Each episode of the Disney + series is ranked
Star Wars fans hoping to get at least one more “hello there” by Ewan McGregor’s Obi-Wan Kenobi got the wish for the recent Disney + series. Obi-Wan Kenobi was such a great triumph for the streaming service that fans are already calling for more. Obi-Wan Kenobi Season 2 is far from certain. So in the meantime, let’s look back at the six episodes fans have so far, ranked from worst to best.
‘Part IV’
After Obi-Wan’s defeat at Father’s hand, this fourth episode would be the perfect place to reflect on the characters’ stories. Instead, “Part IV” contains Kenobi and Tala (Indira Varma) as they infiltrate the imperial stronghold where Reva (Moses Ingram) holds Leia hostage. It’s a diluted layout reminiscent of the big screen Episode IV. But despite some fun moments, this is the closest Obi-Wan Kenobi comes to rags.
‘Part III’
After a decade of stewing in his own rage, Vader finally practices some of his revenge on his old master. Seeing Obi-Wan and Vader collide with lightsabers is of course the highlight of this episode, which also brings Tala and the Path into the saga. But as brutal as Vader is in this episode, the confrontation between the Jedi and the Sith feels strangely overwhelming. Luckily, Obi-Wan Kenobi make up for it later. As a turning point in the middle of the season, this gives more than that.
‘Part II’
The first episode acclimatizes fans to Obi-Wan’s life and mindset on Tatooine. But here the fans get a better sense of how much Reva wants to catch Obi-Wan. Kumail Nanjiani’s Haja is also a fun addition, shedding light on the moral gray corners of this galactic conflict. And Obi-Wan and Leia secure another victory Star Wars duo. In addition, Reva’s episode-closing revelation is that Anakin Skywalker is living the cliffhanger needed to give energy to the show at this time.
‘Part V’
Since Christensen’s return became official, fans have begun to speculate Obi-Wan Kenobi would contain one Clone Wars-er flashback with Anakin. And “Part V” certainly delivers that. But it also does so in a way that thematically connects Anakin and Obi-Wan’s past with the story at hand. Some of Vader’s most memorable moments – including the Sith lord manipulating a ship with power – are here, as is Tala’s heartbreaking sacrifice, which allows Path to escape.
‘Part I’
The biggest challenge we face Obi-Wan Kenobi is its need to justify its own existence. Could the series fit evenly within the existing one Star Wars saga or maybe even enrich it? Many decisions in the show shared the fans. By focusing on Obi-Wan’s personal journey and the trauma he suffered from Order 66, Obi-Wan Kenobi deserves its place in the cannon. In particular, the decision to undermine fans’ expectations by focusing on Leia and not Luke is ingenious.
‘Part VI’
Just like Obi-Wan Kenobi starts strong, it ends even better. Her true plan revealed, Reva goes on a desperate mission to hunt for Luke, leading to an emotional revelation. Meanwhile, the show keeps the promise that Obi-Wan and Vader will throw down. Although the episode has many echoes of them Revenge of the Sith fight, it gives a sense of closure and a similar emotional height elevated by McGregor and Christensen’s outstanding performances.
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