Can Boba Fett Become an Effective Crime Lord? | Star Wars

Boba Fett has gone from bounty hunter to aspiring crime lord, but have his early decisions set him up for success or failure?
In Incoming, The Templin Institute discusses the theories and ideas found across alternate worlds.
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[@voidwalkerai1489]

Boston Dynamic's Spot robot dog is in the show lol, did not expect that

[@hellfish2309]

galaxy far far away, NYPD; little shjits are everywhere

[@shinyagumon7015]

I mean that's the closest thing to a droid we have on earth

[@_apsis]

it was nice to see them in

[@DocGadget11]

@@shinyagumon7015 you got a point

[@Ironfrenzy217]

What the dog doing?

[@stynkus]

About the Gamorreans: Fett *did* state that their unwavering loyalty to *both* of their previous masters was something that he highly valued (and was implied to be rare in Gamorreans). The way I perceived this was that if they had caved after being captured, he would have seen them in much different light and probably would have just killed them (he's not into torture apparently).

[@TDenterpriser]

Not into torture? The dude carried a Wookiee pelt over his shoulder lol

[@weldonwin]

@@TDenterpriser Meaning he killed a Wookiee and took their pelt, not that he tortured or skinned them alive

[@horriblemonkey3065]

I have to agree with stynkus on this one. They way I saw it, Boba Fett is surrounded by scheming, two faced thugs and cronies and the only one he can rely on so far is Fennec Shar. The two Gamorreans have already shown that they are loyal. Which he is in desperate need off. He took a gamble, yes, but it was one with good odds.

[@rqneo5361]

The thing is Boba is definitely not above torturing. It's something he did from time to time to get information on targets. It's not like he enjoys it, but he's a cold mf who doesn't feel much pity for others. I get in this instance why he didn't want to do what the droid suggested, but to make a blanket statement like that is not consistent with his character, or at least who he used to be a few years previously. It's like he's gone soft, and it's not clear why because it seems that recent times have been very hard for him.

[@imtableship1703]

@@rqneo5361 could have something to do with hanging out with a Sandkid

[@ReaverLordTonus]

I think you missed an important reference, in the film 'The Godfather part II' we witness the rise of Mob boss Vito Corleoni. Like Boba he obtains his position by assassinating his predecessor, a man who ruled with fear and intimidation and demanded he submit to him as well. After killing him, we see Vito as a man who rules his neighborhood by earning the respect of those living under his rule. He is able to forge connections by acts of philanthropy but under the condition that the person he helps will extend the same courtesy to him at a later time. This public image made it easy for him to obtain assets among police and politicians as they did not have any reservations of being seen with him since Vito was more known as a philanthropist than a crime lord. Eventually the title of 'Godfather' was given to Vito by his community more so out of affection as he ruled by Respect rather than fear. At the same time however, Vito also wasn't afraid to use violence to achieve his goals, but only enough so that his reputation would insure compliance and loyalty. He had a number of deadly enforcers under his command and wasn't afraid to call on them to deliver a painful reminder of who was in charge. This balance of ruling with respect and fear allowed Vito to thrive and prosper and despite a few attempts on his life he managed to achieve what few mob bosses ever do, dying of old age a free man.

[@seancarroll9849]

Exactly, I was thinking about that reference myself. Don Corleone walked a fine line of respect/fear. If you didn't do anything rash, he'd listen, maybe even give you a fair deal or say. But if you were of a scummy sort, he'd make you 'an offer that you could not refuse'. What Boba Fett is aiming for is this precise kind of crime lord.

[@ashaide]

Exactly. When this was announced, my first thought was: "Oh, is this going to be 'The Godfather', Star Wars version?"

[@rqneo5361]

Vito was probably the nicest you could portray a believable crimelord. He relied on Luca Brasi to be the fear factor in his organisation. If Boba doesn't want to be brutal like Jabba then he'd better gain the loyalty of someone who can make him feared.

[@brokensky2378]

I think Boba should have shown up on a speeder bike with his group. It shows power, it shows that he is a man of action. His move to take in the guards might actually be his inner mando philosophy talking. And it works, even at the time, because he already knows that the guards had A: fought for their previous employers until their deaths, and B: switched when presented no other choice.

[@ryank5424]

speeder bikes I think would be a good middle ground. Plus you get some of the same effect as walking in.

[@MR.LMR1996]

Aye. Speeder bike escort would be a good middle ground. And maybe an extra pair of guards as well to go with his Gamorreans.

[@levongevorgyan6789]

Forget speeder bikes, get this man a Basilisk wardroid to cruise in, see if everybody don't fall to their knees.

[@Xalerdane]

He doesn’t have an inner mando philosophy.

[@RamonInNZ]

@@levongevorgyan6789 yup something fairly good sized with him seen controlling it!

[@alexanderfenn4457]

I've seen a lot of people being angry about how he's "not acting like himself" or that he didn't use his jetpack when surrounded by would be assassins (perhaps a lack of fuel was the case, I'm not too sure). I think people are forgetting that Boba is old as hell and life has beat the shit out of him time and time again. But just because he's been around for a while doesn't mean he can't be an effective fighter given his training and experience. Perhaps he just needs more time to find his feet again. As for his potential as a crime lord I do agree that being cautious was a good call on Fett's part. However, I hope the show doesn't try to make Fett into a "good guy" on the whole. He's done some horrible things and I hope he continues to do them when he thinks it's the right thing to do. A more grey character skirting the lines of right and wrong and not being afraid to sink to depths of absolute cruelty if it means retaining power would be much more interesting than a bad guy on the road to total redemption. But then again, Disney gonna Disney. Who knows?

[@nathanaelsallhageriksson1719]

I agree with you here 100%. I want this guys to be pragmatic for his station, as a crime lord you gotta be of at least grey moral charater to do things that make you retain your power in such a situation. But I also fear taht disney are gonna do the disney, i think taht would be terrible, especially because they already kidna did something like that for the mandalorian, so we don't need another story like that.

