"Chapter 6: From the Desert Comes a Stranger," an episode of The Book of Boba Fett television series, was penned by executive producers Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni. Its release date was February 2, 2022.
The episode begins with a panoramic view of several moisture vaporators, where Pyke Syndicate couriers gather. The Pyke courier announces that everything is present. A Pyke guard responds that they will leave the spice, take the credits back to Mos Eisley, and the remaining spice will follow. The Pykes are then confronted by a middle-aged human male named Cobb Vanth, who questions their awareness of their location.
As a Pyke reaches for his blaster, Vanth advises him to reconsider. Vanth offers them the benefit of the doubt, suggesting they are lost. He cautions them that they are now within the Mos Pelgo territories. Displaying his stripes, he identifies himself as the marshal of these territories. Vanth informs the Pykes that he oversees the area's inhabitants.
Vanth states he didn't observe the contents of their chest, meaning no laws were broken in his view. Vanth allows them to load up and return whence they came. However, the Pykes refuse and draw their blasters, resulting in three being shot down by Vanth. He offers the fourth one a chance to surrender.
Vanth instructs the fourth Pyke enforcer to inform his superiors of his awareness of the Syndicate and to take credits back. He warns that any further spice running through Mos Pelgo will result in permanent disappearance. He orders the Pyke to unload his chest, considering it a trespassing fine. The Pyke retorts that the chest's contents are worth more than his town. Vanth replies that he will consider retiring. He watches the Pyke depart on a landspeeder with a camtono of credits, abandoning the chest and his fallen comrades. Vanth inspects the chest, discovering it is filled with spice. He overturns it, allowing the desert winds to scatter the contents.
Din Djarin's customized N-1 starfighter emerges from hyperspace above Ossus. He guides the craft into the planet's atmosphere, soaring over verdant mountains. The ship's console emits a buzz. On the ground, R2-D2 directs Djarin's ship to a level area beside a brown river. The R2-series astromech droid beeps in binary as Djarin exits his ship. Djarin greets R2, stating he seeks Luke Skywalker and desires to see Grogu.
R2 beeps before guiding Djarin along a path into a bamboo-like forest. An ant droid scurries past. Emerging from the forest, they find several ant droids constructing a stone structure. R2 communicates with the droids. Djarin inquires if this is their destination. R2 enters hibernation, frustrating Djarin. He addresses the ant droids, stating he is looking for Skywalker. The droids assemble a makeshift bench as Djarin asks if anyone is present or alive. The ant droids continue their work.
Elsewhere on the lush, forested world, Grogu is in meditation with Luke Skywalker in a meadow. Grogu notices a frog passing by and uses the Force to levitate it towards his mouth. Skywalker, seemingly deep in meditation, awakens to see Grogu about to consume the frog. He persuades Grogu to release it. The frog dives into a stream. Skywalker returns to meditation and extends his right hand, causing frogs to levitate from the ponds. Grogu watches in awe before Skywalker releases the frogs.
He invites Grogu for a walk through the bamboo forest. Skywalker tells Grogu that he reminds him of Yoda, noting Yoda's small size but immense heart and strength in the Force. Skywalker recalls Yoda saying, "size matters not." He explains Yoda's riddles and asks if anyone at Grogu's home spoke similarly. He asks Grogu if he remembers his home. Grogu remains still with a sad expression.
Skywalker asks if Grogu wishes to remember and places his hand on his head. Grogu experiences a vision of Jedi defending the Jedi Temple from the 501st Legion during the Great Jedi Purge. Grogu witnesses clone troopers gunning down his defenders. They advance towards him before everything fades. Emerging from the flashback, Skywalker warns Grogu of the galaxy's dangers. He promises to teach Grogu self-defense. They contemplate the nearby hills.
Meanwhile, Djarin is resting on his bench when he is surprised by Ahsoka Tano. Tano identifies herself as an old friend of the "family." When Djarin recalls Tano's refusal to train Grogu, Tano clarifies that Master Luke is training him. Djarin asks her purpose, prompting her to ask him the same. Djarin explains he is there to see the kid. Tano explains that is why R2 led him to her. The astromech droid beeps in binary.
When Djarin asks about the place, Tano replies that it is nothing now but that one day it will be a great school. She adds that Grogu will be its first student. When Djarin asks how Grogu is doing, Tano replies that he is doing fine. Djarin insists on seeing him, prompting R2-D2 to turn his head. Tano invites Djarin to accompany her on a walk through the bamboo forest.
