IR TV Review: OBI WAN KENOBI - EPISODE 5 [Disney+]

Context can always be a reflection of instinct. While Episode 4 brought into focus a sense of loss, connection takes on an even more specific ideal in Episode 5 of "Obi Wan Kenobi". There is a texture that we haven't quite seen in previous episodes and that is how to connect the story of Obi Wan and Anakin/Vader while not rehashing or reusing old footage. This episode finally addresses that. Without giving anything way, what it does is allow us the ability to understand the strategy between these two men, in both strength and weakness but also in loss. The bounce back in context in terms of scenes, reflections, duality and connection really make this clear, especially one telling reaction shot. The set up in the episode is effective, the story kept simple but its intent quite specific. Add in the aspect of what the Third Sister in certain ways represents is interesting.

But there is also a texture of rage and that is the part that is undefinable because it is completely illogical in many ways. Vader is cunning but at the core psychologically, he is still Anakin so certain rules of his thought process apply even if the motivation is overtaken by the dark side in Vader. What "Obi Wan Kenobi" does in this episode is give an exercise in motivation while functioning as a character piece. A few shots stand out primarly because what it means to be Kenobi now and finding himself again but also that in Vader and what has been lost. The ending points to a different plot angle to key into the season finale but Episode 5 in many ways is the reason to make the series (although the shot at the end of Episode 4 -- which again shows the loss to all these people -- is still the most emotionally powerful). A

By Tim Wassberg