Obi-Wan Kenobi review: Ewan McGregor's series builds slowly but beautifully

This show has a lot of Star Wars nostalgia but at the same time, it explores the epic equations Obi-Wan Kenobi had with everyone, especially with his apprentice Anakin Skywalker aka Darth Vader.

Obi-Wan Kenobi - Ewan McGregor.

Obi-Wan Kenobi

Story:

Obi-Wan Kenobi starts being a guardian angel for young Luke Skywalker. However, as soon as he is notified of Leia Skywalker going missing and that his apprentice-turned-enemy Anakin Skywalker aka Darth Vader is out for revenge, things become personal for Obi-Wan.

Review:

Obi-Wan Kenobi begins on a slow pace. The show seems to be going nowhere at the beginning. You see the deserted Tatooine and Luke Skywalker being his usual kid self while Obi-Wan keeps an eye on him. Soon, Leia Skywalker, who is being guided by another Jedi, Senator Bail Organa (Jimmy Smits), goes missing. Thus, the senator asks for Obi-Wan's help and a fragile Ben, who has given up on being a Jedi, goes to rescue Leia, even if it is at the cost of his life.

The story slowly picks up as the lead characters' backstories unfolds. Moses Ingram in the role of third sister Reva really knocks it out of the park. Her character unfolds in ways you least expect. She might be an addition to the series because she is black but this woman exhibits everything a woman should be - powerful and yet, sensitive. The way her character balances those two out, it is simply humbling.

Ewan McGregor nails his role as Obi-Wan Kenobi right from the start but he almost goes on in one tone. His real character grows through the finale episode. It is where you see this Jedi take back power and like a true Jedi - by showing the Sith what they are worth and walking away. That is truly the characteristic of the gentle Ben, as we know him.

Hayden Christensen has lesser appearances as Darth Vader without the mask but that is as far as Star Wars can go, given how iconic his mask is. We honestly have no complaints from the graph or presence this character has. He has some beautiful, ruthless moments, which is again, what defines Darth Vader, the one who sided with the Dark Side.

Vivien Lyra Brair as young little Leia is an absolute delight to watch from the first frame to the last. She may have been given the girl vibe from the outside due to her nature of putting her hair in place and enjoying dressing up but Leia is truly a package. With smart brains at a young age and just enough care for the people she loves, Leia is one you cannot take your eyes off.

Her bond with Obi-Wan is also something that has been explored in the series in depth. It is what every niece expects from her uncle. They always have each other's backs and do not need words to convey what is happening around them and why.

When talking about Obi-Wan's bond with people in the Star Wars universe, he shares the strongest scenes with Darth Vader. Every time they meet, it is a visual spectacle, mainly due to their fights through the lightsabers. Despite that, they also share a past which often becomes the deciding factor for their move ahead. When you see these two, you know they both have as much power as they love each other. The evil Darth Vader, who does not think twice before killing someone, wants a match with his mentor every now-and-then. He literally craves for it to understand his true power. How Obi-Wan outbeats him is truly a spectacle, like all the scenes featuring them.

All the other characters - Owen, Grand Inquisitor, Fifth Brother, Tala (Indira Varma) and Haja (Kumail Nanjiani) - could almost be forgotten. Out of them, Tala and Haja have helped Obi-Wan and Leia the most but since they either do not make it to all the episodes or have as much screen time, it is easy to forget they even existed.

Otherwise, Obi-Wan Kenobi is a fair deal. You get the Star Wars nostalgia and more visual spectacle from the world created since 1977.

Verdict:

If you are a Star Wars fan, give this one an opportunity. It is not the best out there but still, this series manages to give you some great moments. Its finale episode, especially, will leave you in marvel, the most bits of it at least.

Share