Why Vader Didn't Jump Over the Fire in Kenobi...

In Obi-Wan Kenobi Episode 3, Vader beat Kenobi in a fairly easy lightsaber duel. The last time they met as Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi, we all know who won, but this time, it wasn't even a question. I don't even know if this can be called a fair fight, because Obi-Wan wasn't even really fighting. He was just more scared than everything.
Vader has been after Kenobi since revenge of the Sith, so why didn't he go through the fire to get him? Why did he let him get away?
Let's discuss today's Star Wars Theory.
Join this channel to get access to perks:
/ @starwarstheory
Continue the conversation on the Theory forums!
starwarstheory.com/THEORY/posts
Become a Patron to support future content - / starwarstheory

[@graves5091]

Vader sensed in the force that there are still 3 episodes left, an animated series, his cameo in an animated series finale, one pre-trilogy movie, and a trilogy.

[@BulanuRoz]

actually,there will be 10 episodes apparently

[@maradona2]

Hahahahaha

[@Capybara2240]

@@BulanuRoz no there will not

[@tikvision]

Best answer ever

[@BulanuRoz]

@@Capybara2240 didn't ewan say that there will be 10 episodes?

[@EmpireFanProductions]

I could tell that Vader was both clearly disappointed in the lack of fight in Kenobi and yet satisfied that he had broken Kenobi’s spirit, and is also willing to wait for the next opportunity to destroy Kenobi, similar to how Maul did it.

[@r.e.z9428]

Then why order his troops to take Obiwan in? He was going to torture him not destroy him. The writing doesn't give that.

[@butternutsauce]

Exactly on the money. Vader/Anakin was a warrior who loved combat. Kenobi being so weak had to be very disappointing for Vader. It’s a win win, he gets to prolong Kenobi’s anguish and suffering, and he gets to fight Kenobi again perhaps when he is stronger.

[@ace_v2905]

@@r.e.z9428 I guess maybe because Vader had no other “out” other than killing him. I dunno 🤷‍♂️

[@JohnWick_of_Politics]

@@r.e.z9428 Exactly! And when stormtroopers failed the writers forgot Vader just put out flames with the force and forgot he threw him around with the Force like a rag doll.

[@r.e.z9428]

@@ace_v2905 No other outs? He won, ObiWan is a pathetic mess, he doesn't need an out. Otherwise he would have simply crushed ObiWan with the force, snapped his neck, or something. ObiWan is no more powerful than those civilians Vader killed apparently. It's not your fault you don't know though, it's the show's writers.

[@darthwiizius]

"And now his failure is complete", Vader only turned back to the light side after he moved on from then a few minutes later he chucked the Emperor down a reactor shaft. I think Obi Wan acted as an anchor for Vader's pain so when that was gone Anakin returned because he had no one left to hate or blame apart from the Emperor, hence the reactor shaft.

[@carsunleashed9908]

Fascinating take

[@darthwiizius]

@@carsunleashed9908 Well he didn't hate Luke so couldn't build his power to defeat him so the only one left from that time where his hate grew was the Emperor and he didn't last much longer than Obey Wan before being yeeted, and even then Vader didn't destroy Obey Wan in the end.

[@tomhanks1769]

Vader hated himself though, more than anything else, one of the reasons why he finally went to the light side was when he realized how good Luke was, if Luke was good, it means something good came from him, which means that he too can be good.

[@samyelson]

I never once considered a fear of fire. The very first thing in my mind was a moment of compassion. He found someone he searched for 10 years, he tortured him, got the satisfaction he always wanted, but it wasn't as sweet as anticipated. I think he might have had flashbacks and a sliver of compassion. Kenobi was like a father he never had. Even in the movies we see Vader's compassion slip through for his own son. If he has a deep connection to someone he can crack. It's often why sith are forced to eliminate their last connections.

[@MIGHTYBEE0133]

As in rebels, when he fought ahsoka like 4 years after this event took place, when Ashoka breaks piece of his mask and looks him in the eye

[@chriswhetton3584]

That is what I was thinking as well, despite what he has done, there still is some good in Vadar and I assumed he was more conflicted than he expected upon meeting Kenobi. Sort of a La Ben Solo when he met his Han. Heck, the fire wasn’t the moment he could have most easily killed him.

[@Johnsmithswiss]

Or lazy writing

[@brianpuente2724]

@@Johnsmithswiss exactly

[@kirkhassett8726]

Vader’s two lines of dialogue during the flames scene explain it all for us: “Now, you will SUFFER, Obi-Wan!” and “Your PAIN has just BEGUN!” So of course he intends to torment Kenobi from this point. Simply killing him would be “All too easy…”

[@26mic]

I create entertaining vids too broddie

[@JohnSmith-wr7lg]

You mean like in A New Hope when Kenobi gives up and Vader strikes him down? Really wanted him to suffer….. for about three seconds. “When I left you I was but the learner now I am the master”. Doesn’t make sense. 1. Anakin was pushing Kenobi back the entire ROTS fight. So at best they were damn near equal with a touch in Anakins direction as far as power goes. 2. He just slaughtered him in this last episode of Kenobi. 3. If Vader loses again I will laugh so hard. He constantly kills people that fail him but he is constantly failing himself. I want to be a fly on the wall when he has to tell the emperor why he lost. “Well you see my Lord… I had him beaten but there was some flames… nothing this dark lord could do about that! Cough cough I mean I let him go! I let him go and it turns out that was a bad idea. He got stronger in those days off and kicked my butt. Don’t worry my lord. I’ll get him next time”!

[@michibeatz1030]

Ahaaaaaa 👉🏼👉🏼

[@nix9583]

Then why would he let him get away? Obi disappeared for years, why would he let him slip away again? We need to call out pathetic writing and directing, not try and cope our mind into liking it.

[@MrML4L]

And completely invalidates the confrontation in a new hope

[@RandomPersonProbably]

I feel like the quote “Your pain has only just begun” speaks volumes about why Vader is doing this. He wants Kenobi to feel the fear, pain and dread that he has felt after Kenobi abandoned him. In his mind Obi-Wan allowed his mother to die, turned his wife against him, burned him alive trapping him in his suit and in a way drove him to be a slave of Sidious. So in Vaders mind killing Kenobi is no where near enough to right these wrongs and he really wants to drag this out to squeeze every last drop of fear and pain he can.

[@spaceghostcqc2137]

I think he wants to remake Kenobi in his image. To break him as and see him accept that the dark path is the correct one. To have Kenobi call HIM master and pledge himself to his teachings. The way he toyed with him was just like with Luke...

[@owenandrew7951]

@@spaceghostcqc2137 This is a super interesting idea. It would be cool to see an Obi Wan questioning his faith in the Force. Only thing I would say is Vader wouldn’t drag Luke through fire, I think this is the most angry we’ve ever seen Vader.

