The Mandalorian catch-up: A watch list for Bo-Katan and The Darksaber
If you've just finished watching The Mandalorian and you're wondering why The Darksaber is important, we've got a list for you. Before The Mandalorian was released, there was a TV show called Star Wars: The Clone Wars, and a whole lot of still-canon Star Wars lore within. Today we're going to run down the data you'll need to get back in the swing of things.
Deathwatch / Darksaber
Starting in Star Wars: The Clone Wars season 2, Episode 12, "The Mandalore Plot" we begin to learn about the expansive history of the planet – at least from the point at which The Darksaber becomes important, and Death Watch is born.
Death Watch is the Mandalorian clan that eventually rescue Din Djarin, making him a "Foundling". Djarin was raised in the Death Watch Fighting Corps and at some point joined The Tribe. The Tribe are the Mandalorians we see in Season 1 of The Mandalorian – they live on Nevarro.
In the Clone Wars season 2, starting with Episode 12, "The Mandalore Plot," we learn about The Darksaber. The following three episodes create the "Death Watch Arc":
• The Clone Wars Season 2:12 – The Mandalore Plot
• The Clone Wars Season 2:13 – Voyage of Temptation
• The Clone Wars Season 2:14 – Duchess of Mandalore
Bo-Katan
Drop in on Season 4, Episode 14 "A Friend in Need" to learn about Bo-Katan. Fast forward to Season 5, Episode 1 "Revival" to see Darth Maul and his best buddy Savage Opress team up with Death Watch to attempt to take over Mandalore. Season 5, Episode 14 "Eminence" is the start of a 3-episode arc that continues to expand upon the Darksaber and Mandalore's future.
• The Clone Wars Season 4:15 – A Friend in Need
• The Clone Wars Season 5:1 – Revival
• The Clone Wars Season 5:14 – Eminence
• The Clone Wars Season 5:15 – Shades of Reason
• The Clone Wars Season 5:16 – The Lawless
More Darksaber, more Bo-Katan
In Star Wars Rebels, we see the return of the Darksaber and a short arc that defines Bo-Katan and the final known location of the Darksaber before we see it in The Mandalorian. You'll want to see four key episodes.
• Rebels Season 3, Episode 11 – Visions and Voices
• Rebels Season 3, Episode 15 – Trials of the Darksaber
• Rebels Season 3, Episode 16 – Legacy of Mandalore
• Rebels Season 4, Episode 1, 2 – Heroes of Mandalore
At this point you'll be brought up to speed – or as much speed as Lucasfilm will allow us to be up to* – before some of the most key elements in The Mandalorian Season 2. Lots of Mandalore, lots of Darksaber. If you're looking for EVEN MORE to watch, AFTER you finish The Mandalorian Season 2, see our post-Mando Season 2 list and get your clips on! NOTE: That article has SPOILER ALERTS aplenty.