Opinion: Did Disney Deliver On ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’?
Before we dive in here, anyone who has not watched the two-episode premiere of Obi-Wan Kenobi should continue reading at their own risk. Spoilers in this article will be kept to a minimum but some key points may be touched on.
To say the Obi-Wan Kenobi show faced high expectations from the moment of its confirmation would be an understatement. Since the first time I watched the credits roll on Revenge of the Sith 17 long years ago I have hoped and wished for more, and I know there are countless others out there who did the same. Now, after all this time, that wish has finally come true. With that in mind, let’s not beat around the bush any further because the answer to this article's question is a big fat yes! Two out of six parts of the newest Star Wars show are now out for the world's viewing pleasure and they did not disappoint!
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Opening with a montage of the prequels that culminates in a previously unseen perspective of Order 66, Obi-Wan Kenobi wastes no time thrusting us back into that far far away galaxy we all know so well. After an excellent display of lightsaber work and a grim reminder of the events that precede the show (as if we could ever forget), we jumped ahead to the real story. From here on there was plenty to enjoy about the first two episodes, one of which was the live-action debut of the Inquisitors. Each time they were on the screen they brought with them a sinister and commanding presence. The Grand Inquisitor moved with authority and spoke with a condescending tone that demanded respect, Fifth Brother’s stoic demeanor radiated strength, and Reva, well she had a more chilling personality than either of the others. Emanating her master’s hatred and embracing the dark side, Reva’s rage towards Obi-Wan will surely be something to watch as the show progresses.
As for the star of the show, what can be said? Ewan McGregor understood the assignment. Yes, he has played the character before but the Obi-Wan he returned to play is not the same as he left him. The sarcastic, wise-cracking, light-hearted Obi-Wan of old is gone and McGregor does a superb job portraying the broken down, cynical, shell of his former self that the character has become. Seeing Obi-Wan in this new way is one of the things I am most looking forward to as the show goes on, but it's not just his change I’m interested in, it’s the whole galaxy. At the end of Revenge of the Sith, the Empire was newly formed and in A New Hope, it's been oppressing star systems for nearly two decades.
With Obi-Wan Kenobi, we finally have a middle ground of sorts to witness its transition and see a period previously only available through the lens of an animated series. It’s a great time for the fans as we are getting to see the live-action Star Wars universe being expanded and developed in ways we previously only dreamed of. Jedi are still being openly hunted, no mentions of the Rebellion as of yet, there are out of work clone veterans, and a ten-year-old Luke is fantasizing about speeders. Speaking of Luke, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention his sister, who in my opinion stole the show. Little Leia was a spitfire who left no doubt she would one day grow up to be the leader the Rebellion would need. A perfect blend of Anakin and Padme, watching her interactions with Obi-Wan was not only satisfying but heartbreaking knowing how hard it must be for Obi-Wan to look at her and be reminded of his failure.
All that being said, there was one singular moment through the first two episodes that trumps everything else. In case there are any who have not watched and read this anyway despite the spoiler warning I will remain vague for your sake, but the final seconds of episode two had me ready to jump out of my seat. It truly was a remarkable premiere and at the end of the day it accomplished the most important thing of all, it made me feel like a kid again, and that’s the whole point. For the length of those two episodes, I had no cares, no worries, just joy, amazement, and wonder. That alone was worth the anticipation.
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