Imagine the following: it’s Nov. 17, 1978, and you switch on the television to watch the premiere of “The Star Wars Holiday Special.” As you are watching it, an animated segment of the special comes on called “The Story of the Faithful Wookiee.” The special turns out to be a disappointment, but in the animated part, you do see the first appearance of a new “Star Wars” character called Boba Fett.
Since his first appearance in 1978, Boba Fett has become one of the most popular characters in “Star Wars,” even though he had only six and half minutes on screen and four lines in the original trilogy. But it wasn’t until season two, episode six of “The Mandalorian” in 2020 that we even saw what Boba Fett looks like under the helmet.
Soon after Boba Fett’s appearance on “The Mandalorian,” it was announced he would have his own miniseries on Disney+, “The Book of Boba Fett.”
It is set in the same time period as “The Mandalorian,” about five years after “Return of the Jedi.”
“The Book of Boba Fett” makes excellent use of flashbacks to dive deeper into the character of Boba Fett and to show how he survived being swallowed by the Sarlacc pit. The flashbacks and the main story take the audience on a man’s journey trying to find redemption.
I think the show’s most outstanding achievement is that it has actually made me care about Boba Fett. Sure, as a “Star Wars” fan, I always thought he was an okay character, but I never really saw the hype around him. I never got a feel for his character from the movies. But because of this show, I am excited about what other stories can be explored.
Temuera Morrison (who also played Jango Fett in the prequel trilogy) brings Boba to life with his performance. He knows how to mix the more serious, intense scenes with comedy. I was surprised about how hilarious the episodes were. There were many times throughout that I burst out laughing.
Viewers will see the mythology of “Star Wars” runs deep within the show. More of the universe of “Star Wars” during the years of the New Republic is explored, beyond just the Jedi and the Sith.
Even though many new characters are introduced throughout the seven episodes, a few familiar characters make appearances. However, the plot felt lost at certain moments with the introduction of so many new characters. But the setting on Tatooine did give the series a sense of familiarity. It was nice seeing more of the planet and how Boba takes his place as the criminal underworld leader on it, but he does not rule in fear like one of his predecessors, Jabba the Hutt. Boba Fett is actually a kind and caring person who would do anything to protect his friends and the people of the planet he calls home. The episodes pull back the layers of Boba Fett and show he is a complex individual, not just some tough brooding guy in cool armor.
In recent years one of my favorite parts of “Star Wars” is its exploration of those years after the fall of the Galactic Empire. “The Book of Boba Fett” does just that, showing one part of a larger story. The show has something for new and old fans of “Star Wars.” Happy Watching!