“The Book of Boba Fett” - Season Finale Review
The final episode to “The Book of Boba Fett” delivered in concluding the season’s story yet fell short in providing exciting action sequences or resolving many of the story’s plot holes.
In the first few minutes, audiences see Boba Fett, Fennec Shand, the Mandalorian, and some of Boba’s gang affiliates speaking about the central conflict of spice running through Tatooine.
The Mandalorian, Din Djarin, reassures Boba that Cobb Vanth and his people will come to assist them in their fight against the Pykes, those responsible for the spice trade. Boba is weary that they will have help in their fight, putting his trust in Din.
Then, the Pykes talk to the Mayor of Mos Espa and Cad Bane, the surprise appearance in the last episode. Trying to come up with a way to draw Boba out into a battle, Cad Bane brings up that they will need to utilize methods that may be too much for even them to handle.
As a complete surprise, Grogu arrives in Luke Skywalker’s X-Wing at Peli Motto’s home. This led audiences to believe Luke was somehow returning to his home planet, yet it was R2-D2 who piloted the ship to bring Grogu back to Din.
In addition, Grogu is wearing the beskar armor that Din had made for him, indicating his decision to choose his path and stray away from the life of the Jedi.
In a setting change, Fennec Shand outlines how Mos Espa is guarded and ready for whatever attack the Pykes decide to do.
Cad Bane arrives outside where he confronts Boba, bringing to light their long history together. He brings backup shooters in case of an attack and demands Boba that he allow the spice to run through Mos Espa.
When Boba declines to negotiate, Cad Bane reveals that it was the Pykes who murdered the Tuskens, those who took Boba in after he barely survived the Sarlacc Pit.
Fennec Shand tells him that instead of attacking now, they simply need to readjust their plans.
Violence erupts in the city, inciting the main conflict of the episode of the Pykes fighting against Boba Fett and his associates.
These action sequences were relevant to the episode yet lacked spectacle and excitement. Battles were either finished too soon or seemed forced.
One of the better battle sequences in this part of the episode was when Din and Boba both used their jetpacks and fought off the Pykes from the air. This showcased their skills and made for a scene the audience wanted to see.
The central conflict takes a turn when massive battle droids with protective shields come out that essentially dominate the fight from this point on. Din even tries using the Darksaber to puncture the shield only to fail.
Reinforcements from Freetown, Cobb Vanth’s town, arrive to help to everyone’s surprise. When Peli Motto arrives at the scene, Grogu is reunited with Din in an emotional exchange.
To conclude the battles, Boba returns riding a Rancor, the beast that he acquired in a previous episode. He uses it to eventually destroy the large battle droids in some of the more action-packed scenes of the episode.
Cad Bane returns to the scene to confront Boba yet again. In what could have been a long, drawn-out duel between the two, the scene ends with Boba easily killing Cad Bane, or so it seems.
Then, Grogu uses the force to calm the Rancor that got loose after the droids were destroyed. This showcased his strong force ability attributed to Luke’s training.
The episode ends with Boba and Fennec Shand walking the streets of Mos Espa in what seems like a calmer setting, with citizens showing Boba the respect he desired. The post-credit scene shows Cobb Vanth healing, hinting at his return in the show’s future.
Cad Bane stole the show in any scene he was in. His presence brings a coldness that audiences cannot help but experience, especially for those who watched his character in “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”.
The Mandalorian also was an essential piece to this episode. Without him, the action scenes would not be nearly as impressive or enticing for audiences. This episode especially showed how intense and thrilling Din is, more so than Boba in this show.
What this final episode lacked was genuinely great action scenes. Nearly everything depicted in these action scenes was not very impressive and paled in comparison to past action sequences in other Star Wars shows, like “The Mandalorian.”
This episode succeeded in setting up Grogu and Din’s future together and what their stories will involve, which audiences are likely more excited for than the future of “The Book of Boba Fett.”
Overall, “The Book of Boba Fett” did not exactly feel like a show about Boba Fett but more so a collection of separate Star Wars stories with no core focus. Seeing Boba on screen again was great in and of itself yet still calls for greater character development.
Rating: 3/5 Stars
Madison Imber is a second-year majoring in public relations. To contact her, email mbi5065@psu.edu
