Warning! SPOILERS for Obi-Wan Kenobi episode 5.

The flashback to Anakin Skywalker in Obi-Wan Kenobi is far more important than a simple fan service sequence in the new Star Wars series. Not only does the past mirror the titular Jedi master's present conflict with Darth Vader, but it also divulges key elements of Kenobi's ongoing relationship with his former fallen Padawan that still persist. Holding the key to victory in Obi-Wan Kenobi episode 5, the flashbacks to Hayden Christensen as young Anakin Skywalker may be the series' most important sequence thus far.

While Obi-Wan Kenobi episode 1 saw Kenobi having dreams of the past, every shot of his nightmare was from pre-existing footage seen in the prequel trilogy, showing his inability to let go of the past and his self-perceived failures with the Padawan who became his brother as a Jedi knight during the Clone Wars. However, Obi-Wan Kenobi episode 5 sees the Jedi master attempting to escape the Empire and Darth Vader himself while helping young Princess Leia and the secret resistance cell known as The Path. During this conflict, both Obi-Wan and the Dark Lord of the Sith remember their shared history as master and apprentice.

Related: Obi-Wan Kenobi Is Missing Lucas' Secret Weapon

In a brand new sequence filmed for Obi-Wan episode 5, Kenobi's Anakin flashback takes place some time before the events of Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones. However, what makes this scene so crucial is that it directly informs Vader's assault on Kenobi and The Path in the present. Darth Vader can anticipate Kenobi's next moves while Obi-Wan likewise knows the mistakes his former apprentice will make, resulting in the Jedi's escape with Leia and The Path. However, the flashbacks go beyond simply providing Kenobi's key to victory. The fact that Kenobi and Vader still know how the other thinks tragically proves that their bond still remains, despite the years of darkness and trauma. They're still connected as brothers.

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The past is the present and the present is the past with these new flashbacks of Obi-Wan training with Anakin. It's amazing and tragic all at the same time, given the full scope of their relationship in the Star Wars timeline. Even the combat choreography is reminiscent of their iconic battle on the lava world of Mustafar which led to Anakin's true transformation into the Sith Lord Darth Vader. Despite being on opposite sides of the Force, their brotherhood still persists, which makes it that much harder for Obi-Wan to face Vader.

As the new Star Wars series heads toward its upcoming finale, it's going to be exciting to see what will potentially be a final reckoning between Obi-Wan and Vader before Kenobi fades back into pre-New Hope obscurity. After this episode and its incredibly dynamic flashbacks, it seems Obi-Wan has begun to look past the bond he still has with Anakin to see the Sith Lord he's become - the one he must finally face as Obi-Wan Kenobi reaches its conclusion.

More: Star Wars Canon Spoils Every Big Kenobi Twist

New episodes of Obi-Wan Kenobi release Wednesdays on Disney+.

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