Darth Vader

Obi-Wan Kenobi Part V Review

Even with overall mixed reviews surrounding Disney+’s recent series, Obi-Wan Kenobi has captured the attention of Star Wars fans, old and new. Whether we were introduced as children to the original trilogy or the prequels as adults, there is always something for either the casual viewer or rabid fan to enjoy in the Star Wars universe. The opening scene of Obi-Wan Kenobi Part V is a throwback to the era of Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones. Judging by the robes worn by both Anakin Skywalker and his Jedi mentor, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and of course Anakin’s braid. Seemingly, they are in training mode. However, Obi-Wan senses an underlying tension from Anakin. He notices his Padawan is seeking to win, rather than train in the appropriate defensive manner. Always protect life, rather than take it.

Obi-Wan & Anakin
Anakin is in his Attack of the Clones Era

THE PRESENT

Obi-Wan Kenobi Part V shows us Reva, the newly promoted Grand Inquisitor, revealing to Darth Vader the transponder on L0-LA59 has tracked Obi-Wan and Leia to the planet of Jabiim. Back on Jabiim, Haja, introduced back in Part I as a Jedi fraud and enthusiast, explains to our Jedi Master that he is now wanted by the Empire after heavy questioning by Reva. Obi-Wan Kenobi and the citizens of Jabiim begin to pack up, seeking refuge because they believe they are not safe. Unfortunately, for good reason. L0-LA59 breaks away from Princess Leia, finding the central network to trap the airship in the underground hangar. In an attempt to disable everyone from their escape, unfortunately fulfilling the Empire’s plan of invasion.

Obi-Wan & Tala

THE PATH

At one point, Obi-Wan Kenobi passes by stacked crates of Jedi robes and lightsabers. Lamenting his inability to help Anakin in the more formidable years, Obi-Wan is still traumatized. A wall reads Jedi sentiments of hope as Kenobi translates it. Not soon after, Vader orders a launch of attack on Jabiim as there is no escape off the planet. Obi-Wan moves for defense rather than a counter-attack and locks down citizens safely beyond the hangar. Stormtroopers begin their march to attack outside of the sanctuary. Leia is the only one small enough to climb into the vent in order to reattach the correct circuits to open the hatch. There is pushback, however, and Obi-Wan demands that trust in him is to also put trust in Leia.

Obi-Wan & Leia
Vivien Lyra Blair as Princess Leia Organa.

Part V – ANAKIN/LEIA PARALLELS

This episode focuses heavily on the past power struggle between Anakin and Obi-Wan. This scene however counteracts his previous relationship, where Obi-Wan allows Leia to make decisions on her own and puts full trust in her. As much as Anakin resides in Leia, there’s a part of Padme in her, too. Princess Leia is also being raised by nobles who encourage her to embrace herself for who she is.

Like most parental figures with strong-willed individuals for children, controlling them becomes more about promoting their safety rather than trying to suppress their strengths. In addition, Leia already exudes the ability of conscientiousness that is characteristic of Force sensitivity in a much different manner than her father. The developing bond between Leia and Obi-Wan isn’t simply driven by the protectiveness he feels for her, but he trusts her, almost with abandon. The connections and guidance Leia is receiving would’ve greatly benefited Anakin as well.

Obi-Wan & Reva
Moses Ingram as Reva Sevander

Obi-Wan Kenobi – The Truth Revealed

As Leia climbs into the vent to fix the wiring, Tala suggests to Obi-Wan Kenobi that he can buy time by talking to Reva. However, Reva isn’t having any of it. While this next revelation isn’t exactly grand or revolutionary, it does explain how Reva knew Anakin’s true identity. She explains to Obi-Wan she had been on Daiyu as a padawan herself when Anakin arrived. She believed was there to help, but instead, left behind death and destruction.

Reva had only survived by playing possum and hiding beneath the bodies of her friends. Obi-Wan insists he wants the same thing as she does; revenge. However, does he really? We know that he isn’t one to play that card, though the intensity of desiring both justice and balance has to be as strong as the Force itself.

Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi

THE BATTLE ON JABIIM

During the siege led by Reva, Tala is shot by a Stormtrooper. To protect the others on Jabiim, she activates a thermal detonator as Obi-Wan seals everyone away from the blast. Obi-Wan Kenobi attempts to negotiate with Reva to appeal to her better judgment. He urges her to remember everything she lost that day on Daiyu with the fall of Order 66. Together, he could help her to fight Vader. Leia eventually is able to fix the wires and opens up the hangar door, and the citizens of Jabiim are able to board and leave.

Tala sacrifices herself- Obi-Wan Kenobi Part V
Tala Goes Out a Hero

BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD

Reva stalks Vader and starts swinging her lightsaber at him. At first, he does not fight back. Rather, Vader blocks her attacks in an impressive fashion with his control of the force. He finishes her off with ease, though not fatally. It’s revealed the Grand Inquisitor never perished, and Vader has been playing Reva like a fiddle. As Vader leaves Reva behind, now demoted from her post, she happens to find the transmission Obi-Wan viewed earlier from Bail Organa, begging him to “save the boy.” Obi-Wan Kenobi Part V finishes aboard the ship, Ben senses something is off and suspects Reva may have found her new mission.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the Agents of Fandom Podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts! If you subscribe to Apple Podcasts, rate 5 stars, and leave us a nice review, you’ll be entered into one of our sporadic giveaways!

Total
0
Shares
Leave a Reply
Previous Article

Think Like a Man: The Issue with Lauren’s Portrayal and Character Arc

Next Article
Kamala Khan - Agents of Fandom

Ms. Marvel Episode 2: The Fun Continues

Related Posts