"Malani the Warrior" serves as the concluding episode, the twenty-second, of the second season of the animated series Ewoks. This episode, penned by Stephen Langford and brought to life by director Dale Schott, was originally broadcasted on December 13, 1986 via the ABC network.
The episode commences as Chief Chirpa and the wise Logray unleash the energy contained within the Sunstar, signifying the commencement of the Ewok Warrior Games. Observing from the shadows of the forest, the elephant-like creatures known as Bothel and Trud develop a strong yearning for the Ewoks' Sunstar, with aspirations of harnessing its power to transform the Forest Moon of Endor into a swampy haven. Trud questions the method by which they will acquire the Sunstar, to which Bothel responds that they will simply pilfer it.
During one of the competitive events, Chirita engages in a wrestling match with Weechee Warrick, which results in Weechee falling into the mud. A clearly infatuated Wicket presents her with a garland as a token of admiration. Latara playfully taunts Wicket regarding his affections for Chirita. Wicket defends himself, stating that she is merely a skilled warrior. Teebo's younger sister, Malani, makes her entrance carrying a basket filled with sunberries that she has gathered specifically for him. Wicket declares his intention to share some with Chirita. Motivated by the belief that Wicket has a preference for warrior-like girls, Malani sets her sights on becoming one herself.
In the meantime, Bothel and Trud seize the opportunity to infiltrate Bright Tree Village and abscond with the Sunstar. They conceal themselves upon hearing Malani's approach. Malani calls out to her older brother Teebo, who is visibly embarrassed by her presence. She resorts to blackmail, threatening to reveal to their mother that he ruined her favorite hood during his recent lizard experiment. Teebo reluctantly complies and climbs onto a high branch as instructed by Malani. Malani hopes to demonstrate her warrior qualities to Wicket by "rescuing" Teebo.
As Wicket strolls with Chirita, they are alerted by Teebo's cries for help. As Wicket and Chirita draw closer, Malani attempts to "save" Teebo by swinging her lasso in his direction, but her attempts prove unsuccessful. She loses her footing and lands precariously on a branch before her scarf becomes entangled on another. As she pleads for assistance, Teebo attempts to reach her but slips and falls from the tree. Wicket manages to catch him just in time. Malani finds herself dangling by her scarf above a three-headed snake.
Her scarf snaps, but Chirita intervenes and rescues her with a well-aimed lasso. The snake advances, but Chirita bravely chases it away with her stick, causing it to retreat into the very trunk where Bothel and Trud are hiding. The two thieves make a hasty escape. Chirita inquires about Malani's well-being. An impressed Teebo recounts an earlier rescue, but Chirita shows no interest. Devastated that her plan to impress Wicket has failed, a disheartened Malani flees into the woods, weeping.
Eavesdropping on Malani's lamentations, Bothel informs Trud that the young Ewok holds the key to acquiring the Sunstar. As Malani weeps in the forest, Bothel and Trud approach her, presenting themselves as benevolent fairies with the ability to transform her into a formidable warrior. They persuade her to steal the Sunstar, with the promise that she can then return it and impress Wicket.
Malani enters Master Logray's dwelling and retrieves the Sunstar. In the process, she accidentally drops the artifact. Malani experiences a moment of doubt but rationalizes that she is doing it for Wicket. Concurrently, Wicket confides in his friends about his desire to go for a canoe ride with Chirita. Latara expresses skepticism, suggesting that Chirita views him as a mere wokling. Malani dashes past them, concealing the Sunstar. Teebo expresses concern that his little sister is about to embark on another warrior-like escapade.
Malani hands over the Sunstar to Bothel and Trud, who are concealed within a muddy swamp. She inquires about when she will get to save it. Bothel then reveals his and his accomplice's true intentions. Malani attempts to thwart them by clinging to Bothel's tail, but Trud captures her. Bothel declares that they must flee before they are discovered. Bothel employs the Sunstar to transform a log into a flying contraption. Malani clings on for dear life. Wicket and the others arrive on the scene just as the two thieves are speeding through the forest with Malani and the Sunstar.
Upon reaching a secluded area within the forest, Bothel and Trud utilize the Sunstar's powers to transform their surroundings into a muddy landscape. Wicket questions why Malani is attempting to stop those "lurdos." Kneesaa surmises that Malani is trying to impress Wicket due to her infatuation with him. Teebo explains that Wicket is being ignored by Chirita, just as Chirita is ignoring him and Latara is ignoring Teebo. Latara concurs, while Wicket expresses remorse.
As they approach a forest of mushrooms, they discover that the thieves have conjured a sea of mud, which is engulfing the forest. The four Ewoks ascend a mushroom, where Kneesaa spots Bothel and Trud dancing with the Sunstar. Malani is standing on a rock. Wicket devises a plan and instructs Teebo to summon the raichlings. Teebo convinces the snail-like creatures to provide the Ewoks with a ride. Wicket informs his friends that he and Teebo will retrieve the Sunstar, while Kneesaa and Latara will distract the thieves.
Witnessing her friends circling overhead, Malani is emboldened and leaps onto Bothel, covering his eyes. The raichling splatters mud over Trud, enabling Wicket and Teebo to seize the Sunstar. Trud attempts to reclaim it, but Wicket and Teebo manage to secure it. Wicket harnesses the Sunstar's powers to transform the mud back into solid ground, trapping the two thieves. Wicket expresses his gratitude to Teebo for his assistance. The five Ewoks depart on their raichling steeds.
Back in the village, Malani is serving her punishment of carrying wood for three moons. Out of compassion, her older brother Teebo volunteers to help her fulfill her sentence. Teebo expresses his hope that she will learn not to steal the Sunstar again, while Latara learns that she does not need to alter herself to gain someone's affection. Malani continues to harbor feelings for Wicket.
Subsequently, Wicket invites Chirita for a canoe ride, but Chirita reveals that she is already in a relationship with his older brother Weechee. She expresses her hope that another wokling will accompany him. Feeling sympathetic towards her, Wicket invites Malani for a brief boat ride.