REVIEW: ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ Episode 3
The series took an action-packed, and tremendously enthralling turn in its third episode, as Deborah Chow continues to establish her undeniable talent in Obi-Wan Kenobi Episode 3.
It is so unbelievably rare for something that feels decades in the making, that has been the subject of countless speculation and theorization from fans, to arrive and not only feel as though it lives up to the massive hype surrounding it but actually is greater than we could’ve imagined.
Source: Lucasfilm/ Disney
That is how this third entry feels.
Deborah Chow is, in no uncertain terms, brilliant; her grasp of the weight of this story, and how best to craft it, feels near flawless.
Source: Lucasfilm
There is the image that every Star Wars fan has maintained about these untold Star Wars stories, and Chow not only makes something that lives up to that image but does so in ways that many of us could never have expected.
Perhaps the greatest asset of these early episodes is how Chow has used the idea of fear; establishing circumstances in which there is no opportunity present to be anything but terrified.
Source: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Disney
The moments of reprieve are few and far between, as you truly feel the weight of terror that enthralls Obi-Wan, which is all the more impressive considering the series is operating with all of the shortcomings that usually comprise a prequel series by nature.
The unrelenting fear present in the eyes of Obi-Wan, the inquisitive charm of Leia, and the absolute danger present in every single step taken by Darth Vader bring an undeniable horror from viewers at just how Kenobi will escape this; even though we know that he does.
Source: Lucasfilm
Hayden Christensen is spectacular in his return, with him fully embracing this next evolution of Anakin Skywalker that sees him completely overcome with rage and a blood lust unmatched; this series feels like yet another moment to establish the greatest villain in movie history and his sheer terror.
There are still moments that call back to iconic characters, with the balance the series has walked between acknowledging the history of the Star Wars universe, yet moving forward with a brand new story, being delicately calculated.
Source: Lucasfilm
In the end, Obi-Wan Kenobi, this episode 3 specifically, feels at home in this brand new realm of Star Wars storytelling, with performances and structure that make it feels both an extension of this universe we all adore, but something that is still completely new.
Wow did we really watch the same episode? “Action packed”