The Book of Boba Fett Double Take: Chapter 3

The Book of Boba Fett Chapter 3: The Streets of Mos Espa kicks off with a brand new character Lortha Peel, a water-monger, asking for Lord Fett’s help in disposing of a cyborg gang stealing his goods. Actor Stephen Root plays Peel and he’s an amazing casting choice. Known for his character and comedy work (Office Space is likely where most of us recognize him), Root fits in the universe nicely. This reminds me of the casting of Amy Sedaris in The Mandalorian, a somewhat left of center choice but it really works. Boba agrees to look into the matter, the promise of Peel doubling his tribute isn’t a bad incentive either. Of course all is not as it seems upon Boba’s investigation. He learns that the cyborg gang are stealing out of necessity as they are strapped for cash and jobs; plus, Peel’s prices for water are outrageous. Instead of punishing the youths, Boba the Benevolent offers them jobs and a way out of their life of crime. I really like how we’re seeing the progression of Boba from a deadly bounty hunter to someone in a position of power who’s using it for the betterment of others. I can’t say this is where I thought the series was going with this character but I definitely don’t hate it. At this point in the story it’s fair to say Boba’s still an anti-hero, I just don’t know how long that will be the case.

After a long day of work, Boba’s back in the bacta—a storytelling device that I can’t quite tell if I’ve grown tired of yet. For me, this is reminiscent of Harry Potter continually going into the pensieve in Dumbledore’s office to learn of Voldemort’s backstory. Yes this is a device that gets the job done, I just hope it doesn’t grow tiresome by the series’ end. Nevertheless, Boba’s conversation with the Pyke Syndicate leader shows that he was definitely building up his resume in terms of people skills and negotiation far before his time as Tatooine’s crime boss. Upon Boba’s return to the Tusken’s camp he discovers it’s been destroyed by the Nikto gang. While it probably shouldn’t have, this moment took me by surprise. Chapter 2 did such an amazing job of showing the bond Boba established with the Raiders, making this scene that much more devastating.

We’re flung back to the present as Boba is ripped out of his tank by Black Krrsantan, dead set on completing his mission of murder. What follows is an epic fight scene as Krrsantan makes short work of kicking Boba’s bacta-diapered booty. Thankfully Boba’s new recruits come to his rescue and Krrsantan is captured. The Hutt Twins come a-knocking, revealing that they’re leaving the planet; it seems Mayor Shaiz isn’t their cup of tea. As a parting gift, they offer Boba a baby Rancor, complete with a trainer (played by longtime Robert Rodriguez collaborator Danny Trejo)! Boba the Benevolent then releases Krrsantan, more evidence of his maturity, although I can’t imagine this will be the last we see of him or the Hutts.

Like many other viewers, my favorite scene in this episode is Boba’s time with the Rancor and its trainer. Like Boba himself, the Rancor as a species have been misunderstood. Sure they’ve been trained to be vicious killers, but they’re really just big teddy bears who want someone to love. Boba makes it his mission to bond with the beast, his goal to ride it one day (I pray that happens before the season’s over!). Baby Rancor is definitely no Grogu in terms of cuteness, but this scene was just so freaking endearing, I can’t wait to see this storyline develop.

The Book of Boba Fett Chapter 3 wraps up with Boba and crew trying to talk to Mayor Shaiz but he’s nowhere to be found. What follows is a somewhat underwhelming chase scene as Boba’s cyborg crew (astride their colorful speeders, which I didn’t hate) try to stop the mayor’s majordomo from getting away. This scene couldn’t have amped up the tension in my opinion; it just didn’t feel fast enough and went on a few beats too long, but hey we got the live action debut of meiloorun fruit so it wasn’t a total waste. The episode ends with the threat of war as the Pykes have made their way to Tatooine—let’s hope Boba and his crew are ready for what’s to come.

The Book of Boba Fett continues to thrill and surprise with each passing week. The Streets of Mos Espa did quite a bit of narrative work, continually showing us how Boba’s current strategy of leadership is shaped by his past. Is Boba transitioning to a good guy? Will the bounty hunter he’s been every fully disappear? If the series doesn’t outright answer these questions at least the journey will be one to remember.