In Review: Star Wars – Obi-Wan Kenobi Part 3

Synopsis: The Jedi Master contends with the consequences of his greatest defeat. The downfall and corruption of his one-time friend and apprentice, Anakin Skywalker who turned to the dark side as evil Sith Lord Darth Vader.

Story

Picking up from where last week’s episode left off. Obi-Wan and Leia travel to the mining planet Mapuzo in Obi-Wan Kenobi part 3. To meet Haja’s contact who can supposedly help them. Regrettably, the Jedi General and the princess find nobody, and hitch a ride with Freck (Zach Braff) an alien farmer. However, Freck turns our heroes in to the Stormtroopers at an Imperial checkpoint. After a tense fight scene, all appears to be lost but for Tala’s (Indira Varma) interference. This Imperial defector takes Kenobi and Leia to a safehouse in a nearby town. Moreover, the Jedi and the princess meet a friendly loader droid. Who Leia expresses a desire to listen to. What’s more, things quickly go south as Imperial Stormtroopers, Inquisitors and Darth Vader himself descend on the town. Obi-Wan leads Vader away from the settlers, and the two former friends fight. The Dark Lord of the Sith drags Kenobi’s body across flaming metal out of a desire for revenge. Only for Tala to distract Vader by sniping at the Stormtroopers from cover. Thus giving the loader droid a chance to carry Obi-Wan to safety. Meanwhile, Leia runs into Inquisitor Reva. Who gives chase to her.

Acting

Ewan McGregor showed a much darker and angrier version of Obi-Wan Kenobi in part 3 this week. Which contrasted well with Vivien Lyra Blair’s trusting and innocent Leia. Indeed, these two actors had some great scenes together in the early part of the episode. I really loved when Leia asked what the Force was. As well as Obi-Wan’s deadpan “Hello” to Freck. On top of that, Blair showed Leia’s cunning well in the Stormtrooper scene. As well as believably playing a scared girl who just wants to go home. Moses Ingram showed good range this week. As we saw a more introspective side of the Third Sister. I enjoyed her rivalry with Sung Kang‘s 5th Brother. Who really brought the menace in this outing. Indira Varma performed well as Tala. James Earl Jones absolutely did not miss a beat as Darth Vader. His performance was the real thing. Zach Braff put across well Freck’s faux friendliness and deviousness.

CGI

Obi-Wan Kenobi episode 3’s CGI is still great. And makes you feel like you’re in a galaxy far far away. The FX of the droids and ships were great. The scene where Vader is being constructed was beautifully done and really made you feel his awful power. And of course Vader’s Mustafar castle was excellent. As was the CGI of Mustafar itself.

Incidental Music

Obi-Wan Kenobi’s incidental music continues to impress. The intro was very KOTOR 2 and put across that hint of hope integral to Obi-Wan’s character. There was a nice theme when Reva was walking through the Imperial base as well as a good frightening score when the Inquisitor ships fly into space. I really loved the mournful theme that played when Leia and Obi-Wan travelled with Freck. Moreover, the tense music that played when the Stormtroopers joined them was also excellent. Additionally, the theme that played when Vader fought Obi-Wan again really made you feel that the fate of the entire galaxy is hanging on a knife edge.

Overall

Obi-Wan Kenobi episode 3 was phenomenal. The tension was sustained throughout and built up to a fantastic climax. There were also some sweet, tender moments which really made this show feel like Star Wars. Huge thumbs up from me.