Why The Mandalorian Chooses Not To See Grogu

Warning: Contains SPOILERS for The Book of Boba Fett episode 6.

Din Djarin makes a surprising decision in The Book of Boba Fett episode 6, as The Mandalorian decides not to see Grogu. Ever since The Mandalorian premiered in 2019, audiences have become incredibly attached to the relationship between Din Djarin and Baby Yoda. The Mandalorian season 2’s finale split them apart in heartbreaking fashion, which only amplified the desire to see them reunite.

The reunion between Din Djarin and Grogu was widely expected to happen in The Mandalorian season 3, but The Book of Boba Fett episode 6 appeared to be the home for this moment instead. Episode 5 directly set up The Mandalorian visiting Grogu as he trains with Luke Skywalker. However, The Book of Boba Fett episode 6 took the story in a different direction. Din traveled to the home of Luke Skywalker’s Jedi academy to see Grogu, who has been busy training with the Jedi Master. This even included an encounter with Ahsoka Tano as The Mandalorian went to give Grogu The Armorer’s creation.

When it finally came time for Din Djarin to see Grogu, though, The Mandalorian made a different decision. He talks with Ahsoka in the lead up to deciding not to see Grogu, and it is clear that their conversation makes Din realize that he’s doing what he needs, not necessarily what Grogu needs. He scoffs at the notion that he wants to give Grogu the gift himself just to make sure the foundling/padawan remembers him, but that certainly is a part of what is driving Mandalorian’s initial quest. He misses Grogu more than he would’ve thought when The Mandalorian began, so the gift was an excuse to see Baby Yoda again and reinforce their bond. Din is likely worried that Luke could replace him in Grogu’s life after all their time together. However, Din seems to accept these insecurities by the end since he elects not to see Grogu.

Although Din’s actions are rooted in a good place (his fatherly desire to protect Grogu and make sure he’s safe), he comes to understand that he’s being a bit overprotective and jealous. Much like a parent who routinely checks in on their child at school or when they are anywhere other than home, Din initially is doing what he thinks is best for Grogu. It is only after speaking to Ahsoka that he realizes Baby Yoda’s best interest isn’t really at the core of this visit, as The Mandalorian is doing what will make him feel better. That’s part of the reason why he chooses not to see Grogu.

Din Djarin also realizes he can’t decide Grogu’s future for him or influence the path he takes one way or another. Baby Yoda is just starting to unlock more of his Force powers and memories thanks to his time spent with Luke. Seeing The Mandalorian could make it more difficult for Grogu to concentrate on his current objective. The Book of Boba Fett episode 6 ends by showing the conflicted nature of Grogu’s two possible futures: one with the Jedi and another with the Mandalorians. Din Djarin could’ve swayed this decision by seeing Grogu again, but he understands it is ultimately up to the young Force-wielder to decide his future.

The Book of Boba Fett episode 7 releases Wednesday, February 9th, 2022, on Disney+.

About The Author

Cooper Hood
(5639 Articles Published)

Cooper Hood is a news and feature writer for Screen Rant. He joined Screen Rant in late 2016 following a year-long stint with MCU Exchange, which came after first developing an MCU blog of his own. He graduated college in 2016 with a Bachelor’s degree in Media & Public Communication, with a minor in Media Production. Cooper’s love for movies began by watching Toy Story and Lion King on repeat as a child, but it wasn’t until The Avengers that he took an invested interest in movies and the filmmaking process, leading him to discover the world of film journalism. Every year Cooper looks forward to seeing the latest blockbusters from the likes of Marvel, DC, and Star Wars, but also loves the rush to catch up on Oscar films near the end of the year. When he isn’t writing about or watching new releases, Cooper is a fantasy football obsessive and looking to expand his Blu-Ray collection – because physical media is still king! Follow Cooper on Twitter @MovieCooper.

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