Time to do the Obi-Wan Kenobi Episode 1 Review. After watching the first two episodes of this Disney+ limited series dropping this Friday I must say a few things. So, I’ve got a couple of things to share with you. I’ll break apart the episode bit by bit and give you my honest impression. Also, be sure to check out the recaps for the first two episodes. Moreover, I’ll be covering this series regularly over the course of its releases. So be sure to check those coming posts too.
Obi-Wan Kenobi is described by Disney+ as a six-chapter limited event chronicling the adventures of Master Kenobi ten years after the fall of the Republic. That means that after Palpatine executed Order 66, and Yoda separated the Skywalker twins, Kenobi went into exile and the circumstances changed dramatically.
Obi-Wan Kenobi Episode 1 Review
Part I —its official title— kicks off with a recap of the prequel saga. Chronicling how Obi-Wan became a Jedi master and how Anakin Skywalker became Darth Vader. Then, we see the current situation. Firstly, the Galactic Empire rules every corner of the universe with an iron fist. Secondly, Obi-Wan, who now lives in exile on Tattoine in precarious conditions as a butcher is old and beat up. He’s given up on fighting for the republic and now just wants to survive. Third, he takes the time to check upon Luke, who’s growing up to be just like his dad, fond of spaceships and pod racing —the apple doesn’t fall from the tree.
As much as consistency from the scriptwriters, all good there. Cinematographically and edition-wise I have no complaints. We now move on to the antagonists, Inquisitor Reva and the Grand Inquisitor are fallen Jedi who turned to the dark side of the force and is now hunting the remaining Jedi. Reva’s story arc is interesting as she seems to have beef with her superiors for her bravado. Furthermore, she’s hellbent on catching Kenobi and will go to cruel lengths to do so.
Meanwhile In Alderaan
While Obi-Wan’s existence is miserable in Tattoine, the show then takes us to a beautiful place,—and æsthetically-reminiscent to the fallen Republic—the planet of Alderaan, where a young Leia is more interested in watching spaceships and playing with droids than learning her duties as a princess. Meanwhile, Obi-Wan, who’s eating grub in Tattoine and must deal with Jawas stealing his belongings and then selling them back to him buys a toy for Luke.
Then, in Mos Eisley, Uncle Owen confronts Kenobi, scolding him about the toy he sent for Luke. When Obi-Wan says that Luke must be trained when he grows up. Owen asks if he’s going to be trained just like his father. But that makes Obi-Wan flinch. He still feels it’s his fault and can’t forgive himself for what happened.
Inquisitorial Pressure
Reva and the Inquisitors start harassing everybody in Mos Eisley, and she even threatens Ben with murder. But another Inquisitor stops her from killing him and then scolds her. These scenes make a great story arc for Reva and I hope they further elaborate on her character as she makes a great villain. Moses Ingram’s character will give us a lot of things to talk about in the future for sure.
Leia’s Personality
One thing I really enjoyed about this show is how they developed Leia’s character from a young age. Back in Alderaan, when she’s in dialogue with her cousin, who’s mean to her because she’s adopted. Leia cleverly snaps back in a way that’s so reminiscent of Carrie Fisher. Then, we see Bail Organa giving some cool parenting advice that builds up Leia’s character. After that, she goes into the woods and she’s kidnapped.
But who kidnaps Leia? None other than Flea! Yes, Flea from the Red Hot Chilli Peppers who’s doing a cameo here. That’s so cool! And bonus points to the producers for casting him! So, Flea binds Leia and puts her in a spaceship. Then, we cut to the desert, where Obi-Wan contemplates the dunes. But his futuristic telephone device gadget starts ringing. He picks up and it’s Bail Organa and his wife telling him to rescue Leia. But he says no.
Obi-Wan To The Rescue?
Obi-Wan feels sorry about saying no, he’s having bad dreams. Like PTSD bad dreams about it. He continues his life. One day, he sees a hanging body in the Mos Eisley square. It’s a Jedi that the Inquisitors killed. Then, as he makes his way back to the cave, he finds that Bail Organa came to beg him for his rescue. So, he follows his heart and says yes. Goes to the desert, unearths his lightsabers, and embarks on towards Daiyu to search for Leia.
All in all, it’s a great way to start this limited series. I really liked the debut episode, which runs for almost an hour and starts giving us these easter eggs and tidbits of saga lore all over the place. I recommend you watch this if you’re a Star Wars fan. That’s all the time we have now for this, see you next week with the review for episode 3. And also check out my review for episode 2. May the force be with you.
Also Read: Obi-Wan Kenobi Episode 1 Recap: Ten Years After, The Jedi Master Returns
