about Baby Yoda.

“Moff Gideon,” Mando tells him. “You have something I want. You may think you have some idea what you are in possession of, but you do not. Soon, he will be back with me. He means more to me than you will ever know.”

Dang, Din. The lesson from this week’s episode? Do not piss off the Dadalorian. 

This little speech set fans up for an epic season finale — one that’s sure to see Din and Gideon going head to head with the Darksaber and Beskar spear. (We are not ready.)

What were your favorite moments from The Mandalorian Chapter 15? Sound off in the comments below.