The ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ (2022) series on Disney+ brought back a beloved Jedi Master, giving me a chance to see Ewan McGregor reprise his role as Obi-Wan in a story set between the prequel and original Star Wars trilogies. It dives into a dark period of his life, grappling with loss and hiding from the Empire, which hooked me with its promise of emotional depth and iconic clashes.

Yet, years later, the show feels like a mixed bag. Some elements still shine, tying beautifully to the broader saga, while others stumble, leaving me frustrated. Below, I break down five ways the series hasn’t held up and five ways it still feels masterful.

Ways ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ Aged Poorly

Weak Plot Consistency

The story often feels shaky, with moments that don’t quite add up. For example, Obi-Wan dreams of Anakin piloting a starfighter during a battle he wasn’t around to witness, which feels off without a clear explanation. These gaps pull me out of the experience, making the narrative feel less tight than it should for a Star Wars tale.

It’s not just small details. Characters make choices that seem illogical, like walking away from fights when they could end them, which clashes with the high stakes of the galaxy. This looseness in the writing makes it hard to stay fully immersed, especially when I revisit the show.

Underused Supporting Cast

Some characters, like Maya Erskine’s Sully, feel wasted. Sully stands around in key scenes, delivering lines that don’t add much to the plot or her character. I wanted more from her, especially given Erskine’s talent, but she’s stuck in a role that feels like an afterthought.

Other supporting players, like the Inquisitors, also lack depth. Their motivations are vague, and their screen time often feels like filler. This makes the show lean too heavily on Obi-Wan and Vader, missing chances to build a richer world.

Flat Visuals

The show’s look hasn’t held up well. Many settings, like the Jabiim base, feel like cheap, recycled sets with a sterile vibe. The CGI often looks flat, lacking the lived-in texture Star Wars is known for, which makes some scenes feel like a video game cutscene.

Compared to ‘The Mandalorian’ (2019–present), which nails the gritty Star Wars aesthetic, ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ feels visually bland. The camera work doesn’t help, with stiff framing that fails to capture the epic scale I expect from the franchise.

Reva’s Confusing Arc

Reva, played by Moses Ingram, is a complex character with a lot of potential, but her story feels muddled. Her motivations bounce between revenge and redemption without clear reasoning, making it hard to connect with her journey. I found myself puzzled by her choices, especially in the finale.

While her backstory as a surviving youngling is compelling, the execution feels rushed. Her arc tries to carry major emotional weight but ends up feeling like a distraction from Obi-Wan’s story, leaving me wanting a tighter focus.

Predictable Stakes

Since the show fits between ‘Revenge of the Sith’ (2005) and ‘A New Hope’ (1977), I already know Obi-Wan, Leia, and Luke survive. This kills the suspense in life-or-death scenes, like Reva’s attack on the Lars farm. The show leans too hard on fake tension, which feels pointless when the outcome is clear.

It could’ve focused more on Obi-Wan’s inner struggles to create stakes, but instead, it spends time on action that lacks weight. This makes some episodes feel like they’re just filling time, which hurts the rewatch value.

Ways ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ Aged Masterfully

Emotional Depth of Obi-Wan

Ewan McGregor’s performance as Obi-Wan is a standout, capturing a broken man haunted by his past. His guilt over Anakin’s fall and the Jedi Order’s collapse feels raw and real, grounding the series in a way that still hits hard.

Watching Obi-Wan slowly rediscover his purpose is moving. McGregor bridges the younger Obi-Wan from the prequels to the wise hermit of ‘A New Hope’ (1977), making his journey feel authentic and deeply human.

Vader’s Terrifying Presence

Hayden Christensen’s return as Darth Vader, paired with James Earl Jones’ iconic voice, is chilling. Vader’s rage and obsession with finding Obi-Wan add a layer of menace that still feels powerful. His duels with Obi-Wan are intense, showing his raw strength and pain.

The show taps into Vader’s inner conflict, especially in the final battle where his scarred face is revealed. This moment deepens his tragedy, making him more than just a villain, and it still gives me chills.

Leia’s Introduction

Vivien Lyra Blair’s young Leia is a revelation. Her sassy, clever personality feels true to the Leia of ‘A New Hope’ (1977), and her chemistry with Obi-Wan adds heart to the series. I love how she’s portrayed as a sharp, rebellious kid.

The choice to focus on Leia instead of Luke was bold and pays off. It gives a fresh angle on a familiar character, and Blair’s performance makes their bond a highlight that holds up beautifully.

Tying to the Larger Saga

The series connects the prequels and original trilogy in smart ways. It shows Obi-Wan’s transition from a defeated Jedi to the guardian of ‘A New Hope’ (1977), filling in gaps about his time on Tatooine. Cameos like Jimmy Smits as Bail Organa feel earned and tie the story together.

It also sets up themes of hope and rebellion that echo in later Star Wars stories, like ‘Andor’ (2022–present). These links make the show feel like a vital piece of the saga, even years later.

Nostalgic Flashbacks

The flashback scenes with Obi-Wan and Anakin training are pure gold. They capture the warmth of their past friendship while hinting at Anakin’s inner turmoil. Choosing not to overuse CGI de-aging keeps the focus on Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen’s raw performances.

These moments add emotional weight to their present-day clashes. I still get goosebumps watching them spar, knowing the tragedy that awaits, and it makes the series feel timeless.

What’s your take on ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’—did any moments stand out or fall flat for you? Drop your thoughts in the comments!