Last week, The Mandalorian returned to Disney+ with a super-sized episode that introduced Cobb Vanth, teased the return of Boba Fett...and didn't really move the story along at all. For the most part, that could be forgiven, especially as it at least set the stage for the rest of the season and featured enough Easter Eggs and jaw-dropping action scenes to make fans happy. While there's certainly nothing wrong with "Chapter 10" - a.k.a. "The Passenger" - it's complete filler, and easily the weakest instalment of the series to date ("The Meh-ndalorian?").
Ant-Man and Ant-Man and The Wasp director Peyton Reed is a capable filmmaker, but as we've learned from those Marvel Studios movies, also one that delivers just "perfectly fine" results when brought into top tier franchises. Still, there's an overload of Baby Yoda cuteness and meme-worthy moments here, and it's undeniably exciting to see The Mandalorian try something new with a final act that plays out like a horror movie. Beyond that, however, the exciting visuals which have defined this show are few and far between, and it takes on such an average air throughout that, like us, you'll no doubt have anticipated Reed's name showing up in the credits at the end of the episode. The director uses a lot of puppets here, with some standing out as being borderline bad (ironically, that's particularly the case with an ant-like creature).
Perhaps the biggest issue with the episode is, as mentioned, the fact it does absolutely nothing to move the story along. Ten chapters in, and fans are still no closer to learning about the machinations of Moff Gideon, The Child's origin, or even where this series is going. Thankfully, even an underwhelming episode of The Mandalorian is still a very good one, and there's a lot here to love. Viewed as a completely standalone story, it's by no means bad, and a clash with some familiar ships, some edge of your seat action, and a solid cold open all elevate an otherwise disappointing effort.
Ultimately, it feels like "The Passenger" will be an episode that some fans love, while others quickly forget. Those of you who enjoyed it when The Clone Wars went off on a tangent for a few episodes will likely be in your element, while there's enough exciting action on offer to guarantee you're never bored. In fact, this chapter features perhaps the best aerial action we've seen from the series to date, and you'll never be able to look at an egg the same way again.
Even the worst episode of The Mandalorian to date makes for good television, but this average instalment highlight's the shows flaws and is redeemed only by The Child, solid action, and a stellar, horror-inspired final act.