A Thousand Stars: Episode I, Part 20

Everyone with an inkling of the original Star Wars storyline knows that when Qui-Gon introduces Obi-Wan and Anakin to each other, it's a meeting fraught with fateful importance. But there's nuances here that show us a lot more than a simple introduction.

First, look at their initial body language and positioning.



Both of them completely, utterly focused on Qui-Gon. Well, obviously. He just escaped an attack by a mysterious lightsaber-wielding enemy. But this particular visual sets up Anakin and Obi-Wan as two figures in a Padawan-type position, both treating Qui-Gon as a wise master. It's not a rivalry; they're hardly even aware of the other guy.

Then, after Qui-Gon directs the conversation away from his narrow escape and performs the fateful introduction:



Anakin's perspective shifts dramatically once he realizes Obi-Wan is another Jedi. He's delighted, and just as inclined to hero-worship Obi-Wan as Qui-Gon. Obi-Wan, on the other hand, sees Anakin as some "pathetic life form" his master picked up, much like that annoying Gungan on Naboo. Like a pesky kid brother, perhaps -- pulling dad's attention away from the older one.

Their relationship thus begins on alarmingly shaky ground. I'm continually impressed with Lucas's choice to create the character of Qui-Gon as well as making Anakin so young, because both those circumstances explain so much of his troubled Jedi training. Qui-Gon provides an instant father figure for him, only to die and leave him with Obi-Wan. Anakin would naturally transfer that need for a father to Obi-Wan, but his master is never able to see him as a son. There's too much of that brotherly rivalry baked into their relationship. And it's all right there, visually, in this first crucial meeting.

Next time, more foreshadowing clues....