One shocking scene inStar Wars: Episode II - Attack of the ClonesshowsAnakin Skywalkerbeing an even better Jedi thanObi-Wan Kenobi, and it’s often gone entirely overlooked. Although the original trilogy laid the groundwork for what followed inStar Warsmovies and TV shows, the prequel trilogy covered considerable ground as well, particularly when it came to the Jedi. InA New Hope, the Jedi were described in relatively loose terms, and, even by the end ofReturn of the Jedi, there was plenty left to explore about the history, nature, and rules of the Jedi.
The prequels provided exactly that. It was in the prequels that many aspects of the Jedi, such as their rule against attachments and the differentranks of the Jedi in the Order, were revealed and explored. Unfortunately for Anakin, this consistently reinforced that there were frankly dozens of red flags when it came to Anakin’s behavior—often, he was acting in a manner entirely contrary to the Jedi way. Yet,one scene inAttack of the Clonesjarringly shows Anakin acting as a true Jedi, whereas Obi-Wan Kenobi is not, and I’m flummoxed that it hasn’t been discussed more often.
It’s No Secret That Anakin Struggled Significantly In These Areas
Although Anakin was an innocent little boy inStar Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, it didn’t take long for him to start exhibiting the signs of what he was to become. From the beginning ofAttack of the Clones, it was clear Anakin was smitten with Padmé—entirely against the rules of the Jedi—and overtly struggling with accepting Obi-Wan’s position of authority in his life. This led to myriad concerning behaviors, including rather immature outbursts, such as the one he had in Padmé’s apartment, when he yelled that Obi-Wan’s treatment of him wasn’t fair.
His behaviors only became more concerning asAttack of the Cloneswent on, most obviously when he massacred all the Tusken Raider men, women, and children after his mother died in his arms, one of the mostdefining moments in Anakin’s fall to the dark side. Based on that alone, not to mention everything else in the movie, it isn’t difficult to see that Anakin had some major issues with anger, violence, and impulsivity, long before he fell to the dark side.
Anakin had some major issues with anger, violence, and impulsivity, long before he fell to the dark side.
In fact, Anakin had improved somewhat by the beginning ofStar Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith, enough so that he actually apologized to Obi-Wan for some of his behavior and expressed gratitude for Obi-Wan’s training. That upswing was obviously (and sadly) short-lived, but that just reinforces that, inAttack of the Clones, Anakin was arguably at his worst.This only makes it all the more shocking thatAttack of the Clonesshowcases what is perhaps Anakin’s best moment as a Jedi, and I’ve never seen it discussed.
Anakin Skywalker’s Complete Star Wars Timeline Explained: Chosen One Prophecy, Fall To The Dark Side, & Redemption
Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader’s influence on Star Wars cannot be overstated, and this complete timeline represents all the key events in his story.
Despite Anakin’s Nature, At This Moment, He Was A True Jedi
When Anakin and Padmé learn that Obi-Wan Kenobi has been captured by Count Dooku inAttack of the Clones, they rush to his rescue. Things didn’t exactly go to plan, though, as they too ended up captured on Geonosis. All three of them are chained to large pillars, and three creatures are released to kill them.
They each have their own responses to this situation, with Padmé famously outsmarting her captors, using a hair pin to unlock her cuffs and climbing atop the pillar she is chained to. In addition to this iconic moment,Obi-Wan and Anakin’s respective responses to their creatures are fascinating and a complete reversal of what one would expect. Whereas Obi-Wan Kenobi began to attack his creature, Anakin first attempted to use the Force to calm his—and it worked. Padmé and Anakin are ultimately able to ride on Anakin’s creature.
Whereas Obi-Wan Kenobi began to attack his creature, Anakin first attempted to use the Force to calm his.
It is in this moment that Anakin represents what it is to truly be a Jedi, as (contrary to his preference for"aggressive negotiations") Anakin first takes a non-violent, peaceful approach to a problem. Typically, he would run in, lightsaber swinging, and cut the creature down. Instead, Anakin opts for one of theForce powers inStar Wars, bonding with animals, to stop the beast from attacking him without harming or killing it. By contrast, Obi-Wan acts much more like Anakin typically would, attacking his creature.
This Is Such A Massive Moment In Star Wars, But It’s Completely Overlooked
This Obi-Wan And Anakin Reversal Deserves More Recognition
Although it may seem small,this scene is actually monumental inStar Wars, and it isn’t as recognized as it should be. This scene shows how much potential Anakin had to be a better Jedi. In different circumstances, without so much trauma and Palpatine’s crafty manipulations, Anakin had the capacity to be a compassionate Jedi who adhered to the Jedi code. Instead, Anakin was forced into the role of a soldier and fell victim to his worst traits.
This scene shows how much potential Anakin had to be a better Jedi.
Despite that outcome, this is a fascinating anomaly inStar Wars. It’s surprising to see Obi-Wan, who has always been more faithful than Anakin (and many others) to the way of the Jedi, rush to attack a creature, particularly with Anakin showing very clearly that there was another way. One scene can’t change the differences between these two Jedi entirely, but this is a shocking example of a time whenAnakin Skywalkerbetter exemplified the nature of a true Jedi than Obi-Wan Kenobi did.
