I am sitting here watching Episode I on my iPod and I can't help but think that despite its obvious flaws, there was some really great groundwork laid that just simply didn't get a payoff in the later two prequels. Namely, Qui-Gon Jinn.

It is clear from the beginning that the venerable Jedi Master has some differences in opinion with Masters Yoda and, presumably, Windu.

OWK: "But Master Yoda says I should be mindful of the future."
QGJ: "But not at the expense of the moment. Be mindful of the living force, young Padawan."

The living force. His use of the word living is profound here and it indicates that he might subscribe to a slightly different doctrine than his Jedi brethren.

His willingness to take on what Obi-Wan and others see as charity cases (Jar Jar and Anakin) at the seeming expense of his mission shows that Qui-Gon discerns a value in all living things. Indeed he sees their potential in the force.

Qui-Gon's Jedi speak is more reminiscent of what we later hear from Ben in Hope and Yoda in Empire. Statements like "Your focus determines your reality," "Don't worry, the force will guide us" and especially, "Feel, don't think. Use your instincts" demonstrate a kind of understanding not yet expressed by Yoda and the other council members.

My problem is not with this apparent split in the Jedi religion, but rather the lack of follow-up it receives in the later films. In fact, I find this a very compelling plot point, and one that I thought would come into play later in Anakin's downfall. After all, his introduction into the world of the Jedi is the gentle and loving Qui-Gon only to endure the rather harsh reception and scorn of Yoda, Windu and the rest of the council. Not to mention Obi-Wan's reference to him as "another pathetic life form." Anakin's downfall is what it is -- and I'll save that for another blog, but I feel that Qui-Gon was conspicuous by his absence during Anakin's most desperate hour.

It is indicated in Episode II that Qui-Gon is aware of Anakin's slaughter of the Tusken camp. Yoda hears the fallen Master's cry of "Anakin... Noooo!" But we don't know if Yoda's seeming confusion after hearing Qui-Gon is the concept of a life in the force after death dawning on his consciousness, or just his exasperated reaction to the pain, anger and fear that Anakin is feeling.

Like many, I thought that the brief vocal cameo by Qui-Gon assured us of an even greater appearance in the last prequel. But, alas, it was not to be. What we did get was a rush and forced Qui-Gon reference in the last five minutes of the film where Yoda explains to Obi-Wan that he has learned to commune with Qui-Gon and that he will teach him to do the same. A lousy payoff to what was such a great part of the Star Wars mythos... living on in the force after material death.

I have often thought that while "wiping out" the leaders of the Separatist movement on Mustafar, Anakin should have confronted the spirit of Qui-Gon. A last betrayal of Qui-Gon would have proven to be the ultimate test of just how far Anakin had fallen.

We were told repeatedly that all questions would be answered in Episode III, including why Obi-Wan and Yoda disappeared after their deaths, but Qui-Gon and the rest of the Jedi do not. Yet, we are still to wonder why. If Qui-Gon's brief meditation before being slain by Darth Maul is truly an echo of Ben's submission to Vader's blade in Hope, why did he not disappear as Ben did? If his understanding was high enough to attain Jedi ascension, which it obviously was, or Yoda would not be communing with him -- again, why did his material body survive until cremation?

Unfortunately, the film novelizations don't add much to this mystery. I can't speak for the EU material because much of it escapes me, but I would be surprised to learn that any of it contained the answers that I am looking for.

As a child, Star Wars symbolized more than just shoot 'em up action and adventure. It was something higher. Action flicks come and go, but Star Wars is truly forever. I think this is in no small part because of its spiritual overtones. Vague enough that the world's religions all thought a claim to Lucas, but still meaningful enough for a child to understand that even in a galaxy far, far away, the force is there, operating and unfolding its goodness whether you realize it or not. Qui-Gon got it. Unfortunately, we are left to wonder...

** Update: And check out The Force-Cast, my weekly Star Wars podcast for TheForce.net and Rebelscum.com.