[@hellfish2309]

Pretty sure his pack’s thruster is fugged even if its rocket launcher is still functioning; he hasn’t or can’t get an armorer to fix it

[@alexanderfenn4457]

@@hellfish2309 I wondered if that was the case. Someone said it was damaged in a fight during Mando S2, and I remember him using it in the battle with the Stormtrooper team sent after Grogu. Hopefully he can get it fixed because god knows all this crime stuff must be taking its toll physically lol

[@tankofreality4550]

I'm surprised that the video didn't bring up the idea that boba may start his own clan "the Fett Clan". It would make sense since his goal seems to be a mafia-oriented organization. I also feel like members of the Shadow Collective may be interested in Boba's reputation and may ask him to join.

[@hellfish2309]

@@alexanderfenn4457 ooh you’re right he did use it in Mando🤔

[@sterasigma8734]

If he wants people to take him seriously, taking out whoever sent the assassins after him would be a good start. Trying to form an alliance with other criminals is one thing, showing strength and consequence in antagonizing him is another.

[@shinyagumon7015]

I think you are confusing deliberate kindness with Naivety here Marc. It seems to me like Boba is trying to paint himself not as some run-of-the-Mill crime lord, but as a folk hero to the people of Tatooine: He spares the Envoy, he forgives the guards and gives them a second chance and he walks into town not like royalty, but as a common man. In fact the assassination attempt might actually strengthen his position, not with the criminal syndicates, but again with the common people of Tatooine.

[@cheeseninja1115]

I think your on the right track with this, as we see his disgusts when shown the gangsters robbing the moister farmers in his past as well as making friends with the Tuskens. Boba wants to make a new crime empire, one of respect not just to him but the morality of it. It might be illegal but its called **organized** crime for a reason and Boba knows this.

[@jameslude3146]

I have to agree, i think boba is going to make a new crime empire that focuses on respect and cares for the common man as long as they don't try to interfere.

[@theresafisher8781]

And history has shown us that crime lords who win over the people do tend to be very successful (as happened in Colombia, for example)

[@mondaysinsanity8193]

@@theresafisher8781 definitely taking a more al capone/yakuza type angle

[@andyrobin7196]

yeah watching him get beaten up will make everyone love him

[@TY-km8hj]

I'm really glad he spared the gamoreean as it reminds me of the mentality of the mandalorians; that merit and loyalty is to be respected and rewarded. The reason the mandalorians of old grew in size and power was their change into a culture and creed that allowed other races the chance to join so long as they adhered to their ways. This is a good form of it as they were loyalty to both their previous masters and is a good start for boba showing he isn't out to kill for the sake of killing

[@zubbworks]

Boba should bring back the tradition and claim the title of mandalore. Mandalorian wars 2.0. Would be better than the disney trilogy.

[@davidmauriciogutierrezespi5244]

@@zubbworks the bar is below ground w/the sequels, but YES I want to see another mandalorian war

[@drksideofthewal]

Garsa Fwip's words about the "long trip" stood out to me as well. I interpreted it as a subtle dig about him walking all that way instead of being carried, but this interpretation makes more sense.

[@TheSquareheadgamer]

I assumed it was about the litter as well. I assume Garsa Fwip will be a main antagonist who acts as an ally for a decent while

[@twelfthknight]

I think alienating himself from the major SW factions is relatively unimportant in this scenario. The Empire or either versions of Republic never had real jurisdiction in the outer rim in the first place, and every other criminal syndicate that would step into Jabba's role clearly haven't solidified into anything major. Furthermore, for those who want to avoid these factions they can reasonably know he's not in anyone's pocket at this point. What's more important here is those working at the lower rung of Tatooine's organized crime see the value of subordinating themselves to Boba Fett, and that's questionable. If Sanctuary - or another similar business under his power - gets pressured by a competing criminal faction he would obviously need to respond, but he doesn't really have the enforcers nor organized information network in place to make good on that as far as we've seen at least. Being seen as strong - which he objectively is as an individual - is different than being seen a powerful, having broader influence over institutions/society that he's barely began to cultivate in this role.

[@danielbeck2739]

I do think the very least he makes it crystal clear to the envoy that the mayor shouldn't underestimate him. The bodyguards I definitely agree sparing them was the good choice. Giving them a chance to reconsider letting them prove themselves sends a message to those under his employ that he is a bit more lenient then the Hutts. As for Garza, there are definitely hints to her tone, and something about the way the assassins came out. Specifically, the timing, Bobba is walking around with a helmet full of credits. While I do think the possibility that this was another criminal boss, I actually am leaning to Garza. First, the tone definitely raises some flags there is no denying that. Second, the location, had it been another criminal boss or even the mayor that fact they probably wouldn't have mind having the assassins strike while Fett was inside the club. Sends a message to Garza and any considering joining Fett's organization that your business will suffer as well if you side with Fett. But having them walkout and strike just outside and around the corner seemed too convenient. Lastly, the timing, the man is walking out with a helmet full of credits with only Shan with him while the 2 bodyguards are busy elsewhere. This really gives me the feeling this was more or less the pay-off for their own hit. Basically, give the money to the target and have them walkout and literally meet their would-be executioners knowingly or not. Putting all these factors together think it's definitely not as far reaching as some might argue that Garza pulled something or at the very least was put up to do it either on someone else's behalf or forced into it by some other means.

[@UnreasonableOpinions]

I hope they did the money thing. Tricking the target of your assassination into carrying the payment for the hit on themselves is the sort of make-a-statement move that is ideal for someone making a play at becoming a crime lord; it shows violence, cunning, control, and makes for a story people will definitely talk about.

[@rqneo5361]

I think you're correct. Good theory

[@ilnigromante666]

My two cents: Hes gotta bring money in. Criminals respect primarily two things: Strenght and money. As long as he has those two things his operations will run more or less smoothly. Alliances are also a big deal.

[@pandawok301]

The respect part maybe because of the Mandalorian upbringing from his father Jango. He would try to rule in accordance as a Mandalorian clan leader.

