What Is the Story About?
After recovering his suit, Boba Fett kills Bib Fortuna and takes over as Daimyo of Tatooine. He takes over Jabba the Hutt’s throne and with the help of Fennec Shand, they try to control the vast empire left behind by the Hutt crime lord. However, with the spice trade still booming in Tatooine and other crime lords testing him, will the duo be able to hold on to the empire for long?
Performances?
Temuera Morrison and Ming-Na Wen reprise their roles as Boba Fett and Fenec Shand respectively, and they do a good job – as much as the script allows them to. Since the series focuses more on Fett, Morrison gets more screen time and his stoic onscreen demeanor works well in his favour. Min-Na Wen still looks bad ass every time she makes an appearance on screen and her interaction with Boba provides insight into her own thought process.
Pedro Pascal also deserves a mention since a good chunk of the show focuses on the journey of his character, The Mandalorian. By this point, the actor knows his character inside out and he plays a good supporting character to Morrison’s Boba Fett.
Analysis
Unlike The Mandalorian series; to understand The Book of Boba Fett, most viewers will need knowledge from the other Star Wars films – particularly, from the first Star Wars trilogy. While the show primarily acts as a continuation series for The Mandalorian, it also shows us the journey that Boba Fett had to go through after he fell into the Sarlacc pit, at the beginning of The Return of The Jedi – which is why prior Star Wars knowledge is needed. Boba Fett has been a bounty hunter his whole life and has lived by a strict code – which all changes after the Sarlacc pit incident. The show explores Boba Fett’s journey as a character while showing us the intricacies of Tatooine’s inner-city politics.
The series starts off slow – the initial introduction of the Tusken Raiders is a bit boring and the opening sequence of the tribute part can be skipped if necessary. Most of the plot of the show happens in Boba’s past and it is when the past and present align, the show starts to become more interesting. Also, while Boba and Fennec are interesting characters, they are not compelling enough to drive the show on their own. Both ex-bounty hunters gave us more to look forward to in their previous profession and their new jobs as crime lords quickly became boring to watch. Which is why the introduction of the Mandalorian, Grogu, Luke Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano instantly elevates the show. The Mandalorian, Ahsoka Tano or even Luke Skywalker alone is enough to make the series a bit more interesting, but this quadruple reveal exceeded expectations of nearly everyone. While it serves as some brilliant fan service, their introduction to the show provides it the push it needs to start moving the plot along. R2D2 is a nice touch as well. The setup for the third season of The Mandalorian is also welcome.
The show has a lot of minor plot problems. Such as the addition of the mods into Boba’s group/army. Without any prior knowledge of their abilities or even testing them, he decides to take them in because they have guts to tell the truth to his face. Another problem is Boba Fett’s naivety. While we understand that he has to give a little leeway if he wants to not rule by fear – it is almost obvious when he is taken advantage of. Especially when he called the crime bosses from all over Tatooine to put forth a truce. Also unlike the first trilogy, Boba Fett does a lot of talking, and (a lot of) removing of his helmet. Thankfully, these major character changes are explained by his time spent among the tusken raiders. After living a lonely life, the sense of community that he felt among the sand people gave him a good enough reason to be more social and trusting. Which also explains why he wants to settle down and quit his bounty hunting ways.
As usual, this Star Wars project has some brilliant music, action and CG work. Mark Hamill’s face looks more realistic than from The Mandalorian and that is thanks to some brilliant work by the graphic developers. Jov Favreau deserves praise for this story as well, but it needs a little bit more refining. The lack of extras made the final “war scene”, more like a skirmish. Still, the introduction of Cad Bane and the final fight between him and Boba Fett make the show all the more better.
Overall, The Book of Boba Fett is a show that should be checked out if you are a Star Wars fan. The show provides some good fan service while maintaining gross plot integrity.
Other Artists?
Sophie Thatcher, Jennifer Beals and Jordan Bolger play the supporting roles, but they do not have much to do on screen. Mark Hamill and Rosario Dawson have even less screen time than the other three, but their inclusion works better with the show than the actors who portray new characters.
Music and Other Departments?
As expected from any Star Wars project, the music is brilliant. SImilarly, so was the CG, cinematography, action and stunts. Most of the show is well edited and shot, and the director deserves a lot of praise.
Highlights?
Boba Fett’s Time Post Return of The Jedi
The Mandalorian, Grogu, Luke, R2D2, Ahsoka and Cad Bane.
Music
Action
Drawbacks?
Boba Fett’s naivety
Minor Plot Problems
Final “War Sequence”
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes
Will You Recommend It?
If you are a Star Wars fan, then definitely yes
The Book of Boba Fett Series Review by Binged Bureau