Title: The Convert
Director: Lee Isaac Chung
Runtime: 58 minutes
This is somewhat of a unique episode. I don’t want to give anything away before the spoiler marker but I believe this episode sets up a major story arc; if not the major story arc. The kind that may have implications that link to the sequel trilogy.
Speaking of implications, I think the title suggests there are two “converts”. The story in this episode takes a different turn. While there is great action at the beginning, the rest focuses on plot building. I did enjoy this episode, and even more so the second time I watched it. I have theories!
Spoilers Ahead!!!
Theories and Easter Eggs
Let’s start with the easter eggs before I get into some heavy theories. The obvious easter egg is the TIE Interceptors chasing Bo and Din. We didn’t see too many of those in the original trilogy; I really enjoyed their dogfighting capabilities.
One of Dr. Pershing’s co-workers wishes him a “Happy Benduday”, which I found interesting. I thought, perhaps, it was a holiday that honored Bendu; however after further research “Benduday” is just a day of the week inspired by the Bendu Monks.
Let’s get into some theories. The title is called “The Convert” but I wonder to whom they are referring as “converted”. Dr. Pershing is a convert from an Imperial scientist to a New Republic Amnesty Scientist. However, there is also Bo-Katan, who has bathed in the Living Waters of Mandalore which makes her a convert as well. Will she stay with Dins’ covert or will she choose to leave? I think she will stay until she can claim the Darksaber and reclaim her position as ruler of Mandalore.
Also, did Grogu try to say “This Is The Way”????
I Think I’m A Clone Now
I’m a big fan of Weird Al Yankovich so every time I hear the word “clone” I think of his song. This is my big theory from this episode. When Katy O’Brian (Elia Kane) first appears on the screen I knew I had seen her before. It wasn’t from The Rookie or Black Lightning, it was from Chapter 16 of season 2.
She claims she was on Moff Gideon’s cruiser but I’m pretty sure her character was killed when Din and Company take the bridge. I think the rumors of Moff Gideon’s escape are true and he’s continuing Palpatines’ cloning efforts, which we know come to fruition by The Force Awakens. I think Elia Kane is a clone working for Moff Gideon and here is my proof.
On Katy O’Brian’s IMDB page, they list her as two separate characters, not as a Comms Officer named Elia Kane:
I’ll have to go back and watch Chapter 16 to verify, but I’m pretty sure Katy O’Brian as the “Comms Officer” is killed.
My other evidence is the scene when Pershing shows up at her apartment and agrees to go find a mobile lab station. The music is the same music from Revenge of the Sith when Anakin visits Palpatine at the opera. I, instantly, got chills.
Another good episode, albeit a little slower than the others, and predominately vacant of Din/Grogu.
What did you think of The Mandalorian Chapter 19: The Convert?
