“Obi-Wan Kenobi”, the new series from the “Star Wars” universe premiered this Friday the 27th on Disney+ with two exciting chapters. While Ewan McGregor returns to his role as Jedi Master and evolves it, Hayden Christensen makes his return as an imposing Darth Vader, all this hand in hand with the surprise appearance of an important princess in the space saga.
What impressions did the first episodes of this new story leave us? Is it worth watching? We’ll tell you then.
THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR “OBI-WAN KENOBI”
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a defeated jedi
After 10 years of Order 66, Obi-Wan is no longer the same. His failed mission to train Anakin Skywalker has left him scarred and deeply guilty.
The series introduces us to a hopeless and lonely old Jedi Master who does what he has to do to survive, even if it means not helping others (one of his old moral principles).
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Despite the above, Kenobi has not yet abandoned his mission to protect little Luke Skywalker on Tatooine, a planet where he hides and watches his Padawan’s son from afar. Only Uncle Owen refuses to allow him to follow the same path as his father, which creates conflict with Obi-Wan.
The princess we didn’t expect
Although we thought the focus would be on Kenobi and Luke, as shown in the trailer, the series gives us a surprise that excites any “Star Wars” fan.
Little princess Leia appears in the first two chapters and her role is much more important than we thought.
Her kidnapping becomes the only reason Obi-Wan leaves his hiding place and exposes himself to death again in the midst of the darkest times in the galaxy.
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Without a doubt, seeing this girl version of Carrie Fisher’s well-remembered character is a pleasant surprise and a hit for the “Star Wars” universe, as it reinforces things that happen later in the movies.
Villains or conceited?
If there is something we can criticize in these first two episodes, it is the villains. The Inquisitors are the closest threat to Obi-Wan and the Jedi in general, but when it comes to time they leave something to be desired.
The Grand Inquisitor is perhaps the biggest disappointment. His “death” (he may be revived) at the hands of an immature, conceited and obsessed Third Sister robs us of perhaps one of the strongest characters in the series.
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Reva, with the attitude that he has, is very reminiscent of the impulsive Kylo Ren in “The Force Awakens” and “The Last Jedi”. Hopefully later the script will do justice to his character and explain more to us.
Let us remember that the Fifth Brother is still alive, who may have a confrontation with the Third later.
Darth Vader is ready
But when it comes to the villains, not everything is disappointing. These first two chapters are responsible for anticipating the imminent return of Hayden Christensen as Darth Vader.
Seeing Obi-Wan learn that his former student, who he thought was dead, is actually alive is just thrilling.
The curious thing is how the director Debora Chow introduces us to this powerful villain in the series, since he does not appear with his iconic helmet or his black suit, but at the end of episode 2 we see him open his eyes submerged in a water chamber.
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That aspect, in which you can see the marks of the burns he suffered at the end of “Episode III” make him look even terrifying and stronger than ever.
Airs of “The Mandalorian”
One point that perhaps some might have noticed is that the plot of Obi-Wan and little princess Leia is somewhat reminiscent of Mando and Grogu.
A man who does not want to leave his normal life, but who is forced to do so to take care of someone small, helpless and important for the future. Doesn’t that sound familiar?
The resemblance might not surprise those who know Debora Chow. It happens that the director of “Obi-Wan Kenobi” has directed some chapters of “The Mandalorian” before.
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This experience could have influenced the filmmaker. However, it cannot be said that it is a plagiarism or even the same formula. But that will depend a lot on the next episodes.
a good start
In conclusion, the premiere of “Obi-Wan Kenobi” is satisfactory. The script, although it makes certain mistakes, does not fall excessively into the mania of referencing things to evoke nostalgia, and that is something that is greatly appreciated.
The characters feel organic, and you don’t have to be an extensive connoisseur of the “Star Wars” universe to understand what’s going on (although that does add to the experience).
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The group of The Inquisitors is the only disappointment of this premiere, but there are still four more chapters, in which we could see more of them in action.
Curiosities and interesting moments
- The ship toy that Obi-Wan secretly leaves at Luke’s house is the same one we see him with in “A New Hope.”
- Kumail Nanjiani, a Marvel actor who played Kingo in “Eternals”, appears in this chapter as the false Jedi who takes advantage of people.
- Sung Kang, the actor who plays Han Lue in the “Fast and Furious” series, plays the Fifth Brother, the Inquisitor who wears a helmet.
- These episodes also brought back Jimmy Smits as Bail Prestor, Leia Organa’s adoptive father.
- When Obi-Wan talks about “an old friend” to Leia, he is referring to her real mother, Padmé Amidala.
- John Williams’ music is simply wonderful. The main theme of the series conveys all the vibe of “Star Wars”.
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“Obi-Wan Kenobi”, official theme
How many chapters does the Obi-Wan Kenobi series have?
“Obi-Wan Kenobi” will have a total of 6 chapters. The first two premiered this Friday, May 27 on Disney + and the others will arrive every Wednesday through the same platform.
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