Why Anakin Obeyed Palpatine SO QUICKLY in Revenge of the Sith (CANON)

Taking a look into Anakin Skywalker's thoughts as he became Darth Vader, and why he obeyed Palpatine immediately in Revenge of the Sith...
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Intro animation by Wes Watson ( ...)

[@vortega472]

I've always felt that it was because he was caught in the moment - in the wave. He's in it now, if he back turns to the "light" it would not be accepted. He's in it now - so he might as well dive deep in the pool. And also Palpatine swiftly used him - there was no waiting, no time to let him breath. Okay you're now Vader, grab the boys of the 501st and get to work. When you're done there - I need you to take a quick trip to Mustafar, grab a bottle of milk, bread, cigarettes, oh and kill the surviving members of the Confederacy. Go go go.

[@The_Car_Pen]

I thought this too. Palpatine tells Vader that they must move quickly to.. I forget the actual words but basically ensure that the Republic isn't taken by the Jedi.

[@giantwookiee6472]

Perfect timing. Perfect grooming. Perfect Jedi position. Perfect nightmare dream. Perfect isolation. Hail Palpatine

[@JustinMinckley]

my hypothesis on this is that Palpatine was so strong at this point, he was making Anakin pledge loyalty. Sheev is clearly in command not just in this scene but even shortly after. We even see this in the Senate chamber and that's when things were in different stages.

[@GazingTrandoshan]

The one comic with him watching him younge will always be so creepy, like he knew this child will become a monster one day and he was ready to rip him from the Jedi

[@ozmozis6073]

I enjoyed this but disagreed with it. Anaki's darkness didn't start at the Tusken massacre, it started at the day he was removed from his mother. He was doing everything for her, from creating C3P0 to working and winning a pod race. Then she couldn't join him and he didn't understand why.. What if Shmi left anyway? What could Watto do? The one person who guided Anakin was his mother, she was his rock. The person who took that role died fighting Maul and Obi-Wan wasn't a father figure, more of a brother who was a voice for the Jedi and not someone who he could emotionally lean on. The Force wasn't a support, more of an ability that made him feel like an outcast among his peers and the Masters, who when he believed he'd proved himself denied him the status of Master. It was Padme and Palpatine who was there for him.. Padme realized that Anakin was flawed and broken, assuming a family would fix this. The Tusken massacre was hard to get away from. Palpatine also disregarded the emotional warning signs; then when Padme was gone, he realized Vader would never be his Sith ultimate, he was a walking wounded shell of a person. The one person who fought for him was Luke. That brought him back to emotional balance. Family. On Endor, Vader's private chat with Luke was very much personal - inline with a father and son. This is where Anakin started to crack. He never had just 'quality' time with Luke. It was Jedi vs Sith. That moment was closer to father and son. Vader could see himself as being a father and Luke being the emotional light he needed. Vader was never gonna kill Luke in the 'thrown room' it was mostly show for Palpatine; yes Luke was strong but he knew to parry the blows. He knew Luke wanted to save him.. Palpatine was oblivious to the act and wanted the show. All Anikin wanted was a family and love; he didn't care for the trillions of credits, popularity or the Force. He had 'family' and the Jedi took it away and replaced it with emptiness, a slight change happens when he saves C3P0 on Cloud City. From this point Anakin started to believe in redemption and came full circle in the end. Obi-Wan never saw Anakin as a son, so he never worked on his emotional side, only what the Jedi expected of him. Anakin had to be the face of the Order to Ashoka, being there for her as much as a father figure and protecting her. Padme wanted what she wanted as a politician, Anakin the hero and chosen one. Palpatine wanted a Sith Lord. Once Padme was removed, Anakin's emotions had only Palpatine to fall on... Obi-Wan just didn't understand him and he knew he'd never make the effort. This is why Vader took over. Vader protected Anakin when no one else remained. Luke was able to take the mask away and carried Anakin the final step to inner peace.

[@robertedgemon8096]

I always felt like part of the reason he turned so easily, was simply out of awe, and fear. He sensed how powerful sideous was, and wanted it, as it was being offered. And probably didn't have the confidence to take him.

[@thebiggusdonnus8453]

That, and the trauma of the war. He probably believed that only Sidious and him could bring an end to the destruction.

[@tuanseattle]

It make sense to me. Unintentionaly causing Master Windu Death was his turning point. At that moment he was desperate and hopeless. Hopeless because he committed an astrocity that he does not know how to come back from. He thinks there is no way back for him as a Jedi, but he cannot accept that fate. He is also under pressure of Padme death. At that moment fear and desparation overtook him, took away his ability to look at the big picture and think longer term. Palpatine swoop in and gave him an out. As a desperate person, he took it. He relinquish his own ability to make decision and delegate to Palpatine to tell him what to do, all because of the desperation to get out of this situation for he knows his life (as a Jedi, a righteous person) is over. A calm Jedi master would have been able to stop and accept the punishment dealt to him, but he was too emotional at this point. The WIndu moment was really important because Palpatine was there to give him an "out", to tell him at his weakest that everything will be ok if he listen to Palpatine. He knows that Obiwan cannot save him, for the honorable Jedi would just tell him to accept his fate, even Padme fate and accept whatever punishment.

