The first two episodes of Obi-Wan Kenobi didn't disappoint, and while we're still waiting on that rematch, the stage has been set for what's shaping up to be perhaps the best Star Wars TV series yet.
We were left with a lot to discuss after what was essentially a feature-length premiere, but there are some key moments and reveals that deserve a closer look. Some help to expand the franchise in meaningful ways, filling in specific gaps in this Galaxy Far, Far Away's history. Others, meanwhile, lay the groundwork for the next four episodes of this series and perhaps future stories as well.
It goes without saying that major spoilers follow from this point on, though we're sure you've already taken a look at our recap of those big cameos in these opening chapters. Taking place 10 years after the events of Revenge of the Sith, this Disney+ series is exploring a pivotal time in Star Wars history, and we can't wait to see where things go from here.
To take a look through this Obi-Wan Kenobi breakdown, simply click on the "Next" button below!
5. Order 66 Flashback
Obi-Wan Kenobi kicks off with a flashback to the events of Revenge of the Sith and, more specifically, the night Order 66 was enacted. While we've seen what happened in the Jedi Temple from Anakin Skywalker's perspective, this sequence shows the newly created Jedi Master Minas Velti attempting to protect her Younglings before she's eventually gunned down by Clone Troopers.
Why show us this? The camera does appear to linger on a Black female child who we believe could be Reva. What significance that will have in future episodes remains to be seen, but The Grand Inquisitor does drop some intriguing hints that Reva's path to becoming an Inquisitor may have been less conventional than her "teammates." Alas, there's no sign of Grogu during the flashback.
4. Tatooine And Alderaan
Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa's upbringings couldn't have been any different, something that's evident from the premiere. Owen Lars clearly wishes to give Luke an honest, quiet upbringing as a farmer and doesn't appreciate "Ben" giving him a toy ship. However, we're sure you'll remember the older Luke playing with the T-16 skyhopper in A New Hope, so it clearly gets to him somehow.
The mischievous Leia, meanwhile, has a luxurious life on Alderaan and lives on one of the nicest planets we've seen since visiting Naboo in The Phantom Menace. It's clearly a peaceful place, making what happens in A New Hope when it's destroyed by the Death Star all the more tragic. As well as a cute droid sidekick, Leia has several handmaidens and two incredibly loving parents.
3. The Clone Wars Aftermath
The Clone Wars ended when the Republic's Clone Troopers fell under Emperor Palpatine's control and wiped out the Jedi Knights they once fought so valiantly alongside. While The Bad Batch has started exploring how the Empire went from using clones to commanding an army of Stormtroopers, Obi-Wan shows us the aftermath of the war in two very interesting and unique ways.
First, we see Kenobi having nightmares about his experiences throughout the prequel trilogy, a pretty good indication the Jedi Master is suffering from PTSD. More obvious, however, is when Obi-Wan encounters a Clone Trooper on Daiyu who is begging for change. The Empire clearly left them to rot after Revenge of the Sith, and seeing the clone seems to have a profound effect on Ben.
2. The Grand Inquisitor...Is Dead?!
This is, without a doubt, one of the biggest "WTF?" moments in Obi-Wan Kenobi's premiere. Clearly desperate to get her hands on Kenobi, Reva disobeys The Grand Inquisitor to capture the Jedi. However, when it becomes clear the leader of the Sith Inquisitors plans to steal her glory, she stabs him with her lightsaber and seemingly leaves the Star Wars Rebels antagonist for dead.
He looks dead, but can't be. After all, we saw his story continue in the aforementioned animated series and unless he has a twin brother or a clone, it wouldn't make sense for him to be replaced by a lookalike. Our theory is that his inclusion here was a misdirect and that his injury will sideline The Grand Inquisitor for the duration of the series, thereby allowing Reva to take centre stage.
1. The Force Unleashed
It isn't until late in the second episode that we see Obi-Wan use the Force again. Clearly, he's cut himself completely off from that in order to remain hidden on Tatooine, and doesn't intend on using it while on this rescue mission to get Princess Leia back home. However, left with no other choice, he finally does so and it clearly takes a great deal of effort on Ben's part after such a long time.
Doing so appears to not only alert the Sith Inquisitors to his presence, but Darth Vader as well. In the closing moments of the episode, the villain's eyes open inside a Bacta Tank as we hear his familiar breathing. He despises Obi-Wan for leaving him on Mustafar to burn, and the revelation that Anakin Skywalker is alive comes as news to the Jedi Master. Now, a reunion between them beckons.