[@ThDragonMachida]

i think he wanted kenobi to feel what he feelt when he left him burned in mustafar but this time it was him leaving kenobi burned alive

[@conorking3579]

Yeah your so wrong. I often allow people to have their own opinion but be honest with yourself your making up far fetched ideas to explain why vader is retarded. You wouldn't do that if the show was good. You'd just be praising it. Therefore you are inherently wrong about vader having some deep reason for not killing kenobi when in reality its simply down to bad writing and plot holes. Hate to break it to you. Disney aren't good at making star wars. Neither is dave balony and whatever the other guys name is.

[@Real28]

THIS. I loved the whole start of him killing the villagers to start that fear all the way to him just letting him go. Sure, he can't kill him. But Anakin blames Obi for EVERYTHING. And let's not forget, Obiwan has seen some shit by this point too. He's not impervious to the PTSD that he likely has after the events of Ep 3. I loved it. This is the Vader I've wanted to see. I've wanted to see the Vader that's filled with rage to the point he would do something like this.

[@MR.ICE.]

I loved in this episode how Vader said “I am what you made me.” He didn’t even sound angry. More broken than anything.

[@arrow2589]

To be fair, his voice modulator only allows him one tone and pitch. He can't have emotion in his voice. Another thing the emperor took from him

[@MR.ICE.]

@@arrow2589 Palpatine was truly, a horrible bastard. Vader is such an amazing and tragic villain.

[@DuskChyld]

Obi wan should have replied “I told you not to try it” shrug*

[@MR.ICE.]

@@DuskChyld I could only imagine how angry Vader would be at hearing that lol

[@kevinuspsa9353]

“I remember making you a lot shorter!”

[@talonquestbg6830]

Imagine how insane a scene of him fighting Kenobi again on Mustafar in his suit would be. Kenobi knocks him all the way into the lava this time and thinks it’s over then, we see Vader rise walking straight out of the lava towards his prey. Showing Kenobi he now has no weaknesses. Would be so dope to see.

[@chefalex1753]

“I don’t have such weaknesses”

[@sandman297]

Disney don’t have the nuts to do something as cool as that

[@jaycemcqueen306]

“No weaknesses” but gets shocked and dies in Episode 6 of the movies

[@jamesyeary5018]

Another factor that I just thought of: even at his most evil, Vader still has the slightest shred of conflict inside. It wouldn't fully come to fruition until his duel with Luke in ROTJ, but it's still there. Seeing his old master likely dredges up memories of his former life and (although causing rage and hatred) possibly brings up his regret, his immense sadness, and his guilt for what he has become.

[@Lucitin]

I have a theory that he always knew that he had at least one living child, my theory is that he's been having the inquisitors gather all force sensitive children because he's ALREADY looking for Luke (he never learns it was twins until Return of the Jedi). He has always wanted to destroy Sidious for lying to him, and purposefully putting him in a suit that leaves him with huge weakness. Even after Anakin's fall, it's known he was not fully lost. There's good in him, and even he knows it. He hates what he became, but still believe it's the only way for him to reunite with Padme. By the end of Return he can see that through his son's actions and how he never gave up on him, Padme is still here. Maybe not in person, alive, but she lives on in Anakin, Leia, and Luke (even though they never met her) so both things summed up: they're looking for his child, and he never EVER fully was consumed by the dark side, even if holding on to his old self was just to spite Palpatine.

[@brandonmunsen2790]

thats what i was thinking. Anakin was verry verry emotional

[@KakerouAssociation]

@@Crutonwyt someones an angry little man

[@Lucitin]

@@Crutonwyt dude we all know Ben ends up back on tatooine watching over Luke and is physically uninjured. In this show it's during the time that he thought Anakin died after their battle, now that he knows he is alive and Vader has come in contact in person, Ben is at risk of giving away where Luke is. The inquisitors are Vader's project behind the emperor's back, they are scouring the galaxy for force sensitive children. Clearly he's after his son so together they can destroy the emperor who manipulated him,humiliated him, and destroyed his entire life. Vader's entire goal other than revenge on Obi Wan is to destroy the emperor that literally orchestrated everything and used Anakin to do it. It's not some far fetched theory dude, in every previous canon Vader has been scheming behind Sheev's back. You think Palpatine would let the inquisitors remain if he knew about them? The rule of 2

[@toxiclegend3286]

@@Crutonwyt why you so pressed bro, it's just a theory bro.

[@mattkeith4072]

I think another possibility is Vader can sense something in Obi-wan that he wants more answers to. Maybe Obi-wan, when in the fire, is worried about Leia and/or Luke. Vader may not know exactly what he's thinking about, but it's enough for him to take pause. He also wants to find out who is helping him and if it's a bigger movement.

[@26mic]

I create entertaining vids too homie

[@shaolinmonkey1111]

Yes! This!! I get the feeling that along with toying with him he’s also decided that this is a great opportunity for Obi Wan to possibly reveal more about this network of Jedi survivors etc.

[@markusaurelius4015]

This is what I think. He stopped when the other two showed up to help. I think he wants to take down the bigger prize… He noticed there must be an organized group they might lead him to.

[@shikster9]

This is an excellent answer.

[@jbarber1016]

@@shikster9 yep. Same I was gonna say. Great response. Best I’ve seen.

[@AdamConus]

I feel like the intent was the flames were meant to represent an impenetrable barrier, dramatically, but they wanted Vader to be able to see Kenobi still so they didn't make the inferno large enough to get that across to the audience. We are left to accept that Vader couldn't reach his prey, even though the visual we got on the screen suggested that he could have.

[@dylanmohr4441]

His suit is fire proof, so youd think he could walk through it no matter the height of the flames

[@dachshund_gaming]

@@dylanmohr4441 and he blew the flames out with the force not seconds earlier

[@bustakeats1416]

Anakin is still in there and the fire symbolizes his unwillingness to actually kill kenobi. No matter what “Vader” wants.

[@bubblehulk7647]

@@dachshund_gaming not to mention he can move objects with his mind. Like he also did seconds earlier. This scene was kind of cool for a second, then immediately turned stupid level 100.

[@PreppingWithSarge]

That still doesn’t work though as he could have force pulled Obi’s unconscious body to him. Also in canon Vader comics they establish that fire and lava can not hurt him anymore. He can force bubble and his suit is flame resistent

[@jonathonredacted3396]

I really believe the reason he changes his mind after telling the trooper to fetch him is because he sees somone cares for kenobi and wants to help him. There may be more and he can break kenobi if he kills them too. He wants to destroy him and everyone close to him.

[@floridamanknives]

This is the only thing I’ve seen that really explains him changing his mind after telling the stormtroopers to get him, kill the lady and droid and look at Kenobi and say “this is your fault”…. something like that.

[@SciFyerGaming]

That's a really good explanation

[@moe59mak]

He finds a Kenobi sympathiser, and decides to let Kenobi go.... Yeah he's following to find a bigger prize. Maybe even more Jedi. He does this with the Millennium Falcon in ANH

[@wanxion6143]

Yes exactly!!!

[@DunkIeosteus]

Terrible explanation

[@batorian03]

Vader told the stormtooper "Bring him to me!". Then he got rescued by the droid, which would mean that Kenobi has got allies (from Vader's perspective). That's why I think Vader changed his mind, he wants Kenobi to lead him to his allies, so he can annihilate them all. That's how I explain this scene to myself.

