The success of the Obi-Wan Kenobi TV show prompted some talk about a second season. Is there a chance of that happening? More importantly, is it even something we should want to happen?
Is It Even Necessary?
Cons: It seems like Obi-Wan Kenobi has already showed everything we needed to see. Obi-Wan faced Anakin/Vader and overcame his demons that haunted him since Mustafar. He has also met Qui-Gon Jinn and is now perfectly capable of pulling the stunt in A New Hope where he gives up his body for his continuing existence as a Force ghost.
Pros: There is always more to show. We could easily follow Obi-Wan’s training with Qui-Gon, go deeper into the questions of the Force. It would be a way to bring back Liam Neeson as Qui-Gon Jinn as well as show flashbacks from Anakin’s training. Both of these would be undoubtedly appreciated by a notable segment of the fanbase.
Second Time Is Not The Charm?
Cons: But would that be enough? Plus, a focus on Obi-Wan training with Qui-Gon would already shift the tone of the show. Season 1 still had a fairly action-based plot culminating with the appearance of Vader. Obi-Wan’s encounter with Vader could not be repeated (certainly not with the same effect). A show about Obi-Wan discussing Force secrets with Qui-Gon might be an interesting and unique concept, but would it appeal to the same audience that enjoyed Season 1?
The fact is that there is nothing much more left for Obi-Wan but sit on Tatooine. There is no more reason for him to go anywhere or do anything else, now that his problems have been solved.
Pros: Oh, but the exact same was said about the first season. Yet the show managed to find a perfectly believable cause for Kenobi to leave Tatooine. It may be difficult to do it again, but there are plenty of unfinished plot hooks from the first season. The Path, for instance – the underground network assisting anti-Imperial dissenters and Jedi. Obi-Wan could easily embark on a journey to catch up with some surviving Jedi, perhaps even based on Qui-Gon’s prompt, while learning some lessons from him. Ideally those that would prepare him mentally on eventually letting go of his bodily self.
Other Characters’ Stories
There are also plenty of S1 characters whose stories could continue. The minor characters associated with the Path (of the more memorable ones for instance Haja Estree) could help Obi-Wan with his quest. Little Leia could vaguely start associating herself with the dissent. Reva could embark on her own personal journey – either with Obi-Wan’s help or without it.
Cons: All of the above would be somewhat forced, a continuation for the sake of continuation. Obi-Wan S1 was already a bit of a stretch: a story that could have been left untold; but somehow it worked out. However with each subsequent sequel the chances of stretching it too much will grow exponentially.
It is true that Reva, Leia et al. have plenty of potential for their own stories, but those would be better suited as stand-alone projects with major focus on THEM. Of course, that is more of a gamble in terms of marketing. But slamming Obi-Wan’s name on a show just to make it sell does not sound like a good idea. Plus such a label would demand Obi-Wan’s presence to a degree, which in turn might limit Reva’s, Leia’s etc. story potential as opposed to if these were fully focussed only on them.
The Danger Of Hybrid Shows
One cannot help but think of The Book of Boba Fett in this context: it was essentially The Mandalorian Season 2.5. Because of effectively two episodes without the titular character it was neither this nor that. If Disney decided to make a “Reva” or “Young Leia” series (the latter might have better name in terms of marketing, but open itself to more criticism because of it), it should take a lesson from the past.
The biggest problem to solve may be how to have Vader involved (his absence would be a big letdown) without having him confront Obi-Wan again. S1 ending already implied that Vader is done with his master for now, and also further near-escapes would become less believable with every encounter.
Ewan McGregor Strikes Back?
There are many pros and cons to making Obi-Wan Season 2. So far everything from the official sources on that note has been ambiguous. It is clear that Obi-Wan Kenobi was never meant to have a second season and only its overwhelmingly positive reception has prompted the talk about renewing the show.
Ewan McGregor and several other actors have also stated that they would be very happy to reprise their roles. And prequel fans would surely be happy about any further Obi-Wan/Anakin content. That does not however mean that it needs to happen in the context of another season of Obi-Wan.
There Is No Try
The fact that you have the power to do something does not mean that you should do it. If quick money is what Disney wants, I am certain that making second season of Obi-Wan Kenobi would get them some. But is this also the moment to show wisdom and restraint for the sake of the franchise as a whole?
If Disney decided to make the second season of Obi-Wan Kenobi, I would suggest that it follows one of Master Yoda’s old sayings. “Do, or do not: there is no try.”
