When the “Obi-Wan Kenobi” series hit screens in 2022, fans were thrilled to see Obi-Wan and Darth Vader face off once more.
It was a blockbuster moment, no doubt. But not everyone thinks this rematch was a good idea.
In fact, some argue that these two legendary characters should never have met again after their epic duel on Mustafar.
Was this new encounter a thrilling addition or did it shake up the Star Wars saga in all the wrong ways?
Let’s dive into why some fans believe this reunion might have been better left out of the series.
Table of Contents
Why Their Meeting Would Mess Up Canon
First off, let’s talk about canon – the official story as told by the movies and shows.
The original trilogy, especially A New Hope, sets up a lot of tension between Obi-Wan and Vader because they haven’t seen each other since their epic duel on Mustafar in Revenge of the Sith.
Remember that line from Vader in A New Hope: “I sense a presence I haven’t felt since…” This line is super important because it builds suspense.
Vader’s last memory of Obi-Wan should be from Mustafar, where he left him for dead. Adding another meeting between them before the events of A New Hope would ruin this moment.
It’s like spoiling the surprise of a great joke – it just wouldn’t have the same impact.
1. Obi-Wan’s Realization in Revenge of the Sith
In Revenge of the Sith, Obi-Wan discovers that Anakin has become Darth Vader.
This revelation is a crucial part of Obi-Wan’s character arc. He sees Anakin as the fallen Jedi, now consumed by the dark side.
However, the Kenobi series introduced a significant inconsistency: Obi-Wan didn’t know that Darth Vader was Anakin until much later in the series.
This discrepancy creates a confusing timeline. If they were to meet again, it would further complicate the established narrative.
Obi-Wan knowing Anakin’s fate and Vader’s identity makes their final confrontation on the Death Star even more poignant.
It underscores the tragedy and the years of unresolved conflict between master and apprentice.
2. Obi-Wan’s Job on Tatooine
Obi-Wan has one very important job on Tatooine: keeping an eye on young Luke Skywalker. He’s there to protect Luke and keep him hidden from the Empire.
If Obi-Wan started gallivanting around the galaxy, leaving Tatooine for a duel with Vader, it would put Luke at risk.
Imagine the chaos if Vader finds out Obi-Wan is on Tatooine – the Empire would swarm the planet, putting Luke in grave danger. That would ruin everything the Rebellion is fighting for!
Obi-Wan needs to stay hidden and focused on his mission, not running around having epic battles.
3. Flashbacks and Dream Sequences to the Rescue!
Just because we don’t want a direct confrontation doesn’t mean we have to miss out on the drama between these two legendary characters. How about we dive into some flashbacks?
Showing their days as friends and warriors in the Jedi Order could add a lot of emotional depth.
We could see moments from the Clone Wars or even new scenes that give us a peek into their bond before everything went wrong.
Or imagine Obi-Wan having intense nightmares where he faces a vision of Vader.
These dream sequences could show the struggle Obi-Wan feels, knowing he trained the man who became one of the galaxy’s greatest threats.
It’s a way to bring Vader into the series without messing up the timeline.
4. Exploring Vader’s Dark Side (Literally)
There’s also a lot to explore about Vader’s rise to power without needing him to cross lightsabers with Obi-Wan again.
We could watch Vader hunting down the remaining Jedi, dealing with his own demons, and becoming the fearsome enforcer of the Empire.
This not only builds Vader’s character but also keeps the story fresh and exciting without breaking canon.
5. Keeping the Magic of A New Hope Intact
At the heart of this debate is the magic of A New Hope. When Obi-Wan and Vader finally meet on the Death Star, it’s a moment loaded with history and emotion.
It’s like the final showdown between two heavyweight champions after years of rivalry. Diluting this by adding another fight before then would take away from that epic confrontation.
Conclusion
In the end, keeping Obi-Wan and Vader apart in the Kenobi series preserves the integrity and suspense of the original Star Wars saga.
We can still explore their stories through flashbacks, dreams, and parallel plots. This way, we keep the tension high and the story tight.
So, let’s enjoy the Kenobi series for what it can bring without repeating the past.
After all, in the vast Star Wars universe, there are endless adventures waiting to be told – even without another Obi-Wan and Vader rematch.
May the Force be with us, as we eagerly await this new chapter in the Star Wars saga!