Star Words: Episode II, Part 7

Much of Anakin's behavior in Episode II arises from his yearning be accepted and respected. He seeks it from the Jedi Council and particularly from Obi-Wan, who offers it only sparingly. And as we see from his reaction to Anakin's first solo assignment, he harbors a great many misgivings about Anakin's capabilities. It's not really helped by the fact that Anakin seems to match the prophecy of the Chosen One. Having cosmically high expectations placed upon you can be just as distressing as the opposite. Mace's current confidence in the Chosen One will become quite ironic as the story progresses.

And how about Yoda decrying the dangers of arrogance right after blithely stating that "the Council is confident in its decision"? That decision, to send Anakin away with Padmé, will lead to their secret marriage, to the woes that will tempt him to forbidden powers, and at last his fall to the Dark Side. It seems unlikely that Yoda foresaw any of that.

On the other hand, Palpatine is ready and eager to offer Anakin all the effusive praise he is craving, to inflate his ego and foster further resentment toward those who refuse such praise. Does he really believe Anakin will someday exceed Yoda? I suspect so, though his interest is far from fatherly pride. He sees Anakin's potential as something to possess and control, and he is quietly taking steps to do just that.

So, with all these different voices vying for dominance in Anakin's mind, he is about to begin his first solo mission -- with someone whose acceptance and respect he desires about all else. But not as a Padawan or as a fulfillment of prophecy. He wants Padmé's love.

At this early stage, the best he can hope for is that she'll stop seeing him as a little boy. Their conversation while she is packing wavers back and forth as her perspective slowly starts shifting. When he points out the wisdom of setting aside one's pride and doing what has been asked, she is impressed and notes that he has grown up. But this only reminds him of Obi-Wan's disapproval, and his subsequent rant indicates just how much resentment he has been keeping pent up inside him. Perhaps not even Palpatine has served in the role of confidante as much as Padmé is now. He has clearly needed an outlet, even if it does comes across as rather petulant. Then it's her turn to be wise, noting that mentors show us our faults so that we can grow. Anakin is deflated, sinking to her bed like a reprimanded child as he acknowledges the truth of her words. Perhaps it's with the intent of consoling or encouraging him that she offers this quiet wish.

"Anakin. Don't try to grow up too fast."

There is so much that she could be saying with these wistful words. Considering how early Padmé herself entered the world of politics, she might be mourning the loss of an ordinary childhood and youth. She could as well say, "I speak from experience. Enjoy it while you can; it'll be gone all too soon."

And their friendship began when Anakin was still a boy. She remembers that boy very fondly, and would not want him to be entirely swallowed up by adult cares and concerns. She values the innocence, the kind-heartedness and eagerness, that are associated with youth. Adults tend to be cynical and self-serving. She's certainly seen enough of that in the political arena. She wouldn't wish for Anakin to enter that world in a hurry.

But then, also, she couldn't possibly have failed to notice that Anakin is not a little boy any longer. At the very least he has grown up in the literal sense, as she acknowledged at their initial reunion. Moments earlier, she acknowledged his emotional maturation as well. So why would she have any reason to deny that, to plead with him not to grow up too fast? Very likely, an unconscious need to suppress the subtle glimmerings of romantic interest that he is sparking. A romance is not in her plans; certainly not with a Jedi, not with the little boy she knew on Tatooine. But as Anakin rises to full height and gazes down at her, it's hard to deny the sparks.

Of course she does deny them for the time being, which makes their story far more interesting. Still, there's no question that something has shifted. No overt romance yet, but they'll start their journey to Naboo on more even footing, two young adults who respect each other as something like equals.

Next time, Obi-Wan finds advice from a rather unconventional source...