Star Wars fans can’t believe Obi-Wan Kenobi finale cameos

Obi-Wan Kenobi’s finale has left Star Wars fans stunned with two cameos, including the return of a fan-favorite character from the prequels.

Episode 6 of Obi-Wan Kenobi has finally arrived, bringing the show’s headline event to life: the “rematch of the century” between Darth Vader and his former Jedi master, clashing lightsabers and lobbing boulders at one another with nobody around to stop them.

It’s not the only takeaway from the finale: it ties up Reva’s storyline, after Episode 5 revealed her to be one of the younglings who escaped Anakin’s Order 66 massacre in Revenge of the Sith. The finale also  sets up a possible Season 2; and most notably, it boasts two major cameos.

After The Mandalorian brought back Luke Skywalker for that incredible scene in Season 2, The Book of Boba Fett often felt like a blatant attempt to coast on nostalgia. Here, at least for one of the cameos, it’s been received far more warmly.

Spoilers for Obi-Wan Kenobi Episode 6 to follow…

Obi-Wan Kenobi Episode 6: Somehow, Palpatine returned… again

Vader retreats to his base in Mustafar after fighting Obi-Wan, where he talks to a hologram of Ian McDiarmid’s Darth Sidious. The villain was last seen in the maligned Rise of Skywalker, having somehow transferred his essence to a clone after his death in Return of the Jedi.

• Read More: Obi-Wan Kenobi Episode 6: “Rematch of the century” headlines emotional finale

In his brief scene, he expresses concern over Vader’s weakness as a result of his need to destroy Kenobi. “I wonder if your thoughts are clear on this, Lord Vader,” he says, before Vader vows to only serve Palpatine, and that Kenobi “means nothing.”

Reacting on Twitter, one user wrote: “Why is nobody talking about freaking Sheev Palpatine. The GOAT is back.”

Another tweeted: “Ahhh I desperately wanted an appearance by Emperor Palpatine! The chills this gave me! The way I always win! Ian McDiarmid you are legendary beyond words!”

Generally, the reception to Palpatine’s appearance has been mixed, likely off the back of Rise of Skywalker’s divisive reception.

“We got a Palpatine cameo but no Padmé?” one user complained, while another wrote: “Every time Palpatine spoke I physically threw up in my mouth.”

Obi-Wan Kenobi Episode 6: Liam Neeson finally returns as Qui-Gon Jinn

Towards the end of the episode, with Obi-Wan heading off for his next adventure, a familiar force ghost appears: Liam Neeson as Qui-Gon Jinn. “Well, took you long enough,” he tells Obi-Wan.

Throughout the series, Obi-Wan calls out to his former master, seeking guidance amid his strife with Vader. In Qui-Gon’s short scene, he reveals that he’s actually been there the whole time – Obi-Wan just couldn’t see him.

“I was always here, Obi-Wan. You just were not ready to see,” he tells his former pupil, before adding: “Come on. We’ve got a ways to go.”

He then fades away as Obi-Wan heads into the distance. The show was originally conceived as a limited series, so it’s unclear if this is setting up Season 2.

Star Wars fans immediately took to social media after the episode to celebrate Neeson reprising his role. “You don’t know how I jumped for joy when Qui-Gon came out and spoke to Obi-Wan,” one user wrote.

• Read More: Hayden Christensen redeems himself in Obi-Wan finale, but not Darth Vader

Another tweeted: “It’s been forever master Qui-Gon Jinn. I missed you very much.”

A third wrote: “When I was sure nothing would surprise me anymore, Qui-Gon showed up. this episode was everything I wanted it to be.”

Obi-Wan Kenobi is now streaming on Disney+