Warning: This article will contain spoilers from Obi-Wan Kenobi Part III
Following a climactic two-part premiere late last week, Obi-Wan Kenobi returned after a half-week hiatus for an action packed Part III. Upon the discovery that his former friend-turned-foe Anakin Skywalker is alive after ten years, Obi-Wan must turn to new allies in order to protect Leia. However, after years of Imperial carnage and isolation, the titular hero is cautious of all those around him, and for good reason. Let’s dive into the review!
Part III picks up directly where we left off in II, with Obi-Wan (Ewan McGregor) still processing the aforementioned revelation provided to him by the Third Sister Reva (Moses Ingram). Following the coordinates provided to him by Kumail Nanjiani’s Haja Estree, Obi-Wan and Leia (Vivien Lyra Blair) find themselves on the mining system of Mapuzo.
When the friends of Haja don’t arrive at the expected rendezvous point, our unlikely duo are forced to hop aboard a transport piloted by Imperial loyalist Freck, a mole-like creature played by Zach Braff. After a confrontation with stormtroopers goes sideways, the reinforcements do arrive in the form of Indira Varma’s Tara, an Imperial officer who smuggles Jedi and other Force-sensitive beings off-world.
Meanwhile, following the injuries to the Grand Inquisitor (Rupert Friend), Reva is tasked with continuing the hunt for Kenobi by Darth Vader (Hayden Christensen). However, it is clear that the Dark Lord wants to confront his former master himself.
Back on Mapuzo, Obi-Wan learns to trust Tara upon seeing the names of those who she has helped. Just as all seems good and well, a sudden chill is sent down Obi-Wan’s spine, as the presence of his one-time apprentice looms. Lord Vader has arrived. Sending Tara and Leia away down a secret passage, Obi-Wan stays behind to watch the Sith Lord tear through a local town with viciousness that rivals, and at some points exceeds, his infamous sequence of carnage in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
Leading Vader away from Leia and Tara, a frightened Obi-Wan is no match for his former apprentice, who taunts the hero throughout their confrontation. The enthralling battle ends when Tara returns to create a diversion and save Obi-Wan. However, all feels lost as Obi-Wan has sustained major injuries after being thrown into the flame, just as he once did to Anakin. The episode ends with Reva hunting down Leia, capturing her once more.
This episode brought everything the series has promised us to the forefront much sooner than anticipated. When reports emerged that Obi-Wan and Darth Vader would cross lightsabers once again, many thought it would be saved for the finale. While I don’t anticipate this being the last time these two clash in the series, this was still a pleasant surprise for fans.
The story of the series so far has really lived up to the high expectations of fans while simultaneously standing very firmly as a great series. It takes beloved characters from a Galaxy Far, Far Away and showcases them at their darkest points. Audiences have never seen a broken Obi-Wan Kenobi or a Princess Leia who questions herself and her place in the universe. The series is offering viewers a chance to see how these beloved characters became who they were in A New Hope.
Ewan McGregor and Vivien Lyra Blair continue to shine as Obi-Wan and Leia, but it was the antagonists who stole the show in this episode. Hayden Christensen returns as both Anakin and Darth Vader, and he truly encapsulates the character’s movements and gravitas. Couple that with the return of James Earl Jones as the voice and you have one of the best depictions of Darth Vader on-screen.
Similarly, Moses Ingram has solidified her place as one of the strongest villains in the entire saga as Reva. There is so much power within her performance, and her rivalry with Sung Kang’s Fifth Brother is intoxicating to watch. While I fear her fate in the series, there is no doubt a powerful arc for her character is coming.
Now already halfway through the series, expect next week to be a bit of a slower burn, a time for Obi-Wan to heal and reflect on his failure. This is the time in the series where I expect the most character development to shine through. At the same time, I hope see the same level of time given to Vader’s development, and to learn more about Reva through her conversations with Leia.
What did you think of this episode of Obi-Wan Kenobi? How did you feel about the story so far? Let us know in the comments below and on our social media pages!
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