Obi-Wan Kenobi Review: Part III (Season 1 Episode 3)

Obi-Wan Kenobi and Leia’s journey back to Alderaan continues in the latest, Obi-Wan Kenobi Season 1 Episode 3, “Part III.” While they manage to find transport through an ally, their journey forward is a dangerous one marked by supporters of the Empire.

One of the great things about this episode isn’t just the addition of Darth Vader in the flesh — I mean ICONIC — but also the call backs to other characters from within the Star Wars Universe.

Leia Is Her Mother’s Daughter

One thing is abundantly clear, Leia is truly her mother’s daughter. She has this air about her that even when told she needs to stand there and be quiet she insists on doing all the talking. 

It’s a strength of character that is reminiscent of Padme before her. How many times throughout the prequels did Padme look at her Jedi protectors and argue or defy their orders? Constantly.

Leia does this from the word go with Obi-Wan, but it really comes to light during “Part III.” They are desperate to blend in and not be revealed as the enemies of the Empire that they are, but Leia just can’t keep her mouth shut when she believes she knows best.

Honestly, I am holding my breath as Obi-Wan messes up and calls her Leia instead of her cover name, because this could be the end for them, but instead Obi-Wan manages to turn it into a moment of reminder for us loyal fans.

While he is creating a “story” for the stormtroopers they are surrounded by there is truth in his words and his gaze. Leia knows it too, which leads to a beautiful exchange between them about her real parentage. The pain in Obi-Wan’s eyes as he tells her he wishes he was her father hurts us all long after the moment ends. 

Obi-Wan VS. Vader

It’s apparent from the start of the episode that Obi-Wan Kenobi is going to be hitting us where it hurts with regards to the force bond between master and apprentice. When it’s not Obi-Wan trying to commune with Qui-Gon about Anakin still being alive — and subsequently remembering moments with Anakin — it’s him catching a glimpse of Anakin as he last remembers him as he walks with Leia on that mining planet. 

While Obi-Wan has turned himself off to the force for many years, now that he’s tuned back in the remnants of a bond between him and Darth Vader is very palpable. None more so than when Vader shows up where Obi-Wan is hiding out awaiting escape with Leia and Tala. 

When they finally come face to face after a decade of silence the hurt, anger, and thirst for revenge/justice between them could split the air more cleanly than their respective lightsabers. Even then, Obi-Wan struggles to take up his lightsaber against the man he used to know. 

That hesitation is detrimental to Obi-Wan, but beneficial to the overall scene because it begins this epic battle between them. Much like during their last duel there are iconic lines from Obi-Wan that cuts through us like a knife, but Vader also has a few up his sleeve.

Obi-Wan Kenobi: What have you become?

Darth Vader: I am what you made me.

It’s evident that these two have some majorly unresolved emotions between them, but even their battle isn’t enough to get rid of the hurt. Watching Vader drag Obi-Wan through the flames breaks our collective hearts while also knowing it’s what has been coming — Vader is fueled by anger and revenge after all. 

The aide of Tala is surprising and adds even more excitement to an already exciting sequence. It shows that the fight of the Jedi vs. The Empire isn’t over yet and not all of Obi-Wan’s allies are Jedi’s. Some, like Tala are simply disillusioned by The Empire.

It keeps the interest alive for what comes next in the journey of Obi-Wan. Now that Obi-Wan and Leia are separated, will they ever reunite and get her back to safety on Alderaan?

Reva’s Ambition

While no one really wants to root for someone who is so closely tied to Darth Vader, we can’t help it in the case of Reva. Sure, she is wanting to capture Obi-Wan and prove herself as Grand Inquisitor material, but there is still something so relatable about that.

On the one hand we want her to be successful because she’s so driven to succeed, but on the other we don’t want harm to come to Obi-Wan. Out of all the Inquisitors it’s clear that she has a stronger bond with Darth Vader and I believe that is in short due to her sensitivity to the force. 

She is the epitome of what a Sith Lord aims for and in all honesty I wouldn’t be surprised if Darth Vader were to take her under his wing at some point to further mold her. While there is the rule of two to contend with, that doesn’t mean he can’t push for her to be the next successor. 

Moses Ingram brings a level of strength to the character that goes beyond the writing. She manages to humanize this seemingly cold, heartless character — which isn’t easy to do. 

It’s going to be interesting to see how things continue for Reva now that she has completely broken away from the other Inquisitors in order to ensure her own personal success. She’s obviously going to continue to utilize Leia to her advantage in the quest to bring down Obi-Wan. 

Thoughts from a Galaxy Far Far Away:

• The mention of Quinlan had me in my feels for the animated series. Quinlan is iconic and if he shows up later on I’ll be one happy fan.
• The fact that Jedi supporters have a whole underground protection system is so badass.
• Tala is my new favorite character from this series — she’s truly fearless in the most logically minded of ways.

 

What did you think of this episode of Obi-Wan Kenobi? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Obi-Wan Kenobi airs Wednesdays on Disney+.

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