No one can forget the epic battle between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader in Revenge of the Sith, where we momentarily celebrate the good side winning.
But that is not the Obi-Wan we see in the show. In Episode 3, the much-anticipated rematch between Obi-Wan and Vader portrayed the Jedi in a very pitiful light, given how easily Vader is now able to overpower him.
So what changed?
After Order 66, Obi-Wan could’ve grown mentally and physically weak due to his quiet lifestyle on Tatooine, where he hasn’t been actively fighting, using the Force, training padawans or even face threats of any kind.
Now, fans used to make jokes about how Obi-Wan was a hermit who loved the lifestyle (especially in the original Trilogy) but still, they were lovable jabs at the character. It does not take away from Obi-Wan being a true badass with spirit and skill.
This is a Jedi who can wield the Force commendably well and has a reputation of taking down Darth Maul, even when his Master Qui-Gon Jinn couldn’t.
But on the show, He sometimes struggles to even land punches on low level threats. Seeing how his fight with Vader went, I’m ready to think he wouldn’t be able to take on the Inquisitors either!
While some folks may attribute this change to the character’s age, I think there were Jedis older than him who kept up their vigor. So rather than simply pinning it on Obi-Wan growing old, I think it’s important to remember he’s also growing weary.
Although skilled in combat, Jedis were never meant to be war machines. The fall of the Empire challenged that and during this time, they made enemies because they were fighting for the Empire.
But when Order 66 was issued, the Jedis were no longer targeted just as an “organization” that worked for the Empire. They were being hunted and killed for their very principle of existence.
There is quite a mental toll to take: Seeing the collapse of an entire intergalactic government system, and then have members of your own Order killed.
This is why, it’s so understandable that Obi-Wan is not just weak but also scared, jumping at any mention of Darth Vader, his former student who facilitated the deaths of so many of his dear ones. Also remember, Obi-Wan thinks he killed him, so there are quite a few ghosts peeking out to haunt him.
Despite this reading into Obi-Wan, I can see why fans feel the show is a little underwhelming thus far, but I doubt this is where Obi-Wan’s character plateaus.
The show is purposely depicting how pathetic his state is, so that we can have a turnaround in the finale episodes when the crucial moment strikes. I do hope it is worth it.
About Obi-Wan Kenobi
Obi-Wan Kenobi is a Star Wars spinoff series directed by Deborah Chow for Disney+. It premiered on May 27, 2022 on Disney+.
The main cast includes Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen, who will be reprising their roles for Obi-Wan and Vader, respectively. Additionally joining them are Kumail Nanjiani, Indira Varma, Joel Edgerton, Bonni Piesse, and Rupert Friend among many others.
The show follows Obi-Wan Kenobi ten years after the events of Revenge of the Sith where he faced his greatest defeat, the downfall and corruption of his best friend and Jedi apprentice, Anakin Skywalker turned evil Sith Lord Darth Vader.
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