Well, looks like it’s time to discuss Obi-Wan Kenobi. Coming as a shock to probably no one, the new series is dividing fans everywhere. The ‘die hards’ are disappointed, the casuals are happy for the fan service, and the moderates sit somewhere in between. Thus far, Obi-Wan Kenobi has proved one thing above all else: There’s just no pleasing everyone. The long awaited series succeeds most in the fact that it has everyone talking about it. Whether the perceptions are good or bad, Obi-Wan Kenobi is sending shockwaves through the ether.
Obi-Wan Kenobi. Coming as a shock to probably no one, the new series is dividing fans everywhere
It’s neither objectively that good, nor that bad. To be honest though, and this may sting the fanatics, Stars Wars in general has never really been that great. Sure the stories are fun and the lore that George Lucas created is broad and unique, but to pretend as though the films (new or old) are in any way masterpieces would just be disingenuous. As films or TV shows, it would take all day to point out the faults and flaws that could easily have been fixed. There’s no sense in even going there though. The Star Wars saga has earned the right to be called ‘iconic’ even if there is a fair amount of dissent.
As for Obi-Wan Kenobi, it does do a lot in terms of fan service. The decision to bring back Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christenson has been met with positive rejoice, and both of the actors are at the top of their game even given the challenges of the writing. Speaking of the writing, now there’s something to make note of. For some reason, the writing team saw fit to completely alter the way people in the Star Wars universe speak. There’s far less heightened language and way more modern dialogue than in any of the projects filmed prior. The series also has one director, and there will be more than a single bone to be picked with her when all is said and done. Deborah Chow’s decision to implement the ‘shaky cam’ was probably not a wise one, and the overall production from the framing down to the FX is lacklustre in comparison to the previous films. No one was expecting this show to be better than the original trilogy or the prequels but again, objectively, this director and creative team honestly didn’t even get close.
This is in no way meant to dissuade viewers from watching it. To reiterate, there are pros and cons but as stated before, there’s just no way to please everyone. There’s very little question however, that Disney made hardly any attempt at all to stay within the universe’s canon. This is a problem not just for Star Wars fans, but for film fans in general who are keen on continuity and consistency. This is hopefully to be addressed in the second season that has already been announced. If none of this is a problem, see the show. Fans who have yet to see it, well, considered yourself so advised of what to expect.
