Skip to main content

Yes, The Obi-Wan Kenobi Meme Was Perfect (& Worth The Wait)

Warning: Spoilers for Obi-Wan Kenobi episode 6.

The Obi-Wan Kenobi series finale includes a famous line that's been turned into a meme in recent years, but its execution and context make it worth the wait and respectful to the Star Wars mythos. The Star Wars saga, particularly the prequel trilogy, has spawned a host of memes, sometimes used to mock the films and other times to honor them with a bit of irreverence which, for better or worse, are becoming increasingly prevalent in Star Wars properties. In a refreshing departure from what many might have expected, the Obi-Wan Kenobi finale uses the "hello there" line in a tasteful and heartfelt moment.

Obi-Wan Kenobi was introduced to the Star Wars franchise in A New Hope with the line "hello there" as he revealed himself to R2-D2 and helped revive Luke from a Tusken Raider attack. The line returned in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith as a bit of connective tissue between the prequel and original trilogy eras, but this particular instance, to which General Grievous responded with "General Kenobi," has become a viral internet meme, not unlike Obi-Wan's use of "the high ground" in his Mustafar duel with Darth Vader and Anakin Skywalker's infamous dislike of sand. Obi-Wan saying "hello there" in the Kenobi series isn't surprising, but its context is far more respectful than some might have expected.

Related: Kenobi's Finale Fixed Original Trilogy Darth Vader Lies & Plot Holes

Ben Kenobi's utterance of "hello there" in the Obi-Wan Kenobi series is inevitable, but its use towards the end of "Part VI" was surprisingly tasteful. Following Reva's attack on the Lars homestead, Owen Lars allows Ben to finally speak to a young Luke Skywalker, and Kenobi introduces himself with the famous line (and a toy T-16 Skyhopper in hand). The context surrounding the famous line made it worth the wait and a perfect use of what could have easily been a disingenuous wink at viewers of the Disney+ series.

In the Disney era of the Star Wars franchise, memes have been acknowledged in properties with increasing frequency. In some cases, it's subtle, like having a B1 Battle Droid in Star Wars: The Bad Batch repeat the line "I guess I'm in charge now" from Star War: The Clone Wars or having Sabine Wren complain about sand on Geonosis in Star Wars Rebels. In other cases, it's far more overt, like the 2017's Darth Vader comic series' reference to the high ground or the 2020 Darth Vader comics burying the Sith Lord in sand on the cover of an upcoming issue.

In both cases, the increasing acknowledgment of memes in the Star Wars franchise resulted in a serious lack of earnestness in a franchise that once distinguished itself by being uncharacteristically sincere during a cynical time in American culture. However, the Obi-Wan series finale didn't use "hello there" for meta-humor but instead had the line uttered as Kenobi's introduction to Luke Skywalker, which also gave Ben and Owen a much-needed moment that lacked hostility. The Obi-Kan Kenobi series finale made the right move by using "hello there" in an earnest and heartfelt moment, making the meme worth the wait.

Next: Obi-Wan Kenobi Episode 6 Easter Eggs & Star Wars References Explained

Want more Obi-Wan Kenobi articles? Check out our essential content below...



Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Pet Sematary: Bloodlines Interview — Makeup Head Annick Chartier On Subtle Horror & Era Recreation

Learn the origins of one of Stephen King's most memorable characters in Pet Sematary: Bloodlines . The movie centers on a younger Jud Crandall as he attempts to leave his hometown of Ludlow, though when a childhood friend returns from the Vietnam War in mysterious fashion, he learns of a dark secret those in the town have been guarding.
Post a Comment
Read more

Which X-Men Character Are You, Based On Your MBTI® Type?

Even more so than other superhero teams in Marvel and DC, the X-Men offers a lot in the variety of characters who have served as members. Most mutants in Marvel have been X-Men, and these characters came in all shapes and sizes, many with overbearing personalities and others more recluse, traversing the  MBTI® Type scale. Led by Professor X, many of the members of the X-Men started there as kids while others joined as adults. There have been heroes and villains who worked on the team and on the island of Krakoa, every mutant lives there together in peace. With so much drama and complex personalities throughout the history of the X-Men, there is an MBTI® Type for everyone. 10 INTJ-A - Professor X Professor Charles Xavier is clearly an Architect when it comes to his MBTI® Type. Not only that, but he is an Assertive Architect. He is a self-assured man who values organization and rationality when solving problems. This started out when he created the X-Men and became more controllin
Post a Comment
Read more

The 10 Best Westworld Characters, According To Ranker

With the return of Westworld for its long-awaited fourth season, fans are instantly becoming hooked once again to the sci-fi story. But while the compelling mystery is certainly a draw, it is the characters of Westworld that really bring this ambitious story to life. While everyone certainly will have their own personal favorites, Ranker has shared the most popular Westworld characters among fans. Some characters are easy to root for, some are more complex, and many of them have their own intriguing mysteries fans love exploring. 10 Felix Lutz It seems that the people working at Westworld fall into one of two categories, either being indifferent and cruel to the hosts or showing empathy for these creations. Felix falls into the latter category, making him a likable part of the team. His true compassion shows when Maeve recruits him to help her escape from the park. While Felix is a timid man, he seems to be inspired by Maeve's boldness and strength which pushes him to fo
Post a Comment
Read more