The Mandalorian S3 Episode 4 Review and Breakdown: The Foundling

The Mandalorian S3 Episode 4, “The Foundling” shows how good of a leader Bo-Katan can be. Also, the big question regarding Grogu’s escape from the Jedi Temple is finally answered!

Recap of the story so far

Dr. Pershing feels grateful about receiving a new opportunity in the New Republic. However, his desire to continue his research makes him fall into a trap set up by Elia Kane, an Imperial Officer that also served on Moff Gideon’s ship.

Din Djarin and Bo-Katan bathed in the Living Waters of Mandalore, this redeemed both of them. Din is considered once again a Mandalorian, and Bo-Katan is a Children of the Watch until she wishes to leave.

Mandalorian Training

As soon as the episode begins, we see every member of the covert doing some combat training, from the foundlings to the grown-ups. It might not look like anything fancy but this training is what has allowed them to survive cataclysmic events since the Old Republic times.

The Mandalorian S3 Episode 4: The Foundling

Mandalorians were once the most feared warriors in the galaxy, there was a time when even Jedi and Sith would think twice before getting into a conflict with the people of Mandalore. With the exception of Tarre Vizsla and Grogu, no other Mandalorian has been force-sensitive. For almost everyone, this would make it impossible to compete against a Force user.

The abnormal strength, speed, and reflexes in combination with a lightsaber is what make Jedi and Sith the most legendary warriors to ever exist. To be able to compete with such gifted individuals Mandalorians had to master every weapon, tactic, and combat style available.

I can’t emphasize enough how good of a combatant someone must be to even last a few seconds against a lightsaber wielder that can also use the Force. Imagine not only fighting at such a disadvantage and still coming out on top. This is why Mandalorians are so respected and feared, even when their numbers have reduced so drastically.

Size Matters Not

Like most people, I have a soft spot for Grogu. Watching him walk, jump or do anything that’s physically demanding always makes me giggle. His size, small age, and docile nature make Grogu look like the least threatening being wherever he goes. This couldn’t be farther from the truth.

Every wise warrior knows to never underestimate an enemy regardless of how it looks, this is a hard lesson that many learn the hard way. Ragnar is not the first and certainly not the last person to underestimate our favorite little green friend.

As Grogu continues to learn and train, he’s slowly becoming more resourceful and powerful. Sure, he might be among the cutest things in Star Wars but eventually, his strength will be able to overcome almost anyone.

His journey as a Mandalorian is just beginning, there are many trials that he must complete before achieving the full status of a warrior of Mandalore. As the Beskar molded by the Armorer, Grogu will have to adapt, evolve and overcome his weaknesses.

If what’s left of the Empire still wants Grogu then they will return, last time it was Moff Gideon and everybody almost died. Whether he’s in custody or not doesn’t matter at all, as powerful as Gideon could be he’s only one more head waiting to be replaced. Moff Gideon is a formidable opponent, but he’s probably not the worst the Empire (or what’s left of it) can send after Din Djarin and Grogu.

Saving Grogu

Order 66 scenes are always intriguing and painful to watch, but that doesn’t mean that it’s less exciting to learn the point of view of different Jedi. The younglings, the masters that died defending the temple, those who were on missions when it happened, etc.

We still don’t understand how Grogu managed to survive for so many years but at least we’ve learned how he managed to escape the temple and Coruscant.

Many Jedi Knights died making sure that he could leave the temple unharmed but it was one Jedi Master that got him out. Kelleran Beq is a Jedi Master that supervised Padawans as they progressed through their trials; I would think that his bond with the younglings is stronger than most.

With the help of the Royal Naboo Security Forces, Beq managed to escape and secure one of the most important members of the Jedi Order. If the Naboo soldiers were already waiting for him then it means that someone acted incredibly fast to coordinate this escape.

The Jedi Order has many allies but few would dare to interfere with the Grand Army of the Republic. The only person that comes to my mind is Padmé Amidala, being the Naboo representative on Coruscant no one else other than the Queen herself could give such a tall order.

This would mean that she did more than what we saw in Revenge of the Sith. When she sees the Jedi Temple in flames Padmé breaks down but we know that she’s a woman of action, no matter the circumstances. Anakin Skywalker led Operation Knightfall but maybe the former Queen of Naboo decided to save as many lives as possible.

