– Spoiler Review –
After a year since its surprise announcement at the end of The Mandalorian’s second season, The Book of Boba Fett, starring Temuera Morrison and Ming-Na Wen, has arrived. The season one premiere, “Stranger in a Strange Land,” really feels like the opening chapter of a book, exploring the early moments of his sarlacc escape and reign as Lord Fett on Tatooine.
As the credits rolled on “Stranger in a Strange Land,” I initially didn’t quite know how to feel about the episode, as it seemed to end in the middle of all its stories, neither story totally clear what would come next (the present more than the past set story, but still). It didn’t mean The Book of Boba Fett season one premiere wasn’t entertaining, but it did finish as if there was meant to be more for the episode; I know there’s supposed to be more episodes, of course, it’s that this felt abrupt. Reconsidering the episode as I got ready to write this review, and taking the show’s title literally, the abruptness didn’t seem as sharp and it reminded me instead of a chapter break in a book, this simply part one of the larger 7 episode (chapter) show (book). The Mandalorian and other shows like Star Wars Rebels and The Bad Batch are more traditional, with close-ended episodes for the most part outside two-parters, but The Book of Boba Fett looks to be breaking up its longer story per episode and I’m excited to see how this plays out, especially on a binge-watch once it’s all over.
“Stranger in a Strange Land” starts off in the present after Boba Fett’s taken over from Bib Fortuna, bathing in bacta in the highest parts of what was once Jabba’s Palace, and his dreams offer flashbacks, where most of the episode is focused. I was surprised we immediately jumped into the explanation of what happened to Boba Fett after he fell into the Sarlacc Pit in Return of the Jedi, though I appreciated it went in a direction I wasn’t expecting (and didn’t rely on Legends versions of events). It’s unclear how long Boba’s in the sarlacc, but he breaks out quickly, flame-throwing and digging his way out, though it’s the least grueling part of his adventures after. First, the Jawas visit and steal his armor, setting up for Cobb Vanth to acquire it, but then the Tusken Raiders arrive, dragging him away. Considering they speak in only their unique grunts and growls, followed by their own take on sign language and Boba communicates via neither, these parts of the episode are often quiet, with only Joseph Shirley’s score to carry some scenes alongside Temuera Morrison’s and the Tusken characters’ acting. The Tuskens are putting him, and later a Rodian, through some type of test, tying them up to lay in the scorched sands of Tatooine, beating them up, and later digging for water pods in the desert. Knowing more of Boba’s past, especially after reading content like the War of the Bounty Hunters crossover in the comics, his pride and arrogance were often his starring features before his tumble into the sarlacc, so this is a humbling experience for the bounty hunter, bringing him down to his lowest level, being beat up and bossed around by a child Tusken. I wish The Book of Boba Fett made this clearer for more viewers, though he’s certainly learning to deal with the humbling new situation by the end of the episode, killing a bizarre sand-dwelling creature (that looked like something from an old Claymation horror movie) that earns him some respect with the clan of Tuskens. It’s where the flashbacks end for this episode, but obviously it promises more story to come, considering there’s five years between Return of the Jedi and The Mandalorian, though it’s not totally clear how much time has already passed. How does he escape the Tuskens and later get back his starship? Tales spun for upcoming chapters, I assume.
In the present, Fennec Shand awakes Boba from his bath to take tidings from his new subjects, which goes well until Mos Espa’s Mayor’s majordomo arrives. He acts all humble and gracious, but he’s asking Boba for money instead of the other way around, and Boba sends the majordomo away alive as a message to the mayor, though the Twi’lek warns them another delegation might visit due to this slight. It’s unclear how long it’s been since he took the throne from Fortuna or what he’s really done to get the message out there he’s the new boss in town, so this scene felt sort of sudden and made his operation seem very small, almost insignificant, so I’m curious how the show will handle showing the scale of operations going forward. I did love the banter between Fennec and Boba, especially dealing with the majordomo’s veiled threats, and it only got more entertaining between the two throughout the episode. The next scene in the present takes Boba and Fennec to Garsa Fwip (Jennifer Beals), the Twi’lek owner of a local gambling/entertainment establishment, to make his presence known to her since she used to be under Jabba. This was probably my favorite scene of the episode, as it’s clear Boba’s in over his head, just assuming him showing up is enough to maintain the status quo, and Garsa’s reactions to his news and how she responds clearly hints she’s not excited about it but biding her time on any action either way. Boba’s doesn’t quite pick up on it, but I do believe Fennec is on top of it, or at least she seems more prepared to be running a criminal organization than Fett, advising him about the way most crime bosses do business, though I appreciate Fett attempting to try another way. How the two come to work together on his criminal enterprises, her guidance and his out-of-the-box thinking, is one of the places I’m hoping the show covers over the rest of its chapters.
