Title: Stranger in a Strange Land
Directed by: Robert Rodriguez
Runtime: 38 minutes
I enjoyed doing this for The Mandalorian so I’m going to do it again for The Book of Boba Fett. There will be spoilers if I need to discuss them but, as I did for other series, I will provide a warning. So let’s get started dicussing The Book of Boba Fett Chapter 1.
I’m under the impression that Robert Rodriguez will be directing all of the episodes so I may not always list the Directed by in the future. Also, I’m going to assume you have watched all of The Mandalorian, including the post-credits scene of Chapter 16.
On my first watch through, I freaking loved it. It does start a little slow to give some back story in the form of flashbacks (more on that later). I think the point of the backstory serves as a tribute to the Skywalker Saga with references to ROTJ and the prequels.
The flashbacks are dreams while Boba rests, but the episode does set up the series. Boba is the new crime boss after dethroning Bib Fortuna and he sets out to ensure he is recognized as the new leader.
The following content contains spoilers for The Book of Boba Fett S1E1
So That’s How He Did It…
Right off the bat Disney explains how Boba Fett survives the Sarlacc. This is a mystery many fans have hypothesized since the second Death Star blew up. I’ll be honest, I was not expecting them to explain it. There are many things that remain unexplained in the Star Wars universe; and those mysteries are some of the best things about Star Wars.
Am I mad that they unveiled this mystery? No. They essentially use an idea from one of the many fan theories, so I’m satisfied with how this mystery was solved. The image on the right is one of the fan art depicting Boba’s escape from the Sarlacc. This is the closest fan art illustration that matches the episode.
There is a bit of a blooper in this episode; I’m sure I’m not the only one that noticed it. In the scene from Attack of the Clones, where young Boba picks up the head of his slain father, he tilts the helmet just right so you can see through the visor. The head appears to be missing from the helmet. It’s minor and its probably missing because of some kind of Disney content restrictions but I feel like better editing should have prevailed.
If I have to guess, the series will be about Boba’s struggle to establish himself as the new “Godfather” of Mos Espa. There are going to be factions that oppose his new rule and will make attempts to assassinate him. He also intends to “rule with respect” instead of fear, which will present additional challenges.
I’m a fan and I think this is going to be a good series. The worst part, so far, is waiting another week for the next episode!