[@existentialselkath1264]

He sorta just claims to be the new crime lord, but we've yet to see what happens if anyone decides to ignore him. Is he prepared to fight for his position? Or does he think respect is enough

[@pll3827]

Respect works in legitimate business circles, but its' less so with criminal enterprises. He'll have to do some pretty nasty things to save his position as a crime lord. That said, he has some allies in the Mandolarians, whatever remains of them. He helped Bo Katan with beating Moff Gideon, and I'm sure word got out about it. There is a path towards becoming a supporter of Mandolarian culture, instead of just another crime lord.

[@levongevorgyan6789]

@@pll3827 Or maybe he has connections to the Tuskens we are yet to see. He might end up becoming, as I like to call it "A'Sharadd Fett."

[@ondrejsimek2561]

I feel like the respect route Boba took might serve him well, walking down the street personally or sparing the mayor shows he recognises them as real people rather than some zero on his bottom line or potential variables in his plan. In the end it does not matter if he befriends the rulers if he has the common folk he holds all the power.

[@neofulcrum5013]

He’s likely gonna have to smack down a number of threats. However I think a meritocracy style of governing can work for boba.

[@tankofreality4550]

Same i believe in the next couple of episodes we will see him gain many loyal retainers.

[@Infernal460]

Merit means nothing on this planet. Money Thugs Product Buyers Respect of inhabitants More money This is what matters, people will follow your instructions if you can make them rich. Or the possibility of making them rich.

[@Infernal460]

@@tankofreality4550 This is not Mandalore. This is a planet of vultures, not warriors.

[@tankofreality4550]

@@Infernal460 I know im not expecting the clan to be in the Hundreds most likely less than 20. The point of the clan is to offer training, regimen and honor. Besides its been proving Mandalorians can pick new recruits on any world.

[@davidmoslow4177]

I saw the filling of his helmet with coin right before the assassination attempt as very convenient for the assassins, reduced his fighting ability

[@acgearsandarms1343]

I think it’s a kind of lower facet of Machiavellian philosophy. It’s fine to rule through either fear or respect, but it’s a fine line to straddle. Just have to make sure it’s not done through deeds of cruelty too often. We saw how it ended for the Empire and Jabba. Boba is the type to use cruelty only when necessary. It’s a somewhat honorable aspect of his philosophy.

[@dragon_ninja_2186]

This is why I really like the first episode. Shows that despite taking Jabba’s throne and having some control of the remaining empire, Fett still has ways to go in order to fully become an effective crime lord.

[@dianabarnett6886]

To quote Machiavelli: "It is better to be feared than to be loved, if one cannot be both."

[@foolsgold6533]

Before I watch this, I got to say, I'm not entirely convinced that Boba Fett can make an effective crime lord. I mean in the first episode he has people demanding tribute and has his ass handed to him by some random acrobats. Also he's surrounded by people who probably don't want to be under him, like that twilek lady who obviously has alternate motives. I don't trust any of em.

[@InquisitorThomas]

To be fair it’s the first episode, Boba still probably isn’t at his 100% since he sleeps in a Bacta Tank to heal his old injuries, and you have to make the enemies that Boba faces feel like a legitimate threat.

[@foolsgold6533]

Yeah you got a point.

[@foolsgold6533]

I just feel like he's not prepared for ruling a hut style empire. Being a bounty hunter is one thing, being a syndicate crime lord is another

[@batalorian7997]

@@foolsgold6533 after all his years of working for crime lords and hunting down thugs, i think he knows a little about how the system works and how some gangs think.

[@xinzlo6101]

Jabba was surrounded by people who didn't want to work under him and he had countless assassination attempts. Despite this, Jabba was an effective crime lord. The problem with Boba is not that his "allies" and underlings are treacherous. It is that he needs to strike more fear into the hearts of his enemies. If he really wants to go down the rule by respect he needs to focus on pleasing the common people, the local crime bosses don't respect anyone but themselves. I feel like this is something he will do as the show progresses tho.

[@DocGadget11]

In my opinion Bobba’s plan to rule by respect and only use fear as a last resort would yield greater gains in the long run.

[@mondaysinsanity8193]

I have a feeling his initial power base is gonna be people running from the harsher petty crime lords and other people pulled from the bottom that he raises up Its a riskier path to power but he cant win by fighting like everyone else hes a mando he knows that

[@josemgarcia141]

In a way, Boba Fett's approach mirrors the Mexican cartel leader Miguel Angel Felix Gallardo. They both have to find ways to work with their enemies for a common benefit

[@rexlumontad5644]

Bob Fett when seeing Jabba's organization: "It's free real estate."

[@jaywaii3187]

Great observations brought up here. For the 2 guards, I think Boba saw how loyal they were to their boss at the time, and judge their character that if given the chance, they would remain loyal to him, and it seems that was also a character trait that Boba respected. He may also felt the need to get as many useful and loyal people on his side fast, especially since this was right after the Mos Espa Mayor openly showed his defiance towards him. As for how Fett handled the mayor's greeting, you're on point. Now was not the time to escalate to violence, but Fett will definitely remember this. Looks like Fett's age and injuries have caught up to him, and that will be one of the other challenges he will face in his series. Younger Fett would have put up way more of fight in that ambush. What I'm more curious about is his motivation. Fett has been a lone bounty hunter for so long, so why try and create a syndicate? My guess is that through the series, we'll see that Fett's brush with death was a wake up call to him to want to leave some sort of legacy that embodies his values, those of his father's, and of his Mandalorian heritage.

[@sovietunion7643]

"fett's brush with death" which one? are we talking about him escape the sarlacc pit and his stint as a slave for tusken raiders? or the assassintion attempt? or both?

[@Cwronaga216]

Don't forget that at this point in the timeline he probably also has the respect of the tribes of tusken Raiders after saving the child and slaying the Beast and staying with them for five years based upon where he was seen the Mandalorian as well as having a friendship with the Mandalorian who is well-respected by the Tuscan tribes potentially giving him eyes and ears everywhere across the vast deserts

[@Florkl]

I would have dumped my coins into a pouch so I faced my assassins helmet-on. Boba seems… lax for someone of his reputation.

