Chapter 7: In the Name of Honor

It's strange that the most senior of the directors for both the Mandalorian and Boba Fett series is the one that delivers the most underwhelming action sequences.

This episode was truly all over the place. My least favourite episode of the series, apart from a few great scenes.

Cad Bane and the Pyke Syndicate attack Mos Espa.

Generally I think it is a disappointing end to the show and mixes clichéd action sequences with uninspired scenes of dialogue. However, I cannot deny it contains plenty of entertainment for those who prioritise spectacle.

Although good, the previous two episodes deviated hugely from the Tatooine story, and it killed most of the momentum building up to this conflict. As a result I have very little investment in what happens to Boba or any of the characters here, outside of the Mandalorian and one other. I also think it suffers from too many characters being involved. I think it would have been better focusing on less individuals and improving the quality of their contributions.

I think several of the dialogue heavy opening expositions explain too much. Do we really need someone to tell us the entire plan upfront? Filmmakers should show it in a series of reveals as opposed to one big information dump. Speaking of reveals, the Tusken related dialogue should never have been included so early as it lessens the impact of the later conversation between Fett and Bane.

I think the visuals are a mixed bag. The cinematography, effects and art design, as ever, are brilliant, but the general flow of it I found to be a bit messy. There are contrivances galore to bring about certain confrontations between characters and allow characters to save others. One character randomly disappears for a period of time and conveniently appears for a 'cinematic' showdown. Lots of baddies shoot blasters but cannot hit a barn door with a banjo. It also uses one of my pet hates: slow motion strutting. There are a few sequences I like that involve tributes to classic movies, but I won't spoil plot by mentioning specifics.

Unfortunately many comments on IMDB seem to demonise one director based on speculation about creative decisions made during the production. For me the biggest problems are in the writing, particularly relating to the volume of characters, lack of focus and the development of Boba Fett. There is only so much a director can do with weak material.

Ending on a positive, my 6 year old daughter enjoyed every minute of it so I think it deserves an extra point for holding her for the duration. That is usually a sign of decent visual storytelling.

The worst 3 episodes of the series are all directed by Robert Rodriguez. They look cheap and nasty, like episodes of Power Rangers, with poor editing and particularly bad gunfire effects. They feel very un-Star Wars.

After the previous 2 outstanding episodes which had some great cameos, surprises and twists, the finale was flat and predictable.

Everything brilliant apart from cyberpunk vespa gang. Please release a cut without them, they are cringeworthy and their dialogues are horrible. Worst thing to happen to Star Wars since jar jar Binks.

Unfortunately it was the Boba Fett production that was behind the helm here and as usual made the episode total travesty after the last 2 quality Mando-centric eps. Everytime those absurdly ridiculous bike kids appear with their woke lines ones wants to throw something at the screen. Not to mention the absurd Mech fight or endless plot armor of whomever director feels like.

The ep had a few good dialogues and scenes, a likely gift from Mandalorian crew, however for the most part it was total trash. I honestly feel for the guys from Mando production that had to work with the talentless hacks that helm the Boba production.

Please FIRE whomever is responsible for this absolute travesty of a season aside from the couple Mando eps.