Warning: Spoilers for Obi-Wan Kenobi episodes 1 & 2.
Leia Organa is proving to be more important than Luke Skywalker in Obi-Wan Kenobi. A young version of the Imperial princess played a major role in the first two episodes of the Disney+ series. Luke, on the other hand, had a much smaller presence.
The third live-action Star Wars TV show has presented the franchise with an opportunity to look back at the lives of Obi-Wan Kenobi, Luke, Leia, and Darth Vader between the events of Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope. Due to what the franchise has already established, there wasn’t much of a mystery regarding how at least two of these characters spent their time. It’s always been understood that while Luke was living a normal life on his aunt and uncle’s farm on Tatooine, Obi-Wan was watching over him from afar to ensure that no harm befell him. However, the reveal that the Jedi was getting his own show made it clear that there was much more to the story.
Because of what’s known about Obi-Wan’s life, it would make sense for the series to focus heavily on Luke. However, it’s since become apparent that the character is being overshadowed by Leia, whose kidnapping sent on her an adventure with her father’s former master in Obi-Wan Kenobi episode 2. The decision for the Star Wars franchise to take this route with Leia is surprising, which is actually a big part of why it works so well for the series. The show’s premise and timeline of events pointed to a great deal of attention being put on Luke, but the show cleverly subverted all those expectations by finding a way to pivot to Leia. In doing so, Obi-Wan Kenobi was able to offer an unexpected twist.
In addition to that, pairing Obi-Wan with Leia instead of Luke allows the show to help set up A New Hope. In fact, it gave deeper meaning to why Leia was so convinced that Obi-Wan was her “only hope” of rescue. Now, it’s known that the Jedi had actually saved her once before already. This reveal adds quite a bit to the story but does so in a way that doesn’t make the mistake of disrupting Star Wars canon. That would have been difficult to do if the show gave Luke something meaningful to do instead.
Who Luke was and what his relationship with Obi-Wan was at the beginning of A New Hope makes it better that he’s taking a backseat to his sister in the new series. After all, Luke was always supposed to have a relatively uneventful, quiet life on Tatooine before leaving the planet. To do too much with his character would risk ruining his story. Plus, having Obi-Wan take a short leave isn’t a problem, especially since it’s known that whatever happens, he’ll end up back on Tatooine to resume his duties as Luke’s guardian.
Obi-Wan Kenobi releases new episodes on Wednesdays on Disney+.
Key Release Dates
Rogue Squadron
Release Date:2023-12-22
