One shocking scene in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones shows Anakin Skywalker being an even better Jedi than Obi-Wan Kenobi, and it’s often gone entirely overlooked. Although the original trilogy laid the groundwork for what followed in Star Wars movies and TV shows, the prequel trilogy covered considerable ground as well, particularly when it came to the Jedi. In A New Hope, the Jedi were described in relatively loose terms, and, even by the end of Return 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 different ranks 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 in Attack of the Clones jarringly 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.
Anakin Skywalker Constantly Had Issues With Anger And Self-Control
It’s No Secret That Anakin Struggled Significantly In These Areas
Although Anakin was an innocent little boy in Star 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 of Attack 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 as Attack of the Clones went on, most obviously when he mᴀssacred all the Tusken Raider men, women, and children after his mother died in his arms, one of the most defining 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 of Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, enough so that he actually apologized to Obi-Wan for some of his behavior and expressed graтιтude for Obi-Wan’s training. That upswing was obviously (and sadly) short-lived, but that just reinforces that, in Attack of the Clones, Anakin was arguably at his worst. This only makes it all the more shocking that Attack of the Clones showcases what is perhaps Anakin’s best moment as a Jedi, and I’ve never seen it discussed.
In Attack Of The Clones, Anakin Had A True Jedi Moment
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 in Attack 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 the Force powers in Star 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 Mᴀssive 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 in Star 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 compᴀssionate 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 in Star 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 when Anakin Skywalker better exemplified the nature of a true Jedi than Obi-Wan Kenobi did.
