Someone mentioned that what they loved about the first half of The Mandalorian was that the 'show, don't tell' rule works perfectly, because Din isn't a talkative person, and we learn about his feelings trough body language only. I agree with this part, the show perfectly executes this rule.
Then the statement continues, claiming that once Din gets to spend more time with the baby, this rule is ignored, because Din becomes more talkative, ruining the feeling of the first half of the season.
I get what they mean, yet I don't agree entirely. Yes, Din suddenly starts explaining where they are going, what they are going to do, etc., and at first it may feel like this completely shatters the 'show, don't tell' rule, but let's not forget that he isn't alone anymore and he isn't with adults, he's with a child. A toddler. How do you handle/raise/educate/etc. a toddler? You talk to them. A lot. You talk to them, show them stuff, involve them in what you do.
Let's revisit the arrival on Tython and the seeing stone. Din keeps talking to Grogu, even asking him questions. Yes, his speech can be viewed as a ‘tour guide’ that is adressed to the audience, but can you really imagine this scene without a single dialogue? I can’t. Yes, I agree that with the 'show, don't tell’ rule you can easily explain what's going on, to us, the audience, and Din didn’t have to utter the “I guess you sit right here” line when he place Grogu on the stone, because it was fairly obvious from the second they arrived. This single line’s purpose isn’t to let the audience know what happens, it showcases Din’s lack of knowledge on the Jedi world, and him talking to Grogu creates a connection between the two of them.
A opposed to this, the third episode lacks dialogue, it really lies heavily on the ‘show, don’t tell’ rule. The scene when Din powers down his ship after he discoveres the ball doesn’t use dialogue, because this time whatever Din said would only serve only as a ‘guide’ to the audience. Yes, he could utter a few words like “I messed up”, or something, but it’s not necessary at all, because every tiny action screams this message.
jbbartram-illu
izzy806
origamiaround
kianamaiart
snowghoul