[@MwRYum]

Although much of Boba Fett's adult life works as a bounty hunter, he has been working in the criminal world for quite a long time due to his said trade, so it's not like he knows nothing about the underworld. Then again, now he has Shand to fill the gaps because she works in that field more. But it's clear that Boba Fett want to run things differently that the "criminal world's norms", certainly he saw himself a fighter still. It'll be interesting to see how Fett going to run things henceforth.

[@warshield924]

I'm a big believer in staying in your lane. When bounty hunters think they can crime lord or singers think they can plan a music festival things tend to go badly.

[@JohnnyElRed]

Fett's methods remind me of Miss Fortune from League of Legends, when she decided to take control of Bilgewater after Gangplank's "death". Like Jabba, Gangplank ruled through fear and intimidation. Shows of strenght, and great punishments and torture to whoever decided to defy him. But like Fett, Miss Fortune tried to play more fair. Through respect and acts of loyalty. She is loyal to her crew, and in response, her crew is loyal to her. She makes sure to take good care of her people, and will go out of her way for their well being. Something that Fett seems to also be imitating when pardoning those Gamorrans. Like Fett, she also only had her reputation as a legendary bounty hunter to begin with, but also the legitimacy of being the one that killed Gangplank, and worked upwards from there. Like Fett, she also tried to work with deals and associations with others that were taking chunks from Gangplank's former empire. If you played fair with her, she would play fair with you. But then if you betrayed and tried to kill her... Well, it worked pretty much as how Fett and his people dealt with those assassins. Like Fett, she also tries always the diplomatic option first. But with her, you only get one chance. Try to stab her on the back, and you will go down. And she will make sure everyone knows she enjoyed doing it. So I think that for Fett to suceed, he could take a lot of examples from her. She is still dealing with tons of assassination attempts. More so after Gangplank's return. But through acts of respect and loyalty, she got herself a more wide support network, that won't budge as soon as her position goes weak and gets disputed. Her people knows that when things get difficult, she won't look only for herself, but for them. And others allied with her know that before the benefit always went to Gangplank first, but now, it gets shared more equally, as long as they respect her authrority. Because now, Miss Fortune is in a position to fight on equal terms with the former king of Bilgewater. Something that she never had before, and that no other captain of Bilgewater can claim to.

[@casbot71]

Bobba Fett should have not only expected a assassination attempt, he should have anticipated it and _set up a counter ambush._ Using himself as bait would have been a ballsey move in keeping with his reputation as a man of action. And it would have blunted further assassination attempts as would be killers would be thinking "is he only pretending to be off guard _as a trap"._ That would make rivals hesitate and double guess themselves.

[@permeus2nd]

12:30 respect every day, ruling by fear just means that everyone is read to betray you at a moments notice and if you get into a situation where you need help none will be there but if all of your subjects love and respect you they will be willing to throw themselves in dangers way to protect you, this is how my Sith Lord yes its harder to setup but once it is its harder to dismantle it, it also has the added bonus of making other people's subjects easier to convince to betray their lords.

[@SargeRho]

To rule effectively, you need the respect of your subjects. Otherwise you're not ruling, you're bossing around. But to get that respect, sometimes you need to use fear, such as exploding the assassins.

[@the_feedle]

What I would have done (what I thaught watching the episode): - spared the gamorrean guards, but let them pass a "test of loyality" - shoot the envoy in the hand or the foot, and say something like "tell your master that I'm the new master here, and next time come back with a tribute" - go to Mos Espa with a vehicle (a speeder or his own ship) - not having the gamorreans "mysteriously disappearing" between two cuts (you know what I mean) - having my blaster in hands and using my f...... jetpack!!!

[@LedosKell]

Xizor did, and he was a well-respected man-about-town type. The veneer of legitimacy is easily acquired with enough money and friends. I just hope Boba has enough friends.

[@UnreasonableOpinions]

It fascinates me how over the last few decades so many millions of dollars and thousands of hours of creative work have gone into rehabilitating the reputation of a single side character whose entire original presence in the story consisted of standing around, doing exactly one competent thing with a massive amount of help, then losing pathetically to a main character - all because a lot of kids liked his toy and wanted him to to be the Cool Guy.

[@UnreasonableOpinions]

Like, just imagine other characters in other fictions getting this treatment.

[@IAsimov]

You should've noted Machiavelli's full quote, regarding whenever if it is convenient to be feared or loved. Theoretically, if you HAD to choose between being either feared or loved, you should be feared. BUT, with two caveats: 1. You should always try to gain both at all costs. 2. You should not be feared in a way that makes you hated. Too many people think either Machiavelli was wrong by thinking he thought fear as the only way to control, or that any use of fear makes you hated. Fear would've been the *easy* way, but it was going to bite him in the arse, and when you don't have a lot of hard power, soft power is the way to go. If anything, Boba Fett is going by an indirect application of Machiavelli's principle. He is offering the velvet glove to people around him now that he's in power, but the moment it fails, he brings the mailed glove to fuck their shit up. It's easy as hell to gain support by portraying yourself as a victim, and it becomes the easy way to justify YOUR use of hard power: By using soft power beforehand, and making it seem as if YOU were justified in the use of force. Speak softly, and carry a big stick.

[@or_gluzman561Peace_IL_PS]

yes if he give people an offer they can't refuse

[@smexehcougah3]

First thing I thought to myself as Fett was leaving the cantina is that filling his helmet with coins pretty much guaranteed he wouldn't put it back on. They knew he was coming and knew when he'd be leaving, and through which door. If they had a sniper in place his career would have ended right then.

[@andyrobin7196]

luckily they only attacked him with nonlethal stun sticks instead of just shooting him in the head

[@aroventalmav888]

The respect route is certainly what I would attempt. The guards would have been kept, though not as bodyguards at first. The envoy would have lived, but stripped of his clothes and finery to answer insult with insult. My helmet would never be a container for anything but my skull, and all would-be assassins forfeit their life attacking me. The thing I'm curious about is how his criminal empire is going to be making value for itself. Is he going to become a feudal lord? Arms broker? Spice smuggler? It would seem the first of these options but it's honestly the hardest to pull off.

