Obi-Wan Kenobi: Master of Two Worlds

This episode of Hyperspace Theories offers the third discussion in our three-part analysis of Obi-Wan Kenobi, following our previous commentary on the first two and middle three components of the Disney+ series. Tricia Barr and B.J. Priester first break down the trio of major character arcs resolved in Part VI: the content and consequences of the second showdown in Obi-Wan Kenobi between Obi-Wan and Vader, and how Reva’s parallel subplot further illuminates their choices while defining her own. We also examine how Part VI contains deliberate ambiguity regarding Reva’s exact motivations in seeking to kill Luke on Tatooine, before her change of heart and merciful compassion from Obi-Wan.

We then return to the Hero’s Journey aspects of the series. On its own terms, Obi-Wan Kenobi concludes a full progression through Christopher Vogler’s cinematic model of the journey. Viewed through the lens of Joseph Campbell’s monomyth, by contrast, Obi-Wan Kenobi contains the Departure and Initiation phases of the hero’s transformation. The Return phase is not absent from the character’s story, though – it appears in A New Hope. Only then does the moment finally arrive for Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi to complete his Hero’s Journey, synthesizing his character development from the Prequel Trilogy, The Clone Wars, and Obi-Wan Kenobi to attain the highest state of mastery.

Related Links:

• Dave Filoni Speaks at Star Wars Celebration Anaheim 2022

Contact Information:

• Hyperspace Theories: Twitter @HyperspacePod
• Tricia Barr: Twitter @FANgirlcantina; email [e-mail]
• B.J. Priester: Twitter @RedPenofLex; email [e-mail]