[Warning: Article contains spoilers for Star Wars: The Mandalorian.] We’ve seen two episodes of The Mandalorian now. Setting aside complaints of too-short episodes and those of so-called “fans” that never seem to be satisfied, the general consensus is that the show is thus far a Star Wars hit for Disney+. In the first episode we are hit with the bombshell of a baby of Yoda’s species. In Chapter 2, we learn quite a bit more about the child and its importance…. And it becomes clear that more than just “The Client” are looking for it.

Mandalorian; the child
Image: Lucasfilm Ltd.

Chapter 2 confirms that the child is not just the third instance of its species in all of Star Wars. It also lets us know that, even in apparent infancy, the species is especially strong with the Force. Early speculation is that the creature is a clone of Yoda, born of the Kaminoan cloners. (The timing does fit.) But two questions loom over The Mandalorian: Who else knows it exists, and who else is looking for it?

How does the child fit into The Mandalorian?

Clearly we know that The Client (Werner Herzog) and Doctor Pershing want the child, and Pershing wants it alive. They’re not the only ones, however. Other parties are aware of the child, too. Hence, IG-11 appears at the compound at the same time as the Mandalorian. And IG-11’s client wasn’t as discerning as the Mandalorian’s; his bounty called for termination.

Mandalorian; IG-11; the child
IG-11 prepares to eliminate the child in Chapter 1 of The Mandalorian.
(Image: Lucasfilm Ltd.)

Likewise, we have a crew of Trandoshians seeking the child, as well. We first saw them lurking about when the Mandalorian initially took the bounty from Greef Carga. During an ambush we learn that they too have a tracking fob. One charged the child with the intent of eliminating the mark, as well. With (at least) three bounties, it’s becoming clear that there is indeed more to the force-wielding “foundling” that meets the eye.

Thus far the show seems to confirm early rumors that The Mandalorian plot would follow that of Lone Wolf and Cub. (Lone Wolf and Cub is, of course, the critically acclaimed manga series by Kazou Koike.) Because the show is set five years after Return of the Jedi, however, it’s hard to speculate about who could know of the child. Easier is reasoning why the remnants of the Empire, at least, would want it dead.

The Mandalorian; bounty hunters;
One of several tracking fobs used to find the child in The Mandalorian.
(Image: Lucasfilm Ltd.)

So who else do you think is looking for the child in The Mandalorian, and why? Let us know your thoughts in the comments this week. Perhaps we’ll learn some answers with Chapter 3.

The Mandalorian airs Fridays on Disney+.