Getting out of the temple is one thing, but that’s only the first step. Order 66 marked the end of an era, after that day no Jedi was entirely safe. No matter how much they hide, the Empire would always hunt them down.

Yoda, Obi-Wan, Quinlan Vos, Cal Kestis, Ahsoka Tano, and a few more were able to escape but not without being hunted relentlessly by Darth Vader and his Inquisitors. I can’t wait to learn about the adversities that Grogu had to face.

Now, the main question is; What happened to Kelleran Beq?

Natural Leader

Bo-Katan Kryze is a cold-headed woman, she’s still a fierce warrior but unlike many other Mandalorians, she doesn’t let the heat of the battle remove her ability to think critically and make smart choices.

Obviously, she has a long list of failures that will haunt her for a long time. But pretty much every character worthy of remembering has experienced defeat and disappointment. As Yoda perfectly puts it: failure is the greatest teacher.

When Ragnar is taken by the giant reptavian creature she follows it on the Gauntlet Fighter and locates the nest. Bo-Katan knows what she’s doing, the training she received as a young princess has prepared her for any kind of situation.

No one questions her experience or leadership. Not even Paz Vizsla, who isn’t fond of Din Djarin or Bo-Katan. The life of his son might be at risk, but he understands that relying on someone who’s more experienced is the best chance he has to recover his son.

The former princess of Mandalore has been around for a short period of time and she has already saved a foundling, the highest achievement according to the creed. Not only that but she has provided the covert with three creatures that could become powerful war beasts in the future.

I have no doubt that this has earned her the trust and respect of everyone. Which is no easy feature considering we’re talking about Mandalorians. Perhaps by getting others’ trust she’ll regain her own confidence.

It was odd that Bo-Katan told the Armorer about the Mythosaur. Obviously, she thought that it was some metaphor or vision, not the actual creature. But can we blame her? A Mythosaur hasn’t been seen in thousands of years.

The Living Waters have different properties and deep significance for the Children of the Watch. This makes it even harder to believe Bo-Katan’s claims. However, the Armorer has always been very cryptic. She only says what’s necessary when the time is right, I wouldn’t be surprised if she didn’t react to seeing the Mythosaur face to face.

Chapter 20 “The Foundling Easter Eggs

This episode’s easter eggs are all related to the prequel trilogy. We also witness the return of an actor that has been in Star Wars for more than twenty years.

Redemption Arc

Kelleran Beq is played by Ahmed Best. Some might not recognize him but he’s the actor that played Jar Jar Binks in the prequel trilogy. This role made him receive a lot of undeserving hate.

Ahmed returned to play Kelleran Beq in the Jedi Temple Challenge children series. These videos show Beq guiding Padawans in their quest to become Jedi.

Coruscant Guard

Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think this is the first time that we’ve seen the Coruscant Guard involved in Operation Knightfall. Every previous scene only showed the 501st Legion. The Coruscant Guard is a division made of elite shock troopers designated to protect important places and people like the Senate and Chancellor Palpatine.

Naboo Starship

Master Beq and Grogu escape aboard an H-type Nubian yacht, the same ship that Padmé and Anakin used in Attack of the Clones.

Star Wars The Mandalorian Season 3 Episode Reviews List

Reviews and Breakdowns of each episode from The Mandalorian Season 3. Each article details the events and analyzes how they affect and define the characters featured in the episode.

At the end of each article, there is a segment for Easter Eggs. There you can find interesting facts and references to and from other Star Wars media featured in the episodes of the show.

The reviews contain spoilers! We recommend watching the show first before reading the articles below.

The Mandalorian Chapter 17 Review: The Apostate

Din Djarin, Grogu, Bo-Katan, and more return to continue the story about the future of Mandalore. New faces, old enemies, and unknown dangers are yet to be revealed in the most anticipated Star Wars series of 2023!

The Mandalorian Chapter 18 Review: The Mines of Mandalore

In Season 3 Episode 2 of The Mandalorian, “The Mines of Mandalore” Din Djarin, Grogu and Bo-Katan are the main focus of an episode that brings back so many memories for fans of The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels. We also see, for the first time, a mythical creature that has existed in the Star Wars universe since the original trilogy era!