I don't really understand the complaints about the lack of forward momentum during this season. The structure of the season is not really too much different from previous seasons, and I would argue there is more foreshadowing this season than any other.
Break down the episodes:
S1E1 The Mandalorian
Introduce everyone, can't forshadow a lot
E2 The Child
The imperials want the child because he can use the Force, that's a hint!
E3 The Sin
Table is reset as Mando is forced to wander
E4 Sancuary
Introduce Cara dune, but otherwise a one-off
E5 The Gunslinger
Introduce Fennic Shand, but otherwise a one-off
E6 The Prisoner
Straight one-off
E7/E8
Two-part finale that features the "Moff Gideon wants Grogu" storyline (which before now had only been seen in one episode)
S2E1 The Marshal
Overall theme is looking for Jedi, but he doesn't know where they are so he looks for Mandalorians first
E2 The Passenger
One-off, no connection whatsoever
E3 The Heiress
Introduce Bo Katan, ends up pointing to Ahsoka
E4 The Siege
No connection to Jedi plot, but hints backwards to Imperials
E5 The Jedi
Ahsoka shows up and calls him Grogu, sends him further along on his quest
E6 The Tragedy
Grogu searches for jedi, boba fett makes an appearance, catalyst for action in finale
E7 The Believer
One-off all about finding Gideon
E8 The Rescue
Tie off jedi storyline and (seemingly) imperial storyline, great finale
S3E1 The Apostate
New mission for Mando- redemption. Tries to get Bo Katan to help
E2 Mines of Mandalore
Mando achieves his redemption, sets up unification of Mandalore via mythosaur
E3 The Convert
one-off...maybe? Imperial presence is shown throughout in both the space fight scene and the New Republic storyline
E4 The Foundling
Bo Katan earns the respect of the coven (and leadership cred) by rescuing a child, uniting that group behind her
E5 The Pirate
Bo Katan and Mando lead the coven in action against pirates, the undercover imperial Kane shows up again, Bo Katan is specifically given the quest to unite Mandalore
E6 Guns For Hire
With Mando's help, Bo Katan unites the Mandalorian mercenaries under her leadership (possibly) setting the stage for the finale
E7 ???
I would bet this episode sees Mando and Bo bringing in more Mandalorians while the New Republic spy plot culminates, mandalorians trying to be recruited are ones who freed Gideon
E8 ???
Battle between Mandalorians and the Imperials (probably Gideon), but this time Mandalor wins