REVIEW: ‘The Book Of Boba Fett,’ Episode 4-“Chapter 4: The Gathering Storm”

The Book of Boba Fett Episode 4 is perhaps the series’ best episode to date, mainly because it turns the spotlight on the partnership between Fett (Temuera Morrison) and Fennec Shand (Ming-Na Wen). “The Gathering Storm” once again flashes back to the past, specifically when Fett saved Shand from dying following the events of The Mandalorian episode “The Gunslinger.” Now indebted to Fett, Shand helps him steal his ship, the Firespray, from Bib Fortuna. In the present, Fett strikes a deal with the families of Mos Espa as part of his plan to take down the Pyke Syndicate.

I mentioned in my review of a previous episode that my biggest issue with the series so far has been how little of an impact Shand has had on the series. “The Gathering Storm” corrects this by flashing back on how she was saved by Fett and the beginning of their partnership. As Fett says in a later scene, he needs brains and muscle to form his crime syndicate, and Shand possesses both — not to mention she saves his life on more than one occasion. Not only does this episode have plenty of Shand action, but it also makes the best use of the flashbacks, finally circling back to the point where Fett killed Bib Fortuna and took over as daimyo of Mos Espa. The “Mods,” the droid-enhanced bikers who wound up working for Boba Fett in the previous episode, also show up, and I almost leapt out of my seat when I saw Stephen “Thundercat” Bruner as one of them. I love his music, especially the theme he composed for Yasuke, and seeing him as part of the Star Wars universe was the cherry on top of a great episode.

Speaking of the main man himself, his reasons for becoming a crime lord are finally revealed. Fett is tired of risking his life for others, and his time with the Tusken Raiders has also reshaped his perspective on life. Jon Favreau, once again penning the script, has shown his affinity for the character of Fett and continues to show how the character has grown since his time in the Sarlacc pit. Instead of solving his problems with a blaster or missile, he attempts to reason with the other crime lords over dinner in a scene that owes a shoutout to The Godfather. Fans should also listen for executive producer Robert Rodriguez, who lends his voice to another alien character.

Stepping into the director’s chair for “The Gathering Storm” is Kevin Tancharoen, who’s directed other genre T.V., including episodes of Legends of Tomorrow and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Tancharoen excels at action sequences, especially when Fett and Shand break into Jabba the Hutt’s palace to get his ship. Shand picks off Jabba’s servants one by one, utilizing her sharpshooting skills, and also dispatches a few using martial arts skills. Another sequence features Fett mowing down the Nikto biker gang, blaster bolts scattering bits of Nikto across the sands of Tatooine. And a group of Trandoshans learns the hard way that Black Krrsantan is not an opponent you want to battle, though personally, I’m glad the bloodthirsty Wookie is continuing to play a role in the series.

The Book of Boba Fett Episode 4 begins the second half of the series by exploring the relationship between Fett and Fennec Shand and sets the stage for a war between Fett and the Pyke Syndicate. A musical cue in the final scene hints at another fan-favorite Star Wars character showing up, and their skills may help Fett in the battle to come.

New episodes of The Book of Boba Fett premiere Wednesdays on Disney+.