[@emilgrabl-undersrud469]

that's a good take actually

[@shanajackson5044]

These are the same writers that put the Leia chase scene in an episode. I think the writers just suck and have no clue about Star Wars.

[@andreas8488]

Reasonable take, but I like to think that Vader is filled with hate and will not let Kenobi escape by any means.

[@JohnSmith-wr7lg]

@@shanajackson5044 Exactly. They didn’t even have Vader turn his head after that blaster went off. Well at least not for 5 seconds. That chick could have literally shot Vader in the head lol.

[@jrobs1133]

Yes a man of singular vision changes his mind about Kenobi in the space of 2 seconds.

[@mht2315]

The episode literally showed us he could put out the fire easily moments before. Whatever his reason is to let Kenobi go, it's 100% intentional. Also, Vader probably thinks Kenobi can't possibly leave the planet, since all ports are being closed. He's just toying with him.

[@connormcbride7451]

those were my thoughts exactly after seeing that scene. Don't get why so many people are freaking out about it haha

[@26mic]

I create entertaining vids too my g

[@bruhdon4748]

I don’t know if the writers and producers are talented or aware enough for that honestly, you’re giving Disney too much credit

[@GregorioStyreco]

@@connormcbride7451 People freak out, because its cool to freak out nowadays. Copy and Paste Reaction Channels ftw right?!

[@BonoYoga]

Ofcourse its 100% intentional, its 100% bad story-writing.

[@Celestial_Reach]

This is something that happens to people who have been absolutely broken. I can kinda relate personally, and I really hope I can find my end in a place of wisdom and serenity as Kenobi does

[@7oy]

The inquisitor said it himself: some things are worst than death. Being tortured mentally and physically by Vader is worst than simply dying quick and painlessly at his hand.

[@jrobs1133]

Could have captured him and tortured him for as long as he wanted.

[@26mic]

dawg I create entertaining vids too G

[@TeemoForLife]

@G Money good point. Hasnt done this with other Jedi isn't it.....special treatment to Kenobi

[@JohnWick_of_Politics]

@G Money "Oh, oh, oh... but this is a young Vader," say the Fan-Rationalizing-Writers. Vader would have Force-snapped Tala's neck, crushed NED-B making Kenobi watch. Sad to see so many Fan-Rationalizations for horrible TV. Next they'll say "oh, Vader let Kenobi go for the hunt" after Vader took TEN YEARS to find him.

[@suspencefool4548]

@G Money kenobi is different from all the other prey Vader has come across. They share history together, of course Vader would prolong the killing of his master.

[@mightywelsh2787]

This was a psychological move. You can see when that shot was fired he didn’t even look like the stormtroopers did to see where it came from. He continued to stare at Obi wan. He’s unbothered. He feels like he’s dominating kenobi and he wants him too know that too. Total power move to let him live.

[@SlytherinsConspiracies]

your absolutely delusional if you think that. A non sensical scene justified by a frothing at the mouth religiously fanatical fanbase.

[@crimsonstripes]

​​@@SlytherinsConspiracies We just gotta see how the rest of the show plays out. I see both sides here and I don't like justifying dumb writing either. That being said, this might not seem dumb once we have the entire show and more is explained.

[@rasmuserlandsson2204]

@@SlytherinsConspiracies Lol. You know absolutely nothing about Vader. That's for sure.

[@Real28]

@@SlytherinsConspiracies that's odd because the "religiously fanatical" fanbase are the ones who think this episode is so screwed up. They're the ones who think the SW movies and stories are air tight when they are far from it. Each episode from 1-9 you can ask questions that absolutely ruin the plot. So, you've got it backwards. The fanatical zealots in the community are the ones who go ape shit when something seems off because they hold SW on this pedestal so high that any dent in the armor threatens their ethos. So how do they respond? Well, kinda like you are. To quote Palpatine: Ironic.

[@CommanderTexas]

Yeah and the storm troopers just standing there instead of walking around the fire to light Kenobi's ass up at close range was also a psycho move.

[@cheesecrumpets]

Vader could have killed him, easily, there and then; at this point in his life, Vader is at the height of his power, and he knew mid-way though dueling with Kenobi how frail and weak he had become, so I feel that an instant kill would have been too dissatisfying for Vader. After all of that built-up anger, 10 years of imagining how he could torture and kill Kenobi, and then it came down to this. Vader was disappointed, in my opinion. He expected more. So it seemed obvious to me that he wants to draw it out, not just physical pain, but emotional and mental pain too. He wants him to feel how he felt and that was pretty apparently in the scene. I thought it was simple enough. I think it's just difficult for us as fans to comprehend the simple truth of this scene because of our huge expectations. But it was simple. Vader was initially disappointed and wants to draw out Kenobi's suffering.

[@dachshund_gaming]

But kenobi can still suffer mentally and physically in the safety of Vader’s castle, for example. Why let him run off with his friend and risk them disappearing forever? Why is Vader so confident he can find him? I understand beating him in a duel, but ObiWan has evaded him this long, why risk him vanishing again?

[@joe-weeny4918]

@@dachshund_gaming he wants to get everyone involved with kenobi

[@Alex-pb6mx]

@@joe-weeny4918 he could get that withj a week of torture in his state lol.

[@zenmindgamer]

This has been my take. SWT has covered Vader's fighting in the comics, specifically explaining that Vader has a more defensive fighting style early in fights while he analyzes an opponent's fighting style, playing mind games the whole time meant to unravel his opponents before going in for the kill. There's a specific name for the tactic as employed by Vader, but it escapes me at the moment, but it involves Vader literally using the Force during his duels to warp the perspective and amount of dread his opponent feels the longer the fight goes on. I I recall correctly, SWT also has a video where he dives into the time Vader captured a Jedi survivor, broke them to the Dark Side, then ultimately killed them anyway. So we know that Vader has a more invested interest in breaking Jedi before dispatching them. Next we have to take the emotional weight of the confrontation into consideration. This isn't just any Jedi worth breaking, this is Obi'freaking'Wan Kenobi. This man adhered to strictly to the code that he didn't cave when Sabine was killed in front of him. This is the Jedi who cut Vader apart. Vader/Anakin has a much greater awareness, misplaced or not, of how dangerous Kenobi is and would be anticipating a dangerous and wary foe. So for him to match against the Kenobi we saw in Ep3 (show) I think he'd be surprised with how weak Kenobi was, even a bit skeptical that Kenobi was screwing with him. Thus, barring their epic rematch being such a disappointment that Vader had built up this larger-than-life threat in his mind only to discover that Kenobi was a shell of his former self, Vader would instead be invested now in breaking what remains of his former master's mind as he's already frail of body.

[@bubblehulk7647]

Then why tell the storm troopers to capture him a second before? This is head canon and only makes you feel better about a stupid scene. Search your feelings, you know it to be true.

[@Wdomino]

I also felt it was symbolic, though I know he can walk through fire, it would be weird of him walking through it. As you said, from his Castle he looks at where it happened to him - perhaps a form of PTSD to not have those memories again when he walks through the fire. Not afraid, but not wanting Kenobi to see him mentally struggle. Very symbolic, fiery eyes reflection, just staring as that it already enough to show his power - which also shows he isnt the master yet of his emotions.

