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In the original Star Wars (known now as A New Hope), Obi-Wan Kenobi describes Mos Eisley as a "wretched hive of scum and villainy," just as he takes young Luke Skywalker there to meet Han Solo and Chewbacca, hear some catchy tunes, and get in fights with a few different alien races along the way. The Mandalorian isn't set too long after all that, but by the time Mando shows up, it looks like the fun has mostly died down.
In the show's sixth episode, after Mando is stuck on Tatooine for repairs, he heads to Mos Eisleyspecifically the Cantina Barfiguring he may as well work while he's stuck here. The droid behind the bar can't help him, but a young, ambitious bounty hunter overhears his request, and offers to pay him for help with a job.
And while the show does manage to orchestrate a compelling meeting in the Cantina Bar, capturing much nostalgia from the original film, there is still just something missing: that band, and that immortal catchy tune. You know the one. It's not playing in The Mandalorianprobably because it sort of feels like Mando is walking into this bar at, like, noon. So rest assured, those legends will probably be back in their station by evening.
Serving as a meeting place between two vital characters is nothing new for the Cantina Bar settingthe spot where The Mandalorian and the young bounty hunter (named Toro Calican) meet is the exact booth where the infamous Han Solo-Greedo showdown occurred.
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There's history everywhere you look in this scummy joint, and it's a nice feeling to have it back in the Star Wars world. It's a fulfilling nod back to that original scene that holds a special place in any Star Wars fan's heart, while still progressing the plot of this particular Mandalorian episode forward in a meaningful way. Mission accomplished, Jon Favreau.