OBI-WAN KENOBI Review; "Already On A Par With THE MANDALORIAN As The Best STAR WARS TV Series Yet"

OBI-WAN KENOBI Review; "Already On A Par With THE MANDALORIAN As The Best STAR WARS TV Series Yet"

The first two episodes of Obi-Wan Kenobi arrived on Disney+ earlier today, and this long-awaited series has already delivered everything fans could possibly want from Ewan McGregor's return as the Jedi...

Review Opinion
By JoshWilding - May 27, 2022 01:05 PM EST
Filed Under: Obi-Wan Kenobi
Source: SFFGazette.com

WARNING: Some minor spoilers for Obi-Wan Kenobi follow!

Say what you will about the Star Wars prequels, but it’s hard to imagine anyone other than Ewan McGregor playing Obi-Wan Kenobi. The actor was excellent as a younger version of the iconic character made famous by Alec Guinness in A New Hope and we’d argue that, by the time all was said and done, he’d actually made "Ben" entirely his own. Of course, while we got to witness Obi-Wan’s failure to prevent Anakin Skywalker from turning to the Dark Side, George Lucas left it up to us to imagine how this character went from a broken Jedi Master to the wise, incredibly powerful recluse we found all those years later (or earlier, depending on the order you watched the films in) on Tatooine. Disney+’s Obi-Wan Kenobi is now filling in the gaps, and in these first two episodes, the stage is set for a journey that’s already left us wanting more from McGregor as this iconic Jedi beyond just the four episodes we obviously know are on the way. 

The first instalment does a tremendous job of driving home the monotony of Ben’s existence watching over Luke, though it’s apparent that after cutting himself off from the Force in an effort to keep the boy safe, Obi-Wan has lost his way and is no longer the brave hero who once leapt into action to battle the likes of General Grievous and his former friend in Revenge of the Sith. There’s almost an element of cowardice to Ben when we find him, but as his nightmares remind us, Obi-Wan has been through so much trauma that it’s really no wonder he can’t face the thought of being the man he once was. Whether it’s fear, PTSD or, more likely a combination of both, Kenobi is a broken man and McGregor’s performance is phenomenal and fascinating to watch. He brings an incredible amount of depth to this role, with even just a passing look on the Jedi’s face enough to make the audience feel what he is beneath the surface. The actor’s return as Obi-Wan has been long-discussed and highly anticipated, and everything we see here just goes to show it was worth the wait. That remains the case when we head into the second episode and watch this hero pushed to his limits after being forced to leave Tatooine in an effort to rescue the young Princess Leia. 

As this story unfolds, we meet some fun supporting characters (Kumail Nanjiani is a delight as Haja, a crook with a heart of gold) and spend a fair bit of time with the Sith Inquisitors. Rupert Friend’s Grand Inquisitor looks considerably better in action than some of the shots we’ve seen in trailers and stills, and while he doesn’t have quite the same commanding presence as Jason Isaacs did in Star Wars Rebels, his portrayal of the villain is undeniably intimidating. Moses Ingram’s Reva is the main antagonist thus far, though the actor doesn’t yet seem fully comfortable playing a villain who is clearly meant to be a little more complex than her fellow fallen Jedi. There’s room for that to be better explored over the next four weeks, but whether Ingram is a strong enough performer to really do this character justice is currently up for debate. Something just isn’t clicking into place quite yet, and while there are moments where she’s very good, Ingram's Reva doesn’t currently feel as terrifying or interesting as she needs to be. 
 


Vivien Lyra Blair, however, gives McGregor a run for his money as the scene-stealing young Leia Organa. It’s hard to imagine Carrie Fisher being anything other than proud of this formidable, witty, and highly enjoyable portrayal of the Princess. Blair does the scrappy Leia we met in A New Hope justice, and we’d say the rumoured decision to shift focus from Luke to her was the right one for Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Director Deborah Chow has already established herself as an expert storyteller in the Star Wars Universe after helming some of The Mandalorian’s best episodes, and handing the reigns of Obi-Wan Kenobi to her was a wise move on Lucasfilm’s part. Joined by Head Writer Joby Harold, the filmmaker continues to expand this Galaxy Far, Far Away in satisfying, meaningful ways, and never makes the mistake of prioritising fan service over strong storytelling and character work. There are a lot of fan-pleasing moments (including some unmissable cameos), but it’s the small moments that really help make this series special. Obi-Wan’s interactions with some familiar faces from this franchise’s past are evidence of this, while his dynamic with Leia promises to be a highlight of the show moving forward. With four episodes left and a certain Sith Lord yet to fully make his presence felt, there’s still a lot of story left to be told, but this is a strong start and one that sets the stage for what feels like an unmissable, must-see addition to the Star Wars mythos. Bolstered by stellar action, Natalie Holt’s moving score, and visuals that should make fans of the prequels and sequels happy, Obi-Wan Kenobi feels like the full package and exactly the series Star Wars fans have been waiting for. 