Tano recalls warning Djarin that his attachment to Grogu would be difficult to let go off. Djarin explains that Grogu was a Mandalorian foundling in his care and that he just wants to make sure he is safe. Tano responds that there is no place in the galaxy safer than being with Luke. Djarin questions Tano letting Skywalker train the Child when she wouldn't. Tano exhales sharply and explains that it was Luke's decision, adding that she does not control the wants or choices of others. Djarin responds that it is just as much his choice to go and see Grogu then.
Tano agrees to respect Djarin's wishes and motions to a hill where Skywalker is seated with Grogu. Djarin says alright. Tano asks him to consider if he is doing it for Grogu or just for himself. Djarin replies that he just wants to give him beskar armor, which he explains that belongs to Grogu by right. Tano suggests that Grogu may be a Padawan now. Djarin reasons that this armor will protect him regardless of whether he chooses the Jedi or Mandalorian paths. Tano asks Djarin to consider letting her deliver it to him.
Djarin replies that he came all this way to see Grogu. Tano understands that Grogu misses him a great deal but warns that seeing him will only make things more difficult for him. Djarin acquiesces to Tano's offer and hands him the beskar armor. He asks Tano to make sure that Grogu is protected.
Skywalker carries Grogu in a bagpack and places him down in the middle of a clearing. Skywalker asks Grogu to jump but Grogu is shy. Skywalker encourages him to bend down and to feel the Force flow through him. Grogu tries again. Skywalker senses he is trying too hard and counsels him to do instead of try. Skywalker carries Grogu in a bagpack through the forest, leaping over rocks, a mud yak, and several stumps.
Skywalker also climbs a bamboo tree and shows him the landscape ahead. He tells Grogu that there lies a wider world out there and to feel the Force all around him. The two meditate as the wind blows. Skywalker tells Grogu that he will find balance through the Force.
Later, Skywalker takes Grogu to the riverside. While Grogu rests on a branch, he tells him to concentrate. Grogu struggles to levitate and slowly begins taking small steps. Later, Skywalker parries with his blade while Grogu meditates in the bamboo forest. He eyes Luke's green lightsaber with curiosity. Skywalker introduces him to a training remote, which he explains will test his reflexes. He places the training remote on the group beside Grogu.
Grogu rolls it, thinking it is a ball. Skywalker demonstrates how the training remote works by activating it. The training remote fires a laser beam, causing Grogu to jump out of the way. Skywalker encourages to get back up. Grogu spends the day leaping from rocks to rocks in the river, dodging the training remote's lasers. Skywalker watches the training exercise while Tano joins him. She is impressed with Grogu's progress.
Grogu later uses the Force to hold the training remote in suspended animation before causing it to short circuit and fall into the river. Grogu squeals while Skywalker praises him. Tano says that Skywalker taught him well. Skywalker replies that it is more like Grogu is remembering his previous lessons than he is actually teaching him. Tano observes that sometimes the student guides the master.
Skywalker notes that the Mandalorian was here. Tano explains that Grogu and Djarin share a strong bond and that Djarin brought him a gift. She shows Skywalker the red cloth containing the beskar armor. Skywalker admits wondering whether Grogu is committed to being a Jedi. Tano says that Skywalker is just like his father. When Skywalker asks what he should do about Grogu. Tano counsels him to trust his instincts. Grogu rests on a rock.
When Skywalker asks if he will see her again, Tano replies perhaps and bids that the Force be with him. Skywalker reflects on the beskar armor and Grogu resting on the rock.
Djarin pilots the N-1 starfighter back to Tatooine, landing in the hangar of Boba Fett's Palace. A Gamorrean guard, armed with an axe, greets him as he exits the starfighter. Djarin states he is there at Fennec Shand's request. The Gamorrean grunts in Gamorrean.
Inside the throne room, Shand briefs the Mods, Boba Fett, Krrsantan, and Mok Shaiz's majordomo on the Pyke Syndicate's mobilization. Mok Shaiz has fled offworld, and Shand anticipates an imminent conflict. The majordomo claims it was a scheduled vacation but a Gamorrean growls at him. Shand presents a holographic map of Pyke gathering points based on "whispers."
The three crime families of Mos Espa are willing to lay low and let the Pykes stake a claim on their territory. She introduces the Mandalorian Din Djarin. Shand says that Djarin and Krrsantan will provide enough experienced muscle to serve as enforcers. She compliments the Mods for surveying the streets. Shand recognizes that they lack the numbers to help out in a full-out war and says that they need reinforcements. Djarin offers to help recruit reinforcements.
Djarin flies his N-1 starfighter around a sandcrawler carrying the skull of a krayt dragon. Several Jawas observe and chatter in Jawaese. He lands his starship in Mos Pelgo. Djarin is greeted by deputy sheriff Scott, who tells him to park is ship elsewhere. Djarin responds that he has business with Cobb Vanth, who agrees to meet with Djarin. Vanth explains that Scott is new and a bit jumpy. He takes an interest in Djarin's N-1 starfighter.
