The Mandalorian: Chapter 20 Gives Ahmed Best The Franchise’s Greatest Redemption – Looper

After escaping by elevator from a squad of Clone Troopers, Grogu is taken under the protection of a dual-lightsaber-wielding Jedi named Kelleran Beq, a master of the force that from a certain point of view has already kinda-sorta appeared in the “Star Wars” universe. In 2020, Lucasfilm made a children’s game show called “Star Wars: Jedi Challenge aired on StarWarsKids.com and YouTube. Ahmed Best hosted the show as the character Beq, a helpful Jedi master who guided the kids to become Jedi Knights. The role established a significant turnaround for Best’s place in the franchise following his initial entry into “Star Wars,” which he admitted had a damaging impact on his life.

It’s well documented that Best had a tumultuous relationship with the franchise following his casting as Jar Jar Binks. Often used as a punchline and scapegoat for the lesser loved prequels, Best admitted in 2018 on Twitter (via The Guardian) that the hatred towards the initial character led him to consider ending his life. Since then, fans have backed the star, and his trajectory within the franchise has changed drastically. Given how things were left in this week’s episode of “The Mandalorian,” it has every chance of taking Best in a direction no one expected.

If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline​ by dialing 988 or by calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255)​.