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BOOK OF BOBA FETT Emphasizes Mercy Over Violence

Walt Disney Studios

BOOK OF BOBA FETT Emphasizes Mercy Over Violence

By Movieguide® Contributor

THE BOOK OF BOBA FETT is a 2021 Disney+ original series based on the Star Wars franchise. The series follows Boba Fett, an ex-bounty hunter who usurps Jabba the Hutt’s turf. Fett attempts to unite all the crime families on Tatooine. As a result, the local crime lords challenge Fett and his legitimacy. The series is a spin-off / continuation of the hit STAR WARS show, THE MANDALORIAN.

THE BOOK OF BOBA FETT is a competent program with frustrating execution. The show contains high production values, some standout action set pieces, and an interesting redemption arc. It is marred with inconsistent pacing and bland dialogue. The series contains minimal gore, a pantheon of seedy aliens, and a former mercenary who develops his own code of honor. For a TV-14 series, it is artistically and morally adequate for a casual audience.

Set after RETURN OF THE JEDI, Boba Fett and his mercenary partner Fennec Shand navigate the seedy town of Mos Espa. Fett tries to negotiate peace and mercy with the crime lords. However, the Hutt and Pyke families declare war on Fett’s rule. As a result, Fett enlists the help of a Mandalorian ally.

In terms of production design, BOBA FETT is excellent. The environment design and hand-crafted creature effects are strong. The cinematography is top notch. The overall visual effects are as good as THE MANDALORIAN. The action scenes are spectacular with believable motion and inventive choreography. The standout scene is the desert train heist in episode two. It features Fett and the Tusken Raiders hijacking a dangerous convoy. The action and stunt work is simply phenomenal.

When it comes to writing, BOBA FETT struggles to maintain one’s attention. The show cuts between two time periods: Fett becoming a crime boss in the present, and Fett surviving in the harsh desert in various flashbacks. In the “present” story, Fett gathers recruits to his cause and barters with the town syndicates. These scenes boil down to Fett walking to a place, delivering exposition to Shand, getting into a fight, and returning to his healing tube. This storyline barely goes anywhere and the dialogue ranges from “dry sarcasm” to “pure boredom.” The “present” plot is overshadowed by his backstory.

With the “flashback” storyline, the series kicks into high gear. This plot deals with Boba Fett going from a selfish freelancer to a warrior who stands up for his people. In this subplot, Fett gets enslaved by the Tusken Raiders and tries to escape. Out of nowhere, a sand monster attacks an innocent Tusken boy. Fett chokes the monster to death and saves the child. Fett learns to respect the Raider culture and teaches them to fend for themselves.

This backstory is expertly told through striking visuals, minimal dialogue, and great acting. Fett and the Raiders exchange their knowledge on combat discipline. Fett’s stoic yet loyal personality is well fleshed out. This section has the best action sequences and further clarifies Fett’s emotional maturity.

In terms of moral outlook, BOBA FETT contains several Christian ideas. Unlike his former employer Jabba the Hutt, Fett exercises mercy and negotiation with his enemies. In the flashbacks, Fett witnesses the slaughter of a Tusken Raider group. He swears to avenge their deaths. In the “present” storyline, Fett hires several cyborg street urchins to be his bodyguards. In one episode, Shand captures an assassin who tried to take Fett’s life. Shand tricks the assassin into revealing his master. Instead of executing him, Fett returns the assassin to his boss as an “offer of peace.” He offers mercy and only resorts to fighting as a last resort.

The show explores Fett’s defiance of Tatooine’s criminal customs. He walks on the street on the same level as his bodyguards. He tries to negotiate with mutual bargains instead of guns blazing. In one episode, he rescues Fennec Shand from death. He revives Shand with robotic enhancements, and Shand offers her life as a debt. Fett forgoes his bounty hunter ways and strives for a better tomorrow for galactic freelancers. One cannot deny that Fett develops a code of honor.

In conclusion, THE BOOK OF BOBA FETT is a decent series that fails to live up to its MANDALORIAN brother. It features interesting ideas, a fascinating backstory, and the Christian virtues of mercy and helping less fortunate people. However, the dialogue is bland and the “present” time scenes are uninspired. For STAR WARS fan, this is not the series you’re looking for. Movieguide® advises caution for older children, including teenagers, and sensitive adults.

Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

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Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.


Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.