Warning: Spoilers for Obi-Wan Kenobi episodes 1 & 2
Obi-Wan’s fighting abilities are leaving a lot to be desired in Obi-Wan Kenobi. Considering the skill and power he possesses as an experienced Jedi Master, the difficulties Obi-Wan has faced thus far have been rather surprising. He hasn’t even had to fight the Inquisitors yet and he’s already endured some rough, physical challenges.
Obi-Wan may not be the best the Jedi Order has ever had, but he does have a legendary reputation among the group. As the Jedi who took down Darth Maul (when Qui-Gon Jin couldn’t) in Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace and cut Anakin Skywalker in half in Stars Wars: Revenge of the Sith, Obi-Wan has cemented his status as a powerful Jedi warrior. In light of his accomplishments in the Star Wars franchise, there’s no question of Obi-Wan’s talents. He’s highly skilled with a lightsaber and also adept at using the Force. But aside from the one moment where he saved Leia from a fall, these elements of his characters weren’t on display in the first two episodes of Disney+’s Obi-Wan Kenobi show.
Obi-Wan having so much trouble fighting stormtroopers and low-level criminals indicates that he’s so much weaker than he used to be. That can be attributed to a few factors, chief among them being Obi-Wan’s advancing age. Canonically, the character should be in his late ‘40s, but how the show is empathizing his age through frequent jabs about him being old makes it seem like he’s even older than that somehow. But either way, Obi-Wan simply isn’t in his prime anymore. He naturally isn’t as agile or as physically strong as he was in his 30s. Making matters worse for the character is his current situation. His quiet life on Tatooine has lacked the intensity he would need to remain at his best.
In addition to getting older, Obi-Wan’s life as a whole has slowed down considerably. He hasn’t been using the Force, nor has he been training padawans or saving the galaxy from the Sith. With these things in mind, it makes sense for Obi-Wan to be rather weak in his new Star Wars show. However, continuing at his current pace may not be sustainable for the show’s remaining four episodes. An adjustment period may be needed, but Obi-Wan will eventually have to regain his lost edge.
Obi-Wan may not be capable of getting back to where he once was, but he’ll have to come close. After all, a showdown with Reva in Obi-Wan Kenobi appears inevitable. Not only that, but she’s unlikely to be the only challenger he’ll have to go through before it’s all over. To succeed, Ewan McGregor’s character may have to remind viewers why Anakin once described him as a Jedi with the wisdom of Yoda and the power of Mace Windu.
Obi-Wan Kenobi releases new episodes on Wednesdays on Disney+.
