Obi-Wan Kenobi Part IV Review: Great performances shine amidst a weak rescue plot

Obi-Wan Kenobi Part IV is a step back from the terrifying majesty of Part III. The performances by Ewan McGregor, Vivien Lyra Blair, Moses Ingram and Indira Varma shine. Unfortunately, the rescue of Leia feels like an afterthought to get to the next chapter of this story.

The Empire are treated as absolute morons. Reva makes a smart decision near the end of the episode. However, Reva’s choice would have been stronger had Obi-Wan and Tala been on the ropes throughout the episode. Then, just when it looked like the heroes get away, another twist shows our heroes are still in peril. Instead, Part IV continuously has Obi-Wan, Tala and Leia outsmarting the Empire.

Obi-Wan infiltrates a heavily guarded base without sporting a disguise. Tala talks her away around security outposts despite not having security clearances.

In spite of those issues, there are some great aspects in Part IV. Reva’s interrogation of Leia finds the right balance between menacing and sweet-talking. McGregor continues to deliver the best performance in a Star Wars series. The sweet handhold between Obi-Wan and Leia to end the episode is one of the most endearing moments in a Star Wars property.

With the overview out of the way, let’s dive deeper into the elements that stood in Part IV. There may be some minor spoilers. Obi-Wan Kenobi is available to stream on Disney Plus.

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Inept Empire in Obi-Wan Kenobi Part IV

After suffering severe burns at the end of Part III, Tala places Obi-Wan in a bactca tank to heal. Once healed Obi-Wan immediately sets out to rescue Leia. Rebels help Obi-Wan reach the Mustafar system. The base is on a water planet, not lava.

Tala joins Obi-Wan on the rescue mission. She serves as Obi-Wan’s eyes and ears. Obi-Wan easily makes his way through a few stormtroopers.

Tala is stopped at a security checkpoint. However, she easily pulls rank to avoid the custom’s agent checking with Reva. All Reva does is talk tough. So what if she has a higher rank. She’s clearly not supposed to be at this base. Like a Jedi mind trick, she walks right through.

On the command deck, Tala knocks an inquisitive (no pun intended) officer unconscious. Her attack isn’t subtle, yet goes unnoticed.

When Leia is in grave peril, Tala distracts Reva at the perfect time. Reva does suspect a ruse, but decides to leave Leia alone. Her decision allows Obi-Wan to sneak in and free Leia. Before Leia, Obi-Wan and Tala escape, Reva plants a tracker in Leia’s tiny, ladybug-like droid.

This prison escape storyline could of been much better. The action with Obi-Wan was fine, but there was nothing great about it either. Vader makes an all too brief appearance in the episode.

Interrogation of Leia

The scenes between Leia and Reva were outstanding. Reva tries to get Leia to reveal the location of where the underground tunnel ends. Leia refuses a few different ways. Likewise, Reva tires to break down Leia using a few interesting methods.

Reva tries to make Leia lose hope in anyone coming to rescue her. She claims Obi-Wan is dead and even promises to bring Leia home. Reva also makes sure to try to appeal to Leia. It doesn seem like Leia believe Obi-Wan is dead, but the 10-year-old still refuses to give in. Reva commends the future general for her toughness.

At first, Leia outright refuses to tell Reva anything. Later, she tells Reva she will tell her the location. However, she wants to talk to her father first. Reva sees through Leia’s attempt to send a message to her father and decides to torture her.

Before the torture can begin, Tala initiates her distraction. Obi-Wan uses the distraction to save Leia. Then proceeds to show signs of the Obi-Wan of old. He deflects blaster fire, cuts down stormtroopers and uses the force to prevent water from breaking glass until just the right moment.

McGregor’s great in this episode. My only issue with Obi-Wan in this episode is how quickly he goes into rescue Leia mode. He’s just been humiliated by Vader, his former padawan, but basically brushes it off.

Tomb of Resistance

O’Shea Jackson Jr. makes his Star Wars debut in Obi-Wan Kenobi Part IV. He plays Rekon, a rebel who helps Jedi and allies reach safety. The relationship between Obi-Wan and Rekon is rocky at first.

Obi-Wan believes Rekon doesn’t truly understand the depths of evil within the Empire. Rekon assures him he does. His wife was a Jedi who was brutally hunted and killed.

Emperor Palpatine, Vader and The Inquisitors’ hunt for the Jedi has never been more hauntingly depicted. During the rescue mission, Obi-Wan hacks into a locked door believing Leia is being held there.

He doesn’t find holding cells in this room. Obi-Wan walks into a room filled with bacta-like tanks of dead Jedi. For what purpose isn’t clear, but it’s a sickening sight. McGregor does a great job of channeling Obi-Wan’s revulsion. The way McGregor says “this isn’t a base, it’s a tomb” is one of the most chilling revelations in the series.

Rekon sends ship reinforcements to help Obi-Wan, Tala and Leia escape. One of the pilots is killed in the escape.

One of the most enduring themes of Star Wars is hope when things are the bleakest. Obi-Wan and Leia holding hands beautifully demonstrate this trait.

Obi-Wan Kenobi Part IV Final Thoughts

Great performances help keep Obi-Wan Kenobi Part IV afloat in spite of an uninspired rescue mission.

The interrogation scene, as well as the tomb scene, are stand out Obi-Wan Kenobi moments. Unfortunately, the heroes are able to succeed in a far too easy fashion.

Part IV’s final 10 minutes are really strong and help end the episode on a high note.

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