Disney+'s The Mandalorian has done a fantastic job introducing compelling new characters into an already familiar Star Wars' universe. Many of these succeed because the new character fills an existing archetype. The audience has a pre-established idea of how a bounty hunter, a Moff, a droid or a being of Yoda's race should behave. But, of all The Mandalorian's regular and recurring cast members, none is as welcome a sight as Amy Sedaris' Peli Motto, who doesn't exactly have a counterpart in Star Wars canon. Peli injects a unique and refreshing energy into the franchise, and though she's only made three appearances thus far, her presence has a meaningful impact on the show.
We first meet Peli Motto in Season 1's "The Gunslinger," when Din Djarin's battle-scarred Razor Crest is in need of repairs. Peli works with a crew of pit droids whom she treats less like employees and more like sabacc buddies, but Din makes it clear he doesn't want them anywhere near his ship. Peli is offended on behalf of her droids, though she accommodates him. Soon after, she discovers The Child, and falls in love with him as much as The Mandalorian's audience and the wider internet have.
In her relatively few minutes of screen time, the viewer gets to know Peli as a salt-of-the-Earth (well, maybe sand-of-Tatooine) middle-aged, working class, human woman. She's approachable, talkative, awkward, warm-hearted and she has a great sense of humor. She's a little gruff, not easily intimidated, but also not quite as super-heroic and indestructible as some of Star Wars' protagonists can be.
In summary, she's one of the most relatable Star Wars characters ever, and as such, she functions as an effective audience surrogate. It can be hard to identify with a man who wears a mask 99 percent of the time, but it's easy to feel how Peli's feeling, whether that's enamored of The Child or nervous about Din's interactions with Tatooine's sketchiest residents and visitors.
Thanks to Sedaris' lived-in performance, Peli also continues a tradition that's gotten better as the franchise has progressed: well-rounded female characters that are portrayed as professionals instead of love interests. Though she's certainly not a main character (yet, at least), Peli plays an important role in humanizing Din Djarin, too. Along with the presumably deceased Kuiil and IG-11, Peli helps Din overcome his distrust of droids. She helps him embrace his role as The Child's temporary guardian, and she serves as a moral thermometer of sorts for the bounty hunter on the run. It makes sense he'd want to return to her in Season 2, not just for routine maintenance but for reliable information and guidance. Mando trusts Peli -- and he should, she's awesome -- which hopefully means we'll see more of her in The Mandalorian's future.
Created by Jon Favreau, The Mandalorian stars Pedro Pascal, with guest stars with guest stars Gina Carano, Carl Weathers and Giancarlo Esposito. Directors for the new season include Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni, Bryce Dallas Howard, Rick Famuyiwa, Carl Weathers, Peyton Reed and Robert Rodriguez.