I get what he is saying about the Mail cold open. Maul won’t be introduced in season 1, right? So I could see how that scene, or a different Maul hint, could work as sort of a cliffhanger for Season 1, if we don’t really get into the stuff with Maul until Season 2. The Mandalorian has ended both seasons on cliffhangers, with the Darksaber reveal, then the Book of Boba Fett teaser. So season “cliffhangers” are sort of à la mode at this point.

I also kind of felt like Anakin going from really angry with her, to sort of claiming her as his apprentice, felt pretty sudden. Which, you’re right, is more of an issue with the original film. I agree that if you could cite or mute his line, asking for her help, might alleviate the whiplash feeling you get when he says moments later “I had it under control!” I mean, I know this is whiny Anakin we’re talking about here, but still.

I would go even further to suggest that it might be interesting if you did extend that tension by having the audience wonder if he is going to keep her or not until he speaks with Obi-Wan and Yoda, sort of like you suggest. But it would require a few extra cuts, and that line, “You wouldn’t have made it as Obi-Wan’s padawan, but you might make it as mine” would be a bit of a shame to lose.

And the, the episode is already pretty short. Would hate to cut out too much more.