Warning: Contains SPOILERS for The Book of Boba Fett, episode 3
The third-act speeder bike scene in The Book of Boba Fett episode 3 left much to be desired, especially compared to other chase sequences in the franchise. The Star Wars saga is renowned for its fast-paced action sequences, including those found in its new Disney+ shows, such as The Mandalorian. The Book of Boba Fett, unfortunately, delivered an underwhelming chase that could have been an exciting conclusion to the show’s third episode.
Even in its 1977 beginnings, the Star Wars franchise is famous for visually-spectacular action to complement its immersive lore and rich characterization. Return of the Jedi introduced speeder bikes, small landspeeders capable of moving at astound speeds and making hairpin turns. 1983 filmgoers were treated to a high-octane chase scene in which Luke and Leia sped after Imperial Scout Troopers through the dense Endor forest to prevent them from alerting the rest of the Empire’s forces.
In “Chapter 3: The Streets of Mos Espa,” Boba Fett, Fennec Shand, and their youthful employees (formerly a street gang) try to confront Mayor Mok Shaiz after learning of his schemes with the Pyke Syndicate from The Twins. Shaiz is nowhere to be found, and his majordomo flees the group in a speeder. Fett orders the former gang members to stop him, and they chase after him in brightly-colored speeder bikes. The chase sequence was notably quite slow and tame, especially by Star Wars standards, though it ends with Fett and his cohorts apprehending the majordomo.
Viewers wasted little time in mocking the sequence, taking to YouTube and other websites to make parody videos of the chase scene, with plenty more making their dissatisfaction clear in the comments sections. The Book of Boba Fett episode 2 featured an exciting action sequence of Fett and his Tusken Raider allies stopping a Pyke Syndicate hovertrain, conveying far more speed and intensity. Episode 3’s lackluster chase scene, unfortunately, coincides with a common criticism of the series being boring, especially compared to The Mandalorian.
The Book of Boba Fett has a far more emotional and contemplative tone and feel than The Mandalorian, so the complaints of the series itself being boring are, while a matter of personal taste, often frivolous. This explanation doesn’t apply to the chase sequence, however, as a high-speed speeder bike sequence in Mos Espa could have been handled with more intensity. In-universe, however, Fett’s cohorts and the majordomo may have simply been trying to avoid a crash in the crowded Mos Espa streets, explaining the slower pace and the destruction caused by the chase.
Despite the mishandled speeder bike chase, episode 3 was an overall well-written and directed installment of The Book of Boba Fett. With a focus on characterization, the deepening lore of the Star Wars canon continuity, and the show’s relation to the rest of the timeline, one mildly underwhelming chase scene shouldn’t damage the show in the long run. The Book of Boba Fett’s episode 3 speeder bike chase may have been bad, but the series will endure.
Episodes of The Book of Boba Fett stream Wednesdays on Disney+
