Its interesting to think that there are "rules" in the Netherworld of the Force. Are there really? We don't know. I like to think that Obi-Wan, in ESB, chose not to interfere, though it's understandable to assume an unwritten rule exists based on the word choice. And, given Obi-Wan's nature as a rule follower, one can further say there is an unwritten rule.

I say that Obi-Wan chose not to interfere. He probably could have if he wanted. But knowing the mysterious nature of the Force and allowing it to guide one's destiny is a key part of the early narrative of Star Wars. Luke is rushing off and Obi-Wan is cautioning him. He does so as a way to continue his "protector" mandate... yet in true Jedi Master fashion, decides to LET GO. He lets Luke go to seek his destiny. And in the process of letting go, decides not to interfere in the affairs to come. Once again, the Master must let go of the Apprentice.

And then there's that whole gap between 1981 and 2017 and all the changes to canon in between.

It was an EXCELLENT first episode.

I want to point something else out about Ventress' "hearts desire." Listening to Vos talk to Obi-Wan as they approached the waters, Quinlan states that "she always wanted to come back here."

Couldn't that too be a desire? What if the two are connected? She could stay with her sisters and have access to the Waters maintaining her consciousness after death. She would still have to give up Quinlan though. Notice how when she steps out after making her choice, the cave immediately looks barren, deserted, and void? Could it be that the Waters are now lost to her too?

I like the fact that we're looking past the surface of the usual 'good vs. bad' aspects of Star Wars and really seeing how ugly the 'good' side is, or could be. Wars are nothing but loss, both in fiction and in reality. I like the fact that we're seeing the nitty gritty sacrifices that some of the characters we first came to know, way back when, had to make to bring us to the point of "yay the Death Star blew up and we saved the Rebellion!". Can't wait to see the next three episodes!

That scene was a big one throughout Star Wars. It essentially closed a plot hole that had lingered for quite some time.

It began as a Legends-era comic. The "old wound" statement was a genuine callback.

It did show how much Obi-Wan had grown and matured. "Look what I have risen above." It incorporated many aspects of Japanese samurai culture and cinema... True to George's style and influence.

Yes, it called back to Episode 1 and the Form 4 Stance that Qui-Gon presented before he died.. which was likely on purpose to show just how much Obi-Wan had moved on and how little Maul had moved on.

The biggest thing about the scene was to finally close out Maul's character journey in a dignified manner. To show why Obi-Wan exists in the OT movies whole Maul does not. It was and will be one of the best 3-seconds of Star Wars we will ever have.

Me personally, I thought it was a good story. It was nice to get some backstory to such a famous character in the SW community. It was even more intriguing to know how the Millennium Falcon came to be one of the most famous ships in the galaxy far far away. I enjoyed piecing together the story of why C-3PO said that the ship's computer had such a particular "dialect" in the Original Trilogy. Not to mention that we got to see the evolution of Qi'ra and her involvement with the larger canon. Sure... the story didn't have Jedi or Sith battling it out, but neither did Rogue One (that ending Vader scene excluded), but the galaxy is large and there's plenty of room for stories like this. I think we could use a few more like it.

What!? Seriously? Your article tries to establish that Sidious couldn't quite control his own Force Lightning, and yet you fail to acknowledge Sidious' control of it during the Battle of Exegol. C'mon dude. Your argument is ridiculous at best. Did Sidious get defeated three times by his own lightning? Yes. Is that his fault, no. I blame poor writing for such. It's reasonable to go to the same well twice, but not thrice.

I say it's inevitable. If Star Wars wants to continue telling stories with these characters it will have to happen in some capacity. With leaps forward in technology, all that really needs be done is cast a body double and CGI the rest. We saw that in Mandalorian Season 2 finale, and again in Book of Boba Fett Episode 6. Also, voices of characters are no longer a problem anymore. Disney has fully digitized James Earl Jones' for Darth Vader, so why not the rest?

All very good examples.

One duel that really stood out to me that wasn't included: Yoda vs. Dooku in Episode 2 AotC. It was the first time we really got to see Yoda in action. I watched in the theater and came out of my seat with excitement.

