Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi

Disney Plus

Season 1 Episode 1

Part I

When agents of the Empire pose a new threat, Obi-Wan Kenobi emerges after years of hiding.

The first episode starts with a full recap of everything relevant to the character before immediately dropping the viewer into one of the most significant moments of the prequel trilogy as a group of younglings are in training during Order 66 and the attack forces them to be evacuated from the Jedi temple. The production value alone in this moment is brilliant as well as the action and its foreshadowing of the plot.

The scene then shifts to Tatooine as the Inquisitors arrive on the planet. Chow does a great job of showcasing the fear they induce among the population. A fear that leads to an interesting showdown and the ruthlessness of the Third Sister Reva (Moses Ingram). At the same time, we get our first look at Obi-Wan Kenobi’s new life and the challenges of it as he fights to keep himself from acting as a Jedi. Something that will definitely be an issue with him throughout the series.

After seeing how Obi-Wan lives, we see another foreshadowing moment as he attempts to reach his old master after an effective flashback nightmare. The musical score is soaring and inspiring with the right hints at Williams’ bigger themes. We also get to see the emotional cost he is dealing with as he is confronted by someone who knows who he is. It’s a tragic scene that showcases how damaged the character has become.

We get a fantastic scene of a young Leia Organa on Alderaan as well as and it looks like the series will fill in some of the story gaps from Leia’s perspective. A move that is intriguing. I love seeing the return of Jimmy Smits and their interactions. I also love how her story is one of the main plot points of the series. It’s a great move by the writers to give Obi-Wan a reason to leave the planet and tie it to his promise to Padme.

I loved the interaction between Obi-Wan and Owen. It has great tension which builds when the Inquisitors return and Reva shows how ruthless she is. I love that there is a history between her and Kenobi that hasn’t been revealed yet.

The first episode is filled with great tension and a story that is instantly engaging with Obi-Wan dealing with his duty, a universe ruled by fear and his own self-doubt. The story has a wonderful, cinematic quality like you’re watching a movie instead of a series because it’s filled with epic scale, music and performances.

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