Released on March 15th, we start right after the previous episode’s conclusion having Bo-Katan Kryze (played by Katee Sackhoff) saving Din Djarin (played by Pedro Pascal) from drowning. Kryze asks a recovering Djarin if he saw what was in the waters but he responds confused. Stating that he didn’t see anything with Kryze affirming her question again. A tone that sounds afraid and concerned, she doesn’t clarify exactly what she saw. Djarin finishes putting on the rest of his equipment and scoops up water using a vial as his proof to The Armorer (played by Emily Swallow). The three have since departed Mandalore and are on their way back to Kryze’s castle, they are immediately attacked by several TIE Interceptors. Kryze states that she’s made plenty of enemies with the remaining Imperial warlords. Djarin asks Kryze to drop him near the N-1 to provide support against the enemy fighters. He makes it just in time to his ship, the two then separately take on the enemy. Unfortunately, TIE Bombers arrive and obliterate Kryze’s castle who wants to avenge the loss but Djarin pushes her to flee as large reinforcements nears.
The episode then jumps onto the planet of Coruscant, where Dr. Pershing (played by Omid Abtahi) is giving a public speech. He reveals that he’s been given amnesty by the New Republic, talks disdain for the former Galactic Empire and how his research was misused by the latter. Dr. Pershing talks about the past in where he failed to save his mother from what the galaxy could’ve provided if he’d been given the ability to clone organs. Afterward, audience members congratulate him for the speech and speaking ignorantly of various things. He then heads back to a public housing that the Amnesty program restricts former Imperials to a perimeter. Upon arriving, Dr. Pershing is greeted by fellow Amnesty members who are forced to identify with their Amnesty identification code. One of them is Amnesty Officer G68 (played by Katy O’Brian), who worked for Moff Gideon as his communications officer. Her presence gives off a tense vibe but soon a sigh of relief. G68 tells the group she’s learned her lesson and appreciates what the New Republic has given her. Recalling the oppression that was once felt on Coruscant when she originally lived there during Imperial Academy. Throughout the episode, Dr. Pershing struggles with accepting that the New Republic won’t allow him to continue with his research even if it’s for good intentions. He’s told by his superior at his office job that the items being marked for destruction are all former Imperial assets. Some that could be used for good, he’s told that a form could be submitted but it’s a far shot for anything to happen. Amnesty Officer G68 encourages Dr. Pershing to continue seeking his ambition even in secret as well as enjoy what Coruscant and the New Republic has to offer. This desire ends up overcoming Dr. Pershing when G68 reveals she knows where to get equipment to continue his research. An Imperial disposal yard that the New Republic marked for destruction, she knows how to bypass the security perimeter and obstacles along the way. The two arrive inside what was once Moff Gideon’s flagship, entering the room where the research materials are located then leave the ship as security have been alerted. Unfortunately, G68 who has revealed her name as Elia Kane had set a trap for Dr. Pershing. Who later is restrained on a medical table surrounded by New Republic doctors. Confused and terrified, Dr. Pershing recognizes the machine the doctors are soon going to use on him as a reconfigured Mind Flayer. Despite the assurances from the doctors, Dr. Pershing is then placed on a mild-level trance from the machine. Elia Kane is seen watching from the observation room appearing concerned. She assures the doctor present in the room with her, that Dr. Pershing is a friend and wants him to get better. After the doctor leaves, somewhat skeptical and concerned, Kane raises the intensity level of the Mind Flayer.
Back to Din Djarin and Bo-Katan Kryze who left Kalevala into hyperspace. They arrive to the planet where the remaining members of Children of the Watch have been staying. Djarin tells her to play it cool and follow the rules the faction uses. The three arrive in the presence of The Armorer as herself and Paz Vizsla remain skeptical that Djarin truly bathed in the Living Waters. Kryze vouches for Djarin, who then gives The Armorer the vial containing the Living Waters. The Armorer pours the liquid onto a container and the water vividly spouts to life with light. Surprised but delighted, she declares Djarin as having been redeemed. She states Kryze as also having been redeemed, despite the latter feeling hesitant in being brought into the fold. The Armorer states that she can leave anytime she chooses. This is the Way.
The Convert has a pleasantly longer runtime of 52 minutes, we delve deeper into a story that splits at the beginning. Having rescued Djarin from drowning but then Kryze losing her castle from an Imperial attack. Perhaps an explanation behind the attack, to be a story for another episode, but it somewhat ties into story B. Which follows Dr. Pershing who has since been captured by the New Republic and committed to their ambitious Amnesty program to rehabilitate former Imperials. He grows in disdain that his potential is being pushed out as the New Republic focuses on disarmament with itself and captured Imperial assets. The government believing in never again, no more war but peace. Dr. Pershing who unfortunately puts his trust on Amnesty Officer G68, who’s real name Elia Kane appeared to be a double agent. Giving Dr. Pershing the opportunity to break the rules from the program and also turn him in to the New Republic police for better recognition. However, Kane’s actions before the episode switches back to the main characters brings questions. We truly don’t know what is going on. Dr. Pershing feeling his potential being wasted, Kane double-crossing him as she ramps up the Mind Flayer to possibly brain damage him and the New Republic’s absolute ignorance. Anyway, we return to Djarin, Kryze and Grogu as they bring news to The Armorer and company of his redemption. Kryze having lost her home is forced to play the rules for now but also in need of help. The Imperial remnant is going to be a problem, perhaps they attacked her home because of Moff Gideon? Though she did mention having made enemies with numerous Imperial warlords. So many questions. The Convert covers various ground between Djarin and Grogu but also the overarching story behind the New Republic’s buffoonery.
It earns a 3 out of 5.
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