[@awesomehpt8938]

He’s just a simple man trying to make his way in the universe

[@David-bf2cg]

You videos on star wars are always some of your best i think, please continue to do more of them.

[@benhobson3084]

Ya know, come to think of it, Mos Espa might be under the control of a twi'lek lead syndicate. 3 key characters share a species. Garsa Fwip and the mayor's majordomo both have a power behind the curtain air to them, and Bib Fortuna wasn't very bright in Legends. It is possible that Bib was a puppet leader, and the Mayor himself might be as well.

[@Just_Lars]

I didn't saw anyone mentioning this yet, but when we look at the flashbacks with the Tusken raiders, we can see the whole "respect" theme there too. Not only did he respected the tusken raiders and their animals in not killing them (even when given the chance), the Tusken also returned that in a way, as they not only let him fight honorable for his freedom. They also recognized his actions of protecting the youngling and also that he neither kill him nor flee, even tho it would've been so easy for him after killing the beast. What would've stopped him from killing the young Tusken? It was his own decision to come back with him. And I think that this was a real turning point for him, something the show will explain to us later. My hot take: The life with the Tusken showed Boba something, that he hadn't experienced in a long time: that respect will reward you with respect equally. That even the greatest enemy can turn into not necessarily a friend, but an ally, as long as you treat him as an equal being instead of blatently killing everyone. That is something he never really experienced himself after his youth on Kamino. Especially the time with the empire made him a hard, cynical man, that only cared for himself and favored violence always above any other solution. The fact that he could get along with Tusken, who get in episode 4 when we first saw them depicted as blood thirsty cave men must have been a real mind changer for him. This further solidifies when he meets Fennec Shand. He found her in a similar position like himself, and like he respected the Tusken, Fennec respected him for saving her, what I think only further strengthened his belief in this new philosophy.

[@mikeroconsole]

You could take Boba rejecting the litter two ways: one, he was a powerful bounty hunter (and still is) and his reputation alone displays his power. Everyone already either fears or respects him. On the other hand, he’s right, the litter displays loyalty. He rejected the litter, so people might still only see him as a bounty hunter. Was rejecting the litter the right call? For me it’s 50/50. There are advantages and disadvantages to his decision.

[@chuckbuck5002]

In short,”it’s not about the money spider, it’s about the swagger”

[@redwood1450]

I think the brothel owner’s (what amounts to essentially a pay off) to Boba without pushing any conditions points her not actually having much faith in his staying power. If she thought he was going to stay around she would try to establish a more lucrative relationship while he’s still weak and dependent on her connections. Its more likely she sees him as another jump start warlord who it’s easier to placate for the time being than attach herself and her business to, so when he eventually falls its easier to switch to who ever takes his place. No doubt this cycle has become common in the Outer Rim, so most are now treading water till someone proves themselves to have some backing.

[@ryanedgerton1982]

So, theory time: Fett WANTS to appear weak and naïve on purpose. His goal in doing so is to draw out those who are willing to try to subvert or oppose him. As you said, his reputation as an effective bounty hunter is one of his key assets right now, but fewer people probably take into account that he spent SIGNIFICANT time seeing how operations like Jabba's were run during his bounty hunting days. I believe he's sincere when he says he wants to rule through respect, but I don't think he's naïve -- he knows how he's projecting himself, he knows the type of people he's interacting with and how they think, but they don't know this side of him. They probably think that Fett simply had idealistic dreams of one day removing Jabba and doing things different. They think his success comes from his beskar and his blaster, not realizing that in his long, loooooong career Boba Fett has always sought to be one step ahead. He knows he'll make mistakes as a crime lord, so he's learning on the job by setting the scenario up to be far closer to a situation he's familiar with: bounty hunting -- get a lead (in this case, the attackers; note how he directed "Alive!"), get information, make a plan to take out the target. Playing weak means his enemies dance to his tune, not he to theirs.

[@andrewdiaz3529]

Did he flamethrower the shields directly? Honestly, I'm fairly certain they started using their shields a bit before they surrounded him, so he has less of a defense for back blasting them both. Just aiming a little lower, while still probably harming him and Fennec some, would be less harmful to them and take at least some of the assassins out right at the get go.

[@andyrobin7196]

he fired a rocket directly at the shield and it blew up in his face

[@andrewdiaz3529]

@@andyrobin7196 Well, that seems a bit worse.

[@Xalerdane]

The thing about fear, is that it’s a finite resource.

[@glenn_r_frank_author]

I think it will be hard for the writers/producers to maintain a "likable main character" and simultaneously have him pull off the "Crime Lord" mantle.

[@songhan1586]

the godfather and tons of criminal movies done it... not that hard

[@asmurk1276]

For someone who has been in the criminal underworld since episode 2, he behaves very strange. As if a certain director dumbed him down. Giving his helmet away in that cantina? Not using his jetpack when surrounded by guys with shields? Very strange indeed. This Disneyfied Fett has much to learn from the Old-EU Fett. Back then everyone knew Fett, and that to cross him meant certain death.

[@wintergreen2.073]

What makes no sense is that Boba is so clueless about the politics you think after being among Jabbas court he would be sharp and cunning enough to be prepared and know about Jabbas former vassles

[@tracytron7162]

5:40 Also, it was the mayor who disrespected him. The envoy was merely a messenger, and killing the messenger is needlessly cruel frankly just stupid. And with the gamorian guards it was nothing personal, just business, so killing them would again be needlessly cruel.

[@KageRyuu6]

In the immortal words of Nietzsche "It is best to be Loved and Feared."

[@Kyla-Stormhazard]

I'd argue that ruling out of respect is a good idea. It builds trust in the people under your rule, as well as loyalty. However one should not forsake tactics of fear. If a small oppurtunity begins to present itself, say like a small rebellion for instance, then stomping it out brutally and efficiently cod send a big message to your enemies.

