Din Djarin’s new ship isn’t the only thing linking “The Mandalorian” to the “Star Wars” prequel trilogy. In the season finale (“Chapter 24: The Return”), Mando fights his way down a corridor full of barrier shields, fighting off stormtroopers in Beskar-alloy armor, while his R5 droid opens each section one by one. The scene is reminiscent of the end of “The Phantom Menace” where Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) fight the Sith apprentice, Darth Maul (Ray Park).
The Jedi outnumber Darth Maul and their chances look good, but when Obi-Wan falls behind, Qui-Gon takes on Darth Maul alone. With Obi-Wan racing to catch up, they go through a corridor of red barrier shields, similar to the one Mando faces. Fans will recall that the shields separate the three characters and lead to Qui-Gon’s death at the hands of Darth Maul. Obi-Wan, delayed by the last barrier, must wait for it to open before he can exact his revenge and mourn his Master.
Although critics and fans have a lot of negative feelings about the movie, Qui-Gon’s death is a devastating blow and Obi-Wan fighting to avenge him is emotional. The stakes are just as high in “The Mandalorian,” as, like Obi-Wan, Mando is also racing toward his enemy. So, although the motives of the scene are different, the Season 3 finale of “The Mandalorian” is clearly paying homage to the “Star Wars” legacy.
