Obi-Wan Kenobi Review: Star Wars Fans Will Be Thrilled

Obi-Wan Kenobi delivers massive action sequences, fan favorite characters, and a whole lot of humor in the first two episodes.

The first two episodes of Obi-Wan Kenobi are going to blow the fans’ minds. As to be expected it is visually stunning and the score is incredible, but it still far exceeds expectations. It is simply breathtaking to watch, and the story is easy to get immersed in. Obi-Wan has always had a little bit of snark to him, but this show is actually quite hilarious — and it isn’t just Ewan McGregor that brings the humor. 

The very first scene of the very first episode is a bit jarring — but in a great way. It immediately brings fans back to that dark time when Anakin turned to the dark side. Director Deborah Chow warned that this series was going to be dark, and was going to be exploring a broken Obi-Wan, and boy was she right. This is not the same Obi-Wan from the prequel movies. He is hiding, and has lost his faith and his confidence. It is almost sad to see him this way, but viewers will know this means his journey is going to be one worth watching. 

There are a few flashback scenes that come in the form of a dream to Obi-Wan which helps to set the tone for where he is in his life. This is a great way to remind Star Wars fans of what he went through in the prequel films, even though they probably don’t need the recap. It is done beautifully with some incredibly terrifying shots of Anakin, and it is clear Obi-Wan’s past haunts him.

While this is clearly a show about Obi-Wan, it is so much more. The supporting characters almost overshadow him at times, but it all comes off like it is on purpose. The first episodes spend a lot of time focused on Reva and the other Inquisitors. This is the first time these Jedis who have turned to the dark side and are hunting their own have been seen in live action — and it was totally worth the wait. 

Moses Ingram plays Reva, the “main” Inquisitor so to speak, and she is a complete badass. The way she wields a lightsaber and parkours while using the force is jaw dropping. The fact that this is her first Star Wars series just shows how hard she trained to give Reva her all. She is a wonder to behold, and it is clear she is having the time of her life. 

Reva is strong and not afraid to do what it takes to get the job done. She is loyal to Darth Vader and wants to please him however she can. The other inquisitors are villainous as well, but it is Reva that is at the head of the pack — even if they think of her as the lesser one of them.

There are some moments in the first episode where the Inquisitors’ acting feels a bit too much (think theater actors), however they settle in by the second episode. This could also be due to some of the dialogue that is over the top in the first episode. Again, that pretty much evens out in the second.

There are many other fantastic supporting characters besides the Inquisitors. It is no secret that there is a younger version of Luke, however he isn’t in the first two episodes much. It is the younger version of his sister, Leia (played by Vivien Lyra Blair) that completely steals the show. She is sassy, spunky, and absolutely hilarious. Every time she is on screen, all eyes will be on her. Which is saying something considering who she is playing opposite against at times. 

Of course if young Leia shows up, it can be expected her parents will be around as well. Yes, Bail Organa, played by Jimmy Smits, is back, and he is just as charming as always. His on screen chemistry with Blair really drives home the relationship that these two have. 

Fans who have seen the trailer know that Kumail Nanjiani is in this series as well. He is always amazing but he is especially hilarious in this show. He might be a bit of a shady character, but he is also easy to fall in love with. He always brings the comedic relief in his roles, but there is truly something special about seeing him in Star Wars garb and cracking jokes.

The first two episodes of Obi-Wan Kenobi each have some incredible action sequences with stunning cinematography. The story itself is off to a great start. With absolutely no pacing issues, this is one of the best first few episodes of a Star Wars series that we have gotten. Coming off of The Book Of Boba Fett, Obi-Wan Kenobi is a breath of fresh air. 

The second episode is better than the first, mostly because Obi-Wan falls to the side in the first episode. But he jumps front and center in episode two. We might not have seen too much of Hayden Christensen yet, but anyone who says the final shot of episode two didn’t give them chills is lying. 

This series might be about Obi-Wan, but it is little Leia that steals the show, demanding attention whenever she is on screen. Incredible action sequences, stunning visuals, and an epic score. Sure to be a hit with Star Wars fans!

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

NEXT: Obi-Wan Kenobi Tells A Dark Story About A Broken Obi-Wan

About Obi-Wan Kenobi

“Obi-Wan Kenobi” begins 10 years after the dramatic events of “Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith” where Obi-Wan Kenobi faced his greatest defeat—the downfall and corruption of his best friend and Jedi apprentice, Anakin Skywalker, who turned to the dark side as evil Sith Lord Darth Vader.

Obi-Wan Kenobi starts streaming on Disney+ May 27th!