This ‘Star Wars: The Phantom Menace’ Quote Paid Off 20 Years Later

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Though released two decades apart, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace and Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker share striking similarities. Both films marked the start and end of the Skywalker Saga, a point heavily emphasized in their promotion. Despite being eagerly awaited, both received largely negative reactions from fans and critics. Many consider them the weakest films in their respective Star Wars trilogies, and they’ve both significantly impacted the series’ overall legacy, whether positively or negatively.

J.J. Abrams, who directed and co-wrote The Rise of Skywalker, made some questionable decisions in the film’s finale. However, one moment stands out as genuinely powerful, not just within the context of the movie, but because it cleverly connects back to a brief line of dialogue from The Phantom Menace. This earlier line, a mother’s advice to her son about the importance of galactic unity and helping one another, gains new significance and resonates throughout the entire Star Wars saga.

People Coming Together in ‘Star Wars’


Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

In The Phantom Menace, nine-year-old Anakin Skywalker meets Qui-Gon Jinn, Padmé Amidala, Jar Jar Binks, and R2-D2 and immediately offers his assistance. Despite his mother, Shmi Skywalker’s, concerns about the dangers of a podrace, Anakin convinces her to let him help the group with these compelling words:

“Mom, you said the biggest problem in this universe is that no one helps each other.”

As a fan, I’ve always loved how much impact one moment had across the whole Star Wars saga. It’s amazing to think back to the original film and Han Solo’s heroic return. For most of the movie, he’s looking out for himself, but when he comes back to help Luke during the Death Star attack, it’s a huge turning point. Luke wouldn’t have been able to destroy the Death Star without Han’s help! It really showed me that the heroes always win because they care about each other, and the story always zoomed in on those personal connections. It was incredible to see that moment finally come full circle in The Rise of Skywalker, paying off something they set up over 20 years before (or 67 years in the Star Wars timeline)!

During the epic finale of the Skywalker Saga, the Resistance launches an attack on Exegol and the massive fleet of Final Order Star Destroyers, which possess planet-destroying weaponry. Though they fight bravely, the Resistance is overwhelmed. Just when all seems lost, Lando Calrissian radios Poe Dameron with hopeful news. Poe looks up to see an enormous fleet of ships arriving from all over the galaxy, spearheaded by the Millennium Falcon.

The First Order is caught completely off guard as ships from every corner of the galaxy rapidly assemble and begin destroying their Star Destroyers’ Death Star cannons. “Where did they even get all these fighters? They don’t have a fleet!” exclaims General Pride (Richard E. Grant). Another First Order officer simply replies:

“It’s not a navy sir, it’s just…people.”

During the climactic battle, ships of all kinds—from small fighters to large cargo vessels, even those seen on the Star Tours ride at Disneyland—arrive to help. This moment connects to a line spoken earlier by Zorii Bliss—that victories are achieved by making enemies believe they’re isolated—and echoes a belief held by Shmi Skywalker years before her death. Ultimately, the galaxy united to fight against the Sith and the Final Order. The victory wasn’t due to the Jedi or a powerful family line, but because people from every corner of the Star Wars galaxy—from the central worlds to the furthest reaches—came together.

A subtle but powerful detail in this scene is the use of the classic Star Wars end-credits theme. For the first time in the film series, those familiar notes play during a scene, not just at the very end. It’s a fitting choice to bring in a melody usually reserved for the credits during the final battle of the Skywalker Saga—music that traditionally honors the filmmakers, now accompanying the galaxy’s united effort to defeat the First Order.

Bringing the Skywalker Saga Full Circle in ‘Star Wars’


Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Many felt the newest Star Wars trilogy didn’t give enough attention to the earlier prequel films. While some fans prefer to forget the prequels, they were quite divisive when they first came out. Interestingly, many of those now most critical of Disney’s Star Wars sequels were eager to move past the prequels, which they felt strayed too far from what Star Wars should be. The Force Awakens aimed to recapture the feeling of the original movies, largely by bringing back the original actors and using familiar elements like Stormtroopers, TIE Fighters, and X-Wings, and even following a similar storyline.

With The Rise of Skywalker, J.J. Abrams seemed to aim for a film that honored the entire Star Wars story, including references to the earlier prequel films. This approach led to the controversial decision to bring back Emperor Palpatine, and his return was explained using a line from Revenge of the Sith: “the dark side is a pathway to many abilities some consider to be unnatural.”

As a huge film fan, I have to say the moment when the entire galaxy comes together is easily the most powerful scene in the movie. It’s just brilliant how they brought back a line of dialogue from the very first Star Wars film and used it visually here – it shows such careful planning and ties everything together thematically. For me, this saga isn’t just about the Skywalkers anymore; it’s about a whole galaxy gradually waking up and learning to work together. It definitely has its ups and downs, moments where things look really bleak, but ultimately, it proves that the power of ordinary people can overcome anything.

Both The Phantom Menace and The Rise of Skywalker have significant flaws. While The Phantom Menace is remembered for its exciting “Duel of the Fates” scene, The Rise of Skywalker offers a comparable high point with the arrival of the fleet on Exegol. J.J. Abrams briefly achieves something truly special. You can stream the complete Star Wars Skywalker Saga on Disney+.

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2025-11-09 21:34