It's Only the Start of Ahmed Best's 'The Mandalorian' Redemption Arc

One of the most controversial Star Wars characters returned to the franchise this week—and he was thankful for cheers, instead of jeers. You never really know with this fanbase. But when Jar Jar Binks actor Ahmed Best appeared in the latest episode of The Mandalorian—two lightsabers in hand, revealing that he personally saved baby Grogu from assassinated in the prequel trilogy—well, you just have to give a round of applause for the guy.

For those only casually aware of how much fans hated The Phantom Menace's Jar Jar Binks, know that the character received so much derision that Ahmed Best was left significantly depressed and fearful for his life after receiving multiple death threats. For the record, I kind of like Jar Jar! (Don't send me death threats either, please.) Thankfully, Best eventually returned to the franchise as Jedi Kelleran Beq. He was the host of a children's reality competition series titled Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge, which acted as a sort of Star Wars-themed reboot of Legends of the Hidden Temple. Shockingly, Best brought Beq inside the actual Star Wars canon this week by portraying him as one of the most important characters introduced in The Mandalorian so far. I can't think of anything that's ever happened like this, but I'm so glad that it worked out.

“Gratitude! Good to be back," Best wrote on social media after the episode aired. "There is so much to say and share. It’s going to take a couple of days. But, for now, I’ll just say thank you to all that have held me up and made me better.” Best will now be remembered as the man who saved Grogu's life. Can't get any better that.

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