When I look back to this time last year, when this series was announced, I wasn’t that excited for ‘The Book of Boba Fett’, and if anything was more shocked by its announcement. Boba Fett was always a fascinating character, one of mystery too and its a true shame that he fell prisoner to the Sarlacc Pitt during the events of ‘Return of the Jedi’, however, Dave Filoni gave Fett a redemption story, and here we are!
A lot of mystery has surrounded this show, with both a lot of story details being left out of marketing, and very few casting announcements being confirmed, incredibly similar to the first season of ‘The Mandalorian‘, leading to many believing that there would be a surprise appearance of a notable fan-favourite character in the series at some point…
The following review contains spoilers
‘The Book of Boba Fett’ begins with some well needed exposition. as we see Boba Fett lying within a Bacta Tank, as he dreams. Through these dreams, we’re treated to a glimpse of Jango Fett’s death, and then get to see what fans have wanted for, for a long time, Boba Fett escaping from the Sarlacc Pitt. Ever since we saw Cobb Vanth and Mando escape the Krayt Dragon, fans have wondered if Fett survived a similar fate… He emerges covered in venom and sand as the theme playing is incredibly victorious, Our titular character is soon hijacked by Jawas who strip him of his suit, which we know will soon end up in the hands of Cobb Vanth, last seen in the season opener of The Mandalorian Season 2
The episode bolsters a superb score, from Ludwig Göransson who returns after helming composing duties for ‘The Mandalorian. His different use of percussion and sounds work really well for capturing the theme of a Star Wars title, and I would love to see Göransson back for even more Star Wars Disney+ titles. There’s something so powerful about seeing Boba Fett, arguably one of the coolest Star Wars characters stripped bare of his power and skills and virtually left with nothing after being taken prisoner by Tusken Raiders. One of the show’s themes is clearly redemption and one, I’m sure will be fulfilled with Fett in his new role.
During Fett’s time with the Tuskens, we see him begin as a prisoner, and by the end of the episode, Fett begins to ne respected and ends up sort of part of the “crew” if you will, of the Raiders. This mirrors the present day storyline in some way as we see Fett’s rise to the top of the criminal underworld as he begins his role after taking over from Bib Fortuna. Fett awakes from the Bacta, and is greeted by visitors who bring tributes to him, as a gesture for his arrival to the throne in Jabba’s Palace. Amongst the many visitors for Fett include a spokesperson on behalf of the Mayor, who brings no tribute or even an appearance for Fett. The spokesperson asks for a tribute from Fett instead, who is turned away by Shand. Who is the Mayor?…
The opening episode features some action sequences, and whilst some are really cool, the combat falls flat when camera shots feel almost uncomfortable and makes you question the environment the scenes were shot in, and despite the obvious that Tatooine doesn’t exist, the shots really struggle and make what you’re watching feel not real at times. However, Boba Fett blows up a guy with a rocket – so not everything is awful! Temura Morrison really shines in the role as Boba Fett, and it’s so great to see him back.
Two former Gamorrean Guards who worked under Jabba are presented as offerings to Fett, first as prsoners and potential torture victims, however, Fett declines and instead asks them to work for him instead. Fett claims he “Does not torture”. Fett makes it clear that whilst Jabba ruled with fear, he will rule with respect – an exciting development for sure.
We soon head to The Sanctuary where we have a brand new spin on the famous Cantina music, played by the Max Rebo Band and meet Garsa Fwip, played by Jennifer Beals. Fett tells Garsa her business will continue to thrive under his watchful eyes, and he is told he is always welcome, as he’s met with a nice bribe in his helmet, cleaned by Garsa’s staff. As Fett and Shand make their way through Tatooine, they’re ambushed by a group of pirates. Whilst not looking too much into the camera angles, as previously mentioned – there’s a really cool parkour sequence, which is a nice change from the punching and shield combat we’re used too…
I’m a big fan of using Fett in the Bacta Tank as exposition, and think it works really well. The second set of flashbacks see Fett alongside a Rhodian prisoner. who both attempt a plan to escape the Tuskens and get off world. The two end up digging up a huge sand monster which attacks the pair, and the Tusken Child who is watching the pair. After what is a tense battle with the sand monster, Fett stands victorious atop the defeated creature, and returns to the Tusken camp with the Tusken Child carrying the head of the monster as his prize. Fett is rewarded with some water as he is accepted into the group of Tusken’s.
‘The Book of Boba Fett’ – Stranger in a Strange Land – Final Thoughts
‘Stranger in a Strange Land’ is a great opener to what I believe could be a really good show. It’s incredibly promising, especially ahead of Disney+’s ambitious upcoming line-up of Star Wars titles. Morrison shines in the headlining role, and I cannot wait for next week’s instalment!