[@gabidemagic]

Boba "Keep your Eyes on that one" Fennec "I keep my Eyes onneveryone"

[@jonteg9689]

I think his decision to rule with respect is due to him adhering to Jangos 20 point code. He may not be a bounty hunter anymore but he probably still tries to follow the code

[@LearningStuffLane]

The rate Boba's going he has no hope of remaining in power, so maybe the series will move beyond Tatooine. But I get the feeling the series won't, so the only way to remain in power is to have more 'people' (an assassin and two green pigs isn't enough). My best guess is that Jabba's palace will be opened up to the Tusken Raiders, giving them a 'sanctuary', and these raiders will become his network. That, or he opens the palace up to displaced clones/stormtroopers. If neither of these, then the believability of Boba's 'rise' may evaporate.

[@the_sixxness]

I think that is a good question. Boba at least in the first episode seems to be confused where to draw the line.

[@AkselGAL]

From Sun Zi - The art of war If your men fear you, you can conquer any city in the world. If your men love you, you can conquer all cities of the world.

[@ooonyxxx]

People don't realize that merely being tough or a formidable fighter is NOT enough to be a leader. Boba, SO FAR, lacks charisma, has no knowledge of which factions/syndicates to cater to, which to antagonize, and has never been in a position before where he had to do more than eliminate targets. This stance he's taken of becoming a folk hero will NOT work in the criminal underworld, as it would require to to be calculated, ruthless, and charismatic (in the truest sense of the word). Logistics, especially ones driven by crimelords, is hell.

[@levongevorgyan6789]

Then he shouldn't just plop himself on a throne and expect people to accept him as the new crime boss. And he definetly should carry blasters and his gaffi stick with him, and have Fennec carry blasters with her. They were literally fighting unarmed. What he should have done was secure Jabba's palace, then go after a small bandit groups, massacre them, absorbing those who surrendered or proved themselves, and then with his gathered wealth and resources declared himself the crime boss of mos espa. THe man was roving tattoine for years. He might not know the greater criminal world of the galaxy, but if he was planning on becoming a crimelord after he reclaimed his armor, he should have gotten a sense of who was who on Tattoine, who he could ally with, who he could defeat early on to make a name for himself as a legitimate mob boss, who he could recruit, and who he could challenge once he was big enough. And all of this is what BOBA FETT would do. He isn't a hapless backwater folkhero, some farmboy who became a legend like Luke. This is a guy whose been running with criminals since he was a kid. Whose been moving in the underworld and rubbing shoudlers with crime bosses for decades. He should have connections and a basic understanding of how criminals work. He has to, he's hunted them for decades, he's worked for them for decades

[@Will-el5yp]

The Conan Shot! Epic! Upon a troubled brow! Nice shout out

[@mauricerose3082]

...'long journey'...he's arrived...he's taking over...and his base of operations is right here...

[@MWH12085]

Boba has lived to see the failures of both The Republic, The Empire and the New Republic. He's seen the horrible things under The Hutts. We might get a glimpse into that in The Book of Boba Fett. Crime lord? I don't think so.....a War Lord? I believe so. I'd like to see a resurgence of The Mandalorians, take charge of a section of space largely forgotten about by The Republic and Empire.

[@sovietunion7643]

well to a certain extent the line between the definition of crime lord and warlord in the starwars universe is blurred because of how the hutts operate. they have complete control over their planets governments and have extensive connections to the crime underworld. however, they have defacto control of the planets and how they operate, so are they really commiting "crimes" if they are governing the system? the hutts are essentially warlords with heavy connections and power bases in the criminal underworld, but act not unlike vanilla warlords in many aspects. so our definition of warlord may be somewhat closer to their definition of crimelord, due to the historical aspects of the hutts influence

[@johntheechidna1]

The problem with the Fear approach is that the fear you try to instill in others will one day come back to bite you on the ass. Underlings can only take so much oppression before plots begin to form in their minds that the boss needs to go. The Emperor tried to instill fear across the galaxy...and we all know how that ended for him.

[@mondaysinsanity8193]

Exactly fear only lasts aslong as you can keep your foot on the neck Respect will last even after you die

[@johntheechidna1]

@@mondaysinsanity8193 Heck, it was the threat of being fed to Jabba's rancor or the Sarlacc which bred the contempt and plotting of his minions to kill him (only for that to be taken away from them by an enslaved Princess Leia choking the life out of the bloated slug).

[@seanreilly5238]

About the litter, I would say a more utilitarian approach could have been a droid carried flatbed would fit both needs. With Bobba Fett standing or pacing could have shown his new ideas of self reliance and personal strength while still projecting the local expectations of strength. It belays the luxury the Hutts show and avoids the subservience over slaves as well.

[@TheRoguePrince0]

He's going to need a team like a small council that each take care of something.

[@matthewneuendorf5763]

Garza exudes a feeling of involvement in the ambush. My instinct is that she was involved in it in some active way, either setting it up herself or, at minimum, reporting on Fett's vulnerability to somebody higher up and stalling him until the assassins were in place, while leaving him with a false sense of security and with compromised equipment.

[@Armageddon11011989]

"Mandalore has returned! I am Mandalore the Preserver, and I will restore the honor and glory of my people!" Boba will reunite the clans, raise the banners of the crusaders and wreak holy carnage upon his enemies!

[@davidwong9230]

Fear or respect…perhaps a balance of both, each where needed in proportion to the circumstances of each moment. I believe that it was Teddy Roosevelt who said something about speaking softly, whilst carrying a big stick. The softer approach has its place, as does the big stick.

[@TheRevanchrist]

I think the deal about the Gamorreans was that Fett saw their initial defiance as proof of loyalty to a duty and convinced him that they would not be easily bought off.

[@Jack-0-lantern]

I hope Cobb Vanth makes an appearance. He would make an interesting addition to the show, seeing as he might be the only representation of uncorrupted law and order of any kind on Tatooine. Not only was he an instant fan fav supporting character on mando but he had three really interesting short stories in the novels.

[@nolanueno1060]

If I was Boba Fett I would have beaten up the mayor messager but not killed him. Boba Fett: Tell your Mayor my tribute is not killing you for his insult, and if he wants me to pay a tribute of any kind in the future he must tell me himself.

