In this fantastic episode of Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi, Reva finally achieves ultimate power as she rises to the title of Grand Inquisitor. She has everything she wants and can smother it in those who oppose her. However, we soon find out this crusade is merely a façade. More on that later.
I was excited to witness the opening minutes of this episode as a flashback. We see Hayden Christensen don the Jedi robes from Attack Of the Clones. How fitting since this is the 20th Anniversary of that film. I was speechless seeing his padawan braid and his wisecracking smile. Of course, you can’t forget the mullet on Kenobi. We see an amazing sparring session between the duo. Anakin seems to have the high ground but Obi-Wan warns Anakin how such actions and verbal demeanor could be his undoing. We then flash back and forth as both timeless bleed together seamlessly evoking painful foreshadowing and reality.
Vader and Reva track down Kenobi to Tala’s home base of operations in Jabim. The Empire arrives to stage a siege. The situation looks dire as they block Kenobi’s escape. Luckily, Leia tries to find a way to unlock the doors by fearlessly taking charge. We also find out that Haja has found refuge in Jabim. He proves himself useful until he makes a mistake that allows Reva to redeem herself once and for all.
Obi-Wan tries to reason with Reva. It proves futile. But I am happy that Kenobi’s use of the Force is increasing minute by minute. Earlier in the season, we witness a haunting flashback of younglings fleeing to avoid death in Order 66 in the Jedi Temple. Reva reveals that she was in the temple and saw her brothers and sisters die at the hands of Vader and the Clones. Reva is fueled by pain and anger and survived after being stabbed by Anakin all those years ago.
Obi-Wan offers her a chance to turn back to the light. For a moment, Reva feels conflicted. I was heartbroken to see Tala and her droid comrade sacrifice their lives to save Kenobi. I had wished she had lived. I think in a way she had come to care for Kenobi as more than just allies. It would have been nice for him to have someone in his life. Tala reminds me of Satine from the Clone Wars. Rest in peace Tala. Thank you for your courage and guidance.
Leia can get the doors open to escape, and thus manages to free her droid of the tracker placed by Reva. Obi-Wan manages to evade death at the hands of Reva. I nearly fainted when Vader arrived to pull the ship out of orbit and demolish the ship. It was very Force Unleashed. It was amazing that that was only a distraction.
Reva and Vader face off only for the former to meet the same fate she did years ago. Reva suffers an emotional gut-punch as it is revealed the Grand Inquisitor has survived Reva’s betrayal. He reclaims the mantle. Reva manages to take advantage of Haja’s mistake: a left-behind communicator containing a message from Bail Organa stating that Anakin has a son on Tatooine.
I have a bad feeling about this.
I was impressed to learn that one of the co-writers of this episode was Andrew Stanton. He is best known for Wall-E and Finding Nemo. This episode was a non-stop edge-of-your-seat roller coaster. Obi-Wan is getting his groove back, and Leia has no limits as the Force guides her from a distance without any peril to others. Haja has a clumsy heart of gold. Haja’s actions will forever inspire a future Princess. Reva has a pivotal choice to make that will seal her fate. The light side and the dark side are calling out to her.
I am looking forward to seeing where this all leads. I hope Qui-Gon Jinn has room in this mini-series.
Mack's Musings 