The Book of Boba Fett Episode 7 Review
Well, The Book of Boba Fett is over for the time being, and it ends in a way that’s, sadly, becoming par for the course for a lot of Star Wars stuff Disney makes. As in, the mini-series has to rely on a bevy of cameos, epic shoot-outs, and over-the-top fanservice to elicit a genuine reaction from fans. Despite the finale being, in a word, wizard, reactions to it will likely be mixed. The action scenes were very enjoyable, and there were a few plot threads that ended up paying off for fans. On the other hand, not everyone’s going to be happy with how they used certain characters.
On the other other hand, some fans will be happy with how they used certain characters!
Gang War and Grogu Gets Caught in the Middle
Let’s first discuss the Bantha in the room, Grogu. At the end of the last episode, Luke Sykwalker gave him a choice: he could either keep training as a Jedi, or go back to the Mandalorian. In this week’s finale, much to fan’s joy, Baby Yoda chooses to return to his adoptive father, potentially turning his back on the Jedi for good.
This choice was hotly debated over the last week by fans and theorists, and for good reason. Thanks to the Sequel Trilogy, we know how Luke’s attempts to rebuild the Jedi turn out (thanks a lot, Abrams,) and that left fans worried about Grogu’s future. With him choosing to rejoin Din Djarin, it seems like it will save him from Kylo Ren down the line. Still, it would’ve been cool if Luke let Grogu choose both, setting him up to be the next Mandalorian Jedi.
Thankfully, Grogu’s time with Luke wasn’t for nothing, though, as the little guy has a better grasp on his Force abilities. which prove to be a wild card in the gang war for Mos Espa at a crucial point.
Fett vs. the Pyke Syndicate
The gang war for control of Mos Espa, and thus all of Tatooine, finally comes, and it is absolutely brutal. Boba Fett’s group is heavily outnumbered, outgunned, and thanks to Cad Bane, it looks like help might not be coming. That, and the gangs of the city go back on their word and help the Pykes. Despite this, though, Boba refuses to back down or flee Mos Espa, leading to several epic shootouts in the streets.
This is where the episode truly shines, with everyone on Fett’s side getting a chance to show off their skills. The Modders hold their own fairly well, Fennec Shand kicks ass, Black Krrsantan reminds us what an angry Wookie can do, and the Gammorean guards…they die after falling off a cliff. Still, they’re really the only major casualties. There are a few stand-out moments in the fight that makes up much of the episode, though. The first being Boba Fett and the Mandalorian invoking the back-to-back badasses trope.
When all their allies are occupied, Boba and Mando hit back against the Pykes hard, and it really is a joy to watch. Two famous Mandalorians (I still count Boba as one) fighting on the ground and in the sky against the Pykes. The choreography is very impressive, and it makes it worthwhile for us to watch.
Secondly, Boba busts out the Rancor against the Pykes. Seeing the Rancor tear the Pykes heavy battle droids a new one is what the fans dreamed of seeing. That, and seeing Boba Fett ride it into battle is pure badassery.
The most standout moment, though, comes at the climax: the fight between Boba Fett and Cad Bane.
The Duel of the Bounty Hunters
Boba Fett and Cad Bane have had a long history with each other that goes back years, the latter being considered a rival to Boba’s father, Jango Fett. After Jango died, Bane helped train Boba so that he could one day fight him and prove once and for all that he was the best bounty hunter in the galaxy. This was basically the fight that fans wanted from the moment Cad Bane was introduced.
While some fans may be disappointed by how short the fight is, I still think it serves a purpose. It shows how Boba Fett has changed from his bounty hunting days where he relied only on himself. His time with the Tuskens taught him that it’s better to work together, and the whole series reinforces this mindset. Case in point, when Bane reveals the Pykes were the ones who slaughtered his Tusken tribe (fans who called it, congrats), Boba’s allies are there to rein him in. Which only makes it all the more poetic when Boba’s Gaffi Stick, a symbol of his new ideals of cooperation, is what helps Boba get the better of the feared Cad Bane.
If this is the last we see of Cad Bane, then I can think of no better way for him to go out than at the hands of his greatest rival. Also, this totally means that Boba Fett is the best!
On to The Mandalorian S3…and Kenobi
By the episode’s end, all is right in Mos Espa, with Boba getting the respect he’s wanted all season. However, we’ve already moved on by that point. The Mandalorian and Baby Yoda are back together, and are now off on their next adventure.
The Book of Boba Fett had some standout moments, but it seems like the fans got their expectations a little too high. It tried to be its own thing, but at its core, the series remained The Mandalorian Season 2.5. And you know what? That’s fine. Star Wars is far bigger than a single show, and when you look at it as a whole, it remains epic. Some moments are better than others, but I can work with that.
Though, no one cares anymore. Now we got this to hype up.
I Give “In the Name of Honor” a 3/5
Stray Observations
- The question everyone’s asking
- RIP Gammorean Guards
- Cobb Vanth is still alive!
- This moment is so cute!
