Credit: LucasfilmSeason 3 of the smash hit Star Wars spinoff, The Mandalorian, recently wrapped up its eight-episode run on Disney+. After receiving mixed reactions over its underwhelming finale, one of its stars is speaking out about her disappointment at certain theories pertaining to her character.
“Chapter 24: The Return” left many fans wanting more from the ultra-popular series, especially when it came to the story of Grogu (AKA Baby Yoda) and the titular hero, Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal).
It’s safe to say that fans might’ve given showrunners too much credit when it came to rumors of a live-action introduction of Grand Admiral Thrawn or a closer look into Emperor Palpatine’s Project Necromancer in the series, which could further connect the “Mando-Verse” to the Sequel Trilogy.
Instead, audiences were given a generally tame conclusion, which saw Bo-Katan Kryze (Katee Sackhoff) leading the newly-united Mandalorian factions on a mission to reclaim their homeworld of Mandalore. Din and Grogu were given their “happily ever after,” setting up a clean slate for Season 4.
Still, some of Season 3’s storylines kicked off a flurry of online speculation, making room for dozens of compelling theories to enter the discussion. In particular, “Chapter 23: The Spies” sent fans into a tizzy, with many theorizing that its title implied more than one spy was plotting against the Mandalorians and the New Republic, in addition to Imperial conspirator Elia Kane (Katy O’Brian).
Many began questioning the loyalty of the Armorer (Emily Swallow), a recurring character on The Mandalorian since its debut season. Fans speculated that the Children of the Watch’s de-facto leader was secretly an Imperial spy that would betray her entire creed in favor of Moff Gideon, Grand Admiral Thrawn, or someone else entirely.
Speaking with a fan on Twitter, Swallow had a hilarious response to an apologetic viewer, who wrote, “We all owe you a big apology for ever doubting your loyalty to Mandalore. Forgive us,” using a meme with NBA star Shaquille O’Neal.
Swallow hilariously responded to these theories against the Armorer, simply tweeting: “I’m not mad. Just disappointed.” Check out the entire Twitter exchange below:
I'm not mad. Just disappointed. https://t.co/OTNNJJmZKO
— emily swallow (@bigEswallz) April 25, 2023
In the Season 3 finale, the Armorer reaffirmed that her true allegiance lies with Bo-Katan and the Mandalorians, meaning fans were wrong in their assumptions that Swallow’s Mandalorian character would ever turn her back on her creed.
Still, fans did have plenty of reasons for doubting the Armorer’s loyalty. If the Season 3, Episode 7 title wasn’t evidence enough, her secretive nature, power over what is essentially a Mandalorian cult, and her sudden disappearance from Mandalore’s surface at the end of Chapter 23, all pointed to the idea that she was, in fact, a traitor.
But perhaps, this is exactly what showrunners wanted viewers to think as they watched the season unfold over the weeks, leading to a finale that tied up all loose ends—for now.
While fans can sigh a breath of relief knowing Swallow isn’t “mad” at them for doubting the Armorer’s loyalty, there’s still potential for her story to progress in Season 4. Who knows? Maybe there was a grain of truth to fans’ theories.
What do you think about Emily Swallow clapping back against fans who questioned the Armorer’s allegiance to her fellow Mandalorians? Let us know in the comments below.