The Book Of Boba Fett Chapter 5 Ending Explained
The latest chapter in "The Book of Boba Fett" turns our attention away from the daimyo of Tatooine to focus on another character entirely. In any other series, this would potentially ruin the pace of the story and possibly annoy fans at the same time. But Chapter 5 is directed by "Star Wars" alum Bryce Dallas Howard who previously directed "The Mandalorian" Chapter 4, "Sanctuary" and Chapter 11, "The Heiress." Both of those chapters weave heartfelt stories with fast-paced action, so it's not surprising that Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni brought Howard back for "Boba Fett."
Okay, we'll be discussing major spoilers from here on out — so consider yourself warned! Don't bring us in warm (or cold) for a bounty if you keep reading without having seen the chapter. Writer/creator Jon Favreau and Bryce Dallas Howard spend the entire chapter with everyone's favorite silver gunslinger, Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal), after the end of "The Mandalorian" Season 2. It picks up with the bounty hunter killing a group of Klatooinians for information on the whereabouts of his fellow Mandalorians who fled Navarro after "The Mandalorian" Chapter 3.
Not only does the chapter take the opportunity to explore the historical mythos behind the Mandalorians and the planet Mandalore, but it also sets the stage for "The Mandalorian" Season 3. Wait, who's show is this again? Here's the ending of "The Book of Boba Fett" Chapter 5 explained.
Din Djarin gets a history lesson
One of the most important things explored in this chapter is how Djarin wields the legendary Darksaber after winning it from Moff Gideon (Giancarlo Esposito). He spends a lot of time on one of ring-stations with the Armorer (Emily Swallow) and Paz Viszla (Tait Fletcher). It makes sense why they're in hiding since they're the only three survivors from the Nevarro Coven of Mandalorians. Djarin gives the Armorer the Beskar Spear from Chapter 13, "The Jedi," so that she can forge something new for a "foundling," — Grogu.
After all, Din and Grogu are a clan of two — complete with their own Mudhorn symbol — so it's understandable that the bounty hunter's first priority is his adopted son. Although it's not clear what she makes for Grogu, it does look like chains. A trendy necklace perhaps? Space chainmail maybe? Only time will tell. Din's conversations with the Armor also fill casual fans in on the Darksaber's history, as she notes that it was made by Tarre Viszla, a Mandalorian who was also a Jedi thousands of years ago. If the Darksaber is won via combat, the new owner can lead Mandalore to Manda-glory. But if it's simply given or stolen, the planet could be left in ruins.
It's no coincidence, then, that the planet was razed by the Empire in the "Great Purge" shortly after Sabine Wren (Tiya Sircar) willingly gives it to Bo-Katan Kryze (Katee Sackhoff) in "Star Wars Rebels." After that, Moff Gideon gets hold of it before Din wins it from him. Dave Filoni and Jon Favreau are clearly positioning the Darksaber as a key artifact in their sprawling tale.
Duel for the Darksaber
The Darksaber's very existence breeds conflict, as many Mandalorians believe they're worthy of ruling the planet with the sword created by Tarre Viszla. If the name Viszla is ringing a bell, it's because the bulky blue Mandalorian also hanging out on the ring-station is Paz Viszla — a direct descendant of the Darksaber's creator. Predictably, he duels Din for ownership. Although there's probably some animosity there over the Nevarro Coven's destruction thanks to Din's refusal to hand Grogu over to the Imperials. Anyway, their duel is yet another "Star Wars" battle on a precarious walkway with no railings on it, and it's surprising neither of them falls into the vastness of space below.
But anyway, their fight doesn't last long as Din gets the upper hand (realistically, Disney isn't killing him off any time soon). But things get awkward when the Armorer asks him if he's ever taken the helmet off and revealed his face to other people. He's done it a few times over in his own series, including his emotional goodbye with Grogu at the end of Season 2. It's here the Armorer gives fans their first tease for "The Mandalorian" Season 3, as she tells Din that he has to redeem himself for showing his face by finding "the living waters beneath the mines of Mandalore."
It's not clear what the waters will do to redeem Din of sins, but it's clearly connected to the near holiness of Beskar iron.
Din Djarin gets a new ship
With his new mission, Din heads to Tatooine, which also pushes him closer to reuniting with Boba Fett (Temuera Morrison). But instead of visiting his fellow Beskar-clad gunslinger, Din meets up with Peli Motto (Amy Sedaris), who has acquired a new ship for the bounty hunter. He can't just hop in the Razor Crest anymore, remember? The Imperials blew it up after kidnapping Grogu in Season 2 Chapter 16, "The Tragedy." The rust bucket she gives him needs some work, but it's instantly recognizable to long-time fans as a Naboo Starfighter — first seen in "Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace."
Yes, the prequels are a divisive topic for many people, but it's hard to deny that the trilogy had some incredibly inventive designs, and the Naboo Starfighter is one of them. The ship's slick yellow design, its engines, and cockpit all feel natural to Queen Amidala's (Natalie Portman) peaceful homeworld. It doesn't have an Astromech droid to help fly the ship, largely because Din is the type of pilot who likes to do things himself. However, the empty Astromech pod is the perfect size for a certain little green companion if they ever find their way back to each other.
Anyway, with a little tinkering, Peli and Din turn it into a speedy fighter, and his test run through Beggar's Canyon is a not-so-subtle nod to the podrace from "The Phantom Menace." Looks like Disney has decided to redeem the prequel trilogy. Plus, the newly fitted sublight thrusters means Din's ride can outrun most other ships — he even zips away from two New Republic X-Wings towards the end of the chapter. Nice.
Working with Boba Fett and Fennec Shand
In the closing scene of the chapter, Fennec Shand (Ming-Na Wen) shows up in Peli Motto's hangar looking for Din. No, this isn't just a backdoor premiere for "The Mandalorian" Season 3, it also ties into the main plot of this series. Cast your mind back to the end of "The Book of Boba Fett" Chapter 4 where Boba (Temuera Morrison) and Fennec decide to hire extra muscle to help cement their rule over Tatooine. Well, Din Djarin is a perfect addition to their growing squad, and it's a good example of how the Disney+ "Star Wars" shows are all carefully interlinked.
Although Fennec offers him a hefty sum for his help, Din declines the payment because it's "on the house." This is probably a way of returning the favor for helping him get Grogu back from Moff Gideon, as well as helping out a fellow Mandalorian, of course! Boba and Din make a great team in "The Mandalorian" Season 2, so here's hoping that continues in the next few chapters.
Chapter 5 leaves fans on a tantalizing cliffhanger: before he can join the Daimyo at his palace, Din says that he has to "pay a visit to a little friend" first. Does that mean fans will get a Grogu cameo in Chapter 6? We certainly hope so.