The Book of Boba Fett - Season 1 Review

Feb 20, 20224 min read

The Book of Boba Fett is an original space western series produced by Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni, and Robert Rodriguez for Disney+. It is set after the events of Return of the Jedi. It's a spin-off from The Mandalorian, and it stars Boba Fett, a crime lord and bounty hunter. Along with The Mandalorian and upcoming Ahsoka spin-off, The Book of Boba Fett exists in the same share-universe. Ming-Na Wen reprises her role as Fennec Shand, while Temuera Morrison plays the main character, who also plays Boba’s father Jango Fett in the prequel trilogy.

At the start of The Book of Boba Fett, there was a good setup. The idea of combining a crime thriller with a sci-fi spin on Dances With Wolves was exciting, but the story was already showing flaws. The show's appearance and tone felt like a continuation of The Mandalorian.

The Mandalorian has long appeared to be Disney's take on Boba Fett. The Mandalorian's story felt like exactly what fans wanted from a story about Boba Fett after he escaped from the Sarlacc pit.

The first few episodes show that Boba's physical and psyche are being cured, while we're given relevant background for his more practical leadership approach, thanks to the flashback framing device of a Bacta Tank. Boba doesn't want to follow the Hutt’s slimy path, with their airs of superiority and harsh manner, after living with the Tusken Raiders, who are shown to be a peaceful nomadic tribe. By devoting so much time to Fett's past, we gain a better grasp of the character's growth, but the pacing of the plot suffers as a result.

Nostalgia plays a huge part in the series. Fans will enjoy the many references and homages while rewatching and scanning each episode for even more easter eggs. The references are from the Star Wars movies, tv shows, and even video games to name a few. The introduction of a few fan-favorite characters from the animated Clone Wars and a comic book series are perfectly adapted into live-action and are given spot-on performance from their respectable actors.

Each actor and actress, throughout the whole season, give a wonderful performance. Temuera Morrison's grounded approach, sharp wit, and physical prowess help to flesh out a previously unreadable character, but the tendency of softening the edges of iconic villains may have gone too far. Morrison felt the character talk and remove his helmet too often, which many fans agree. Ming-Na Wen is always a delight to see, while Jennifer Beals and David Pasquesi's characters become fan-favorites. Even the Modders, a teenage biker gangs were good actors and actresses. However, their costume and moped designs may ruin the series for fans.

Dubbed as the Power Rangers, for their bright colorful sci-fi/steampunk mopeds. The Modders are a street gang that had modified themselves with cyborg limbs.

The leader of the gang Drash looks like the rocker Joan Jett with a robotic arm. Many fans have agreed both the costume and moped designs are very out of place in the Star Wars universe. The video game, Cyberpunk 2077 may had be better felt for the gang.

Regrettably, The Book of Boba Fett revealed that it was hijacked by its predecessor. The series developed into a secret Mandalorian season during the second part of the season. Any potential for a descent into deep underworld or crime fiction was overshadowed by Mando's story and significance. And although that element may have pleased most fans, it largely served as proof that the Star Wars world has succumbed to the same blanket of similarity that has made the MCU so successful while being creatively dead.

Overall, The Book of Boba Fett was a fun, if inconsistent, the first season with wonderful characters, nostalgia, and many western-inspired actions. Star Wars fans will at least find enjoyment watching the series, as long as they look past the minor flaws like the Power Ranger gang.