Obi-Wan Kenobi Review: Part IV (Season 1 Episode 4)
For the shortest episode of the season thus far, Obi-Wan Kenobi Season 1 Episode 4, “Part IV” manages to still pack a punch. It has a kidnapping, a daring rescue, and another fierce battle which makes the minutes fly by.
While it lacks in progression of the story it doesn’t lack in story itself which is always important, especially with a limited series. If anything, this episode reminds us that Star Wars is about more than just the big plot points, it’s the culmination of little moments that matter too.
Obi-Wan Kenobi Still Battles His Trauma
One of the great things about this show is that it isn’t shying away from showing those fiercely traumatic moments Obi-Wan still suffers through every day. Yes, this character is a strong and formidable Jedi, but he’s also been through a terrible tragedy.
The fact that Obi-Wan Kenobi keeps exploring elements of that trauma in each episode is fantastic. It’s not something TV shows get right very often, especially when we are thinking about iconic images of strength like Master Kenobi.
To see him struggle with the connection he has with Anakin/Vader even now after all these years truly breaks our hearts. It’s something others around him probably don’t even realize is happening for him and therefore solidify that he is alone in his battles.
Case in point, Tala. She’s kind and understanding and everything The Empire is not. However, she also doesn’t see him obviously struggling with something while he is in the healing tank.
This along with the flashes to Vader’s own struggles in his own healing tank are what make this iteration of these characters so great. It finally gives Vader a balance between the man he used to be and the person he has become.
Too bad Obi-Wan has to suffer right along with him due to their still present Jedi Force Bond.
Leia and Reva
Star Wars has always been a champion for lifting up the female coded characters as strong opponents to the male coded ones. That battle of wits has always been between males and females.
However on “Part IV” we get to see the battle of strength and mental acuity happen between Leia and Reva. This turns that age old trope on its head and breathes new life into Star Wars’ champion of female coded characters.
Leia is only a young child and yet, her mental capacity is so strong she can smarten up against Reva who has made bigger men cry for their mamas. It’s so captivating to watch because you find yourself rooting for both sides in order to stay in the game and see how far it will take you.
Reva is this complicated character who is so in tune with the ways of the sith that watching her perform is an art form every time. She’s not used to failing so going up against Leia is a battle for her on many different levels.
She doesn’t know how to cope with this young child who can so easily defy her mind manipulation tricks. So much so that she puts her guard down and loses not just the girl but Obi-Wan as well.
Leia and Obi-Wan Escape
Once again, Darth Vader is there and once again, Leia manages to escape his notice entirely. The way these writers manage to put Obi-Wan face to face with his old apprentice without also putting Leia into harms way is phenomenal.
It really allows the canon information from the original film trilogy to remain in tact — which isn’t easy to do the more you add to the universe. While Obi-Wan and Vader don’t face off again, the escape is just as captivating as the battle during Obi-Wan Kenobi Season 1 Episode 3, “Part III” is.
The way the resistance is able to just come in and fire down the stormtroopers and Inquisitors is reminiscent of other Star Wars battles. It’s iconic and brings back that wholesome feeling of familiarity.
When Reva tells Vader she had placed a tracking device on their ship I was confused because she hadn’t had access to it. So initially I figured she is just lying to avoid Vader killing her.
However, Reva isn’t and somehow she finagled Lola to be a tracking device. This is definitely going to spell trouble for the resistance moving forward.
Which will of course finally propel this story toward it’s conclusion.
Stray Thoughts:
- Can we agree to never speak of that horrendous display of dead Jedi’s — adults and children alike — ever again?
- Poor Wade, we hardly knew ya but you did a huge service.
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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Mads Misasi
Mads is a part-time entertainment journalist and full-time marketing content creator. They love any and all TV Dramas with a few sitcoms mixed in. Join in the fun talking about TV by following them on Twitter: @dorothynyc89.