Obi-Wan Kenobi Part I & II Review: 7 Ups & 2 Downs
3. The Supporting Cast Almost Steal The Show
As great as McGregor is as Obi-Wan Kenobi, there are moments throughout the first two episodes where he's almost overshadowed by his exceptional co-stars.
Though Rupert Friend is, as noted, underused, he still manages to emerge from his scenes as an intimidating force of evil and moral corruption. Likewise, Jimmy Smits just about overcomes the script's insistence on making him a walking piece of exposition by capturing the loving father within the serious politician.
Elsewhere, Moses Ingram is fantastic as Reva, a woman controlled by her own thirst for vengeance and power, but noticeably hiding something deep and sad under her villainous façade, and Kumail Nanjiani adds much needed humour as conflicted con artist Haja Estree.
Other supporting stars such as Joel Egerton and Fast & Furious's Sung Kang are also on solid form, though the true scene-stealer of the series at this point is surely Vivien Lyra Blair, who plays a young Princess Leia with such ferocity, humour, and innocence that one wonders how happy Carrie Fisher would've been watching her.
It's a sweet performance, far beyond her years, and promises big things for Blair's future. Like the rest of the cast, she's giving it all and making waves.