The 10 best sci-fi/fantasy TV episodes to watch while sheltered in place

The Mandalorian 108: “Redemption”

The Mandalorian is the first-ever live-action Star Wars TV show, and from its series premiere to the season finale, it did not disappoint. Throughout the season 1, the titular Mandalorian (Pedro Pascal) formed an unlikely bond with the adorable Baby Yoda (he’s not actually related to Yoda, but the nickname the internet gave him has stuck) and kept him safe and secure from the criminals and Imperial remnants seeking to harness his powerful Force abilities for their own nefarious purposes.

One of those leftover Imperial officers is Moff Gideon (Giancarlo Esposito), who tangles with Mando in the season finale. He’s defeated but not crushes, and the episode ends with him revealing that he’s in possession of the legendary weapon the Darksaber. And while that moment was jaw-dropping for any Star Wars nerd, the lead-up is what makes “Redemption” a can’t-miss episode. Not only does Mando try and sacrifice himself so his friends can get Baby Yoda to safety, something we wouldn’t think him capable of at the start of the season, but this is also the first time we see him without his helmet, a surprisingly intimate moment.

Also there’s a fight between Mando and a TIE Fighter. This episode went there.

Then there’s the Mandalorian taking down down an entire squad of stormtroopers by herself, and the droid IG-11 speeding through town blasting anything that moves while cradling Baby Yoda in a cute little sling, or Mando popping on his jet pack…this episode gave us surprise after delightful surprise. It was a wonderful capper to a season without any bad episodes.