Can’t say for the writers and director’s motivations with the character, but one reason I can think of for her not using her mind manipulation powers now that she is on team goodguy is just that. She is a good guy now and good guys don’t screw around with other people’s thoughts and memories. That is bad guy…

Don’t get this place started. I thought it was fine as well. No where near part 1 but fine.

(a movie that director Joss Whedon himself has admitted he isn’t terribly proud of),

Honestly the three strike duel was amazing and awesome. When I saw that I immediately thought: this is what it looks like when a Jedi master fights. It was swift, efficient, and beautiful.

Well that is a ray of hope.