So, the overall point is that Sidious was weaker in his cloned body and that's why he actually needed guards on Exegol?

If that's so, then how do you explain the ridiculous amounts of Force Lightning he used to almost destroy the Resistance Fleet during the Battle of Exegol?

Personally, I'm a fan of TCW Season 5, Episode 16 "The Lawless." Sidious really shows up and shows out in that episode. Not to mention it's was Ian Abercrombie's last episode voicing the character. RIP good sir.

Absolutely. This is the golden opportunity to better explain Ventress' return. And it would be better than "somehow she returned." It would be cool to see Quinlan again too. I think that character deserves a little more screen time than he originally got and it would be interesting to see the dynamic between the two.

Unfortunately I don't follow you on this one Liz. I like the idea that Omega could have had some sort of part in the birth of Rey, but I just think it's a bit of a stretch given the source material available.

One thing that sticks out is the statement "M-Count increase." Omega was unique in that she was the first clone to show M-Count REPLICATION, not increase. M-Count replication was what Project Necromancer was after so that a suitable clone could be created for Darth Sidious.

I can't whether Omega had a high M-Count or if her M-Count level was even stated. The only reference for replication would be Emery Karr, her clone sister. The tests given by Asajj Ventress were inconclusive but hinted that she could be Force-sensitive. And, with the destruction of Tantiss, we have to assume all data and records of Omega were lost.

Now as to Rey directly, there's information in the book "Skywalker: A Family at War," and the book "Secrets of the Sith" that help us understand where Reys Force-sensitivity came from.

According to these, it came through Dathan via the Palpatine Bloodline. Though Dathan was considered a "failure" by Palpatine's standards, he was allowed to live knowing he could sire a potential candidate for Essence Transfer. Which he did, and which is why he and Miramir fled Exegol. Palps learned of the child and wanted her so she could be evaluated.

Yeah I could definitely be down with the return of Natalie Portman... either as Pe (flashbacks) or as Abeloth disguising herself as Pe. It would definitely mess with Anakin and Ahsoka in a wonderfully twisted way and could make for some good storytelling.

Some good perspectives here.

I wonder how Order 66 would have played out if Anakin and Pe HAD NOT kept their marriage a secret? For sure he would have been barred from the Jedi Order. Which... could have still worked because Palps would have no opposition keeping him from Anakin. I imagine those two would have hung out more and then Order 66 would happen and Anakin would still wreck shop on the Temple. But what would happen to Pe? Wonder if she would also lose her station as Senator? I wonder how that would have played out.

Yeah, I hear you. Why spoil the theatrical release for yourself? We (SW Fans) are a ionate lot are we not? Each one of us has their own Head Canon that the galaxy far, far away imparts on our minds and it's the books that nurture that Head Canon moe than anything else. But that's the fun of it all, isn't it? We get to make up our own mental theatrics and that's what sticks with us.

I've been curious about the yellow lightsaber Ventress is wielding. Usually belonging to Sentinels (or Temple guards), it represents a balance between combat prowess and scholarly intent. A balance of self.

I'm wondering if we get to see how she found her balance in life. The trailer vocalizes it with her talking about her time with Dooku and "no longer wanting that life.". The medal case was cool. It might be hers during her service with the CIS.

Either way we get more Star Wars with some of our beloved characters and I'm happy about that.

I know I'm excited! Yes... More Ventress. And Yes... More Cad Bane too! It appears that we will be getting an origin story on him and how he became one of the most feared bounty hunters in the galaxy.

I'm with you, I would like to see the resurrection story of her and how her story ended up crossing paths with the Bad Batch. If memory serves... Dark Disciple was created from a Clone Wars story arc that never made it to the screen. Maybe we finally get some of that story arc?

Honestly I'm excited about both. It appears we get an origin story about Bane that explores his motivation for becoming one of the most feared and respected bounty hunters. And Ventress? The sky is the limit on her. Personally I'd love the see a representation of her resurrection that was implied after the Dark Disciple novel. The young jedi/force wielder in the trailer is interesting as is the new Inquisitor. Perhaps we'll see events leading up to her Bad Batch appearance? Who knows. I'm just ready to buckle up and go along for the ride!