Editor’s Note: The following contains Obi-Wan Kenobi spoilers.Obi-Wan Kenobijust aired its best episode yet. While fans were rightfully apprehensive about the trajectory of the series following a few slower installments,the fifth episode delivers some key revelations, emotional flashbacks, and exciting action sequences. It doesn’t seem like theStar Warsfranchise is heading back to the big screen anytime soon, but this week’s episode ofObi-Wan Kenobicertainly felt cinematic.
Obi-Wan (Ewan McGregor), Leia (Vivien Lyra Blair), and their new allies escape from the Imperial forces to ahidden facility on Jabiim. Darth Vader’s (Hayden Christensen) Star Destroyer tracks them down, and begins seizing their hideout. As Obi-Wan trades words with the Inquisitor Reva (Moses Ingram), he learns a devastating truth about her past. Reva had been a Jedi youngling, and was nearly killed during Anakin’s assault on the Jedi Temple inStar Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith. Reva has harbored a secret desire for revenge ever since.
When Reva attempts to kill Vader, it’s one of the best lightsaber duels in recentStar Warsmemory; unlike the over-choreographed action in the prequels, this duel felt raw and emotional. It’s brilliantly intertwined with flashback footage, which shows a younger Anakin training in combat with Obi-Wan. The episode sets up an exciting series finale, as Reva has now learned about the location of Luke Skywalker. Will she head to Tatooine, and could the Lars Homestead be in danger? As we wait for next week’s answers, check out some of the Easter Eggs and references from this week’s episode that you may have missed.
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The 501st Siege the Jedi Temple
During the flashbacks to Order 66, Anakin leads a group of Clone Troopers into the Jedi Temple with blue markings on their helmets. This is the 501st Legion, the battalion of troops assigned to Anakin in the clone wars. Fans ofThe Clone Warsseries will remember that like Anakin, the 501st clones are mavericks within the Republic Army. Some clones from the legion aren’t present at the temple, as they are aiding Ahsoka Tano in her assault on Mandalore, which was featured inThe Clone Wars’ final season. In real life, the501st Legionis the name of a volunteer organization of fans who are enthusiasts of the franchise. They are primarily known for being an organization of cosplayers, however, they are also known for their participation in charitable events.
Young Anakin and the Timeline
Hayden Christensen finally got some justice this week. He got to take off the mask and return to the role of a young Anakin Skywalker. Based on Anakin’s padawan braid, Obi-Wan’s longer hair, andthe mold of Obi-Wan and Anakin’s lightsaber, it’s clear that the events in the flashback take place right before the time ofAttack of the Clones. Before Obi-Wan enters, Anakin stares off into the cityscape of Coruscant’s metroplex. Eagle-eyed fans may have noticed that he’s focused on Padmé Amidala’s apartment, who we know Anakin has a strong connection to due to his childhood crush on her.
Vader Brings Down a Ship
While it’s clear that the force is capable of incredible things and “size matters not,” Vader shows next-level strength when he brings down an escaping cruiser during the conflict on Jabiim.Star Warsgamers may have recognized this ability; Vader’s apprentice, Galen Marek/Starkiller (Sam Witwer) uses the force to bring down an entire Star Destroyer in the 2008 video gameStar Wars: The Force Unleashed.
The Grand Inquisitor Returns
One of the most confusing moments in the series was cleared up this week. The Grand Inquisitor (Rupert Friend) was seemingly killed by Reva,which led to some questions regarding the timeline. InRebels, set after the events of theKenobiseries, the Grand Inquisitor is still alive and ultimately perishes after a duel with Kanan Jarrus (Freddie Prinze Jr.). The Grand Inquisitor returns at the end of this episode, revealing that he had survived Reva’s attack. Vader reinstates him as the leader of the Inquisitors.
Expanded Universe Jedi
When Obi-Wan looks at the writings on the wall in The Path’s secret hallway, there are several names of different Jedi Knights scribbled in theStar Warslanguage Aurebesh. Among them are Corwin Shelvay (a character from theStar Wars GalaxyMMORPG), Djinn Altis (who was featured in the 2009 novelThe Clone Wars: No Prisoners), Roganda Ismaren (who appeared in the 1994 novelChildren of the Jedi), and Tiberius Anderlock (an NPC in theGalaxyextension packJump to Lightspeed).
There’s a young boy who is referred to as “Corran.” This could either be a sly reference, or the reintroduction of one of the most popular characters within Legends. Corran Horn was introduced as one of the main characters inMichael A. StackpoleandAaron Allstons’ 1990s novel seriesX-Wing. Corran discovers his force sensitivity, and becomes one of the first students at Luke Skywalker’s Jedi Academy. Corran starred in Stackpole’s 1998 first person novelI, Jedi, and played a major role inThe Thrawn Trilogy, The New Jedi Ordernovels, theLegacy of the Forceseries, and theFate of the Jediseries. He has yet to be officially reintroduced into the canon timeline, but the little boy and mother that Haja (Kumail Nanjiani) helps in Episode 3 is credited as Corran and his mother is Nyche, the canonical name of the Legends’ version’s mother.
Reva mentions a planet named “Garel,” a name thatRebelsfans may recognize. In the animated series, Ezra Bridger and theGhostcrew steal Imperial merchandise from the metropolitan city of Garel. The planet, located in the outer rim and in the Lothal sector, first appeared in the episode “Droids in Distress.” Ezra helps his new allies with a con, and briefly crosses paths with R2-D2 and C-3PO.
