The Book of Boba Fett: Starring the Mandalorian

Elijah John

For a review of episodes 1-4, click here.

The Book of Boba Fett has turned a corner, producing new episodes that are much more action-packed than the first four. The problem? Boba Fett has had a combined ninety seconds of screen time over the past two episodes. 

The series has pivoted over to the storyline of Din Djarin, aka Mando, the protagonist of The Mandalorian. Many characters from the hit series’ second season have made an appearance, including CGI Luke Skywalker. 

The decision by the showrunners to take a break from the Boba Fett plot has left me conflicted. On one hand, Mando’s adventures have been my favorite part of the series, whether he is putting together a Naboo starfighter with Amy Sedaris’ Peli Motto or attempting to recruit Timothy Olyphant’s Cobb Vanth to join Fett in his fight against the Pykes. However, this series is supposed to be about Boba Fett. Yet, we have seen twice as much development in the Mando plotline than the Fett plotline in half as many episodes. Even Grogu, nicknamed “Baby Yoda” by Star Wars fans, has had more development and he only appears in the most recent episode.

The other big talking point of the last episode was the first live-action appearance of fan-favorite bounty hunter, Cad Bane. Introduced in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Bane has impressed audiences with his blaster aim and hand-to-hand combat skills. Bringing him into the Mandalorian-style episodes made perfect sense as Bane was born for a Western episode. His first scene is perfect, as he walks in from afar wearing his classic hat with his blaster in a holster. Eventually he has a Western showdown with Vanth, shooting him and walking away. As a Clone Wars fan, I was ecstatic to see Bane on screen again, but was disappointed with his appearance, which differed a little bit from the Clone Wars. I also question the showrunners’ intentions as they seem to have stuffed a lot of characters into the past two episodes, which could stunt development. 

Hopefully, the finale resolves many issues, giving Boba Fett the honor he deserves. The worst case scenario is terrifying: the show has created too many storylines and fails to address most of them.