Kenobi Just Explained 1 Part Of Empire Strikes Back's Luke vs Vader Duel

Warning: SPOILERS for Obi-Wan Kenobi episode 3.

One part of The Empire Strikes Back, and even slightly explains one line of dialogue. So much of the Dark Times era in Star Wars canon has been unknown to viewers, with the bulk of stories being relegated to Legends. Some parts have been explored over the years, such as with Star Wars Rebels and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, but Obi-Wan Kenobi provides unique insight.

With the new series on Disney+, the Star Wars franchise is able to answer several questions about Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader, and the state of the galaxy itself, that have been lingering ever since Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith released in theaters, such as: Did Obi-Wan ever face Darth Vader before A New Hope? That was, of course, answered in Obi-Wan Kenobi episode 3, though in all likelihood, there will be another duel between the two before the season comes to an end.

Before Darth Vader uses the Force to drag Obi-Wan through burning flames, the Jedi Master briefly escapes the Sith Lord by breaking a vent and blasting the vapor into Darth Vader's face, thereby concealing his escape. Luke Skywalker does something similar during his own duel with Darth Vader on Cloud City in The Empire Strikes Back. And interestingly enough, immediately after Luke blows the vapor into Darth Vader's face and buys himself enough time to get his lightsaber, Vader says, "Obi-Wan has taught you well." It's a small, but fun connection to draw.

Of course, Vader continues that line by adding, "You have control of your fear. Now, release your anger. Only your hatred can destroy me." So in the end, Darth Vader may not have been referring to the smoke being blown in his face, but the pause in dialogue works neatly with what audiences saw in Obi-Wan Kenobi episode 3. After all, the bulk of the new series reframes much of what people know from George Lucas' original Star Wars trilogy — whether that be through retcons, explanations, or subtle throughlines.

Qui-Gon Jinn may have discovered Anakin Skywalker's potential as a Force , but Obi-Wan Kenobi shaped him. Even in A New Hope, Darth Vader forgets about Leia, Luke, and their friends, and focuses entirely on Obi-Wan. Similarly, he judges Luke based on what Obi-Wan (and Yoda) taught him. Even though all of this wasn't thought through entirely by the time The Empire Strikes Back came out, Lucasfilm has done an irable job at weaving the new stories into established canon — and as a result, little details like this can stand out.

Next: Obi-Wan Kenobi Episode 3 Easter Eggs & Star Wars References Explained

New episodes of Obi-Wan Kenobi release on Wednesdays on Disney+.

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