The Obi-Wan Kenobi series just wrapped up on Disney+. While there are mixed feelings amongst fans about the series, there is absolutely no doubt that Disney knocked it out of the park with their portrayal of a younger Darth Vader, and Hayden Christensen puts on a stunning performance. Christensen artfully portrays one of the most iconic villains in cinematic history, which cannot be understated. He had a lot to live up to, and in our opinion, Christensen not only put on a stellar performance, but he allowed us to explore a Vader we’ve never seen before. We saw the birth of Darth Vader in Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith and an old, grizzled Vader in the original trilogy. In Obi-Wan Kenobi, he is absolutely terrifying while still, at times, relatable, and even sympathetic.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
Indeed, this is some of the best acting Christensen has ever done. Say what you will about his performance in Attack of the Clones, but he is superb in Obi-Wan Kenobi’s final episode and throughout the series. Vader’s character was extremely well-written. Let’s look at what made this iteration of Darth Vader give audiences the best on-screen portrayal of the iconic villain to date.
Young, Hateful & Ruthless
Lucasfilm / Disney
The Darth Vader that Hayden Christensen portrays in the Obi-Wan Series is drastically different from the Vader of the original trilogy. He is only one decade into being Darth Vader after turning to the dark side in Revenge of the Sith. In episode three of the Obi-Wan Kenobi series, Vader intentionally starts taking the villagers’ lives to draw Obi-Wan out from hiding (in one case, snapping the neck of a young boy).
This Darth Vader has no qualms about taking innocent lives and was willing to rip apart a transport to get his hands on his former Master. Vader knew Obi-Wan’s weak points and did not hesitate to take advantage of them.
Vader is still relatively young, still struggling with the hate that engulfs his very being. Indeed, Vader’s burning hatred for Obi-Wan drives most of his decision-making in this series. His rage prevents him from making tactical decisions, for example, when he orders the star destroyer to pursue Obi-Wan’s lone ship instead of wiping out the last remnant of Force-sensitive individuals in the galaxy who are not loyal to the Empire. Vader also chooses to face Obi-Wan alone when he could have easily sent a battalion of stormtroopers to capture him, likely because he still feels that desire to prove he is more powerful than his former master. This desire to establish his dominance, combined with his hatred for Obi-Wan, ultimately leads to Vader losing the fight. Vader underestimates Obi-Wan as well, which, again, can be attributed to his youth and lack of experience.
Terrifying But Still Subservient
In his final scene in Obi-Wan Kenobi, Vader is seen with his mask once again intact, and his quest to destroy Kenobi remains his sole objective. While his on-screen presence is terrifying, he remains subservient to his new master, the Sith Lord Darth Sidious. Sidious questions Vader’s emotions and even suggests that he has some allegiance to his former master. However, Vader dispenses with the notion at once, claiming he only serves Sidious. Despite Vader’s terrifying presence, he is still very much a student and not the one “pulling the strings.” Sidious sees his obsession with his former master and realizes that it could make him less easy to control. Hence, he manipulates Vader into thinking that his obsession is a weakness left-over from Anakin Skywalker. Vader acknowledges that he — not Obi-Wan — killed Anakin Skywalker and the “weakness” that held him back.
Vader’s desire to please Sidious outweighs his desire to destroy Kenobi. So, in the series finale, Vader appears to let his obsession go. We know from the original trilogy that Vader and Kenobi will cross paths once more, and just as he did in the series, Vader faces Obi-Wan alone. The series waits until Vader’s final scene to remind audiences that he, too, answers to someone. It was genius of the writers not to include Palpatine in the series until the very end. Darth Vader is meant to be the villain of this story. His final scene at the end reminds us that Darth Vader is a villain, but he is not the biggest villain in the galaxy.
Irredeemable (For Now)
Lucasfilm Ltd.Disney
“You didn’t kill Anakin Skywalker. I did.” - The brutally honest truth Vader lays on Kenobi in the aftermath of their duel shatters any remaining hope Obi-Wan held out for his former Padawan and friend. Anakin is dead and Vader is “what remains.” Christensen delivers these words with absolute perfection. Obi-Wan cracking through Vader’s mask allows the audience to see his face for the first time in live-action since the early-80s. It also allows us to hear his voice intercut with the voice modulator. This is executed to perfection. What’s more, the lighting is also used as a tool to represent Vader’s frame of mind, as we see the blue light reflecting off his face, eventually turning to a smoldering red by the end of his sad admission that Anakin is gone.
Although audiences know Vader will ultimately be redeemed, it doesn’t make hearing his menacing declaration any less sad. One can’t help but feel sorry for Vader as he is left injured by Obi-Wan, in a fit of rage, screaming his name. Obi-Wan’s ultimate acceptance reflects the audience’s resolve that Vader is all that is left of Anakin, both physically and metaphorically. And he even leaves Vader with the final words, “Goodbye, Darth.” This is Obi-Wan’s way of saying that Vader is now nothing more to him than just another evil, hateful Sith Lord who has been lost to the dark side.
Darth Vader is one of cinema’s most iconic villains. While many Star Wars fans were initially skeptical of the Obi-Wan Kenobi series, and whether they could successfully portray a Vader that would live up to the name, Disney/Lucasfilm succeeded in this regard. They not only successfully navigated continuity between the original and prequel trilogies, but they ultimately enhanced both stories. This is highlighted in so many ways throughout the series: The flashbacks to Order 66 are terrifying, giving us more of Vader before his injuries; the monologue shows us who Vader has become; and beautiful use of light and sound bridges the gap between Episodes III and IV of The Skywalker saga, magnificently portraying the inner struggles of both Vader and Obi-Wan. Disney/Lucasfilm was able to show Vader’s cruelty, brutality, and vulnerability in a way that stayed true to the character we know and love. This series did not tarnish Darth Vader’s legacy, quite the opposite.