[@thescepterofjudah12]

Very good topic to cover that a lot of people overlooked. I wish the movie followed this point of view from the novelization to fidelity, as this would've given more context to the events of Anakin's betrayal. At my age, by the time I saw this scene in Revenge of The Sith, I already understood WHY Anakin did what he did as I grew up with the 1st 3 films. The prequels just gave visual context to HOW we got the Emperor and Darth Vader, from the older movies. It gave a great look at what kind of man Darth Vader was before be became the vicious and cruel tyrant that caused fear throughout the Galaxy. Your point from the novelization Skywalker: A Family At War, where it says Vader in the end became what he was before (a slave) was a conclusion I came to when I finished watching Revenge of The Sith. I have yet to read Skywalker: A Family At War, but I will definitely look to read this book next later this summer.

[@ianjohnson7761]

You mentioned this book Skywalker: Family at War. It actually sounds like a good read ;) But, for those of you who have gotten the book, just remember, Rey is NOT a Skywalker LMFAO!

[@heyalun]

I always felt like those who sense the force strongly are controlled by it to some degree to go against their own will to some degree. The dark side seems especially persuasive at twisting people to its own will

[@HCBailly]

I don't have a problem with Anakin's decisions after murdering Mace Windu. At that point, there was no going back, so it makes sense that he would obey Sidious. What I have a problem with is why he believed that the dark side could save Padme. To my knowledge, up to that point, there was no evidence available to Anakin that this was possible. He is supposed to be a highly intelligent tactician and general, yet we're supposed to believe that he would be dumb enough to accept Sidious' claims at face value? Sure, he was desperate, but he still had his wits about him, when he reported Palpatine's identity to Windu. To go from that to murdering him a few minutes later is a pretty huge jump to swallow.

[@mcgiver6977]

Even before this act, Anakin was intimitated by Palpatine, seen him as the father he never had......Palpatine had always an ascendant on Anakin...Anakin followed him as a little dog...

[@SHARKVADERS]

THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS

[@CharlietheWarlock]

It's unfair

[@rickypetty699]

Because Palpatine was the only life beyond the death of Mace Windu he saw possible.

[@toddkurzbard]

I very much like your theory - that Anakin, overwhelmed by his fear of Padme dying, his desperation to avert it, and his loss of faith in the Jedi, basically "went crazy". He also knew he couldn't go back to the Jedi after this, even if he WANTED to. He basically felt he had no other option, but to make that pact with The Devil. All this happened to him SO fast, he didn't have time to mentally process it, to take the time to really think things out on how to solve his problems, because Palpy DESIGNED it that way. I also feel another of his big mistakes was not confiding in Obi-Wan, out of fear that his brother would be the standard Jedi and report it to the council (thereby getting him "kicked out" of the Jedi in his mind), rather than viewing him as a considerate brother and friend that would bend the rules for his brother who he could see was in great pain.

[@themightofgeburah5882]

I mean when you look at what happened on Mustafar when Obi Wan dismissed Anakin’s views and tried to kill him despite knowing that Anakin did not mean the Jedi were evil and he was actually speaking out of grief THEN chop him in half… it makes sense.

[@crimsonfire6932]

The beauty of all this is that it wasn’t quick or sudden. It was the culmination of over a decade of insane gas lighting and manipulation from Palpatine. Inflate Anakin’s ego, in flame his conduct disorders and abandonment issues, stoke his impulsive behaviors and give him a shoulder to cry on and endlessly validate him as a mentor and father figure, while simultaneously endlessly frustrating him with the teachings and practices of the Jedi institution. Start a whole war that gets the Jedi as a whole but Anakin specifically increasingly comfortable with violence and reveal them as hypocrites as they abandon all their values in the desperation of the situation. Then, offer him a means to solving Anakin’s biggest problem that only he can provide and that the Jedi will eliminate. Anakin knows Palpatine is evil beyond comprehension as he is the orchestrator of the clone wars. He also knows that for all the Jedis flaws, they are definitely the good guys in this equation. But Anakin is so attached to and in need of Palpatine and so frustrated with the Jedi that when backed into a corner and he’s forced to make a choice, he goes with the Sith. Were it not for the fact Anakin’s regret at slicing Windu’s hand off was instant, he barely would’ve felt it as Palpatine gave him no time to process it. Anakin understood that what he had done was the highest form of treason against the Jedi and that the Jedi and the republic were no longer on the same side. He had no choice but to double and triple down and Palpatine instantly commanded him with a bunch of chores that would have him continue down that road. Before Anakin knew it, a split second’s decision to stop Windu from killing Palpatine resulted in an entire genocide he had to do with mostly his own hands and an additional massacre on a planet of fire.

