The week's episode of #TheMandalorian, 'Chapter 22 - Guns For Hire' was an exercise in loving what could be, not what was.

I was so chuffed with a #Quarran #MonCalamari #Mandalorian open! I loved the idea of exploring a planet making the most of things in the New Republic! I was down for the Mandalorian politicking. Some of my favourite episodes of #TheCloneWars were political. Watching Padmé give a rousing speech about the plight of citizens of the Republic to the Senate; following a group of young students of Mandalore uncover corruption with #Ahsoka. Not every episode needed to top last week's big boom bad. It grounded the whole series in something that felt far more realistic, lived in. It underpinned the Clone Wars with a depth of meaning & ultimately tragedy.

I'm here for #JackBlack, #Lizzo & #ChristopherLloyd, every time! More #Ugnaughts! Yes, please. I love watching #DinDjarin work his smarts as well as his muscle. He's an interesting character. There's a dynamic desperately waiting to happen btw #Bo-KatanKreez & Din. The potential!

But sadly, everything here felt like watching a group of Hollywood celebrity friends roleplaying. Which seemed really fun for them, I'll be honest. Everything this show is, is deeply connected to 'The Clone Wars'. Which is THE standard of the Star Wars Universe for family/children viewing. It just lacks the heart, the bravery, it refuses to lean into the history & narrative of that series, opting for hollow fan service.