The Mandalorian's second season kicks off with "The Marshal," a title which refers to one Cobb Vanth, a character who first appeared in the 2015 novel Aftermath. What leads to him crossing paths with Din Djarin? Well, as "Chapter 9" begins, we learn that the bounty hunter is looking to track down his fellow Mandalorians in order to reunite the Child with its people. He hopes that travelling through their network will mean he can find the Jedi (who are never mentioned here but were first referenced in "Chapter 8"), and it's that which takes him back to Tatooine.
That sees Din reunite with Peli Motto before setting off to Mos Pelgo where it's rumoured a Mandalorian calls home. Heading into the local cantina to ask about the whereabouts of his fellow Mando, the unlikely hero comes face-to-face with Boba Fett...well, the man wearing his armour. It's worth noting that the bounty hunter doesn't appear to recognise it, so chances are he's never crossed paths with that classic Star Wars villain.
We learn that Vanth's home was attacked almost immediately after the events of the second Death Star's destruction by a mining clan who sought to enslave the town. He managed to escape and exchanged some crystals he stole from them with Jawas who had come into the possession of Fett's Mandalorian armour. Returning home, he killed the invaders and became Mos Pelgo's Marshal and protector. Just as he and Din are about to come to blows over the armour (it should rightfully be returned to the Mandalorians), a massive, dragon-like creature tears through the town. Vanth has a suggestion: help him rid the town of this monster, and the armour is his.
A team-up with the Sand People follows, as does an incredible battle with that monster. Interestingly, it's mentioned that the beast destroyed a Sarlacc Pit, and that could explain the episode's final few moments. After the creature has been destroyed, Vanth hands over the armour, and Din sets off on his speeder. However, a mysterious figure is watching from afar: Boba Fett.
Decked out in dark robes with a couple of formidable weapons strapped to his back, Fett (played by Temuera Morrison) has clearly been stuck on Tatooine for a while, and it appears the stage has now been set for these two to come face-to-face. Chances are it was also Fett who found Fennec Shand's body during season one as Vanth doesn't have those familiar spurs and never mentions the assassin. Clearly, the former bounty hunter who managed to escape death has been trying to find Din Djarin for a while now, and there are definitely some big questions which need to be addressed by season two.
What did you think about "The Marshal"?