Kenobi Part III is my favorite episode (so far). This one is dark but powerful. I can’t go into too much detail until after the spoiler warning; but I love how this series is really enhancing the canon of the original trilogy and building his relationships.
Obi-Wan is still evading the inquisitors while trying to complete his mission. He’s hoping to find allies as he makes his way home again but then …
The following content contains spoilers for Obi-Wan Kenobi Part III.
This is probably going to get pretty long because of the cameo’s and Easter Eggs (more on that later). Before I discuss those items I want to share a couple of personal thoughts. I don’t think the Clone Wars or the prequels really express the type of relationship Obi-Wan had with Padme. The past two episodes have really expanded on it. Ewan McGregor really projects Obi-Wan’s sadness and sorrow when he talks about Leia’s mom. Every time he talks about her is some of my favorite dialog from this series (so far).
Cameo’s, Easter Eggs and Reunions
There is so much about this episode that I love and a few Easter Eggs and surprise cameos. They still tease that Qui-Gon will make an appearance and, at this point, I hope its in the form of a Force ghost. Using audio from the prequel movies doesn’t count as a cameo. However, it is great to have James Earl Jones lend his voice to Vader once again (even at 91 years old).
A lot of the Easter Eggs are very esoteric. Most of them come from books, comics and The Clone Wars series. The safehouse is loaded with Easter Eggs, specifically the graffiti on the wall. Obi-Wan mentions Quinlan Vos, a Jedi from The Clone Wars who was a bit of a maverick. I recommend reading Dark Disciple to learn more about Quinlan. It’s very exciting that we may see Quinlan make a live-action debut.
The other references become even more obscure. There is a reference to a Jedi teaching from the High Republic era. There is also an indirect reference to Corran Horn, whom I didn’t know anything about (but I will learn more). One of the surprising names written on the wall is Roganda Ismaren. She was a consort of Palpatines with whom he had a son who would, one day, become Lord Nyax (according to Legends).
Oh Brother, Where Art Thou
Obi-Wan tells Leia that he thinks he has a brother. This reference is probably the most obscure Easter Egg; even I forgot about it. In an early version of the 1983 screenplay for Return of the Jedi there is a reference to Obi-Wan’s brother, but it was cut from the script. However, the novelization of Return of the Jedi Obi-Wan refers to “[his] brother Owen” who lives on Tatooine (I have confirmed this myself).
I’m sure you are really confused since Owen is supposed to be Anakin’s step-brother. Long ago, before the prequels were made Owen Lars was believed to be Obi-Wan’s brother. A short story titled “Lone Wolf: A Tale of Obi-Wan and Luke” puts this into better perspective. Obi-Wan’s memory of a brother is actually a vision of Anakin’s future. I don’t know if there are any intentions of expanding on Obi-Wan’s brother story arc; personally I think it’s just there for the lore junkies.
A Dark Reunion
Filoni promised us a Vader/Kenobi reunion and he delivered. We finally get to see Vader’s viciousness as he hunts down Obi-Wan. Hayden’s reprisal is amazingly sinister, which I’ve always said is something Hayden brought to Anakin. The cinematography during the final moments of the episode is amazing and brilliant. Given how vengeful Anakin is, this is the kind of retribution I was expecting.
Of course there are some (as there always are) that are saying this ruins the final duel in Episode IV. I think it’s too early to make that claim. We still have three episodes left and the writers of the series have said they plan on sticking to the lore.
I’m excited for the second half of the season.
