by Alice-Ginevra Micheli, Contributing Writer
It’s not too surprising to say that this review took me a lot longer to create than most of my writing. It’s not because my opinion was particularly difficult to discern, but more due to the fact that I couldn’t quite grasp the reactions of others.
Why did they feel the way they did, and why didn’t I feel similarly? Like most Star Wars properties that diverge from what is considered “apropos”, The Book of Boba Fett was met with just as many (if not more) reactions of disdain than positive ones. This didn’t make sense; the creators were the same behind one of Star Wars’ most popular ventures in recent times (with The Mandalorian), the storyline was cared for, considered, and full of winks for truly knowledgeable fans, and the production quality was top tier. So what was missing?
Just like our hero in his character-defining adventures we’ll soon discuss, I had to take some time to really consider this ahead of the writing down of my opinion. Where I ultimately landed was that this show had a very deliberate reason for existing, and that didn’t jell well with everybody. Unlike the aforementioned Mandalorian, this isn’t meant to be the big standout piece that sets the tone and canon for the time in-between trilogies.
This show was and is a singular story about a mythical bounty hunter who’s always lived in the peripheries of the lore, without ever really getting a full grounding within its reality. The best way I can describe it is to suggest that you think of it as a companion novel of your favorite book series. The author has taken the chance to take this one specific thread, and expand on it just enough to explore elements and characters that are present in the main series, but were missing that extra dimension of explanation. The ultimate drive and passion still lies with the main heroes and their stories, but this went off into the periphery for a moment to help expand the world and give more to its readers. However, in this case, instead of a companion novel, we have a companion TV show.
It’s because of this that I walked away from The Book of Boba Fett having thoroughly enjoyed my time with it. Was it perfect? No. But seldom are most of the TV shows and movies that I dive into willingly. However, perfection isn’t the point here. The point is almost to show the roughness of the edges and expand on them further for those who cared to know more.
All that aside, it’s a very well made, considered, and entertaining look into the experiences of the titular Boba Fett, and his chosen cohort, both in his past, and in his future. Temuera Morrison, and Ming-Na Wen, as Boba Fett, and assassin Fennec Shand respectively, lead this story together as strongly bonded partners, each with their own decision-making and leading style. Both do an excellent job in their role, and really do make you want for more.
And getting back to the production design and just the entire look of this show, this is where it has a chance to shine. The care that’s present in the creation behind each and every element, the way in which parts of it are shot to rival the prettiest of paintings, and of course, the way it all looks like it could easily have a place within any of the original trilogy with effortless grace is something to be acknowledged. Not to mention, that the use of mostly practical effects over digital continues to be the correct choice, as it’s guaranteed to stand the test of time much more than any computer generated monstrosity (*cough* here’s looking at you, prequels *cough*).
However, like I said, it’s certainly not perfect. The main storyline is one we’ve seen in many, many Westerns before, and the way in which it’s presented isn’t always in the most exciting manner. That is to say, unlike The Mandalorian, this show wasn’t immune from the, “I’ll just peek at or scroll through my phone at this part” viewer experience. However, that’s also the rub here. It’s not The Mandalorian. In fact, The Mandalorian is objectively a better show in almost every way. However, that’s not to say that The Book of Boba Fett isn’t still enjoyable, and very much watchable, because it is.
Suffering a little from unfair comparisons, an unforgiving fan-base, and the humanizing of a previous legendary, untouchable character, The Book of Boba Fett had not just enormous shoes, but enormous buckets of expectations to fill, and unfortunately it didn’t quite hit those heights.
However, what was produced was a show of undeniable character, intricacy, and a sound exploration of what it means to seek, and nurture true connection. It’s a touching side story that only helps build out the greater Star Wars world, and has ultimately impact it in a positive way.
Grade: B+
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