[@matthewjoyner5973]

Vader enjoys the hunt. Especially with Kenobi, he wants his prey to be afraid and in pain for as long as possible. I think it just comes down to the thrill of the hunt for Vader.

[@matthewjoyner5973]

@The Creative Contingent exactly

[@JohnWick_of_Politics]

Darth Vader just decided to let Kenobi go after taking TEN YEARS to find him. Moments AFTER Vader ordered stormtroopers "Bring him to me."

[@26mic]

I create entertaining vids too G

[@matthewjoyner5973]

@G Money and you think Kenobi is just some nobody to Vader? He’s not going to kill him on the spot. He wants to make Kenobi suffer like he did. Vader wants his revenge.

[@damiengreef1245]

My theory. His armour is too heavy and he cannot jump. When have we actually ever seen Vader jump? Even in the comics. I think his armour weighs him down physically.

[@mateusz2283]

Vader was genuinely dissapointed with Kenobi and his poor form, he wants his revenge to taste better and it only will if Kenobi puts more effort and gives him a better fight next time they meet but I get the feeling Kenobi will not dominate or anything but will trick him in some way to quote a New Hope, "When I left you I was but the learner, now I am a master"

[@maxxi5180]

That was exactly my thought on scene, definitely he wants a better rematch or he wants to put even more fear inside kenobi

[@Grim2006]

I agree, it feels unlikely tgat Obi wan will defeat Vader

[@claudegrenier3180]

Personally, I think the reason Vader stopped was that he was surprised to see Obi-Wan have people help him so openly. Its pretty much the only thing that changed as a parameter from controlling the situation to not. Its been established in other stories that Vader and the Emperor are vigilant in this time period of one important thing... organized rebellion. I think he let them go because he wants to see where this is going and if he might find something bigger behind this discovery. Killing or making Obiwan suffer is important to him... but the glimmer of maybe organized rebellion? Him AND the Emperor are VERY vigilant of that in this given era. Its been seen before in other stories. So this would take precedence over his need to kill Obiwan. And if he DOES find an organized rebellion brewing and squashes it, killing Hope... that WOULD make Obiwan suffer greatly. Its win win for him. Thats what I think at least lol

[@Uncivil_Dreams]

i dont think “tricking” him would make anyone a master over anyone. i think hes gunna put up an amazing fight, then find an opening either by using the environment around him, or enraging vader making him more sloppy and exploiting that. that would make him the master over vader still, like in their RotS fight

[@r.e.z9428]

A lot of feelings and thinking, because the writing doesn't give us that. The audience has to come up with reasons because of bad writing again. Which in cases like this, the audience comes up with better reasons for character's actions than paid "writers'.

[@johnnytopgun6414]

I believe the true reasoning in Anakin's mind and heart is a very simple answer. Two reasons in one - Conflict Repeated so much in ROTJ many years on. The conflict which has always existed in Anakin 1. He wants to wait and get more satisfaction from a better fight later. 2. He doesn't want to do it. Like he didn't want to strike his son.

[@hdudhehdhd2222]

Honestly i can see that. We saw him hesitate with luke and ahsoka. It makes sense he’d hesitate for a bit with kenobi after seeing him ten years late

[@chasingfailure9403]

I was watching this video last night (ep 3 breakdown where you talked about this scene) when I got the initial news of a fire at Sitakunda container depot. The fire hasn't come under control till now and it's been more than 24 hours. 49 dead so far including 9 firefighters, and the number will rise. Losing 9 firefighters in a single incident is something that hasn't happened for a long, long time. I can't be even surprised at the irony, the perishable vanity of life anymore. On a lighter note, I watched Obi-Wan episode 3 a couple of days ago and I thought that the whole sequence of Vader force-choking Obi-Wan, igniting fire with his light saber, and dragging Kenobi through it was so epic! And, I also want to mention that I watch your videos regularly and enjoy them very much. We are the same age and probably have similar thought process and phases of experiences regarding Star Wars as it seems, though my knowledge of SW is somewhat less than a lot of other people. Keep making wonderful videos as you do. All the best. - A Star Wars fan from Bangladesh.

[@alecpotato4124]

I think they made the camera angle like that to make you feel like Vader knew he could but did not chase him on purpose

[@Phatooine]

Vader seemed concerned about the "help" Kenobi was getting. Letting him go and tracking him (a Vader thing to do) could lead him to more Jedi and enemies of the Empire. Like the Ghost crew in Rebels in the Siege of Lethal. Or letting Luke, Leia and Han escape to Yavin IV to find the Rebel base.

[@ronalddegroot6848]

I'm suprised nobody noticed this.

[@thomasel9171]

sure except in every iteration we've seen of vader, he couldnt care less about that, hes been singularly focused on kenobi since mustafar, yes he hunts jedi, but primarily so he can finish kenobi off

[@mannyTheGuy]

Or catch them and use REVA! The only reason she’s with them is her mind read powers. Mind read the officer lady and you have everyone

[@TheTownsEnd]

BINGO!

[@ethanho7798]

Thats what I was thinking because this sence happens after the blaster shot from the rebel that vader didn't know about.

[@KartLife]

Glad you came around on this and hope other fans will too

[@destroy-erase-improve9106]

Vader to Kenobi: “I don’t like fire… It’s hot and burns… And it gets everywhere”

[@ericbeverly8700]

Honestly, I knew this right when I saw it in the episode. Vader even said: “your suffering has just begun”, meaning he was not planning to finish him off so soon and so easily. He burned him to give him just a taste of the pain he went though as he watched him powerless to move with his limbs severed, consumed in flames as he yelled out in agony. He stood in front of the flames, watching as the droid dragged him away, knowing he had finally succeeded in humiliating him and proving his power is unrivaled. Obi-Wan was already haunted by the past and after he just narrowly survived Vader’s onslaught, he has even more nightmare fuel. He thought facing his fallen apprentice when he was young and arrogant in his abilities was difficult, he’s just seen firsthand what a monster the true Darth Vader is, and he’s terrified beyond belief.

[@seamussmurfable]

This is chilling. We'll said.

[@battery77]

Well said. We also see Obi-Wan not in one with the force, defeated and moody. He will have to achieve balance for his master Qui-Gon to answer him.

[@RealParadoxed]

Bad writing

[@bobbybenz5301]

He isn’t the impulsive man he was in episode 3 that ultimately led to his defeat at the hands of kenobi. He is a cat playing with his food knowing that kenobi is now a high profile target in his own empire. On a side note, definitely cool to see hayden changing his fighting style to be reminiscent of vader in the suit

[@BlazeIOS]

Why did he order the storm troopers to bring Kenobi to him then?

[@RinaaaYa]

Is not hayden on the fighting scenes. Actually, marketing let us believe Hayden is playing Vader in all scenes, but this isn't the case at all.