[@kyletitterton]

He seems smug, creepy and volatile in Clones. He's pretty much already Darth in that movie let alone Sith.

[@mobileghost1]

Why does this video sound sped up or rushed?

[@CaptainFantastik1]

Some things can just be chalked up to poor decisions by George Lucas. Anakin doesn't roll over quickly in the novel. It's a drawn out process that the film doesn't capture. George wasted too much screen time on things like the lengthy Palpatine rescue over Coruscant. In fact he wasted a whole movie covering Vader as a little kid when they could've just established that backstory with a few lines of dialogue......especially as Lucas' portrayal of slavery didn't look all that bad. Anakin had plenty of time to play with his friends, build droids and pods for fun, and seemed pretty cheerful around Watto's shop.

[@willlauzon3744]

It was in the script. George realized all too late that he wasted the story telling time with episode 1 and 2 and had to cram a LOT into a short time. I always said that clone wars should have been started and going strong in episode 1 or at least by the end of episode 1. Then had a season or two of a TV show between movies.

[@RetneysHolocron]

In a parallel universe, I think it would've been PERFECT if Anakin's origin, the clone wars, and the rise of the empire were told in Episodes 1-6. Give it six movies to flesh everything out. THEN the story of Luke and Leia and the rebellion could've been Episodes 7-9.

[@willlauzon3744]

@@RetneysHolocron no no no. What I would do is have episode 1. Then a two season or double mini series between movies. Do episode 2 and then have two more seasons or mini series where the fighting ramps up. The finally have episode 3. Really I would have liked more of Luke's adventures as leader of rouge squadron or doing his jedi training. I just know that made today they would screw it all up. I now just sit with my 3 movies (4,5,6) and my "legends" (OEU for original expanded universe) and wonder. Why? Why dont they just animate the thrawn trilogy?

[@noaworldTM]

@@willlauzon3744 valid take

[@Phoenix-pm2qr]

You can't bank on TV networks picking up the show. Nobody in studio would accept the large break time and risk of putting tons if the material in the middle of a trilogy. Cool idea but never realistic

[@noaworldTM]

@@Phoenix-pm2qr huh? Wym lol Ep 1 released in 99, Ep 2 released in ‘02. That’s three years, plenty of time to get green lit for a season or two. This was right after the re-release of the trilogies which they spammed only months apart, plus at the height of gaming and merch. George Lucas had plenty of renown and respect from peers it’s no way you’re telling me that they’d pass up licensing at the peak of the engine lol

[@edoardomaresca]

The visions of Anaking become stronger when Palpatine was with him. It was Palpatine that made him dream that she would die. If Palpatine would be dead than dreams would stop and Padme would live with Anakin, the Jedi also would accept the relationship if Anakin helped to tell truth about Palpatine and supported Mace Windu.

[@chuckk2fuego76]

Once Palpatine told Ani he could help save his Loves life, Ani was in his grips…smh. That’s the only reason why he wanted the Master Rank because it came with more access to knowledge of the force. But his padawan and his age made tht a issue…

[@JediMaster00]

Don’t underestimate my power !

[@VampireSylphy]

Don't try it!

[@joshportie]

Is this Disney canon or canon?

[@RetneysHolocron]

Canon is the main continuity established by Lucasfilm in 2014 👍

[@Vader4Life77]

Nice

[@iNsOmNiAcAnDrEw]

You said hollowed ground instead of hallowed ground.

[@Dominic-zr7cx]

We know in the books and movies Palpatine was evil.. this is fact, but he was so far ahead in manipulating and seeing the full picture. The Jedi knew to hold off on Anakin or he would be dangerous. Now reason Anakin is a hero is he's the best Jedi to have lived without correct training. Anakin is the most misunderstood characher in litery history. Reason being becsuse eveeything he ever did was selfless, Padme-rejected at first. Mother who he promises a better life found dead. Qui Gon - Discoverer believer in Anakins force, died in the same spectre. Obi Wan is a hero of mine but he has alot less bqck story than Anakin he's actually calculated, skilled (As we know) amd willing to learn. Anakim on the other hand has people comtollimg his life from day dot and was a skilled assassin when realising. Now back to Palpatine he was only there to continue the domination of the sith. Total Manipulation and people expect Anakin to understand what was happening. This whole prequal series and sequal connected Anakin so well. Vader was a badass villian but this line shows the pure love anakin needed after flinging his manipulative master... Luke is a hero for trusting in father but he still could've been calous and cold Vader could've. Luke turned him. He was the Jedi to say hey dad, there's good in you, Just like his mother said..... Luke Skywalker "Let me save you." Anakin "You already have." Cue tears goosebumps and a complete turnaround for a man who's nothing short of amazing. I love Vader/Anakins story. Potentially the best piece of Hero/Villian/Hero literature of all time. Plus It was culitvated so well. Anakin was determined, Vader was determined. Both tho, in different motives

