‘The Mandalorian’ fans conclude that the third season is definitely taking notes from ‘Andor’

This article contains spoilers for The Mandalorian season 3, episode 3

Last year’s Andor is widely considered to have reinvigorated Star Wars, delivering a mature and moving look at life under Imperial rule with a tight focus on character development, world-building, and political themes. After that wrapped up, The Mandalorian‘s third season was left with some very big shoes to fill, though judging by episode three Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni seem to have been taking notes on why Andor was so successful.

After a barnstorming space duel opening, this episode turned into the Dr. Pershing show, following Omid Abtahi’s Imperial scientists as he enters the New Republic’s Imperial rehabilitation program. This doesn’t go particularly well for him, though the stately pace, focus on day-to-day life under the New Republic, and willingness to engage with dark and complex themes has many fans seeing some major Andor vibes:

We’re big Andor fans, so we’re definitely on board if The Mandalorian wants to focus on the moral flaws of the New Republic:

But can it really live up to the impossibly high standards?

But some Mando fans don’t want the show to slam the brakes on quite so hard:

Wrong time, wrong place?

It’s worth remembering that The Mandalorian‘s third season was written and shot before Andor aired, though we suspect Favreau and Filoni would have gotten a good look at the show throughout its development.

While some fans may grumble, we’d be happy for way more Andor vibes in The Mandalorian, though whether it can hit the same thematic heights is clearly a matter for future debate.

The Mandalorian airs Wednesdays on Disney Plus.