The Mandalorian could have teased a dark future for Grogu – one that mirrors Anakin Skywalker’s. Grogu’s relationships with the Force and the Jedi have been tumultuous over three seasons of The Mandalorian. At first he was traumatized by the horror of Order 66 and forgot how to use the power until he had to project Dean Jarin. Then, in the end, he leaves Luke Skywalker’s new Jedi Academy to be with Dean, flouting one of the most fundamental rules of the Jedi Order.
It’s clear that Grogu is strong with the Force – Moff Gideon and the Empire wouldn’t have been so hellbent on capturing him if he wasn’t – but right now, he’s exactly where he belongs. He’s clearly happy, settled with Dean on Navarro, and while it’s impossible to know where his story will go in The Mandalorian & GroguThere’s a good chance he’ll become the first Mandalorian Jedi; He obviously connected with the Mitosaurus. What if that’s not what happens, though? What if The Mandalorian Season 2 set up a completely different future for Grogu? A much darker future?
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Grogu wanted the force for power
When Luke Skywalker comes to save Grogu in the final episode of The Mandalorian Season 2, Grogu is understandable to him. But this is more than their shared connection as Jedi. As Grogu watches Luke tear his way through dozens of armored droids without breaking a sweat, He is drawn to Luke’s power and his ability to protect himself and those around him. This is what Grogu wants from the Force.
He is arguably too young to fully understand what it means to be connected to the light and the importance of finding balance. What Grogu does know is that He wants to protect Dean Dzarin, and the power can give him the power. Not being able to control the force for the power it can give you is a dark side trait, however. If Grogu was never taught the difference by Luke, Ahsoka Tano or one of the other few remaining Jedi during the New Republic era – Ezra Bridger could be a possible tutor as well – then Grogu’s future is at risk.
Luke Skywalker fears that Grogu’s attachments would cause him to misuse his power
When Luke trains Grogu during The Book of Boba FettHe tries to impress upon Grogu the importance of balance, light and life. To some extent, Grogu seems to know, or at least understand, what Luke is talking about – his skills are certainly improving quickly as a result of Luke’s training, and before Dean Djarin makes a surprise appearance, there are no distractions. All this changes when Grogu meets Dean. He is also attached, and Luke notices.
Fear, anger, jealousy, grief, and despair are all powerful dark side emotions, and Grogu felt all of them during his relationship with Dean Djarin.
The Jedi Order’s rules against attachment are understandable, though not always enforceable or applicable to each individual Jedi. In general, however, the rule warns against the negative emotions that dependent attachments can bring forth. Fear, anger, jealousy, grief, and despair are all powerful dark side emotions, and Grogu felt all of them during his relationship with Dean Djarin. This is why Grogu was so drawn to the power of the Force, that he wanted to learn how to control his gifts. With this power he can protect Dean and everyone else who is here.
It’s a noble goal, but like these Star Wars Prequel trilogy made clear, sometimes, the Force is not enough to protect everyone, and attached to people can lead to extreme bouts of anger, fear and frustration. Right now, Grogu is in danger of becoming just like Anakin Skywalker – loyal and loving to a fault. What if Grogu loses Bo-Katan? What if Grogo loses Dean? What will happen to him then? Will grief drive him to the dark side, as it happened to Anakin?
Will Grogu fall to the dark side?
Unfortunately, there is a good chance that Grogu will, at the very least, be tempted by the dark side. The galaxy becomes more dangerous by the day. Grand Admiral Thrawn and the Nightsisters have returned, as seen in AhsokaAnd Project Necromancer, the initiative trying to create a Force-sensitive clone for Emperor Palpatine, is still in full swing. Grugu and Dean Dzarin will always be in danger, and as long as Dean is in danger, Grugu will try to protect him.
Grogu is already strong – being able to protect himself, Dean and Bo-Katan from a huge explosion in The Mandalorian Season 3 proved that beyond a doubt – and the more powerful he becomes, the more tempted the dark side, especially if it will help him protect Dean. Tragically, as long as Dean is in Grogu’s life, Grogu will never be safe from the dark side. Ahsoka and Luke both recognized the signs. Anakin Skywalker may not have been able to save himself from the darkness, but hopefully, Grogu’s future can still be saved as The Mandalorian Saga continues.