Now that the saga has come to an end, we can see Qui-Gon's influences throughout it. Most important is his influence on, and his thoughts about Anakin.

The beginning
The film has hardly begun, or we can already find the first disagreement between Yoda and Qui-Gon. Obi-Wan states he should be mindful of the future, as Yoda had told him. But Qui-Gon has a simple answer: 'But not at the expense of the moment'. Had Qui-Gon lived long enough, he might have taught Anakin this important lesson, who later becomes almost obsessed with the future. Anakin so desperately wants to find a cure for Padmé's death, he forgets to look at the present. Had he not looked beyond the coming happenings, he could have seen solutions and answers in the present. Some of which can be found in Qui-Gon's words, others were just the simple truth.

Tatooine
Now that the two (Young Anakin and Qui-Gon) have finally met, the second expresses something, that might already be some thought about the future. 'Greed can be a powerful ally'. It makes me wonder, was it just a statement, or did Qui-Gon foresee some part of the future? - Anakin's 'lust for power'?

And then the realisation in a conversation between Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon: 'There's something about this boy'. Anakin no longer is a human being, nor a Jedi prospect. He now has become the single individual with some extraordinary abilities, who may be the main character in an old prophecy.

He doesn't seem to be too worried by Anakin's possible dark future. He prizes his altruism in front of Shmi, who answers: 'he knows nothing of greed' But on the other hand, he isn't very satisfied with the situation either. 'The Force is strong with him, that much is clear.' Something else is not?

One would think the discovering of the high midi-chlorian count would answer to his expectations. But then again there's his 'I'm not sure' when Obi-Wan asks what it means no other Jedi has such a high count.

Now that Anakin is officially Force sensitive, Qui-Gon can begin with his first teachings, as Anakin is preparing for the Podrace that will change his life: 'Remember, concentrate on the moment. Feel, don't think. Use your instincts'. This lesson doesn't turn out to be the best ever taught to Anakin, who will someday obey the Dark Side of the Force and commit some horrible crimes, using another identity.

The choice has been made.
Shmi: 'Is he to become a Jedi?' Qui-Gon: 'Yes. Our meeting was not a coincidence. Nothing happens by accident'. Now it was up to Qui-Gon. Some small warnings to Anakin, it wasn't going to be easy. But there is no way back anymore. He wants to go.

The first doubts?
It is time to go. They're running out of time. But then something (unexpected?) happens. The Young Prospect turns around, he can't leave his mother. 'It is time for you to let go, you can't stop the change'. And so Anakin leaves, one moment happy when he tells 3PO goodbye, then sad again before he promises his mother they'll meet again. But Qui-Gon had seen enough. The first sign of Anakin's later weakness had appeared. The boy can't let go. But the choice had been made and as long as no one knows about this weakness, then there would be no danger.

The Council
The Jedi-Masters have their own opinion about Anakin. They're not too sure about this boy Qui-Gon has brought before them. But Qui-Gon won't give up: 'Finding him was the Will of the Force. I have no doubt of that'. When the Masters deny Anakin's training, Qui-Gon is surprised 'No? He is the Chosen One, you must see it'. But the Council has seen something Qui-Gon must have overlooked, or has already put aside. Yoda says: 'Clouded this boy's future is'. And Qui-Gon takes his last option: 'I will train him then'. It seems that our wise Master already knows the future of the Galaxy will depend on Anakin. The best way for that future to become real, is when Anakin does all that is necessary at the Light Side of the Force, and will be no threat, or responsible for harm. With his amount of power, everything can go wrong if not trained properly.

Review
Obi-Wan: 'The boy is dangerous. They all sense it. Why can't you?'
Qui-Gon: 'His fate is uncertain. He's not dangerous. The Council will decide Anakin's fate.'
Did Qui-Gon know something the Council did not? It was the Council that told Anakin to spy on the Chancellor, not to mourn over Padmé (all right, that was Yoda, but isn't he the most important member?) and to guard her, allowing - from a certain point of view - their love. In Qui-Gon's opinion, Anakin wasn't dangerous at all, but it is the Council that will decide what will happen to Anakin. What orders he'll receive, what they expect him to do. That is also the uncertain path, and one with much pressure.

Aftermath
Just before Qui-Gon dies, he asks Obi-Wan to train Anakin. He knows the Council can't refuse if Obi-Wan has promised it. But I believe there is a second thought behind it. With the exception of Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan is the only Jedi who knows Anakin. With all the uncertain thoughts, a Jedi with more experience would be better for Anakin. One who has trust in Qui-Gon's judgement. Unfortunately, even Obi-Wan looses faith when Vader appears.

With so many years of experience, and all this time spent with Anakin, Qui-Gon surely would have been the right Master for Anakin. Unfortunately, it wasn't meant to be. And that's the reason for this entry's title, Qui-Gon's death was a phantom menace for Anakin and the entire Galaxy with him.

As always, comments, thoughts and ideas are welcome.