Did The Book Of Boba Fett Just Kill Off One Of Our Favorite New Star Wars Characters?

We are rapidly approaching the conclusion of "The Book of Boba Fett" and Chapter 6, titled "From the Desert Comes a Stranger," brought us closer to the mark and set the stage for the finale. To that end, a great deal happened in this episode and, in particular, it seems the fate of a rather important "Star Wars" character is hanging in the balance as a result of this latest episode's unexpected conclusion. But is this person really dead? Or is there more to the story? We're here to look at the evidence and attempt to answer that very question with the information we have available. Let's dive in.

Warning: spoilers ahead for "The Book of Boba Fett" Chapter 6. Proceed with caution.

In the episode's opening minutes we are treated to the return of none other than lawman Cobb Vanth, played once again by Timothy Olyphant in all of his silver-haired glory. He is handling some spice runners who are treading on his turf, which he doesn't take too kindly to. As it just so happens, this confrontation puts him smack dab in the middle of everything that has been going on with Boba Fett, Mando, and the escalating situation with the Pyke Syndicate, who are trying to use Tatooine as their personal spice expressway.

A little later on in the episode. Cobb is paid a visit by his old pal Mando. The two previously worked together in "The Mandalorian" season 2, an episode that effectively opened the door for Boba Fett's return, as the lawman of this little area on the desert planet had obtained the bounty hunter's armor. In any event, Mando was there to ask for Cobb's help to see if he and his people would be interested in aiding them in the fight against the Pyke Syndicate. Reluctant at first, Cobb leaves Mando with some home and decides to call a meeting with any battle-capable citizens. But this is where things go south quickly for our friend Mr. Vanth.

One of the episode's biggest surprises was saved for the very end. Shortly after Mando leaves and Cobb calls his meeting, a mysterious figure begins approaching from the desert with his big-rimmed hat tilted down, in a moment feeling like it was ripped straight from a Clint Eastwood Western. Two men on opposite sides of the law getting ready for a showdown in the streets with the twin suns at high noon. Hell yeah.

For fans of "The Clone Wars, it was very likely clear who he was from the moment we saw him in the distance, but the character who showed up to have words with Cobb Vanth was none other than Cad Bane, the famed blue-skinned deadly bounty hunter. This serves as the character's live-action debut and director Dave Filoni didn't waste the opportunity to introduce those who didn't watch the animated "Star Wars" stuff to his brand of ruthlessness. When he finally approaches the town after Cobb clears the streets (sensing things might get ugly), Cad reveals his face and also reveals that he is clearly working with the Pykes. He encourages Cobb and his people to stay out of it, to let the spice flow, and nobody will be hurt.

Foolishly, Cobb's new deputy comes out to join in on the action and, as one might expect, Cobb doesn't back down. This results in a quick little shootout, with Cobb taking a blaster bolt in the torso before the bounty hunter proceeds to unload into the deputy. That will become important in a moment but he leaves them both for dead and leaves a lasting impression; Tatooine belongs to the Pyke Syndicate and bad things will happen to those who get in the way.

Now comes the big question on everyone's mind; did "Star Wars" really just kill off one of its best new characters? We didn't get a definitive answer but if we read between the lines it seems the answer may come into focus a bit. First, let's look at what Cad Bane actually did. This is a cold, calculating, and deadly bounty hunter with a lot of skill. He fired but one shot into Cobb, yet he unloaded into his deputy. This seemed to be a deliberate choice. Why not empty a few more blasts into the marshall just to endure the job was done? Well, what if he was just trying to make a point and wanted to leave someone alive to warn of what's to come to those who get in the way?

In my mind, it's quite clear that Bane deliberately didn't deliver a kill shot as he could have easily disposed of one Mr. Vanth and had every opportunity to do so. Also, lots of the townsfolk came pouring into the street to check on the status of their beloved marshall and nobody yelled "he's dead" or anything of the like. There is plenty on the table to suggest that the handsome lawman of Tatooine is not dead — at least not yet. We'll surely learn whether or not that assessment is correct when "The Book of Boba Fett" reaches its conclusion next week.