[@feelcollins4358]

@@RinaaaYa So what would be the reason that he isn't the one playing the fight scenes? Hayden was one of the best choreographers in RoTs including Ewan, and this version is much slower so it would be way easier for both of them.

[@Jetlifeetravi]

There's a different actor in the suit. The only time they use Hayden is when they show Vader's face.

[@rafz9147]

@@Jetlifeetravi there will some be some instances where Hayden isn't in the suit like for difficult stunts but this just sword play which Hayden and awan are very skilled at. it doesn't make sense for lucasfilm not to use him in the suit for the fight scenes as well, when Hayden was involved with much more physically demanding stunts and sword play in revenge

[@gandalfwisdom7369]

Love your passion and energy in the videos you make

[@carbongirl]

your channel makes me happy thank you so much

[@visoredgruntR34]

I am with the "lost interest" Imagine wanting to fight someone who outshine you 10 years prior only to find that a weak already defeated man. Maybe that is why his reaction to Obi-Wan in A NEW HOPE was more of a "huh Obi-Wan is here" and not "KENOBI!! Gotta get my revenge!"

[@emmadictator4062]

I still think you're missing a trick. He had Obi Wan in sights, then next thing he knows a storm trooper is shot and he sees a droid carrying him away. He's got help. Vader wants Obi Wan, but he also wants all the other Jedi as well and this help Obi Wan is getting...he wants to know where it leads.

[@onrecord4019]

Exactly my thought. He realizes someone’s there for obi wan, and uses him like a rat trap for the other rebels and survivors. And then he’ll kill them and watch kenobi have nothing. The flames were just the second he needed to think and realize kenobi had Allies

[@doco8627]

I agree

[@helwrecht1637]

This is my opinion too

[@chaser9297]

I hope so because this feels like it would make way too much sense for Disney’s writers 😂

[@elijahwillardson7371]

The only thing Vader cares for more than reviving Padme is destroying Kenobi, this made no sense and was extremely poorly written. How does letting him go break his spirit? He'd have the same thought process as a prisoner in his castle. But by all means write the story for them.

[@drago16]

I think the multiple long shots on vader staring at kenobi and the “droid” clearly shows he’s thinking about something and not scared. Whatever that reason is im sure they’ll reveal. I feel like the decisions they make in show at times aren’t the most straight forward but if it all were straightforward that wouldn’t make an interesting show.

[@liamr194]

It's lazy writing and poor continuity

[@Cauin450]

Vader’s suit is completely armoured, his internal temperature is kept stable. He could have walked through those flames and not felt a thing. This version of Vader has been hunting Jedi for 10 years, that is his purpose and obsession. Letting Obi Wan go is a means to an end.

[@Paradox_Edits]

The fire scene was the most visually striking and mirroring of his character out of all. Seeing the fire in his eyes encapsulates the pure rage he feels

[@Ian-Omega]

You think he was feeling "pure rage" at the moment he chose to let the guy escape? Nah, that's not how rage works.

[@Paradox_Edits]

@@Ian-Omega Indeed I think he was, his entire life consists of suffering and hatred. Not a single moment goes by where he doesn’t want to make Obi-Wan suffer. But he needs to hold that rage in, reconstruct it into power, so that he can make Obi-Wan feel what he once did. This is how rage and the dark side works.

[@26mic]

I create entertaining vids too brother

[@Ussysquid]

@@Ian-Omega he's always full of rage and anger. And in pain.

[@dayontapout]

Mad respect for waiting a few days to do a full review! I wish more content creators would be more considerate in that way instead of doing everything they can to be first.

[@Skarbro]

Your the best Theory! Thank you 🙏🏻 for all that you do 😎

[@justinhaworth203]

He's having a deep moment of reflection... remembering the past as he watches kenobi get taken away. He is savoring the moment, and wants ultimate revenge... let the pain sink in before tracking him again. He will force kenobi to watch people he care about perish. They will fight again, and it will be an ultimate test for both of them.

[@bsprentz8830]

Just playing devils advocate on the fire proof thing too. I don’t think Vader was scared of the fire at all BUT.. I think it’s worth mentioning that’s while in the comics his suit is capable of a lot of crazy stuff(although writers ignore the comics pretty often) , how tf would Luke cremate him at the end of ROTJ if his suit won’t burn/melt? Would we rather they not show stuff in the comics or break ROTJ canon? Hmm yeah def not ROTJ 😂

[@Raz2000]

Very good point

[@SuperToemoe]

Also I think he knows people are helping him and he was like “hol up! Wait a min something ain’t right” as he saw the droid carry him cause remember vador’s suit can see a bunch of shit so he wanted to find who ever is helping him

[@fernandoarista3302]

Yes. I believe it's a mix of both emotions. He's hurt by Kenobi so he wants to hurt him back, but he loved him at one point so he's conflicted. The fire acts as an excuse for him to pause & reflect on these emotions.

[@SuperToemoe]

@@fernandoarista3302 nah I don’t think so his disconnection from anakin at this point is way too much for him to care about him, since he bleed the kyber cristal he’s fully over his past

[@callmejay05]

I’d say he learned his lesson the hard way. The last time he attempted to jump over some flames to strike Kenobi he wound up with no arms and legs.

[@cameron.t]

We didn’t start the fire, it’s always been burning since I’ve been flipping over my Master

[@niberius4289]

@@cameron.t hahahaha underrated comment

[@JLeonMusic]

Glad you covered this. It was one of my gripes as well.! My other one is the tunnel scene as that made no sense in the episode timeline.

[@epicagaming6458]

Man can’t wait for it to release tomorrow but it’s gonna be a day I never forget and one of the worst days.. on the morning of the fourth episode release my dog Rocky age 14 is sadly gonna be put down… pretty emotional times but as all ways man you’ve made my day and more happy man. I’ve had friends made jokes about my dog and honestly dude it’s just evil man. Hope you have a good day and enjoy the next episode man!

[@DrFearfall]

That's sad man. Ultimately, it is the kinder solution, no one wants an animal animal suffer, as hard as I'm sure it kust have been for you, so keep that it mind dude, chin up. Hopefully these eps of Kenobi will put a smile back on your face somewhat! May Rocky rest in peace, and I'm sure he is looking down on you happily!

[@somhaud]

I think Vader is rethinking everything he thought up to that point. It dawns on him that what he was going towards wasn’t what he got, he had this image of Obi Wan in his head for ten years, but he isn’t that. He could possibly be feeling mixed emotions on actually getting what he always wanted: to burn Obi Wan like he left him to burn, but it didn’t feel the way he thought it would. He doesn’t know where to go from here, because he could easily torture and kill him, and then what? It’s too easy almost… just my thoughts though

[@fcsimo]

Perhaps a bit of Anakin poked through causing Vader to pause

[@rustymayo1590]

@@fcsimo Yummy anakin pokes UWU

[@venom8598]

@@fcsimo my lord stop with the anakin shit 😂😂😂😂 just cause Vader is in a scene doesn’t mean his good side is going to show for split second 😅 stop with this dumb shit! Omg anakin just showed up Vader (with no evidence) did you see it!

