This is the way.

Warning: This post contains mild spoilers.

The Mandalorian is the spark the Star Wars universe needs.

Everyone has fallen in love with the Disney+ original series, The Mandalorian. Or at least fallen in love with “Baby Yoda.” When this project was announced, I figured I’d watch it, but I wasn't sure if Star Wars really needed, what I assumed from the trailer, was a violent bounty hunter show. I knew my Star Wars obsessed son was going want to watch and I was concerned that it might be too violent.* But from the end of “Chapter 1” and the unveiling of a certain baby, I was pleasantly surprised. I’m sad the eight episode season is over, but really excited to see what’s coming next. That said, there’s more to love than Baby Yoda...

The characters. The characters are compelling, from the Mandalorian himself to all of the supporting characters. I especially love IG-11 and Kara Dune. It’s amazing how much I started to relate with characters across only a couple of episodes. It’s the sign of an amazingly well-written show.
Production quality. The ships, costumes, planets and effects are first rate and they feel like part of the Star Wars universe. It’s not just the visual effects, though. The soundtrack is amazing (and available on Apple Music). Even the credits — running over production art — is a quality touch.
Weekly release. We’ve gotten used to streaming services dropping an entire season at one time. And sure, sometimes, it’s nice to binge watch a show. But the weekly release was great for this show... it gives me a whole week to talk about it with family and friends and anticipate the next chapter. And while the slightly longer than usual wait between episodes 7 and 8 was nearly unbearable, I was counting down the days until Friday when I could catch the final episode.**

Our whole family — even my middle child who is ambivalent to Star Wars — enjoyed watching the show and can’t wait to watch season 2 in Fall 2020. I can’t wait to see Baby Yoda in a tiny suit of Mandalorian armor.

* After the success of Game of Thrones, it seems everyone what to make gritty and violent shows.

** Star Trek: Discovery does the weekly release schedule, too. I honestly prefer spreading out the season over a couple of months.

Bob Wertz writes about design, technology and pop culture at Sketchbook B. Bob is a Columbia, South Carolina-based designer, researcher, college instructor, husband and dad. He’s particularly obsessed with typography, the creative process and the tools we use to create.