Djarin remarks that he hasn't seen Vanth since he has given up his armor. Vanth says he is more careful and asks about Grogu. Djarin replies that Grogu is back with his own folk. Vanth observes that both of them have lost something they are fond off. Djarin offers to buy him a drink at the cantina. Inside the cantina, Djarin tells Vanth that he needs him to lead a garrison since his people are good fighters and that there is enough money to hire them.
Vanth explains that his people do not want to fight ever since they have taken out the krayt dragon. Djarin replies that Mos Pelgo may be safe for now but that they are part of the same planet. Djarin says that they need good people to fight or the spice is bound to come through these parts. Vanth says that as long as he is here this is not a problem. He asks why his people should risk their lives for Boba Fett. Djarin reiterates that Mos Pelgo might be good for now. Taanti reminds Djarin that the town is now called Freetown, adding that it suits them better.
Djarin reminds Vanth that he fought alongside the citizens of Freetown and that they are brave people. He explains that Boba Fett's forces are outnumbered by the Pyke Syndicate and that they need their help. The Weequay responds that the town wants no part of the city folk fight. Djarin asks Vanth if he agrees. Vanth replies that the two of them are even. Djarin asks if Vanth is still someone who won't back down in the face of bullies. Vanth remarks that he likes Djarin's big smile, which lets him get away with anything.
Djarin says there is no easy way to ask for a favor. Vanth says that things are tough in Freetown but that he will see what he can do. Djarin later leaves in his N-1 starfighter. Vanth tells the Weequay to assemble all the men and women of fighting age for a meeting in the town hall. The Weequay thinks this dispute between Fett and the Pykes is not their problem but Vanth tells them that the people may change their minds after they hear what he has to say.
Vanth notices a lone figure with a hat approaching Freetown from the desert. Sensing trouble, Vanth tells a woman named Jo to have the people evacuate inside. When Jo asks if something is wrong, Vanth says he hopes not but that is better to err on the side of safety. Vanth walks out to confront the stranger while the citizens evacuate. Deputy Scott asks what is going on but Vanth says he will handle it. He tells the Deputy to head inside while he faces down the stranger.
The stranger addresses Vanth. Vanth asks who he is. The stranger replies that whatever Fett is paying him, they will match. He tells Vanth that all they have to do is to stay put and stay out. Deputy Scott says the marshal is not for sale. Vanth sighs and asks the stranger for his name. The stranger faces Vanth with his red eyes, revealing himself to be Duros bounty hunter Cad Bane. He warns him to be careful where he sticks his nose. Vanth asks if he is threatening him.
Bane replies that that Boba Fett is a cold blooded killer who worked with the Galactic Empire. Vanth tells him to tell the Pykes that this planet is closed for business since it has seen enough violence. Bane remarks that Vanth should have never given up his armor. The two men face each other while the Deputy eyes the situation nervously and reaches for his blaster. A shootout breaks out with Bane shooting Vanth and gunning down Deputy Scott several times.
As Vanth lies on the ground, Bane says that Tatooine belongs to the Pyke Syndicate. As long as the spice is running, he says that everyone will be left alone. He then walks into the wilderness while the townsfolk attend to the wounded Vanth. The Weequay watches with concern.
Meanwhile, two Pyke enforcers visit Garsa Fwip's Sanctuary cantina. They sit at a table and are served by a protocol droid. A band plays while two Twi'lek staff offer to take their helmets for a clean. The Pykes brush them aside before leaving the cantina. The protocol droid warns them that they have forgotten their camtono. The camtono turns out to be a bomb and destroys the cantina.
At Skywalker's newly built Jedi Temple, Skywalker presents Djarin's gift to Grogu. He unwraps the red cloth, revealing a beskar chain shirt. Skywalker explains that the Mandalorian wanted him to have the chain shirt, which he lays on the carpet. Before Grogu takes it, Skywalker tells him that he will give him a choice.
He shows Grogu Yoda's lightsaber and offers it to him. Skywalker tells Grogu that he must choose only one. If he chooses the armor, he will return to Djarin. However, Skywalker warns that he will be giving into attachment for those that he loves and forsaking the way of the Jedi.
If he chooses the lightsaber, Skywalker promises that he will be the first student in his academy and that he will train him to be a great Jedi. Skywalker says that it will take him many years to master the ways of the Force and that he may never see the Mandalorian again. He explains that a short time for Grogu may be a lifetime for someone else. Grogu coos while he considers choosing between the two objects and the paths they entail. Skywalker asks Grogu which does he choose.