[@claudegrenier3180]

Personally, I think the reason Vader stopped was that he was surprised to see Obi-Wan have people help him so openly. Its pretty much the only thing that changed as a parameter from controlling the situation to not. Its been established in other stories that Vader and the Emperor are vigilant in this time period of one important thing... organized rebellion. I think he let them go because he wants to see where this is going and if he might find something bigger behind this discovery. Killing or making Obiwan suffer is important to him... but the glimmer of maybe organized rebellion? Him AND the Emperor are VERY vigilant of that in this given era. Its been seen before in other stories. So this would take precedence over his need to kill Obiwan. And if he DOES find an organized rebellion brewing and squashes it, killing Hope... that WOULD make Obiwan suffer greatly. Its win win for him. Thats what I think at least lol

[@markusaurelius4015]

Exactly! I’m surprised Theory didn’t bring up this possibility… I really think this is the reason Vader stopped. He stopped right when the other two showed up and started at the droid as Kenobi was being dragged away.

[@scribbletv8061]

I think Vader stopping was because he knew obi wan wouldn't cut himself off from the force for no reason and go into hiding. Kinda like when Maul found out about obi wan protecting Luke. I think Vader senses Luke and thinks obi wan can get him to Luke.

[@PreppingWithSarge]

Your theory makes the most sense. More so than others I have seen. Also I love that Anakin is looking over your shoulder the whole time

[@TheNapoleon86]

When Vader walked through the ''street'' and chocked the villagers to show off and maybe to lure Obi-Wan out of his hiding place, chills! It would appear he let Obi-Wan go in the end, though. However, hadn't it been cool to see him just walk into the flames only to halt and stand there as he gazed on the robot hauling his former Jedi master away? Just to show that neither flame nor slag have any hold over him anymore, that he's as fearless as unbeatable. Been a subscriber for years. Love your channel and you content. May the force be with you!

[@zacksmith3026]

I think vader thought torturing obi wan would make him feel better (I mean after all hes been thinking about this moment for 10 years); however, I think upon doing so, anakin was flooding by emotion from hearing his screams. Maybe he needs to reflect, before going further. Also, I think he was slowly realizing, “nah, bro. Aint no way Kenobi “killed” the grand inquisitor”.

[@TheBabyDerp]

I want to see Kenobi kill Reva. Although, at this point, idc who does.

[@mattthew6770]

I was waiting for this video 😁

[@nVdarrius]

much love theory can’t wait for ep 4!!

[@TheBonny720]

I think it’s the part of Anakin that’s still in him. To me it felt like the conflict still in him. He tortured Kenobi, and was able to pretty easily. He saw how broken Kenobi is from the man that made him Vader, but it’s still his old master, his brother, someone he loved, and perhaps has some deep subconscious love for. (Remember he loved Padme but nearly choked her to death in rage. He is also the only thing closest to family he has left as far as he knows (doesn’t know about Ahsoka, Padme and kids are dead. Kenobi is the only one who knows Anakin). I think he was taken aback by how broken Kenobi is and possibly the part of Anakin in him felt some remorse guilt for hurting this man he loved so much. He hasn’t seen him at all for ten years and he could easily have killed him, but I felt that this was the “good in him” that Padme and Luke believe in. By the time they meet in New Hope, Kenobi is more fully formed and Vader is too with less conflict and more hopelessness, and Kenobi pretty much let him Vader kill him. And I’m pretty sure he regretted it in the comics afterwards. Your theory of him toying with Kenobi and breaking his spirit slowly makes a lot of sense too, But this is just my immediate reaction when I was watching the scene. I just saw master and apprentice, and brothers who loved each other, In the most tragic turn on of events.

[@Allex1991]

I fully agree with you. I too, believe Vader felt some sort of guilt as he watched Obiwan getting burnt in the fire.

[@stephaniez9811]

Totally agree. Hayden has said this is a conflicted Vader that we are seeing.

[@lapplandkun9273]

Nope. At this point, all Vader should feel for kenobi is hatred and rage. In the ROTS novelization, on mustafar, anakin hesitates on killing kenobi because he still feels attachment, but after when he sees him, he feels nothing but hatred because he turned padme against him, his wife he gave up everything for

[@GWhiteTWolf]

@@lapplandkun9273 no, that’s what you think he should feel not what he actually feels. Just an opinion, don’t state it as a fact. Story and lore changes all the time.

[@lapplandkun9273]

@@GWhiteTWolf No. It's a fact. Vader should feel nothing but retribution for the man who crippled him. How does anyone think he feels love after being burned to near death at a planet and left there to die with no assistance? When Vader screamed I hate you to obi wan, he did so because he was completely consumed by the dark side. Story and lore changes all the time. Yeah, some changes not for the better. Like Disney. No one has to like it if its awful.

[@tristanlambert658]

I really like to think of it as Vader being haunted by his loss on Mustafar, so now he’s obsessed with beating Kenobi but to really redeem himself he wants to beat Kenobi at his best. Beating Kenobi in his current sad state, doesn’t prove that Vader is the stronger of the two, he wants to properly settle an old score, for that he has to push.

[@Christian-tt8yh]

Respect for waiting thank you

[@tuna2151]

Great take theory! Watched the live stream and after rewatching it again I completely agree with this

[@dartherwhite6209]

This is what’s great about you! I was at the watchparty and saw how dissapointed you were when Vader wasn’t agressive enough and let Kenobi go. But you listened to other people who explained it to you and now you seem more positive about it. Big up

[@salami_tommi]

I loved this scene because it's a mirror to ROTS and symbolic of Vader's growth. In ROTS Anakin recklessly jumps over the "fire" and faces the consequences. In Kenobi he doesn't. He's toying with him not only by letting him live in fear longer but by letting Kenobi know even more than he already does, that this is not the same Anakin from Mustafar.

[@Psyfi85]

Yes, even held Kenobi “up high” then brought him metaphorically back down. He was full on Vader on mustafar but that was a kid, now he’s 10 years older with the dark side as his guide.

[@bluefirefly515]

You made a 10 minute video to try and explain that Disney simply can’t seem to write any good Star Wars

[@williamQUIQUEREE1]

“You underestimate my power” “Don’t try it”… I believe this was a Vader learning from his past mistakes. He’s smarter now. He knows Kenobi can’t run forever. He has learnt patience from Palpy.

[@johnnytopgun6414]

Nah, bro much simpler than that. Two reasons in one - Conflict 1. He wants to wait and get more satisfaction from a better fight later. 2. He doesn't want to do it. Like he didn't want to strike his son.

[@williamQUIQUEREE1]

@@johnnytopgun6414 This whole “wants a better fight” argument is nonsense. Does Vader have a backflip quota he has to fill?

[@hdudhehdhd2222]

@@williamQUIQUEREE1 i wouldnt say it’s nonsense. I mean imagine it, this guy waited ten years to fight kenobi, only to see that he’s become so feeble and weak that he needed help from a civilian to even survive. He’d be disappointing af, probably wants a better fight. Tho i can definitely agree with ur point too, and honestly that makes even more sense. He knows he’ll eventually get kenobi and he cant escape for long. Plus we’ve had precedence with that, he behaved that way with kanan and ezra, luke in esb, even cal in fallen order.