Obi-Wan Kenobi is a showcase for the immense talents of Ewan McGregor and Vivien Lyra Blair, and after just two episodes, it's already on a par with The Mandalorian as the best Star Wars TV series yet.

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Cap1
Cap1 - 5/27/2022, 1:06 PM
2 episodes vs Mandalorian’s 16. I get initial excitement can overwhelm but man does Josh love an overstatement
GhostDog
GhostDog - 5/27/2022, 1:11 PM
@Cap1 - bro’s middle name is Hyperbole
Fogs
Fogs - 5/27/2022, 1:17 PM
@Cap1 - The goal is to have these shocking lines so he hopes to appear in TV spots or whatever. Happens a lot when major stuff is launched ("BEST MARVEL MOVIE EVER" in NWH comes to mind)
TheManWithoutFear
TheManWithoutFear - 5/27/2022, 1:34 PM
@Fogs - hadn't considered this. That's good insight.
Cap1
Cap1 - 5/27/2022, 1:43 PM
@Fogs - twos on the above comment, hadn’t thought of that before. Exemplifies Josh’s complete lack of journalistic morals
Origame
Origame - 5/27/2022, 1:48 PM
@Cap1 - ...why do you think on par means quantity?
Cap1
Cap1 - 5/27/2022, 1:55 PM
@Origame - back at it again with the nonsensical responses! You can’t possibly compare 2 eps of one series to two seasons worth of episodes. U completely missed my point, but what’s new
Origame
Origame - 5/27/2022, 2:00 PM
@Cap1 - ...yes you can. Why do you think you can't?
Cap1
Cap1 - 5/27/2022, 2:06 PM
@Origame - lol man, im not gonna entertain ur argumentative stupidity and understanding deficit of the simplest thing with a proper response. All the best
Origame
Origame - 5/27/2022, 2:09 PM
@Cap1 - only stupidity here is yours. If we were talking about concluding kenobi as a whole is on par with the mandalorian, yeah that's be dumb. But it's not. It's just saying these two episodes are on par with what you'd expect from an episode of mandalorian.

It's Josh Wilding dude. It can't be that hard to find genuine problems with what he says.
Cap1
Cap1 - 5/27/2022, 2:15 PM
@Origame - okay I said I wouldn’t respond, but I have to cos now ur just making shit up for the sake of being difficult and (very) weird. Where does he say ‘it’s on par with what you’d expect from an ep of the Mandalorian’? That’s right, nowhere! Where does he say it’s ‘on par as the best series yet’? (based on two episodes i’ll just reiterate). That’s right, twice in the review! Learn to read before going on ur insufferable illogical n blatantly false streaks
Origame
Origame - 5/27/2022, 2:19 PM
@Cap1 - ...it's called context dude.
MosquitoFarmer
MosquitoFarmer - 5/27/2022, 3:01 PM
@Cap1 - If this whole series was only two episodes, it's easier to argue Wilding's point. But if the whole thing crumbles or wavers in the next four episodes, his statement will seem especially stupid. As I said the same about people calling the first episodes of Ms. Marvel the best MCU show thus far.
MisterDoctor217
MisterDoctor217 - 5/27/2022, 1:07 PM
Am I the only one who was expecting more from this show ? I mean the episodes were fine but not the movie level, awesome stuff like The Mandalorian, that I was expecting. Im not a big Star Wars fan but Obi-Wan is one of the biggest SW characters and I thought Disney would pour everything they have on it, creatively and budget wise, but the cinematography and acting are really tv level stuff (Except Ewan M, of course).

