Ryan Shoots First: The Book of Boba Fett (S1 Ep5) “Return of the Mandalorian”
Yes, not much to really talk about this week without acknowledging the elephant in the room. Mando is back. There was a rumor a while back that the reason Mandalorian Season 3 was so far down the line was because The Book of Boba Fett was a de facto season 3. This week somewhat confirmed that may have been the idea originally. Mando is back and better than ever. Of course we miss Grogu but with him gone Din is able to explore a bit more and learn even more about the history of Mandalore and specifically the DarkSaber.
This episode was heavy on exposition and back story but you really don’t care because it is all super interesting and presented in such a visually appealing way. And that is from someone who already knew most of it. To those who didn’t watch Clone Wars or Rebels, getting the lore for the Dark Saber is key to where Mando’s story looks to be going next. I don’t know how much longer he will be in the show but with only 2 episodes left it stands to reason he’ll be around for the rest leading right into season 3 next winter. The episode itself was rather slow in action but I simply didn’t care, it was also heavy on details about ship mechanics and licensing regulations but again I didn’t care it was all so interesting to see these sides of the Star Wars universe explored. It also helped that this episode was directed by Bryce Dallas Howard who has directed some really good episodes of Mando. No offense to Robert Rodriguez but I don’t think his tone is matching in some respects, little too much Spy Kids from time to tomeThere was also a really cool new location introduced and a TON of fun easter eggs sprinkled all over the episode. Some hidden and some not so much. The Favreau/Filloni series do such a good job of riding the line between just enough fan service so well. It’s not cheap and never takes away from the overall story. While it may be odd the best episode so far doesn’t feature Boba at all it is setting up to be a final few episodes full of cool moments that will have me cheering. Boba, Fennec, BK AND Mando?? And that is only who we know of. Pykes don’t stand a chance.
Observations
- Oh damn we ain’t wasting any time Daddy Din is here!
- YESSSS Darksaber!
- Well its good to see sending his kid off to college hasnt softened Mando.
- Dog dudes in caddy caps get spin off next right?
- The halo ring is cool as shit! More of this in Star Wars please!
- Awesome Tracking shot
- Nice to get some DS exposition for those that don’t watch Clone Wars or Rebels
- Oh man we see the purge too this episode giving us everything
- NOOO Oh if they give us Grogu in Mando armor… they are toying with us.
- Yea flying commercial sucks Mando
- BD!
- OK Mandos N1 starfighter is bad ass
- Flight scene was awesome including the Beggers canyon bit
- Wizard haha
