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The Star Wars Uncle
date posted: Dec 13, 2007 7:32 AM  |  updated: Dec 13, 2007 8:56 AM
No Respect for Palpatine
Well, it's almost Christmas, and as such, I have some time off from now until shortly after New Year's. That doesn't necessarily mean I don't have things to do, but given the fact that I feel like procrastinating, I thought I would prop my feet up and watch Revenge of the Sith again, if only for a short while.

And as you can probably tell by now, something caught my attention during my viewing.

When Obi-Wan and Anakin are on Grievous' ship during the "Battle Over Coruscant," and they have just found the Chancellor, I noticed something worth taking note of. Obi-Wan gives a respectful and honorary bow to Palpatine, but Anakin does not. Anakin does ask the Chancellor if he's all right, but he does not give him a bow, which I would think would be customary for any Jedi when greeting someone of Palpatine's prestige. (Actually, it seems customary when they greet anyone, but I could be wrong about that)

It's really not that big of a deal, but I just found it to be kind of interesting. Under the circumstances, one might think, if anything, that Anakin would bow, and Obi-Wan might go without doing so, since he had his reservations about the Chancellor.

But the real question is, why Anakin did not bow to the Chancellor. I could try to speculate, but really, I can't think of any reasons that are fun, interesting, and add meaning to the saga.

Some might suggest that Anakin was just distracted by the events at the moment and not on doing the customary Jedi thing. However, that's too practical, and it is neither a fun, nor meaningful explanation. At least, to me it isn't.

But it is possible that I'm expecting too much from this scene, and there may not be anything to it. But I like to think there is, because, well, I like to milk Star Wars for everything it's worth.

Anyway, just something to mull over.

As Always,

-The Star Wars Uncle

  Master Deireanach
date Posted: Dec 13, 2007 8:29 AM
I think it's mainly because Anakin see's Palpatine as a friend first not the Supreme Chancellor. While Obiwan see's him as the leader of the government. Remember Anakin shares everything with Palps and him asking if he's okay is more important to him than formalities.
gencrs
Technical Manuals from The GFFA
date Posted: Dec 13, 2007 9:22 AM
I agree with Master Deireanach. The relationship between Anakin and Palpatine is a lot less formal then the relationship between Obi-Wan and Palpatine.
  Smuggler Jedi
Hokey Religions and A Good Blaster at My Side
date Posted: Dec 13, 2007 9:29 AM
I concur. I think Anakin came to recognize both Obi-wan and Palpatine as father figures as well as close friends. He wouldn't bow to a friend. I suspect he was also greatly relieved to see Palpatine was okay, and such relief caused him to forget such niceities. I also think it has something to do with the urgency of the situation.

Nice observation though.
Green Am I
Mudhole? Slimy?! My blog this is!
date Posted: Dec 13, 2007 12:19 PM
I agree with everybody here, which is pretty much what I was thinking. Anakin can be pretty casual with Palpatine, though he does call him 'sir'.

By the way, does anybody know Palpatine's full name?

Anyways, good catch... I've noticed it too.
  Z-score
The Star Wars Uncle
date Posted: Dec 13, 2007 6:13 PM
By the way, does anybody know Palpatine's full name?

To me, he looks like he could be an Ebenezer. After all, he does have Scrooge like qualities (Not the Scrooge on these Blogs).
Michelle1968
M68- Star Wars Kid at Heart
date Posted: Dec 13, 2007 7:41 PM
I always noticed that but it seemed normal to me, given their relationship. He was concerned and being protective I think.

I so love picking little things like this out and pondering. LOL

Remember my blog from 2005-2006 uncle Z, called "Obi's Legs"? LOL I cant believe I titled a blog that but it did make it to the front page, so I guess it got people's attention. Anyhoo, I pointed out how the falling rail didnt injure Obi's legs.... just seemed weird to me, like this did to you. :D

Enjoy your time off and Merry Christmas!
  Z-score
The Star Wars Uncle
date Posted: Dec 13, 2007 7:50 PM
Remember my blog from 2005-2006 uncle Z, called "Obi's Legs"?

Yes. I do remember that blog entry. That was a good one, too.

Enjoy your time off and Merry Christmas!

Thank you, and Merry Christmas to you, too!

  Oriana Dantra
date Posted: Dec 14, 2007 11:38 AM
I agree as well. That's how I've always seen it. Anakin and Palpatine have a close relationship, whereas Obi is actually putting some distance (metephorically) between himself and Palpatine.
Don't forget, in ESB, Vader now bows on one knee to Palpatine, even though they have an even closer relationship than before (Master and Apprentice).
  Darth Henious4
We droids are made to suffer; it's are lot in life.
date Posted: Dec 14, 2007 4:53 PM
Anakin sees Palpatine as a ####herly figure, not a noble aristocrat. His relief overflowed at the sight of Palpatine's welfare, so it is obvious he didn't consider bowing. In Empire Strike Back, the relationship is different. He is now under the rule and authority of Palpatine; and an absolute slave to his corrupt powers. He bows in reverence as well as fear, noting Palpatine's authority over his actions.
  Darth Henious4
We droids are made to suffer; it's are lot in life.
date Posted: Dec 14, 2007 4:54 PM
Fatherly, sorry
Jedi Master Mina
Jedi blogging, go back to your drinks!
date Posted: Dec 14, 2007 6:06 PM
I always wondered why Obi-Wan bowed to Palpy in that scene, and Anakin did not. Loop holes in films always lead to thought provoking ideas or debates.

Good blog. ;)
Jade Sabre777
A luminous being, I am...
date Posted: Dec 15, 2007 12:49 PM
I think it's mainly because Anakin see's Palpatine as a friend first not the Supreme Chancellor.
My thoughts exactly. Good catch, Z-score!
  meet_the_general
date Posted: Dec 16, 2007 10:34 AM
what skywalker did in the beginning of the movie he saw pal as a person, a person in trouble, i mean really would u stop and bow to a person in a war zone i dont think so .
  Z-score
The Star Wars Uncle
date Posted: Dec 16, 2007 11:43 AM
i mean really would u stop and bow to a person in a war zone i dont think so .

Probably not. But then, why did Obi-Wan find it necessary to bow?
  Fish1941
date Posted: Dec 18, 2007 8:30 AM
Because Palpatine was the official leader of the Republic and Obi-Wan was paying respect to his position.
  Z-score
The Star Wars Uncle
date Posted: Dec 18, 2007 8:38 AM
I agree with that logic. But that just takes us back to the question as to why Anakin did not bow to the Chancellor. After a while, Palpatine seemed to be the only person Anakin truly respected. At least, he was the only person that he felt he could really trust, and that's almost the same as respect.
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