Season 3 of The Mandalorian has now reached its halfway point. Although the latest episode deviated from the primary plot, the subsequent installment swiftly resumed the central storyline. Episode 4 unveiled one of the most eagerly awaited moments that were previewed in trailers leading up to the new season – the revelation of the person who aided Grogu during Order 66. There were numerous fan theories circulating, ranging from established characters such as Mace Windu (played by Samuel L. Jackson) to individuals who are set to star in their own show, like Ahsoka (portrayed by Rosario Dawson). However, it turns out that neither of them played a part in Grogu’s rescue. As we saw in the flashback, Kelleran Beq (played by Ahmed Best) was the one who came to the rescue amidst the chaos of Order 66.
What Is Order 66
Order 66, one of the most infamous incidents in a galaxy far, far away, marked the darkest day for the Jedi. It was a covert protocol enacted by clone troopers, with the aim of helping the Sith and Emperor Palpatine (played by Ian McDiarmid) regain control of the galaxy.
This attack was first depicted in Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith and has since been portrayed in various other media, including The Clone Wars, The Bad Batch, and Obi-Wan Kenobi. The assault resulted in the death of most Jedi, with only a handful of survivors who continue to play significant roles in the Star Wars universe, including Obi-Wan Kenobi (portrayed by Ewan McGregor) and Yoda (voiced by Frank Oz). Kelleran Beq can now be added to this list, as we witness him saving Grogu and escaping the horrific scene.
Kelleran Beq’s First Debut
If you’re a diehard Star Wars fan, you might recognize Kelleran Beq from the 2020 kids’ game show Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge, which aired on YouTube and the Star Wars Kids website for only two seasons. As the show’s host, Beq guided young challengers through an obstacle course that could be described as a blend of Legends of the Hidden Temple and George Lucas’ imagination. Bringing this Jedi into The Mandalorian Season 3 is clever in that his primary role from the show was to teach and handle young contestants, making him the ideal candidate to rescue Grogu.
While this episode marks Kelleran Beq’s introduction to the mainstream Star Wars universe, it’s not Ahmed Best’s first time with the franchise. Best played a significant role in the prequel trilogy as the man behind the controversial character Jar Jar Binks.
He made his debut in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, followed by minor appearances in the subsequent two films. Best provided both the voice and motion capture performance for the fully CGI Gungan, who was a polarizing addition to the Star Wars universe. While Jar Jar Binks left an impression, it never allowed Best to shine the way he does in The Mandalorian.
Rescuing Grogu – Kelleran Beq Saved The Day
To introduce Best’s Jedi character in this episode, the show established a flashback where Grogu relives his darkest day. The Armorer forges a new Beskar chestplate for the foundling, causing him to have a traumatic experience that reveals weaknesses in him, similar to Din Djarin’s experience with the Trade Federation’s Super Battle Droids.
Grogu’s experience takes him back to Order 66, where we witness the destruction through his eyes. The group of unnamed Jedi he is with leads him to an elevator before they’re gunned down. Kelleran Beq greets him on the other side of the door and reassures him that everything will be alright. From there, we get to see Best embody the Jedi way as he wields a pair of lightsabers, one green and one purple. He battles clones and navigates a vehicle through the bustling city of Coruscant before flying them to safety. While we don’t know if we’ll see more of Kelleran Beq, this flashback may provide insight into where he takes Grogu as the child continues to develop in Mandalorian culture.
