Why The Mandalorian

     The Mandalorian, so far, has been nothing short of an event.  To borrow a phrase from NBC, "Must see TV" could easily apply to this streaming show.  But why?

    My answer would probably come in the easily digested episode that we are given each week of the season.  Keeping in mind the first two seasons are only 8 episodes long, this is contrast to most network series that run for 12 to 24 episodes a season.  Why is that important?  We are spared watered down storylines or filler episodes that have very little to do with anything important (seasonal story arch and character development for examples).  Not to say that The Mandalorian hasn't had some lesser episodes, the beginning of season 2 had it's fair share, but we are still to see if any of that will play out (I still think it will at some point.  Just as a disclaimer I am writing this before Chapter 14 is available).

       Something else that the Mandalorian has going for it that other shows or even movies don't have is cutting edge technology.  The set that they use to fill in the background is cutting edge (currently).  Instead of using a greenscreen and filling in the images later, we have a giant room that is, for lack better terms, a giant computer screen.  This gives the director, cast, and crew all the same view and vision of where this scene is taking place.  They also know exactly what the audience will be seeing, besides some CGI that will be added in later.  This isn't also taking into account the use of practical effects (physical props, like the Child puppet).  Call me old fashion (many people do) but I feel that practical effects most the time hold up better then the best CGI effect of their time.  

    Speaking of the Child.  He is nothing short of the perfect casting of character to this show.  Again being a puppet versus a CGI added character give him more tangibility.  Also the ability to react in real time to the situation playing out around him, makes him more real.  If for no other reason, I'm sure there is a cluster of people who just tune in week after week to see what kind of mischief the Child will be getting into.

    All these things combined with the additional depth of the beloved Star Wars universe give this show a uniqueness that most shows currently on TV or streaming have. One other BIG thing is this is a show that most, if not all (depending on the kids) the family can watch.  You don't have to worry about language, will there be inappropriate adult orientated scenes, gore.  This is a show that parents and their kids can sit down together and enjoy.

    These are some, not all. the reasons that make the Mandalorian such an enjoyable and beloved show.  I didn't even get into the story telling and cinematic styles they use (but I have talked about them on the podcast before).  Those will be topics for another time. Until then though, check out the Mandalorian on Disney+ for yourself and let me know what you think.