How ‘The Book of Boba Fett’ Was Structured Like ‘Game of Thrones’

In The Book of Boba Fett, the infamous bounty hunter, Boba Fett, newly recovered from his fall into the Sarlacc Pit in Return of the Jedi and freed from captivity from the Tusken Raiders, returns to Tatooine to become ruler of the late Jabba the Hutt’s criminal empire. While every series has its own flavor, the show reminded me a lot of how Game of Thrones was structured, especially during the earlier seasons. This article will compare and contrast the structure and world-building of both series and why, if you are a fan of Game of Thrones and Star Wars, The Book of Boba Fett might be a good show to fill that post-Game with Thrones/pre-House of the Dragon void that currently exists following the 2019 conclusion of Game of Thrones. If you haven’t seen The Book of Boba Fett, it might be good just as an appetizer to the upcoming Obi-Wan Kenobi series as well.

1. The Great Houses of Westeros & The Ruling Families of Tatooine

In Game of Thrones, much of the series revolved around the great Houses of the kingdom of Westeros, such as the Starks, Lannisters, and others jockeying for power and control, as well as the ultimate prize, the Iron Throne, where the rulers of Westeros traditionally operate from throughout the series.

In The Book of Boba Fett, while there were no Houses per se, various families represented by various species sought to maintain their power and control over Tatooine in the wake of Jabba the Hutt’s death in Return of the Jedi. Some of those families included the Klatoonians, Trandoshans, and Aqualish. Even the Hutts make a half-hearted attempt to regain Jabba’s former territory but ultimately cede to the Pyke Syndicate, which arrives at Tatooine in force in order to attempt to claim the entire planet for themselves.

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2. Deceit and Betrayal

Game of Thrones was rife with deceit and betrayal, with characters and Houses betraying each other for increased power, wealth, and control over Westeros. Some of the most famous betrayals in the series include the execution of Ned Stark in Season One, The Red Wedding in Season Three that killed Ned’s son, Robb, and his wife, Catelyn, as well as wiping out much of House Stark, the assassination of Joffrey Baratheon in Season Four by the Tyrells, a supposed ally of the Lannisters, the destruction of the Sept of Baelor in Season Six by Cersei Lannister, which wiped out several prominent members of other Houses, including some allies, and the betrayal of several Houses of Westeros with their support of Daenerys Targaryen’s campaign to conquer Westeros in the final seasons.

Similarly, there is a lot of betrayal and deceit to be found in the Tatooine underworld, perhaps validating the saying that there is truly “no honor among thieves.” The earliest example of this is the Pyke’s Syndicate’s betrayal of Boba by pretending to agree to pay the Tuskens tribute in exchange for safe passage through their territories, but then wiping out the Tuskens and pinning the act on a local biker gang that Boba later brutally eliminated. However, Boba later learned the truth, adding to his desire to rid Tatooine of them.  Although the ruling families of Tatooine swore neutrality to Boba in the face of the Pyke Syndicate’s attempt to conquer Tatooine, they ultimately turned against Boba in the end, nearly ending his attempt to drive the Pykes off the planet and killing and injuring several of his allies. 

3. Vassals

In the world of Game of Thrones, while the Houses of Westeros answered to the King, there were also several smaller houses and interests that answered to them, swore their fealty, sought their protection, and offered them tribute. At least at the outset, The Book of Boba Fett sets up this dynamic between Boba and various persons and interests within his territory. Boba sat on his throne in the first few episodes and heard pleadings from some of those persons and interests, even rebuffing an initial attempt by Mos Espa’s Mayor’s emissary to request tribute from him. He also intervened in a dispute between a local Water monger and a biker gang.

4. Alliances

In Game of Thrones, alliances were formed between various houses and armies to help work towards a common goal. Prior to the start of the series, several Houses ultimately joined together to end the rule of the Targaryens, whose rulers had grown increasingly tyrannical and abusive towards the Houses. As a result, Jon Snow built an alliance of northern houses to retake Winterfell from the Boltons and defeat the Night King and his undead army.

Throughout The Book of Boba Fett, Boba built his own alliances among various characters that helped him remain in power and ultimately win against the Pykes. He rescued and saved the life of a fellow bounty hunter, Fennec Shand, who agreed to stay with him and help him rule over Jabba’s empire on Tatooine.  Boba took on Jabba’s former Gammorean guards as his own. He won over a local biker gang and got them to help serve him. He brought aboard the Mandalorian bounty hunter, Din Djarin. Boba spared the life of the Wookie, Black Krrsantan, who had been sent to kill him and ultimately won his loyalty and service. Through Din and his previous alliance with the residents of Freetown and their Marshall, Cobb Vanth, he was able to bring them into their successful final confrontation with the Pyke Syndicate and their allies.

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READ NEXT: Check Out Mark Hamill As Luke Skywalker On The Set Of 'The Book Of Boba Fett'

Written by Mara Butler

Syndicated from Culture Slate

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