After their meeting, it doesn’t take long for the Mayor’s other delegation to arrive and surround the pair; it’s my assumption about the masked henchmen being the Mayor’s, as it’s not confirmed/denied here. With their red personal shields, they box the Fett and Fennec in and it’s not looking good until Gamorreans, which Boba spared earlier in a decision Fennec warns against but obviously pays off during this ambush, come to the pair’s rescue, helping turn the tides. The action, the episode directed by Robert Rodriguez who handled Boba’s big return episode in The Mandalorian, is a blast to watch from start to finish. Fennec and Boba clearly have their own styles, Boba very direct and emphasizing power attacks, while Fennec is lithe on her feet, preferring a more mobile, flowing style, while it was bizarrely awesome to watch some Gamorreans get in on the action. After Boba and Fennec gain the upper hand, a parkour-filled chase ensues with Fennec in hot pursuit of two henchmen, while Boba is rushed to the bacta tank by the grunts. Fennec’s chase is another highlight of the episode, as a big set was utilized for a dynamic, enthralling action sequence that ends with Fennec taking one prisoner…and killing the other. Fennec is the true badass here and it shows in “Stranger in a Strange Land,” plus it’s very obvious to see how much Ming-Na Wen is enjoying her time on the show already. Boba’s choice with the Gamorreans and Fennec’s advice about walking in the open holds the key to the push and pull between their ideas on leadership, which I mentioned earlier that I look forward to the show exploring more. These are two people not used to working together and it’s clear they have some way to go, but it’s already proving fruitful. After this scene and the one of Boba’s triumph in the past, the episode ends, hence why I initially felt it was so abrupt. How will Boba respond to the conflict with the Mayor? What are his next plans? What does Fennec want from their partnership, what motives her to stay with him and help his empire grow? All stuff for future chapters.
Here are a few other things:
- The theme is composed by The Mandalorian’s Ludwig Göransson, and it’s another banger like his Mando-theme, though the series’ score throughout is by Joseph Shirley, who I mentioned earlier.
- Traditionally, Twi’lek’s with cone ears are female and ones with are male, but so far both The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett have Twi’leks going against these gender norms for the species. Does this mean actual transgender representation on screen or an oversight by the costume department? Considering how terribly behind on-screen rep is for LGBTQIA+ compared to the far more inclusive novels and comics, it would be a major win for representation if it turns out to be true. As the excellent QueersWatch put it on Twitter, and I agree: “Logically they’re trans as heck but I’m not about to give them {Disney/Lucasfilm} credit for unintentional representation.”
- Having the DARPA droids on screen was a fun nod to their future leaning design, but felt a little too out-of-universe.
- The unique outfits for the Tuskens, denoting leaders and other roles, was a neat touch we’ve never really seen before.
The Book of Boba Fett Season One Premiere “Stranger in a Strange Land” takes a moment to get used to its design, but it opens the first chapter on what could become a rather entertaining book.
+ Boba Fett and Fennec Shand’s rapport
+ Flashbacks reveal intriguing, unique events
+ Stellar action scenes
– Isn’t quite clear where it’s heading yet
Ryan is Mynock Manor’s Head Butler. You can follow him on Twitter @BrushYourTeeth. You can follow the website on Twitter @MynockManor and Instagram @mynockmanor.