[@jibril2473]

It genuinely felt like Vader was dumbfounded that that man was his old master, the same man who seemingly bested him in his strongest form in Mustafar. It was a great scene but the writers should’ve pointed that out.

[@TRC296]

Because that was Farce Vader, not Darth Vader.

[@Captain_Ligma]

I just noticed that Vegeta mini figure behind you lol badass!!

[@jeremyhiles985]

Ok. Great video. That hat though. I need that! Where did that come from?

[@bbqboy175]

In order to get back to the “high ground” one needs to hit rock bottom. I think Anakin is going to show Obi Wan a very dark place mentally, before with Qui Gon’s help he rises back to the Jedi he once was.

[@joshuahorwitz6458]

My theory on why he let Kenobi go: After noticing how pathetic he’s become over the years, Darth senses that Obi-Wan has cut himself off from the Force for a reason. He knows that THE Obi-Wan Kenobi wouldn’t simply lie down and watch the Empire take root, UNLESS there was some sort of greater cause. On some level, he senses that Luke has been born. Or, at the very least, knows Obi-Wan is up to something. (In all good Thrillers, the Good Guy and the Bad Guy meet and battle twice over the course of the story. So we can assume they will fight again). Kenobi will have a Rocky-esque training montage with Qui-Gon, and then face Vader once more. In Canon, in Rebels’ episode, Obi-Wan kills Maul, when Maul senses Luke’s presence on Tatooine. So we know Obi-Wan is reconnected with the Force and back to his original strength in Canon at some point from now. So, they fight somewhere. At the moment that Obi-Wan is about to triumph over Vader, (or vice-versa), Vader will leave him to his ‘suffering’ and escape. He does this knowing that Obi-Wan will start Luke’s training. He’ll do this either because he wants Luke to be trained in The Light before he eventually recruits him to overthrow Sidious (“join me and I will complete your training….and we will rule the galaxy as father and son”). OR, there IS still good in him, and he knows the only way the Emperor will be defeated is by a Jedi more powerful than Anakin Skywalker. So, he will leave Obi-Wan to his suffering at the last moment, leading to the line; “when I _left_ you, I was but the learner. Now I am the Master”. Just a theory as to how they can make Canon work now that they have met and battled again.

[@RoyThe4th]

Dun Möch: Another of Anakin's favorite abilities, he probes the minds of his opponents in battle to find their weaknesses and insecurities, then uses taunts and insults to break their concentration and install doubt/fear into his opponents. Vader wants to torment him

[@bosox564]

Vader had to wait because the producers didn’t want to end the series and violate the accepted timeline

[@ParzivalTheThird]

There’s clearly a reason the camera lingered on Vader’s head for so long. He was just standing there, contemplating what to do. I could walk right through this fire, crush his friends and choke him out. Or… I could let him go, leaving him scarred and always paranoid, knowing that I’m coming for him, and I could be around any corner.

[@benjamingoldstein14]

Also, because it was a really cool shot

[@darestep7844]

I think when Vader saw other people helping Kenobi he realized that those same people may be helping other Jedi as well so now he wants Kenobi to lead him to where the other Jedi are hiding. He'll let Kenobi think he escaped while one of his spies track him wherever he goes.

[@Paradise2003]

That's the impression I got as well. Like "oh? He has friends/help. I'll find and destroy them too"

[@somhaud]

Smart idea. This is fitting for the character

[@markusaurelius4015]

Yup. My thought as well. I thought it was pretty obvious cause he stops right when Kenobi’s allies show up. Then he stares exactly at the droid as Kenobi is being pulled away.

[@jessicaalbright7429]

Thanks for these thoughts. That part was really bothering me too.

[@hellothereboyo]

Lets say Vader killed him then and there. He would be left unsatisfied for all the wrongs hes done to Anakin. I believe Obi will find Qui gons guidance to find his force abilities again and win out against Vader teaching him a lesson, but obviously neither side killing the other.

[@JohnSmith-wr7lg]

More unsatisfied than never finding him again? Which he wouldn’t cause we know Kenobi finds Vader in A New Hope. So literally he wouldn’t find him. Good job Vader. Vader should “Be careful not to choke on his aspirations”. 😂😂

[@notjeff7833]

He also knew that there were 3 more episodes remaining

[@flyerbaby_4844]

My theory is that Vader doesn’t want to kill Kenobi because it’s not the same Kenobi he fought in Episode 3.

[@maradona2]

Nope back to the drawing board …. Or just accept the fact that this series is shit

[@JohnnyTheVoiceMan]

Agreed. I feel he wanted more from this fight. And maybe this introduction will help Obi-Wan get back into fighting shape.

[@marknolan2957]

You’re impression of Hayden as Anakin is scary good.

[@j.d.cityhill]

Vader, literally put out the fire with the force, before Obi-Wan's aid (I don't recall her name, at the moment) blazed it up again, before he was taken away by Stormtroopers. In my perspective, the fear of fire 🔥 was never an issue. Thanks for sharing, blessing to the community!

[@marlinparrack4231]

There's something to be said about the thrill of the chase. When you've anticipated something so much for so long, finally getting it can be ironically dissatisfying--the "treasure hunt" is no longer on. It would certainly play into the torture/torment theory to let Kenobi go, knowing he's always got to watch his back. Like you said, drawing out the tension.

[@emmasnow29]

"The only thing worse than not getting what you want.......is getting it..."

[@Merlchar]

I've watched the scene twice, and I really feel like there's a moment where Vader turns his head a little as if he's considering whether he really wants to pursue Obi-Wan at that point or if it would be more satisfying let him go for now and think he's escaping. Vader is likely confident that he will find his old master again--perhaps that old Anakin hubris is still there, or maybe he has other reasons of being confident he can find Kenobi whenever he wants now. I think back on how Vader toyed with Luke during their duel in TESB--the way he casually sauntered into the room and once he had his fun proceeded to thoroughly kick his son's ass.

[@jrobs1133]

Or he could kill Obi Wan "when he had the chance".

[@nickjohnson4397]

@@jrobs1133 Exactly. This is going to end up being Vader's mistake. Not killing Kenobi there is going to end up being the reason kenobi is able to get it together and eventually beat him and sets the path for the empires downfall

[@MidWestRiverRat]

You nailed what I thinking about it.

[@skurjo9975]

I remember in an interview that hayden said there was a lot of inner conflict between anakin and vader so maybe he just had a small bit of doubt as to whether he really wanted to kill obi wan, especially when he seemed to not have any kind of fighting abilllties in him.

[@Skabanis]

Omg did Hayden write the show no…his opinion doesn’t matter

[@Darnk715]

@@Skabanis but he is playing vader

[@Lucitin]

@@Skabanis Hayden didn't have to say anything. It's been canon since the original trilogy. He was never fully consumed, he has had good still in him since the end of Revenge of the Sith when Padme told Obi-Wan as much. I really can't see how people are so mad that Vader didn't kill a character that doesn't die for another 30+ years in canon BY VADER, on the first death star. No shit they didn't kill him lmao

[@toxiclegend3286]

@@Skabanis wake up on the right side of the bed today?

