Assorted thoughts about Haja Estree and the legacy of the jedi
Obsessed with the idea that Obi-Wan Kenobi comes to terms with the fact that ‘jedi’ is more of an iconography/idea in the Kenobi series than it is a religion, and begrudgingly accepts that Haja Estree kind of counts because he’s doing basically all the same social functions as a jedi and people don’t see any difference between the two of them.
Haja Estree is a conman and a loser, who has no force abilities. But he’s clearly shown embodying the same thing as other jedi in Kenobi when he has his moments of self-sacrifice. He’s given a remarkably similar scene to the ACTUAL jedi guy from episode 1. If Haja had died, he’d be mourned like a jedi because the general public isn’t going to know the fucking difference.
I think Haja Estree being technically an honorary jedi of sorts is equal parts hilarious and significant for canon. Because all he is is flashy and self-sacrificing but that’s ENOUGH for people to believe. Haja’s shitty pretend costume game brings people actual hope. What would it matter if he was a real jedi to the people of his system? They wouldn’t give a shit because they wouldn’t see a difference. There’s not a lot that sets Haja’s showmanship apart from a lot of actual jedi interactions with outer rim shithole planets.
As far as the wider galaxy goes, the imagery and supposed behaviour of the jedi is kinda way more significant than the actual Force that sets them apart from everyone. The average person can’t see that! And with basically all the jedi gone, the definition of who ‘counts’ is more… loose.
Also come on guys I need Haja to be part of the jedi’s lasting legacy it would be too funny.
Like “Oh wow, I met a jedi once back on Daiyu.”
“Did you now? -_-“
Like yeah. This completely non-force sensitive guy who used to scam people for a living and specialises in entertainment is actually just as legit of a jedi to everyone else in the world as you, one of the only survivors of Order 66, are. Deal with it.
I don’t think Haja ever FULLY drops the role because sometimes people in horrible situations NEED a jedi. Even if he’s just a guy in cheap shitty robes with a couple of magnets and some pizzazz. He’s their jedi. He still counts in their mind.
The Kenobi series was silly and I consider much of it non-canon (more like a What If?) but it’s up there with some of my favourite Star Wars media because it captures the idea of average people so well.
Sorry for the incoherency of this rant I just have a LOT of thoughts and can’t be assed forming a proper thesis.