The Heartbreaking Obi-Wan Kenobi Part VI Scene Fans Can't Stop Praising
Spoilers ahead for the sixth and final episode of "Obi-Wan Kenobi"
Whether it's Alec Guinness, James Arnold Taylor, or Ewan McGregor bringing him to life, most "Star Wars" fans would agree that Obi-Wan Kenobi is one of the franchise's best characters. Naturally, this made the Disney+ limited series centered on the aging Jedi master an easy sell for the bulk of the community. Set a decade after "Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith," the record-smashing show follows Kenobi (McGregor) during his days in exile as the Galactic Empire reaches its full might. However, he winds up living anything but a solitary existence leading up to "Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope."
Called in by Bail Organa (Jimmy Smits), Kenobi reluctantly takes on a mission to rescue his adopted daughter, Princess Leia Organa (Vivien Lyra Blair), from Imperial custody. This quest ends up being just the thing the long-retired Jedi needs to get out of his defeated funk, and by the time he reunites Leia with her family, he rediscovers himself and his optimism for the future. However, that doesn't come easy, seeing as he has to come face-to-face on multiple occasions with his former padawan, Anakin Skywalker, who has transformed into the villainous Darth Vader (Hayden Christiansen).
After a brutal confrontation in Episode 3 that concluded with Kenobi being dragged through fire by the fearsome Sith lord, the sixth and final episode of "Obi-Wan Kenobi" gives fans yet another clash between the two — one that brings with it a heartbreaking yet praise-worthy detail.
Vader's voice had fans amazed
With Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader at their best, the two Force-users crossed sabers once again in Episode 6. However, unlike their previous encounter on Mapuzo, this time Vader took the loss. Kenobi even damaged his suit and cracked his helmet, which revealed Anakin Skywalker's charred face beneath. As a result, whenever Vader spoke, James Earl Jones and Hayden Christiansen's voices layered on top of each other came out. Fans on Reddit absolutely loved this small detail, even if it served as a sad reminder that Anakin and Vader are indeed one and the same.
Of course, for as heart-wrenching yet remarkable as this moment was, "Star Wars" fans — particularly those who follow the animated side of the saga — have seen something like it before. The Season 2 finale of "Star Wars Rebels," titled "Twilight of the Apprentice," hosts a duel between Darth Vader and Anakin Skywalker's longtime padawan, Ahsoka Tano (Ashley Eckstein). During their fight, she splits his helmet open and gives us a similar look at Anakin's face. This time around, dialog provided by James Earl Jones synced with lines from Anakin's "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" voice actor, Matt Lanter.
Regardless of the medium, it's always a big moment when "Star Wars" gives us a look at the remains of Anakin Skywalker beneath Darth Vader's armor. The captivating audio work in both "Rebels" and "Obi-Wan Kenobi" only enhanced the viewing experience.