Wow. What an episode. Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni have done it again. They have put out a phenomenal episode of The Mandalorian, erm, sorry, The Book of Boba Fett.
This episode is full of fan favourite characters, but Boba Fett was missing in his own show for the second week running, which is a slight hindrance to his overall story.
Last week, fans were praising Bryce Dallas Howard for her direction of her episode (and rightly so). However, this week, it is obvious why Dave Filoni both co-wrote and directed this episode, and he should receive just as much, if not more praise because of it.
Ahsoka makes her surprising return, along with another deep cut character, this time from the animated side of Star Wars. Dave Filoni knows how to handle these characters and is proving that they can make the jump to live action successfully without losing out on what made them great.Ā
But before all of this, the episode gives us an extended look at Luke and Grogu training. The CGI on Luke has improved significantly since the end of The Mandalorian Season Two, with him now being able to demonstrate a further range of emotions, though if he is to be a mainstay a new actor should be cast. Star Wars shouldnāt gatekeep their most iconic characters. Recasting worked in Solo and for Ahsoka after all.
The audience sees Grogu meditate, lift frogs, and learn how to use the force to enhance his physical abilities. A horrific flashback to Order 66 then follows, with 501st Clone Troopers tearing through the Jedi that are protecting the child. Order 66 is a moment that is better experienced personally by following a specific Jedi, something that this episode takes advantage of. Its more modern depictions have followed this too, heightening the sadness of the moment.Ā
The Mandalorian attempts to visit Grogu, to give him the chainmail gift from last episode. Artoo forces him to wait, a test of patience no doubt. Here the audience witnesses the first look at the construction of Lukeās Jedi Temple, with six-legged droids that look like they are from a colony of ants.
It’s at this point Ahsoka makes her presence known. Her conversations with Din prove how knowledgeable she is, as she explains to him that Grogu seeing the Mandalorian again would disturb his training, for he just got over the attachment he had with Mando. Ahsoka later talks with Luke and does make a reference to his Anakin.
This is fan service pure and simple, but fan service done right. At that standard of writing, the episode purely could have focused on their conversations about Anakin, and there would not have been a problem. Itās also interesting to wonder if Ahsoka taught Luke any new skills, for she has far more knowledge through experience alone. Experience outranks everything.Ā
Returning to Tatooine, the audience is further treated to a look at Cobb Vanth. He is shown as being morally incorruptible, wanting only what is best for his people. The Pykes attempt to bribe him with spice, and when they are told to leave and never come back, they turn violent. But Cobb Vanth is a faster draw and defeats all three. This faster draw concept is something that the episode returns to later.
The Mandalorian pays a visit to Cobb, attempting to recruit the village to help fight off the Pykes. But the villagers, represented by the bartender, argue that it is not their problem, and so they do not want to. The theme of community is laced through this conversation, as Mos Espa and Mos Eiesley are part of the same community of Tatooine, but because they are places on the other side of the planet, the villagers donāt care about them. Until it becomes their problem, which the Pykes will do.Ā
Mando convinces Cobb to at least think about fighting back, and as he is leaving, a silhouetted figure comes from the desert. A stranger to most, but those who have watched the animated series know exactly who it is, through the hat alone. Cad Bane. And Cad Bane comes in to do what Cad Bane does best – beat everyone at a duel.
The intro may have shown Cobb as fast, but Bane is even faster. This whole sequence was masterfully directed by Filoni, arguably the best directed scene in the episode. The voice actor who plays Cad Bad in the animation, Corey Burton, is also a nice touch, helping with the seamless transition. This entire sequence is built off the Western genre. Cad Baneās look is clearly inspired by that era. Duels in the desert against the local sheriff (or in this case, Marshal), were commonplace too.Ā
Overall, this episode is a fan boyās dream come true, with many moments that will please the long-term fans. The only major critique is that in a series called The Book of Boba Fett, having two episodes where the titular character is hardly seen, which shows a lack of focus. This speaks to a larger lack of focus within the show, with heavy flashback focus and the changing of villains. The main narrative of Boba Fett has suffered because of these Mandalorian heavy episodes, though it is hard to complain about their quality. Now that war has officially broken out with the Pykes, hopefully the focus will return to Boba Fett, for an episode full of destruction and payoffs.Ā
Ā By Kieran Burt
Feature image: LucasfilmĀ