5 things that ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ knocked out of the park

5 things that 'Obi-Wan Kenobi' knocked out of the park

As a Star Wars fan with over three decades of fandom under my belt, I must say that “Obi-Wan Kenobi” has been one of the most emotionally engaging and satisfying series I’ve ever watched. The character development, particularly for Leia and Obi-Wan, was nothing short of remarkable.


As a devoted Star Wars enthusiast, I find a fascinating connection between my top two passions in this galaxy far, far away: they both have minimal screen time. It’s almost like a secret code among fellow fans when General Rieekan or Alderaan come up in our discussions – it’s as if we’ve found the hidden Jedi temple!

Without a doubt, I was already deeply attached to the Obi-Wan Kenobi series before it debuted on Disney+. Despite vowing to keep my responses muted for my roommate who couldn’t watch the first episode until later, I couldn’t help but let loose when the camera swept over the mountains of Alderaan, and I couldn’t help but shout with excitement.

Beyond a charismatic Scottish gentleman and Bail Organa, neither can fully meet my expectations, yet they both left quite an impact initially. From the outset, I was eagerly anticipating how the writers would handle Obi-Wan’s enigmatic past – specifically, the secrets behind his actions during the two decades following the downfall of the Jedi Order and young Luke Skywalker’s initial foray into the Force ways.

Here are 5 things that Obi-Wan Kenobi knocked out of the park.

1. The retrospective

5 things that 'Obi-Wan Kenobi' knocked out of the park

As a gamer, I wasn’t prepared for tears even before the game truly began. The decision to flashback, in essence, summarize the previous events from “Revenge of the Sith“, struck a deep chord within me.

The reel served as a reminder of the tireless efforts made by the main character in safeguarding the Republic, and his journey from being a Padawan to an esteemed Jedi Master. However, what stood out most was the heartbreaking impact on Obi-Wan when his friend and apprentice fell to the dark side.

Before encountering the main characters, it led us into a gloomy atmosphere that would later characterize the series and pave the way for forthcoming episodes.

2. “Not even a real Organa.”

5 things that 'Obi-Wan Kenobi' knocked out of the park

One significant aspect of the latest canon is that it’s common knowledge that Leia was adopted. This information becomes clear if you’ve read Claudia Gray’s “Leia, Princess of Alderaan.” Although Leia’s biological parents remain unknown, Queen Breha made the decision to adopt due to a severe injury she sustained when she was young, to ensure her own safety.

Niano Organa, as some might put it, can be quite arrogant, while others may label him impudent. Essentially, Leia’s relative often comes across as a rude individual, starting with his sneer at her polite behavior towards droids. His remarks about your favorite female character didn’t exactly enhance my view of him either.

You know the difference between you and me, cousin? I know things. You know, my father says they never let you leave the planet. They don’t want anybody to know about you because you’re not one of us. You’re not even a real Organa.

Niano Organa

Throughout the series, we witness a journey in emotional maturity and character development for Leia. She displays youthful traits, dreamy and adventurous, which often frustrate her mother. However, by the end of the series, her mother starts to approve and even support Leia’s deviations from conventional expectations, making for a captivating narrative transformation.

3. “We thought he was there to help us.”

5 things that 'Obi-Wan Kenobi' knocked out of the park

As a gamer, I’ve got to say, Moses Ingram’s portrayal of Third Sister/Reva is one of the standout elements that hooked me on the show. Unlike the Inquisitors we met before in Star Wars Rebels, Reva feels incredibly real and relatable. While the Grand Inquisitor was indeed intimidating, Reva seems to have a depth and humanity that makes her truly captivating.

The character’s motivations exhibit a rough, changing edge sometimes. Her questioning of Leia recalls the NPR radio adaptations of Star Wars, where Vader alternates between deceitful offers of aid and chilling threats towards Leia.

It’s intriguing to trace Reva’s motives for retribution and her eventual betrayal of her own intentions. The outcome of her story remains enigmatic, leaving us uncertain about how we, as spectators, should interpret her upcoming destiny.

4. “I am not your failure, Obi-Wan.”

5 things that 'Obi-Wan Kenobi' knocked out of the park

An unexpectedly emotional journey was witnessing Skywalker and Kenobi’s reunion. Back in 1977, Darth Vader felt a presence he hadn’t sensed since then, saying “a presence I haven’t felt since….” The intrigue of his unfinished statement was partially answered by the end of Star Wars: A New Hope. For me, it seemed they had not crossed paths since Mustafar.

In this sequence, it becomes clear that the assumption was incorrect. As Obi-Wan discovers his former pupil, who he believed to be deceased, is actually alive, we witness a resurrection of sorts with Vader.

In the sixth installment, Skywalker and Kenobi meet once more in an exciting display of combat. The fight sequence is beautifully orchestrated, showcasing Obi-Wan Kenobi regaining his identity as a seasoned Jedi Master. As he witnesses Anakin’s transformation into his former self, Obi-Wan cannot help but feel remorseful. Reflecting on their once shared history, Anakin, who is now ten years removed from his fall to the dark side, speaks of their past.

I am not your failure, Obi-Wan. You didn’t kill Anakin Skywalker. I did.

Darth Vader

It reminds us of when Obi-Wan and Anakin bid farewell before Obi-Wan headed to Utapau. As Anakin expresses his dissatisfaction with the Council, Obi-Wan responds, “I’ve taught you all I know, and you’ve surpassed me in Jedi abilities more than I could have imagined. Yet, be patient, Anakin.”

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but feel the raw intensity of the moment when Obi-Wan cuts away part of Vader’s mask, revealing his former Padawan’s face for the first time. The anguish etched on Ewan’s face as he gazes upon what used to be his friend is strikingly reminiscent of Luke’s heartrending realization: “If that’s not my father, then the man I fought in that battle was never my father.”

5. “Ben Kenobi? Where is he?”

5 things that 'Obi-Wan Kenobi' knocked out of the park

Upon initial viewing, I didn’t immediately realize that Obi-Wan’s playful remark, “Who am I to separate a young woman from her robot?” was hinting at Leia later sending R2-D2 to find General Kenobi. Throughout the series, it becomes clear why Leia initially met my skepticism when being rescued, until the name “Ben Kenobi” is mentioned, finally clarifying for me why she named her son Ben.

The scene where Obi-Wan talks to Leia, reminiscing about her parents he knew intimately, is more emotionally stirring than even Darth’s departure. His words are tinged with both regret and pride, and a single French horn plays the theme for grown-up Princess Leia, composed by John Williams, enhancing the emotional depth of the moment.

Princess Leia Organa, you are wise, discerning, kind-hearted. These are qualities that came from your mother. But you are also passionate and fearless, forthright. These are gifts from your father. Both were exceptional people who bore an exceptional daughter. I wish I could tell you more.

Obi-Wan Kenobi

In the heart of our gaming adventure, I bestowed upon this character I’ve been guiding throughout the series something truly remarkable – it felt like she was carrying a piece of both her parents within her. This act served as a beautiful knot to weave the story into a cohesive whole. As the melody shifted to the tune that played during Leia’s debut in the original trilogy, I bid her farewell with a heartfelt “May the Force be with you.”

While “Obi-Wan Kenobi” may not appeal to everyone, it’s a captivating series that Star Wars fans who recognize similarities between Leia and the father she never met will find particularly engaging.

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2024-08-03 15:22

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