[@tommyfox854]

Even though I know most likely no one's gonna see this, but after a year of considering my answers to the final few questions on this video before the end credits role, I've finally have my answers. 1: No, I wouldn't've killed the envoy, but I will give the man a firm message to be delivered to the mayor saying that such an insult will not be tolerated from this moment forward, and that we'll both prosper if a more direct line of communication is established. 2: Yes, I would spare the gamoreans, though I'm not Boba nor Jabba so while I will make them guards, I wouldn't make them my personal body guards, not yet anyways, they have to proove themselves first. 3: As for the just walk into town part, it'll depend on the situation; if I'm trying to show that I'm the new top dog in this region, I'll use one of those walking throne thing the Neimoidians use, but if I'm trying to show that I'm ready for whatever rabbly that's happening (I.E. , two smaller gangs duking it out on my territory, a rival incursion, ect) than I'll show my people that I'm willing to do the dirty work if I have to on foot. 4: It's a solid maybe, I will keep an eye on her but so long as she serves my organization well no harm will come her way. 5: I much rather rule through example, but in a more realistic term it'll mostly be through respect to those who're under my wing and through fear to those who wish to do my orgenization and my people harm.

[@riverinjun3141]

I hope they don’t forget about slave 1. It can be used more than just transportation. It definitely falls under fear but it can be used as a gunship as he doesn’t have many people under him yet so a personal gunship near by to ex machina him out of a uneven fight

[@Lee_Enfield95]

nice review, looking forward to the BOBF seriers and your series review too

[@PomaiKajiyama]

I believe that Boba knows that he's gonna have to eventually rule with fear tactics, but by claiming and adhering to his "respect" model, he reframes his upcoming cruelty and fear tactics as righteous retribution instead of the means of control. I believe he knows what's he's doing, is willingly put himself out to be "disrespected", so that when he does come down on them, the onlookers get the message: "Boba Fett is a reasonable man if you respect him. Disrespect him and he becomes someone to fear." This dichotomy like you say, is the real trick to holding power in a criminal syndicate.

[@nolanueno1060]

For the first episode feels like The Old Republic game with a light side and dark side choice.

[@deadmonk6671]

It is a hard thought, the Gamorreans I would have offered an opportunity but not as personnel Bodyguards. For the envoy, I would grant him the right to leave, but would warn him that if the mayor shows the same disrespect in the future, he will not dealing with a man on a throne, but a hardened man who spent his years facing hardship and destruction.

[@haroldstrickland6126]

Yeah, I been thinking the same damn thing ever since he first zapped Bib Fortuna. Fett is a complete upstart in this game without any stable platform from which to assume and more importantly maintain power. He doesn't even have any means thus far to impose his power. He basically came into this with the mentality of a married couple inheriting a haunted house that they think would make a fine fixer-upper. Oh yeah, we're gonna turn Jabba's criminal empire into a cozy little bed&breakfast! And honestly, I don't get the shift in his motivations. Maybe he's too old and too injured to be out on the frontlines as the galaxy's most effective bounty hunter, but that is his specialty. He could do better by seizing control of the guild(s) and running shit as a headman. What does he know about running an entire syndicate? Maybe he could start with running a gang first, establishing contacts and connections to the Spice trade. Building a reputation and resources and influence. But he's jumping into the deep end without knowing how to tread water. I had initially thought that his walk through the streets was designed to draw out an attack, to reveal his enemies, but like you said, he seems to have been caught flat-footed. It's possible Garza set up the ambush, but she doesn't strike me as so hasty a person. She reminds me a lot of the madam in the show, Warrior, playing all sides against one another and watching her enemies take each other out. She seems the type to trade on influence and information rather than violence. She probably knew about the ambush, though. Wanted to see how it played out. She loses nothing by doing so, and those Jawas probably were on her payroll, and likely returned the spilled coins back to her on the down-low. As a woman, and as a Twi'Lek, she probably gets underestimated all the time, and uses that to her advantage. She'd make a powerful ally for the upstart Fett, but again, he's not acting from any real position of strength. But, it's only the first episode, and maybe being a crimelord isn't his real goal. Maybe he's got something up his sleeve. Have to wait and see.

[@HistoryMonarch1999]

I hope the show will have him learn to use both, because using only fear will have it bite you in the ass (look at Stalin dying in his own piss because they were too afraid to get him doctors) but fear into your actual enemies instead of your Allie’s shows fear as a useful tool, while only trying respect, someone will abuse that. (Like the mayor assistant in the first episode) Though I think you are confusing his current tactic as “naive” in a sense for the long run. Better to have potential rivals either consider or underestimate you now , planning rather than take action fast.

[@reklessbravo2129]

With all that talk of riding a litter I'm just waiting and hoping to see him riding around town on a rancor :)

[@samuelebincoletto637]

I'll be honest, i don't even like the idea of Boba Fett becoming a crime boss, i mean why would he do so? What reasons would he have to replace Jabba the Hutt as crime lord? I would have personally prefered if he undergo a journey of redemption in which he also became Mandalore like in Legends but hey, only time will tell.

[@ZechsMerquise195]

"It is better to be feared than to be loved, if one cannot be both."

[@AeneasGemini]

It would've been a mistake to mimic Jabba the Hutt by being carried in the Litter. It would've been seen as a cheap gesture to grasp at the straws of power, from someone who didn't have nearly the clout of Jabba, the desperate act of a pretender. By not doing so, he plays to his own strengths whilst not seeming so weak as to need to put on a false mantle. It's playing the long game.

[@andyrobin7196]

getting beaten up in the streets did enough to make him seem weak

[@Guff1e]

Respect or Fear? Easy, I make them fear how much they respect me! Micheal Scott is a great teacher.

[@chronus4421]

Thanks guys, can't wait for Stellaris Invicta Season 3!

[@Mechabang]

What we are seeing here is a slow and painful transfer from in Fett's life. He may know some of the basics of being a crimelord, but he doesn't have the experience of one yet. Especially, compared to Jabba, who had centuries under his belt before his death. Fett's good at fighting and hunting, and maybe some negotiating skills. Not assembling and maintaining a network that could turn on him, if he makes the wrong move or someone becomes too ambitious. I think he'll do well further down the road, if he can keep himself alive. I think, this is going to be an interesting story.

