The Phantom Menace Reference Everyone Missed Is Secretly One Of Anakin’s Saddest Moments

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When Lucasfilm announced Star Wars: The Clone Wars, it was a gamble. The franchise hadn’t previously explored ongoing TV series, and there was concern the show might upset fans by changing established prequel story elements. While some fans inevitably had issues with certain choices, the series ultimately became a vital and beloved part of the Star Wars universe.

Much of this success stemmed from The Clone Wars‘ ability to improve upon confusing or problematic parts of the prequel films. For instance, the series greatly expanded on Anakin Skywalker’s descent into darkness, which helped address fan concerns about how abrupt his turn felt in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith. Because The Clone Wars takes place between Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith, it essentially enriched those two movies and provided valuable context.

However, The Clone Wars also strongly linked back to Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. It expanded on stories like Anakin’s mother, Shmi Skywalker, and continued to explore the complex relationship between Anakin and Obi-Wan Kenobi. This tension stemmed from Obi-Wan’s initial reluctance to train Anakin, only agreeing because of Qui-Gon Jinn’s last request. Interestingly, a more subtle connection to The Phantom Menace within The Clone Wars actually holds a significant, often overlooked meaning.

The Clone Wars Had A Subtle Phantom Menace Easter Egg

In the eighteenth episode of The Clone Wars‘ second season, “The Zillo Beast,” a massive creature escapes and causes widespread destruction, endangering everyone it encounters. While the Jedi initially try to avoid killing it – consistent with their values as peacekeepers – they eventually decide they have no other option. This outcome, however, is exactly what Palpatine intended, demonstrating yet another instance of his skillful manipulation of both the Jedi and the Republic.

Realizing they have no choice but to kill the Zillo Beast, Anakin, Mace Windu, and a team of clone troopers try blasting it with energy beams. But the creature keeps attacking, even as the beams hit it. Frustrated, Anakin shouts, “This isn’t working!” Interestingly, the way he says it is almost exactly the same as when young Anakin excitedly yelled, “It’s working! It’s working!” while testing the podracer he built in The Phantom Menace.

It’s clear George Lucas and Dave Filoni deliberately included this reference, as the line from The Phantom Menace isn’t a random moment. It’s become a popular joke and meme among fans. But the connection isn’t just for fun; linking young Anakin’s words to a similar line in The Clone Wars highlights the deep tragedy at the heart of his story.

Anakin’s Innocence Reinforces How Tragic His Story Is

George Lucas’s choice to portray Anakin Skywalker as a kind and helpful young boy in The Phantom Menace sparked a lot of debate. Some fans of the original Star Wars films had expected to see Anakin as a troubled teenager already hinting at his future darkness. However, Lucas deliberately showed Anakin’s innocent childhood to emphasize that anyone can be led down a dark path, given the right influences and circumstances.

Anakin Skywalker faced a series of difficult experiences, including being separated from his mother, being initially turned away by the Jedi, the death of his mentor Qui-Gon Jinn, his mother’s death, and the manipulative influence of Palpatine. His relationship with Padmé Amidala was also a key part of his life. Seeing these earlier moments revisited in The Clone Wars reminds us of the innocent child Anakin once was, and emphasizes how much he had changed—especially considering these events happen after he brutally killed the Tusken Raiders.

While Anakin’s tragic past and innocent beginnings don’t excuse his actions, it’s important to remember he made many terrible choices and committed awful deeds. Still, if you can approach Star Wars with understanding, this moment from Star Wars: The Clone Wars powerfully shows that Anakin was once a kind child who ultimately lost his way.

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2026-05-16 17:49