The Book Of Boba Fett Episode 4 Finally Answered One Of The Big Questions From The Mandalorian
When Fennec Shand was left for dead on Tatooine in "The Mandalorian," many fans of the elite mercenary were rightfully disappointed. Her appearance in the episode "The Gunslinger" felt like her first and last — actress Ming-Na Wen even confirmed that her role as Fennec was originally limited to one appearance. Wen recalled being "really persistent" over Fennec's possible survival. It helped that, in the final scene of "The Gunslinger," a faceless figure approaches Fennec's body, leaving the door wide open for a possible return.
That same scene also encouraged the theory that Boba Fett would be returning to "Star Wars," as the sight of a cape and the sound of spurs both followed the steps of the mysterious character. Questions surrounding Fennec, and the identity of her savior, would not be revealed until the second season of "The Mandalorian" — but boy, was it worth it. Not only was Boba Fett alive and well, but he had somehow managed to pull Fennec from the brink of death as well. The assassin appeared by Boba's side in "The Tragedy," and revealed that her fatal gut wound had been replaced with brand-new machinery.
But who, exactly, had performed the operation on Fennec? Had Boba somehow picked up a cybernetic nursing degree in his time on Tatooine? Those questions were left unanswered in "The Mandalorian," but "The Book of Boba Fett" has finally given context to the mystery.
Warning: spoilers follow for the latest episode of "The Book of Boba Fett."
The Beginning of an Interesting Friendship
The fourth episode of "The Book of Boba Fett," titled "The Gathering Storm," reveals the origins of Boba and Fennec's unlikely match-up. As many fans guessed, Boba wasn't too far from the action when Fennec faced off with Din Djarin and the rookie bounty hunter Toro Calican in "The Gunslinger." Fett was on his own mission, gunning for revenge on the gang that killed his Tusken Raiders, when he caught a glimpse of the battle. By the time Boba arrived on the scene, Fennec had already been shot by Calican and abandoned in the dunes.
Boba then takes Fennec to the Mod Artist, a groovy Dr. Frankenstein-type who operates out of a cyber-modification parlor in Mos Eisley. As seen in the previous episode of "Boba Fett," the angsty teens of Tatooine have been seeking out cybernetic enhancements to rack up some burgeoning street cred. It's possible that the Mod Artist (portrayed by indie bassist and singer Thundercat) is one of a few operating across Tatooine. But he's in very high demand — he nearly turns Boba away for lack of appointment!
Fortunately, Boba is able to persuade him with a heap of credits (originally meant for the Tuskens) and the casual reminder that Fennec's life is in his hands. The modifier gets to work, and one transformation sequence later, Fennec is right as rain.
Episode 4 of "The Book of Boba Fett" is currently streaming on Disney+.