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In decided contrast to the clamor and racket our young heroes are making, Obi-Wan has been flitting silently from one part of the station to another without any notice. We see how the Jedi has many skills of stealth at his disposal, both ordinary and supernatural.

Then, after he's successfully deactivated the tractor beam, he pauses and retrieves his lightsaber. This simple wordless action tells us something different is striking his senses. It's so subtle, just his facial expression and a single gesture. We can almost guess what's about to happen from Obi-Wan's face alone before it's revealed what he is seeing.

Darth Vader. This confrontation has been looming ever since the Falcon was first tractored into the hanger, ever since Vader sensed the presence of his old master. It was inevitable. The tension is so powerful. Even before we had the prequels, even before we knew Vader's true identity, this moment was always fraught with history and tragedy. Obi-Wan's former apprentice, turned to darkness, betrayer of all he was taught. Confident now that he will prevail. His boasting alongside Obi-Wan's calm serenity, red blade against blue. We saw just a glimpse of Ben's saber prowess in the cantina, but this is our first look at a true lightsaber duel.

It might seem rather tame compared to the adrenaline-packed battles from the prequels, but the emotional weight is heavier than all of that. And then there's astonishing notion that this mountain of a man, a figure of pure violence and power, seems to be equally matched by an old man who looks like he would get winded climbing the stairs. You can't win, Darth, he claims. How is that possible?

We'll explore the answer to that question next time...