The Strange Evolution Of Obi-Wan Kenobi As An Action Hero

gamerant.com:

The evolution of a character can be mapped over the course of a long franchise, leaving them unrecognizable a few decades after their initial introduction. As the role of a beloved character shifts, so too does the entire franchise's tone, presentation, and place in the larger cultural conversation.

Obi-Wan Kenobi is almost entirely based around reintroducing mainstays introduced in a film franchise almost fifty years ago, and depicting them in new situations. The eponymous Jedi Master finds himself retired by circumstance and haunted by his past mistakes, insisting to anyone who asks that he isn't the same man anymore. When it comes time to take action, however, he proves his point in an unexpected way.

Iconic Obi-Wan Kenobi Moments To Know For The Disney Plus Series

The first two episodes of Obi-Wan Kenobi find the former mentor hiding out on Tatooine and watching over Luke Skywalker as he evades the watchful eyes of The Inquisitors. He's sworn off Jedi activities like keeping the peace or pursuing justice, out of concern for his own safety. Unfortunately for him, the powerful new villain The Third Sister is seeking him out with a vengeance. Obi-Wan is dragged back into action by the pleas of his friend Senator Bail Organa, who demands his attention and ensures him no one else can do the job. The young Princess Leia has been kidnapped with the clear intent of dragging Kenobi into a trap. As is so often the case, Obi-Wan refuses the call to adventure, then relents, boards a ship, and sets off to save the princess. This isn't surprising, but his methods are a bit unorthodox for the Obi-Wan fans know and love.

Obi-Wan digs up his old lightsaber, and fans would be forgiven for settling in for some prequel-style lightsaber