Warning: Spoilers ahead for Obi-Wan Kenobi episodes 1 & 2.
Obi-Wan Kenobi has premiered its first two episodes on Disney+ with the titular Jedi Master embarking on a perilous new adventure 10 years after Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith. Set during the dark times of the Empire's rule over the Star Wars galaxy, there's never been a worse time to be a Jedi. However, Obi-Wan Kenobi has chosen to come out of hiding all the same in this new series. The episode 2 ending also features a major revelation with devastating consequences for the exiled Jedi, setting the tone for the rest of the series going forward.
Following the events of Revenge of the Sith, Obi-Wan Kenobi became a nomad on Tatooine to protect the son of Anakin Skywalker, who could one day be a new hope for the galaxy in the face of its new Imperial oppression. Believing he had failed his former apprentice who was seduced by the dark side of the Force, Obi-Wan defeated Anakin on the volcanic world of Mustar and left him for dead. Now, Obi-Wan has finally learned the much darker truth in this new series.
With Obi-Wan leaving Tatooine for the first time in a decade to save a kidnapped Leia Organa, dangers come from all sides as the Jedi Master is soon hunted by agents of the Empire and bounty hunters alike. Not only does this lead to conflict between the Imperial Inquisitors (and a major death), but it also sees Obi-Wan learning the shocking truth about the Sith lord who leads their number. Here's the Obi-Wan Kenobi episode 2 ending explained in detail.
Where Is Darth Vader At The End Of Obi-Wan Kenobi Episode 2?
Following the Third Sister's reveal to Obi-Wan that Anakin is alive, the Obi-Wan Kenobi episode 2 ending closes with a gruesome shot of an armorless Darth Vader submerged in a healing bacta tank. As such, the Dark Lord of the Sith and apprentice to Emperor Palpatine is most likely residing within his fortress on Mustafar. Constructed on the same world where Anakin received his severe wounds and burns following his duel with Kenobi, Darth Vader's castle is an intimidating structure that was first seen in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Played by Hayden Christensen reprising his role as Anakin/Vader, the Dark Lord will no doubt leave his bacta tank and don his armor once he learns that Obi-Wan Kenobi has been located by his Inquisitors.
The Grand Inquisitor's Death Retcons Star Wars Rebels
One of the most surprising moments in Obi-Wan Kenobi episode 2 was the apparent death of the Grand Inquisitor. Leader of the Inquisitorius who serves directly under Vader and the Emperor, the Grand Inquisitor was run through by the Third Sister after he attempted to steal the glory of capturing Kenobi. However, Star Wars is either massively retconning the canon by killing the main antagonist of one of their animated series years too early, or the leading Jedi hunter is still alive (though likely out of commission until he recovers). Given Star Wars' established timeline within the canon, the Grand Inquisitor still had a few more years serving the Empire before his ultimate demise hunting the Jedi survivor Kanan Jarrus and his padawan Ezra (as seen in Star Wars Rebels' first season).
Why Didn't Obi-Wan Kenobi Know Anakin Is Darth Vader?
Learning that his corrupted apprentice is still alive, Kenobi is in total shock and visibly floored. As established in both episodes of the new series, Obi-Wan was very much under the impression that he had killed Anakin on the lava banks of Mustafar. Instead, Darth Vader lives on, a living and dark embodiment of Obi-Wan's perceived failure, no doubt desiring revenge from his old master.
It makes sense that Obi-Wan Kenobi didn't know Anakin still lived. After all, he's been hiding out in the desert for a decade trying to stay off the radar. Furthermore, Obi-Wan likely assumed Anakin was done for, following the damage Skywalker received from their battle. These injuries would have likely been fatal had Palpatine not arrived to save Darth Vader, turning him into the iconic cyborg who would go on to hunt the last remnants of the Jedi Order in the Empire's name. At any rate, it looks as though Darth Vader and his old master are now on a collision course as set up by the Obi-Wan Kenobi episode 2 ending.
Obi-Wan Kenobi releases new episodes Fridays on Disney+.