[@cptsteele91]

@@toxiclegend3286 I know right, someone is absolutely LIVID with suggestions today 🤣

[@BloodyFaceWantsMilk]

Not only did he drag him thru fire But also the terrible sand.

[@atjanta4969]

It would have been nice if the writers put even 1/10th of this much thought into moments like this in the series Nice to hear these insights though to help push past it into the next episode! :)

[@daveblackman816]

He was toying with him.

[@firefighttx6543]

I’ve got a feeling that qui-gon is going to finally reveal himself to kenobi, teach him something that will keep him one step ahead of Vader in their next meeting, leading to the famous “I was but the learner, now I am the master.” We shall see. Strong work!

[@liberationpocket7950]

The writers: *"Oh yeah...yeah that's definitely what we had in mind"*

[@colinmoseley9705]

I’m glad to have you around to talk about this stuff. I’m incredibly annoyed that this is yet another bait-and-switch type of story but it has some good qualities. Trying to watch and judge it for its own merit.

[@kingsmanlad4147]

I sensed a disturbance in the force as if a handful of writers cried out “No we really don’t want to try.” And were still paid handsomely

[@the_b1g_0ne]

LOVE Hard to Kill!!! Definitely was a favorite of mine growing up. Watched it dozens of times back in the day.

[@nydabeats]

I like how you explain away bad writing with cannon lore... lol

[@jayantadebnath781]

I recall one episode of Star Wars: The Clone Wars series where Kenobi was shown to be slowly breaking during the episode where he was enslaved. Showing how he was unable to help those around him does affect Kenobi a lot.

[@benjamingoldstein14]

That was the slaver episode, right?

[@spideysg1163]

Can’t wait for the next episode

[@a_normal_guy11]

I think that it’s because he hears the obi-wan plea saying “you were the chosen one” and “I love you” and become unstable.

[@diechicken8205]

I think everyone tends to forget how powerful Vader really is at the time of Kenobi. He could've easily ended it right there without much effort. It's not like he just wants to kill him, Vader wants him to suffer, like he suffered.

[@NKWTI]

Yes, but he clearly wanted to take him in right then and there, so that isn't what's going on, otherwise he would have ended it right then and there. What is going on is, his plans changed once he saw Obi-Wan had allies helping him. He probably even recognized where you'd be able to find that kind of droid that was helping him. This is more useful than stopping them from leading him back to where they came from. It's so simple, and everyone is missing this.

[@diechicken8205]

@@NKWTI Good Point!

[@Keverember]

Man, anything Filoni isn’t in charge of has me so nervous these days. Been watching every episode of Kenobi in anticipation of them ruining it. Hope they can stay the path.

[@jeremiahunderwood6536]

I'm in the same brother

[@cconao6023]

I think filoni is still involved to some degree if i recall correctly

[@brittanyperry7094]

@@cconao6023 In the credits I think it just says "special thanks to Dave Filoni" which just about sums up what every SW credit from now on should have in it haha special thanks to Filoni for life, fr fr

[@JCTY299]

@@brittanyperry7094 Yeah.....Thanks to Dave Filoni.......so that I, Kathleen Kennedy, can ruin it again

[@Werdna999]

Totally agree in the moment of this scene I was like wtf. But also one thing I think you missed is how much hatred empowers sith is only a motivator to keep him alive. The longer the hunt and festering hate grows in Vader in his mind only makes him stronger hence the base of mustafar. From a simple story telling frame of mind it doesn’t make sense but these stories are taking place now through so much canon these subtle nuances really do a lot! So looking back I think not jumping the fire on top of torturing the town all really make sense and play well with where we are at in Anakin and Obi-wans story! Keep up the awesome content brother!

[@Samcasm2wo]

It's obvious why. There's some good in him, the conflict. Beating Kenobi this badly It didn't feel as good as he thought it would

[@DunkIeosteus]

Bruh then why does he end up killing him in episode 4?

[@johnmark390]

@@DunkIeosteus your a menance lmao

[@briancook2382]

Ok, my impression is this: While VADER wants to kill/torture Kenobi, I think the reason he didn't just kill Obi-Wan is that, like Padme said, "there is still good in him". i saw the same split-second moment we saw at the end of TESB when the Falcon jumped into light speed. just a moment of Anakin almost unconsciously manifested when he head his old master yelp in pain

[@jaygemklocx2578]

I'm surprised everyone is so pressed by that scene, it was pretty clear Vader let him escape, and I'm sure we'll know the why in upcoming episodes. I definitely didn't think he was afraid of the fire lol

[@wickideazy]

This wasn't the only deep cut from this episode. Someone went and translated the Aurebesh carvings on the wall in the little back room; they were names of Jedi who had passed through there. Specifically, Legends/EU Jedi. Djinn Altis, Roganda Ismaren, and to my immense joy, Valin Halcyon - who escaped to Corellia, changed his name to Hal Horn, got married, and became the father of CorSec officer, Rogue Squadron pilot, Jedi Master, and my absolute favorite EU character, Corran Horn.

[@JimmyCee123]

Vader knew it was only episode 3 and he had to chill

[@Xxtictoc1216xX]

I wish vader would have just told the storm troopers “let him go” and maybe some line regarding they’ll be seeing each other again as a taunt. They really left that scene so open ended it’s hard to see what they were really trying to convey without extreme analysis.

[@agentorange8530]

They kinda made it seem that they couldn't get past that fire. The stormtroopers were saying they couldn't see anything and they can't get through while Vader was looking on making it seem like Vader agrees with them and so he leaves.

[@toxiclegend3286]

Show don't tell, it's an amazing writing technique. As the show goes on hopefully it will be more clear

[@thehobbsguy]

The episode ended basically mid scene, Obi Wan has not escaped, they are all still on the planet.

[@Rex-X-Dark]

Vader says "Your suffering has only begun" that conveys a bit and gives some backbone to this theory

[@xhan1167]

@@toxiclegend3286 People are too stupid obviously. It's infuriating. Could also be the fault of the currently prevalent storytelling dogmas in most high budget films, which literally ram everything down your throat to make sure even the most braindead dude gets whats going on. No artistic perception abilities whatsoever nowadays. Just take a look at the public rating for The Rise of Skywalker, one of, if not the, most garbage high budget film I've ever seen, and you know all there is to know about large parts of the Star Wars fandom.

[@Bear14315]

I think Vader wanted a real Satisfying fight where Obiwan can actually hold his own,he’s gonna let Kenobi train get some of his power back and THEN Vader will strike,Obiwan was in such a bad place Vader didn’t even think killing there was worth it and let him go, he even said “the years have made you weak” Just my theory tho

[@MarcoMartinez-si9ye]

I AGREE WITH YOUR OPINION and I hope that will be in the next few epsiodes.

[@beldinastray]

I pretty much just found it ridiculous. Jump over the fire, put the fire out lift Ben over the fire to him. If he wanted to torture Ben, he could certainly have captured him and then had his fun.