A new high point for the series comes as Obi-Wan reaches his lowest.
Episode 3 of Obi-Wan Kenobi gives us what we’ve been waiting for. The return of Vader thrills as he’s reunited with his former master for the first time in 10 years, and displays the brutality that comes with his legend. It’s a fantastic sequence that follows an uneven beginning to the chapter, but ultimately excites as to what may be lying ahead.
As we reach the halfway point in the season bridges are starting to be built, not only between the beginning and end of this chapter in Obi-Wan’s life, but also the wider gap between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope. Kenobi is the catalyst of Vader’s revenge and the source of Leia’s hope – the balance in the force personified – which requires him to remain level-headed when all around him shifts. It’s something he struggles with as the stakes become increasingly more personal.
It’s easy to draw comparisons with The Mandalorian, what with it being another Star Wars show about a veteran warrior escorting a child to safety, but this episode felt more akin to Cormac McCarthy’s The Road. Not just in its American South-looking location either, but in the way Obi-Wan recalls how the world flourished before Leia was born. This more sombre approach to storytelling fits perfectly with where we find both our lead character and the Galaxy, both at their lowest points.
The hold the Imperials have during this era is put on full display in both the impressively imposing looking architecture of the Inquisitor base, to more subtle – and arguably chilling – displays of evil infiltrating society like a worn flag on the back of a cart. However, in the darkness is where the light shines brightest, as sitting in this cart gives Obi-Wan a chance to reminisce about both his and Leia’s lost family. It’s a touching moment that further strengthens the bond between Leia and her new friend Ben.
Shortly after we are swiftly reminded that nowhere is truly safe for them. Obi-Wan reluctantly steps into the action, looking every inch a man who’s seen too many battles and would happily put his fighting days behind him, wearing his robes like a suit jacket that’s seen too many funerals. That’s not to say he doesn’t live up to the legend when called upon though, using his uncivilised blaster to full effect. And while it may not have been at the hand of his lightsaber, we do see a stormtrooper cut in half by a laser beam, which is always enjoyable. Obi-Wan deals with these troopers fairly easily but don’t you worry – they’ll be back, and in greater numbers.
