ethangeorgephillips

The second instalment of Kenobi, is more fast paced than it's predecessor. We see Kenobi out of his comfort zone. Kenobi is forced to become the man he once was. It's really interesting to see this internal conflict inside him, as "Ben" the hermit on Tatooine, versus "Obi wan Kenobi" Jedi Master.

To add to his conflict, a new setting in Daiyu. Which has a similar atmosphere and look to corusant. I believe Deborah Chow, has done this on purpose. As she wants Kenobi to remember his roots. The streets of Daiyu are very compacted and bursting with life, the polar opposite of Tatooine. I thought the sound design was great, as I could really hear all the other mumbled conversations happening in the background.

This episode also introduced a new character called Haja played by Kumail Nanjiani. I was not a fan of this character, as it was like the script it's self was written without any clarification whether he was a protagonist or a antagonist. I felt his character arc was extremely rushed, like they ran out of time.

Reva had another prominent role, at first I felt her disobedience was badass and assertive. Unfortunately this episode takes her rogue personality too far. Leading to a ending that makes no sense if you have seen Star Wars Rebels.

It was intriguing seeing Kenobi battle like a normal man, and also seeing his rusty-ness with the force is demonstrating that he had left his Jedi life behind 10 years ago.

All though this episode has some plot holes, and questionable character arcs, this episodes carry's the fire of what is set to be a marvellous series.

"The Massacre at Hawkins lab" is a terrific conclusion to Vol 1. It manages to close avenues and open others. Crucially leaving rivalry's heated, ready for Vol 2. Eleven is still in her simulation which going into this episode was fed up of as she has been in it on and off for 3 episodes. But by God was it worth it. This storyline conclusion rewards us with crucial answers way back in earlier episodes in Vol 1, a surprise reveal which caught me off guard, and a riveting final fight sequence.

Meanwhile in Russia, Hopper and his fellow prisoners come face to face to a old enemy. This sequence brings nostalgia but also some great killer moves. Just certifying how creative the Duffer Brothers are getting.

I loved how this episode continued straight away, from the previous episodes cliffhanger. And not letting us antagonise about it.

Cinematography has most certainly had a improvement this season, but this episode was on a different level. We are gifted to a smorgasbord of camera shots, angles, lengths. These combined put us in great places to see the action first hand regardless the position.

Vecna, has been a highlight for me this Vol. His horrific method of murder and lack of emotion gives him a serious serial killer vibe. The episode gives Vecna more layers to be explored including a spine tingling origin story.

This episodes caps off a a Spectacular series with a Bang. Whilst simultaneously leaving the door open for what I'm sure is gonna be 2 Superb remaining episodes.

"The Dive" is the penultimate episode of Vol 1 It does a spectacular job of setting up the mid season finale. Eleven has a lot of screen time in this episode. Eleven reliving her past is truly great to watch. This storyline also gets us to know and learn about the other subjects in the lab, and demonstrates the harsh and competitive environment that Eleven went through, giving us more empathy for her, because of what she has to go through. The lighting of the lab is a bit dark and grainy but the rainbow in the background should bring life into the room, but it's cleverly fits into the dark and dower atmosphere of the lab which mirrors the mindset of the subjects.

The Hawkins gang gets split in this episode which is interesting to see how they work together when they are separated. As a big fan of Steve it's great seeing him take a leadership role and take command. Again remaining is the superb character development he has had.

Hoppers character arc this episode flip flops from defeated to fighting multiple times. This shows the power of the soviets to break a man. As Hopper has never faced such a challenge. A new character called Enzo is surprisingly entertaining and becoming a good support character to Hopper.

This episode leaves us on a absolutely dramatic cliffhanger which makes it impossible to Not watch the finale straight away.

This episode is one of the best of the season so far, and sets up what should be a finale to remember.