[@NtheHecker]

Needing a novel to somewhat understand what's happened in the movie makes the entire movie questionable. There is no excuse for this. It was all about Anakin's turn and they did a poor job of explaining in the movie. That being said, I'm glad they gave some much needed insight. Even though his choice still makes little sense logically we at least know the thought process of the man who became a monster.

[@guillaumeinjjuz1744]

Anakin was never a good person. He was selfish narcicist and egocentric as soon as attack of the clones. They tried to make him gentle in the clone wars kid’s show but it doesnt count

[@heyalun]

I dislike every protagonist in the main films - Luke, anakin, and Rey. It’s a testament to the storytelling and antagonists that I enjoy Star Wars so much

[@aquamillo]

the „kids show“ is the single best star wars media in existence as of right now.

[@vintvarner16]

Very true, but the Jedi kept saying hes the Chosen One which didn't help, some didn't trust him but when they a campaign in Clone Wars, he was the first one they sent to win. On one hand they say he will bring balance but on the other hand distrusted him. When you are told you are the best starfighter, could be most powerful Jedi ever, the best soldier, it would be hard not to be narcissistic. Even Anakin admitted that in ROTS right before Obi-Wan went to face General Grievous. Anakin did have a good heart and wanted to help but later his lust for power and his obsession with controlling others definitely lost him. In some ways Anakin wanted to protect people he cared about and loved which is great, but his actions showed his selfishness

[@thebiggusdonnus8453]

A group of psychologists diagnosed him with BPD, not so much a narcissist, but somebody who had zero ability to center themselves. A tendency to see decisions as black and white. Quick to attach, quick to abandon.

[@shadeofshattered3]

Isnt anakin a really bad skitzophrenic

[@RetneysHolocron]

Some doctors said his character has borderline personality disorder

[@samriver3677]

@shadeofshattered3 Leave Jake Loyd alone.

[@JediMaster00]

I know why

[@chrisolivo6591]

I love Revenge of the Sith, but this scene just never worked for me. I read the Novel back in 2005 and watched videos like this. That stuff makes sense but the ‘turn scene’ is poorly executed by Lucas in the movie.

[@darthsmallville]

Honestly. If I ever buy that damn book I’ll rip out the pages that have Rey and Ben in them and consider it a great story and not Disney slaying our imaginations like Anakin slayed those younglings. For the goddamn bottom line 💰 😅🤮

[@noaworldTM]

Anakin was such a FN smh

[@blackhole495]

Padme had that good good that's why he turned so quickly. She had that boy p whipped. A powerful man's downfall is usually at the hands of a woman one way or another.

[@garycollins6419]

Cause he was a super simp

[@Phoenix-pm2qr]

He had a wife you beta

[@Starsteam1]

Because really bad writing

[@crimsonfire6932]

The beauty of all this is that it wasn’t quick or sudden. It was the culmination of over a decade of insane gas lighting and manipulation from Palpatine. Inflate Anakin’s ego, in flame his conduct disorders and abandonment issues, stoke his impulsive behaviors and give him a shoulder to cry on and endlessly validate him as a mentor and father figure, while simultaneously endlessly frustrating him with the teachings and practices of the Jedi institution. Start a whole war that gets the Jedi as a whole but Anakin specifically increasingly comfortable with violence and reveal them as hypocrites as they abandon all their values in the desperation of the situation. Then, offer him a means to solving Anakin’s biggest problem that only he can provide and that the Jedi will eliminate. Anakin knows Palpatine is evil beyond comprehension as he is the orchestrator of the clone wars. He also knows that for all the Jedis flaws, they are definitely the good guys in this equation. But Anakin is so attached to and in need of Palpatine and so frustrated with the Jedi that when backed into a corner and he’s forced to make a choice, he goes with the Sith. Were it not for the fact Anakin’s regret at slicing Windu’s hand off was instant, he barely would’ve felt it as Palpatine gave him no time to process it. Anakin understood that what he had done was the highest form of treason against the Jedi and that the Jedi and the republic were no longer on the same side. He had no choice but to double and triple down and Palpatine instantly commanded him with a bunch of chores that would have him continue down that road. Before Anakin knew it, a split second’s decision to stop Windu from killing Palpatine resulted in an entire genocide he had to do with mostly his own hands and an additional massacre on a planet of fire.