[@simoncroft73]

Fett will use meritocricy style leadership, and I suspect his implied positive relationship with the Tusken Raiders. His capablilities as an individual combatant will put him above almost every other leader in this field. If there is ever a meeting between all the powers, he will likely be the most dangerous individual in the room, which will have significant clout in negotiations.

[@whathell6t]

Wait! Why is the Templin Institute takening interest in Boba Fett, a bounty hunter? Is it because of his coattail interactions with the Jedi, Sith, Kamino, Galactic Empire, and the Hutt Cartel?

[@InquisitorThomas]

Or the Book of Boba just released and they got to make a video on it to grab those sweet sweet views.

[@whathell6t]

@@InquisitorThomas I doubt it. After all, this is an organization that does investigative journalism in Warhammer 40K, gave 40% of its R&D funds to the SCP Foundation, survived encounters with the Lovecraftian Gods, and made diplomatic extractions from the Land of Light-Nebula M78; and Dr. Who.

[@maximilliannewcombe1719]

I thought this first episode was quite weak- the Disney shows, both Marvel and Star Wars, really struggle to effectively build tension, mainly because stuff happens too quick, Disney is scared of any kind of heavy or gritty themes, and there are no real consequences/slower character moments are rare. The sand people stuff really could've showcased Boba's struggle, tenacity and resourcefulness much more, especially for those of us not as familiar with the expanded media and universe. The moment where Bill Burr shoots the officer in The Mandalorian S2 is by far the best moment in the whole show, because for once the Disney bubble wrap touch isn't present. This is what makes Boba Fett feel so unbelievable as a crime lord, he hasn't earned it, he's just sort of rocked up, and operates with no regard for his own safety, the rules of the game, or intelligence, almost as if he is aware he is a character in a Disney show. If he wandered round like that after declaring himself in charge on Episode 4 Tattoine he would've been assassinated by headshot immediately. People got shot in bars and no one cared in that movie it was so cool and really sold the environment. However I will still be watching to hear more of Matt Berry as the droid, can't get enough of that voice. Whoever at Lucasfilm decided to cast British comedy legends as the droids in these shows needs a raise.

[@thegethconsensus393]

I like the direction their going with Boba Fett.

[@ADobbin1]

On the other hand, if everyone is against you then there's no doubt about who you can shoot. I see a blood bath coming as soon as he is sure who is willing to work with him and fit into his plans. There's a difference between ruling with fear and instilling fear. I think he'll be instilling fear in the coming days.

[@thomasdillon7761]

Rule with respect is honorable and that is the Mandolorian way. A breach of the trust implied by giving respect is dealt with by the death of the one breaching the trust. That is also the Mandalorian way.

[@Cyberwar101]

He shouldn't kill envoys. Shooting the messenger is never a good idea. The guards are a gamble, but can be seen as a strength. As for the town? Walking about the town is fine, but moving forward He should utterly crush the mayor and any small rivals. He needs to have an air of efficiency. Mass graves yes, but public hangings or torture no. Once he has established that he is ruthless but efficient, then showing his kindness and building up communities is going to be important to gaining the support of the people. He is a prince, according to Machiavelli, and should be brutally efficient whenever he has to be, but no more than what is absolutely necessary.

[@bthsr7113]

Without watching anything until the season is ready for full binging, I'm going to say that I think it's an unusual career path for him. Traditionally (going by legends and what I remember of Clone Wars), Boba is no stranger to small groups, but as for actively leading a large organization, he's lacking in experience. He can obliterate competitors and enemies, but as for wheeling and dealing, wining and dining, working through shell corporations to pay salaries, being a stable point of a public figure to the region... these are different sets of skills. Boba is ostensibly trying to transition from contract field work to running his own show, and that's after being out of the game for a few years. That won't be easy.

[@alendonvaldor5808]

In legends he actually reunified Mandalor and became their leader. I think this series will be a nod to that in many ways.

[@CucumberSadness]

Tbh. Despite all the hype, in almost every single canonical scene he is in, he shows himself to be very out of his depth. In the clone wars as a kid he was naive, and ultimately held back from the traditional strengths of a bounty hunter by his good heart. He hung on the coat tails of a mych more ruthless bounty hunter, partially succeeded in no small part due being a clone, and able to blend in. Much of his reputation and fear came from his father and those around him. Later he once again succeeded thanks to the aid of a lost Syth Apprentice. In the first films he shows great ingenuity than most of the bounty hunters, and is respected, but ultimately sees himself out of his depth when dealing with jedi, "dying" in a pretty comical and dissapointing manner, without doing much. Here, Boba proving to once again show a good heart, poor planning, and no small amount of naivity, along side a mediocre amount of skill, tools, and people skills kinda continues on from all we have seen before. His reputation is oversold, much of his accomplishments come from those around him, and he is just often in the right place, at the right time, and bold enough to take action. The one strength of Boba that he is shown time and time again, but we never see how he achieves this, is getting people on his side. First he had a gang of ruthless bounty hunters, then he had a gamg of slightly less ruthless bounty hunters, a syth apprentice, heck even Ashoka and Obi Wan takes some pity on him, which is possibly some of the reasons Darth Vader actually came to like Boba and Boba was so well respected by the Imperials. Even in the show he very quickly gained a small group of trusted allies who are all very effective at their jobs.

[@mbpaintballa]

I dunno, those gamorians seem to be loyal as long as you're alive. I think he knew them from before and knew they are loyal to their employer.

[@glenn_r_frank_author]

I tend to agree... he seems too "nice" and "rational" to pull of being a Crime Lord. Intrigued by where they may go with this. Maybe he will try to rule by respect and find that he needs to also utilize fear and retribution to really fill Jabba's role.

[@sovietunion7643]

well who knows? maybe by being rational and somewhat cooperative maybe he will gain more influence compared to the other crimelords who rule all through fear. being the moderate man in a game full of murderers can make populations turn towards your favor. who knows, maybe he will even be a bit of a unifying factor and make the warlords/crimelords work together better