Susan Granger’s review of “Obi-Wan Kenobi” (Disney +)
Originally intended as a “Star Wars” spin-off film, that concept was reportedly shelved when “Solo: A Star Wars Story” (2018) proved disappointing at the box-office. Now the sci-fi fantasy “Obi-Wan Kenobi” is the first live-action TV series in the “Star Wars” franchise to be set between the prequel and the original trilogies.
Ewan McGregor makes his fourth appearance in the title role with Hayden Christensen reprising Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader. Also returning are Liam Neeson (Qui-Gon Jin), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Jimmy Smits (Bail Organa), Joel Edgerton (Owen Lars), Bonnie Plesse (Beru Lars), Ian McDiarmid (Emperor Palpatine), Temura Morrison (storm trooper) and John Williams, composer of Obi-Wan’s theme.
The story begins 10 years after “Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith” (2005) in which iconic Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi faces his greatest defeat as his best-friend/apprentice Jedi Anakin Skywalker – husband to Padme (Natalie Portman) and father of twins Luke & Leia – turned to the dark side, becoming the evil Sith Lord Darth Vader.
The Republic has fallen to the Galactic Empire and the few remaining Jedi are being hunted throughout the galaxy by the Grand Inquisitor (Rupert Friend) with ambitious Reva (Moses Ingram) – a.k.a Third Sister – at his side.
Calling himself ‘Ben,’ Obi-Wan Kenobi is very much alone, like a last samurai trying to uphold a code in a rapidly changing world. He lives on the desert planet of Tatooine, secretly observing 10 year-old Luke from afar.
But then he’s summoned to the planet Alderaan by Imperial Senator Bail Organa (co-founder of the Rebellion) whose adoptive daughter, precocious 10 year-old Leia (Vivien Lyra Blair, who resembles a young Carrie Fisher), has been kidnapped.
Directed by showrunner/executive producer Deborah Chow, the limited six-episode series delves into how Obi-Wan went from warrior hero in the prequels to the venerable Zen Jedi Master seen in the original trilogy.
Production designers Doug Chiang and Todd Chernlawsky, working with cinematographer Chung-hoon Chung and ILM’s StageCraft, have created Dalyu, a gritty underworld hideout filled with visually bizarre inhabitants.
On the Granger Gauge of `1 to 10, “Obi-Wan Kenobi” is a nostalgic 6, streaming on Disney+.