Idk I’m not big on SW as I said but I was expecting more from this tbh. I even saw that Stranger Things was trending Number 1 , not Obi-Wan! What’s that about ? Lol
Gmoney84
Gmoney84 - 5/27/2022, 1:30 PM
@MisterDoctor217 - It’s 6 episodes. Can’t blow the whole load in the first 2. The fact that you mention not being a big SW fan twice is interesting as well. Respect your opinion but I think you misunderstand what bookends this series and the need for context setting.
MisterDoctor217
MisterDoctor217 - 5/27/2022, 1:56 PM
@Gmoney84 -

I understand it’s 6 episodes, but we’re talking two of the biggest SW characters , basically the OG, and they come up with this? I was expecting something akin to Rogue One or The Mandalorian. Also the premiere of a show is supposed to hook you in and keep you coming back, it’s like the right grip at first so you don’t let go.
I mean they are okay episodes, but not what I was expecting, I’m hearing Stranger Things actually feels cinematic and grandiose, which is what I was expecting from this.

Idk why I’m so disappointed when I don’t even follow Star Wars that much and haven’t even seen The Last Jedi or Rise of Skywalker, but do remember watching Revenge of The Sith several times as a kid lol
Reaper87
Reaper87 - 5/27/2022, 1:08 PM
The series so far was enjoyable but I agree that Reeva isn’t the scary villain we should of gotten. I did enjoy her character just didn’t think she was the greatest. So the Grand inquisitor is now a one and done? I was looking forward to seeing him in an epic lightsaber battle but he just … died suddenly in a crappy way? That was disappointing. The Vader bacta tank reveal was great, but the breathing was weird, shouldn’t it be his mask that masks the noise and not a bacta mask as well? I seen on other forums that people are complaining that Reeva knows Vader is Anakin and that during this time the only ones that really know are Palpatine, Tarkin, Thrawn from the empire. Can anyone confirm this? Overall I’m looking forward to some great lightsaber battles coming up!
Repian
Repian - 5/27/2022, 1:24 PM
@Reaper87 - Perhaps the anatomy of the Pau'an (The Grand Inquisitor's species) is different and no vital organs have been affected. Why do we take for granted that the anatomy of one alien species is the same as that of another?
vegetaray
vegetaray - 5/27/2022, 1:32 PM
@Repian - That’s where my thinking went after that scene as well…Unless they plan on retconning the first season of Rebels that is…

I’m going to assume it was a way to remove the Grand Inquisitor from taking the shine off of Reva in this series…Probably have him in a Barca tank for the duration only to show up and kick her butt in the last episode or something…
Murderisbadong
Murderisbadong - 5/27/2022, 3:22 PM
@Reaper87 - The actor who plays the Grand inquisitor, is credited in all 6 episodes. So not sure if he’s dead unless they’re doing flashbacks of him.
CorndogBurglar
CorndogBurglar - 5/27/2022, 3:52 PM
@Repian - I mean, they did show his body laying on the ground with a dead face and open eyes. No one was taking anything for granted. They definitely made it look like he died.
GhostDog
GhostDog - 5/27/2022, 1:10 PM
What the hell was Josh watching? No where near on par with Mando. The show is a little shaky and the performances are all over the place outside of Ewan. He’s GREAT as expected. He brings such a quiet intensity and retrospect to Obi. Whenever it’s Obi focused the show is pretty damn good. Basically when he’s not on screen, it’s clunky. The Leia storyline feels contrived as hell but it’s sort of worth it for that last shot and what’s to come. The little girl is given a lot to carry and she’s mostly hit or miss for me.

How does Reva know Anakin is Vader too? Interested in that explanation

Reva just does not work as a character or acting wise. It all feels so hammy and forced. It’s not entirely the actress’ fault as the writing is pretty thin for her but I think a better performance would’ve elevated the weak material. And…ok wth happened with the Grand Inquisitor? They’re all kind of lame so far for me.

The whole time I kept thinking Viola Davis or Angela Basset with a lightsaber would’ve elevated Reva. They play angry and rage fueled so well.

That last shot was soon to spine tingling
vegetaray
vegetaray - 5/27/2022, 1:21 PM
@GhostDog - “How does Reva know Anakin is Vader too?”

