Things are heating up for Kara in The Ninth Jedi. Now streaming on Disney+, this anime-inspired Star Wars series just keeps getting more and more intense. We see the fear the Kyber Crystal cannon instills in everyone’s heart, and most importantly, we learn more Lah Zhima, Kara’s father and one of the last known sabersmiths.

There will be spoilers ahead about Episode three of The Ninth Jedi. So, please keep that in mind as you read further for a recap and my review.

The People of Bibin Are Spared

Episode three starts off strong. It takes place right after the episode two ends, after Nawaam fires off the Kyber Crystal towards Bibin.

Thankfully, the beam missed the planet, flying straight over the citizen’s heads. Ethan watches as the Kyber Crystal warms up after Nawaam orders another shot. The Crystal isn’t able to perform, and once again malfunctions. Beams of lightning erupt from it, and Nawaam must use the Force to keep the damage minimal.

Lady Tafflah takes this opportunity to evacuate all of Bibin. Palace rumbling and threatening to give out at any moment, she finds an old ship to transfer refugees. Another rumbles shakes her home, and she drops her communicator. Because of this, she cannot speak to Kwana or her palace guards. 

Still, Kwana, Juro, Homen, and Kara rush to the palace and find her in the hangar. Not only has she lost her communicator, she is also holding on for dear life. Lady Tafflah does fall, but Kara acts quickly and grabs her. Both women lose their grips and fall to the bottom of the maintenance deck. The doors seals shut before Juro can utilize the Force and save them. 

Who is Zhima?

During their time on the deck, Kara introduces himself and asks for more information about Zhima. Lady Tafflah admits that “no one knew him at all” and “why he did it, is a question no one knows the answer to.” She reveals that Reno Tsutara, one of the last surviving Jedi masters, wanted to restore the order. Back then, she thought the cause would be beneficial. 

Kara learns that Zhima was brought to Bibin as a child to train under Reno and was considered one of the most talented younglings. She also discovers more about Reno, who was not only a skilled Jedi master, but also a diplomat. During his lifetime, he traveled to various star systems, establishing trade markets—during a time when trade was not prosperous—and solved conflicts and expanded commerce. He had actually used Lady Tafflah’s ship for his work.

While Reno did this, Zhima decided to fight any of the remaining Sith. He believed the “galaxy would be better off without them.” The more Reno became absorbed in politics, the more Zhima became absorbed in battle, working to eliminate all threats. Zhima thought that the Jedi were not meant to mingle with politics, and this caused friction between him and his master. This eventually led to Reno’s demise.

During their final battle, Zhima’s lightsaber glowed red, then blue, shocking both him and Reno. Eventually, Zhima became one with the Force, and his lightsaber became a color that not even his master could anticipate. Using this newfound power, Zhima struck down him down with one final blow. 

Lady Tafflah had witnessed the entire incident and disbanded the Jedi Order that very same day. She tells Kara that Zhima “wanted to prove to himself that he had surpassed his master.” 

Who is Reno?

Juro finally manages to open the sealed doors and rescue the two. Kara is shaken by the revelation, but moves on regardless. A hidden door in the ship opens, uncovering people incased in carbonite. Juro questions why they are here and wonders what else they don’t know about Reno. 

However, they all agree the most important thing is to get the refugees off the planet. Answers can be found later. After landing on a nearby asteroid, Juro and the others study the carbonite, who appear to be trade officials. They believe that Reno was replacing the trade officials, not to rebuild commerce, but to reap profits from ore being sold through illegal channels. They conclude that Zhima wasn’t acting out of malice; he was simply trying to stop Reno from engaging in more illicit activities. 

Juro decides they need to ask Zhima for more concrete answers. They contact Ethan to bring Zhima to the evacuation pods on Nawaam’s ship. Then, Juro decides they need to strike the enemy before the Kyber Cannon is repaired, then take Bibin’s people to a new home. As they prepare to head to Yaago, Lady Tafflah delivers the famous Star Wars line, “May the Force be with you.” 

My Review

Again, there is much to be admired about how The Ninth Jedi handles its pacing. So much happens in the course of one episode, but it doesn’t feel convoluted. As always, there is no denying the breathtaking animation and art. Though the Kyber Crystal cannon misses, there is something beautiful and devastating about the still planet before we know everyone is safe.

The battle between Reno and Zhima is probably the highlight of the entire episode. It is so gorgeous and heartpounding; each moment had me holding my breath. The close up of Zhima absorbing the Force, wielding his lightsaber even tighter, and speeding toward his master is an image I will never forget. 

The duel is not only beautiful, but it also makes viewers question what possessed Zhima to attack his master. Is Juro’s theory correct? Was it really because of Reno’s involvement in illegal trade or is this a case of another Anakin? At any rate, one of the best things is learning about Zhima so quickly, even if it’s not yet complete. Honestly, I didn’t think we would get anything for another few episodes. 

However, with knowing about Reno’s association with trade officials and his dabbling with the illegal ore market, that assumption is turned on its head. Instead, The Ninth Jedi encourages us to see Reno as the aggravator, and that maybe Zhima had a reason for what he did. Of course, it is only speculation at this point. Though we’d like to be as excited as Kara and believe it, there is so much about Zhima and Reno that still needs answering. I think it’s incredibly smart that the show had given us this relationship and conflict so early. Not only is it a huge part of Zhima’s, Reno’s, and Kara’s stories, but it also makes us eager to press ‘next episode.’