How 'The Book Of Boba Fett' Finally Humanized The Sand People
Since we have seen them in A New Hope, Tusken Raiders have been considered antagonists. They were treated as almost savages of the planet, not talking, never seeing their faces, and always believing them to be the antagonist given how they come across our heroes like Luke Skywalker. In terms of the Hero's Journey, the Sand People were a threshold, an obstacle for Luke to overcome on his way to becoming the hero. Once the hero crosses that threshold, there is no going back.
However, we are beginning to see new sides to these people in recent years. A side that we have not seen before. They have a more nuanced side, a more sympathetic side, and perhaps a more humanistic side to the Tusken Raiders. Starting in The Mandalorian and now to The Book of Boba Fett.
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A Sign of Things to Come
In The Mandalorian Chapter 5, The Gunslinger, it is the first time we see the Tuskens appear in the post Return of the Jedi era. However, instead of attacking our heroes, our hero Din bargains with them. Not only that, he communicates with them using sign language. This is the first time we see the Tuskens in a new light. A different way. More reasonable and less aggressive. It was a hint of what was to come, a longer-term vision of these classic Star Wars aliens.
Even how Boba and Din refer to them as Tuskens differs from how Luke referred to them as Sand People. Sand People sounds like a derogatory term, probably picked up from Uncle Owen. The second time we see them is, of course, in Chapter 9 of The Mandalorian. Here we see an alliance between the Tuskens and the people of Mos Pelgo. The Tuskens are just as much of Tatooine as the moisture farmers. It was a deeper look into seeing the Tuskens in a new light. They, too, are people of Tatooine, and they are also respectable people. All that build-up and depth would finally be realized in The Book of Boba Fett.
Part of the Tribe
The Book of Boba Fett gave the Tuskens the most depth they have gotten in years. We witness the ritual one goes through when joining a tribe. We see how they survive, how they live, how they show respect. This gives audiences insight into them. It shows us how this particular tribe operates and how they survive the harsh desert sands of Tatooine. And how they get harassed by biker gangs and Pyke syndicate operatives. It shows they have honor, nobility, and traditions. But, it also shows just how much they have survived, how they rely on one another, how they depend on each other to survive the harsh sands of Tatooine.
To have a central protagonist become allies and join the Tuskens really goes beyond just making them wild monstrous creatures in their own right, but people with thoughts, feelings, and families. It is probably the most in-depth look at this tribe and someone associated with them. It also makes Boba Fett and Din's character quite unique in that both were able to look past their reputation and befriend them.
Tuskens have been a staple of Star Wars since the beginning. Yet, from the first time we see them attack Luke in A New Hope, they remain shrouded (literally) in mystery. But now that the mystery is peeling away, we see a fascinating culture coming to light. One of survival, honor, and loyalty. One that thrives and lives on the desert sands of Tattooine for many years and will continue to for years to come. Tuskens are part of the landscape.
Hopefully, more species and people will continue to expand as Lucasfilm expands the Star Wars galaxy that is far, far away.
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Source(s): ScreenRant