What if Qui-Gon's Survival ALTERED Anakin's Fate?
Darth Theorist Darth Theorist
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 Published On Apr 9, 2024

00:00 - Intro
00:35 - Explanation of Theory
01:30 - Beginning of Story
02:15 - Fight with Maul
03:30 - Leaving the Jedi Council
06:00 - Adventures of Qui Gon Jinn & Anakin Skywalker
07:25 - Reconnection with Obi-Wan & Padme
08:15 - Reconnecting with the Jedi Council
10:30 - Anakin Skywalker & Emperor Palpatine
11:20 - Anakin Skywalker Seeks Qui Gon Jinn's Advice
13:05 - The Jedi Confront Palpatine
18:57 - Outro

Anakin’s Fall to the Dark Side was a story decades in the making, both in the movies and the universe. It took many years of manipulation and the right pieces falling into place for the story to end the way it did.

One of the first pieces was Obi-Wan training Anakin instead of Qui Gon Jinn. Although these two shared a close bond, Obi-Wan was a very different man from his master, which affected how Anakin viewed the Jedi.

Unlike the other Jedi, Qui Gon Jinn was not strict in following the Jedi code. While this might seem odd, it would suit Anakin’s more reckless and independent-minded personality, creating a better combination than Obi-Wans more traditional views.

This raises the question, what if Qui Gon survived and trained Anakin as a Jedi? Would he still become the dark lord we know, or would Palpatine still get Anakin into his clutches?

To answer that question, we must travel back to Naboo. As Qui Gon and Obi-Wan escort Queen Padmé Amidala to her palace to confront the Trade Federation, Darth Maul forces them to separate from the rest of the group.

Although an excellent Jedi, Qui Gon feels a rush of fear as he crosses blades with this Sith lord. It had been many years since the Jedi last encountered a dark side user. Few living Jedi have had any real experience fighting them.

Darth Maul is an excellent fighter, his duel-sided blade managing to block all their attacks and keep the pair on their toes. Even with his limited experience, Qui Gon sees Maul as a cunning warrior. They can only defeat him by fighting together and getting under his defences.

Qui Gon: This one is unpredictable, Obi-Wan. Stay close to me.

Despite the chaos around him, Obi-Wan heeds his master's advice, not allowing themselves to be separated as they slowly push Maul back into the reactor room. Maul grows frustrated as he had hoped to cut the two off and deal with them separately. Recognizing that Qui Gon is the real threat, he rushes towards him, trying to force him off the edge of the reactor.

This plan nearly succeeds as Qui Gon has to defend himself. While blocking Maul’s attacks, Obi-Wan strikes. Just as Qui Gon had wanted to keep his padawan close to keep him safe, Obi-Wan does the same for his master. With a single stroke, he sent Maul toppling into the reactor.

Qui Gon: Panting. Well done, Obi-Wan. I’m fortunate to have you by my side. Now, let's find Anakin and the others.

Lucky for them, the queen had captured Nute Gunray while Anakin had managed to destroy the Trade Federation control ship, allowing the Naboo forces to claim victory.

With their business concluded Qui Gon takes his two wards back to the Jedi Temple. For his victory against Maul, Obi-Wan is knighted. Qui Gon is proud to see his apprentice showered in praise but has a more serious topic to discuss. The fate of Anakin.

Once again, he urges the council to train Anakin. Maul’s appearance only highlights how the Dark Side has returned and that they need to put their faith in the chosen one now more than ever.

Qui Gon: This boy has the potential to be the greatest of us, but only if he receives the proper training.

Mace Windu: You are right that we are in troubled times, so the Jedi must stick by its code more than ever, lest we be led to the dark side. But this boy is reckless and has great potential to harm the order.

Yoda: Agree with Master Windu, I do. Dangerous this boy is. Clouded is his future.

Qui Gon: All the more reason to train him. If his future is so uncertain, then isn’t it our duty to guide him to the right path?

Mace Windu: Enough. The council has put it to a vote. We have decided that this boy will not be allowed to join the order.

Qui Gon: I vowed to train that boy.

Mace Windu: Not here then and not as a Jedi.

Qui Gon: Slow pause. Very well, then consider this my formal resignation.

The council is shocked by this announcement. Few Jedi willingly leave the order, and yet here was one of their most distinguished masters casting off his title without a moment's hesitation. Not even his padawan, Obi-Wan can convince him otherwise.

Obi-Wan: If you will not stay, I will leave with you. We found Anakin together. Let us train him together.

Qui Gon: It is the master's job to sacrifice for his padawan, not the other way around. You’ve dedicated your life to getting where you are. I will not ask you to throw it all away.

Obi-Wan: You’re not asking, and you are my master.

Qui Gon: Chuckles I’m not your master anymore, Obi-Wan. You’re a Jedi knight now. I’ve taught you everything I can. Now it’s time for you to find

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