That bugged the hell out of me…I’m going to assume that she was one of the Padawan’s they showed at the beginning and/or maybe saw the recording of Palpatine anointing Anakin as Vader during her “10 year” quest to track down Obi Wan…
GhostDog
GhostDog - 5/27/2022, 1:24 PM
@vegetaray - Yea they sort of set the stage for her being this obsessive sleuth who just pours through archives but that kind of feels elaborate. I could see the padawan angle and it would add more emotional weight to her knowing. This is really sensitive information though so the "how" and "why" matters.
vegetaray
vegetaray - 5/27/2022, 1:30 PM
@GhostDog - Agreed…It feels like they’ll try to push her as the main antagonist in this thing, aside from, Vader turning up here and there that is…So hopefully the backstory gets flushed out a bit…

If that’s the case for her being the main bad on screen it’s going to be rough getting through this…The acting was abysmal to me…Every time she was on screen it took me completely out of the show…Everybody else, including the actress they got for Leia nailed it…
GhostDog
GhostDog - 5/27/2022, 1:35 PM
@vegetaray - her performance is almost unwatchable, I agree.

She would show up and the atmosphere became hokey. It feels like someone trying way too hard. I started to dread her showing up as the episodes moved along.
SpaceParanoids
SpaceParanoids - 5/27/2022, 11:09 PM
@GhostDog - “ It’s not entirely the actress’ fault”

No it was entirely the actresses fault. She does not have the gravitas to play that role.

Angela Bassett would have been amazing.

I agree with the rest of your review:
SpaceParanoids
SpaceParanoids - 5/27/2022, 11:12 PM
@vegetaray - See when you have to explain the story that means it was written bad.
SpaceParanoids
SpaceParanoids - 5/27/2022, 11:18 PM
@vegetaray - My question is, I know that Obi Wan is isolated, but after 10 years don’t you think the name of the scary enforcer for the Emperor (Darth Vader) would have spread as at least rumor through the galaxy?
And wouldn’t Obi Wan had heard about him at least in passing in 10 years?
SauronthePower
SauronthePower - 5/28/2022, 4:18 AM
@GhostDog - possible that Vader personally dispatched her as a secret backchannel way of tracking Obi Wan in order to end-around The Grand Inquisitor. As she is declared to be the lowest member of the collective, Vader would have complete plausible deniability to anything he is trying to do on the side of the Imperial command structure, and Reeva would be expendable enough to either cut loose, or outright terminate, should she fail. One of those taunts at Obi made it seem like she was there personally at Vader’s behest, which I took as a personal vengeance play on Vader’s part because Reeva quite explicitly stated that Obi Wan was to be brought before Vader ALIVE, which would completely contradict the Inquisitor’s explicit role AND prove incredibly dangerous in allowing a full Jedi Master (to their perception as they are not aware of his fall) to live any longer than absolutely necessary.
Perhaps he recognized something in her power set and/or investigate tenaciousness (possible she deduced his identity through the above mentioned relentless investigative (archive?) ability revealing his identity which lead Vader to personally commission Reeva on the sly, and send her on a secret, parallel side mission to the traditional Inquisitor’s role in order to keep his motivations ‘off-book.’
GhostDog
GhostDog - 5/28/2022, 12:01 PM
@SauronthePower - that’s a really good point.
SauronthePower
SauronthePower - 5/29/2022, 7:46 AM
@GhostDog - Thank You
rebellion
rebellion - 5/27/2022, 1:11 PM
seriously? it was a barely watchable, terribly paced bore.
CurlyBill
CurlyBill - 5/27/2022, 1:15 PM
I've really enjoyed it so far but I feel like I need to see it as a whole before I decided what side of the fence I'm on.

The third sister is very hit and miss for me as a villain. Theres times were I really like her as a villian and then theres other parts were she doesnt feel like a star wars villain.
vegetaray
vegetaray - 5/27/2022, 1:25 PM
@CurlyBill - The actress playing Third Sister was absolutely terrible…Like live action Cowboy Bebop levels of bad acting…Really dragged the show down every time she was on screen for me…
grif
grif - 5/27/2022, 1:16 PM
watch people keep watching it after saying it sucks and then complain some more.
BigBoiJoe
BigBoiJoe - 5/27/2022, 1:16 PM
Baby Leia was irritating to say the least
Origame
Origame - 5/27/2022, 1:18 PM
@BigBoiJoe - really judgy over a baby.
vegetaray
vegetaray - 5/27/2022, 1:23 PM
@BigBoiJoe - ~Kid~ Leia was exactly how you’d picture a 10 year old version of that character to be 🤷‍♂️…
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