The Book of Boba Fett episode 2 shines in a beautiful final ceremony

This post contains spoilers for The Book of Boba Fett episode 2.

The Book of Boba Fett episode 2 continues Boba Fett’s backstory with the Tuskens and I cannot stop thinking about it, especially the final scene. The creators of this series are giving fans a detailed look at what happened after the famous bounty hunter fell into the Sarlacc’s pit and it’s incredible. Although episode 1 highlights the Tuskens’ acceptance of Boba Fett, episode 2, “The Tribes of Tatooine,” dives deeper into the relationship built between Boba Fett and the Tusken tribe that has become as unbreakable as the staff Boba wields.

Although the initial capture didn’t seem like it would bode well for Boba Fett, especially with his suit and gear stolen, it has progressed into something wholly satisfying. After capturing him (aka saving him), was Boba Fett’s forced bondage a test of will to see if he was worthy to join their tribe? The entire episode is dedicated to showing off Boba Fett’s capabilities, even when he’s bested by his teacher with the gaderffii stick.

Where episode 1 gives us a sense of Boba Fett proving his will to survive, The Book of Boba Fett episode 2 seems to focus on the journey associated with fitting in and proving his worth. Temuera Morrison’s own upbringing where he received training as a young boy gives all of these fight scenes a sincere quality that lets viewers know that Boba Fett is not to be messed with.

In an interview with Star Wars online, Morrison highlighted his background. He said, “I’m a Maori and I’ve been trained. It gives me something to draw on. I was trained as a young boy back in New Zealand in the art of our haka [warrior dance]. ‘Ha’ is the breath, and ‘ka’ is the fire. I’m using my warrior background as a source of energy and as a source of confidence.” His training absolutely translates to the screen, which gives us intense and heartfelt sequences that culminate in an epic ceremony by the close of this episode.

When Boba Fett has his gaderffii stick knocked away, he wants to learn how to be better. The fire in his eyes is real and it makes Morrison’s impact as Fett even more satisfying, while also clarifying his introduction in The Mandalorian where he wielded the stick as his weapon of choice. The impact of his training extends to this weapon, as he also mentioned, “In our own culture, we have a staff that’s called a taiaha. I’d been trained in that as a young boy, as well.”

The Book of Boba Fett episode 2 is also layered in such a way where the final ceremonial dance is representative of Fett’s journey with the Tuskens and it feels important. He approaches a group of approximately 22 Tuskens at night, sitting in a circle around a blazing bonfire. Fett presents the leader with the gaderffii stick he created. In this moment, he looks to the leader for approval, similarly to when he looked to the leader for some form of recognition or a sip of water. The leader nods, much like Fett being worthy to be welcomed into the tribe earlier and earning that initial sip of water.

He then faces his teacher and they start to artfully move and strike their sticks into the air. This simple face-to-face engagement, staring at one another across the fire, seems to represent the initial stages of acceptance where he’s being trained. This was a new look for Boba Fett, because we watched a skilled Tusken fighter best him again and again. The emphasis on his training, and how he helped them as well, produces this symbiotic merging of two worlds: one of a former bounty hunter and one of a group once only seen as deadly nuisances.

The last stage of this amazing ceremony has the other members of the tribe getting to their feet to participate in this dance. Much like the Tusken warriors and Boba Fett came together to perform this captivating art form, they also worked in harmony to defeat the passing train that caused death and destruction to the tribe. As they circle the fire, their movements are one and the message of their bond seems to be crystal clear.

The ceremony is mesmerizing, beautiful, and the intensity from Morrison and the others portraying the Tuskens is unified in a way that perfectly encapsulates what these characters all mean to each other. They are one family. With this acceptance, trust, and looking out for one another, Boba Fett has learned a great deal from the Tuskens. Ultimately, so have the fans, and this amazing ceremonial dance perfectly captures this episode and means one thing: we’re all the better for it.

What are your thoughts on The Book of Boba Fett episode 2? Did the final sequence give you a further appreciation for Boba Fett and the Tuskens? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Don’t forget to follow the Dork Side of the Force for more The Book of Boba Fett coverage.