Anakin's Potential Path: Would Mace Have Given Anakin His Rank if He Stayed at the Temple?

Would Mace Windu have granted Anakin Skywalker the rank of Jedi Master if he stayed at the Jedi Temple and focused on earning Mace's trust rather than going to Palpatine's office? This intriguing question delves into the dynamics of trust and respect within the Jedi Order, particularly between Mace and Anakin. The outcome of this scenario would have had significant implications for both Anakin and the overall narrative of the Star Wars saga.

The Dynamics of Trust in the Jedi Order

The Jedi Order, with their stringent code and commitment to the Force, operates on the principle of trust. However, trust within the Order was not merely a formal privilege but a deeply personal and often mysterious entity. Mace Windu's reservations about Anakin stemmed from a combination of Anakin's emotional turmoil and the pervasive fear of the Chancellor, Palpatine, as a potential Sith Lord.

Anakin's Challenges

Even if Anakin had stayed at the Temple and demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the Jedi ways, Mace's distrust might have persisted. The complex interplay of loyalty, fear, and the influence of Palpatine would have played significant roles in Anakin's fate. While staying at the Temple could have improved Anakin's standing with Mace and potentially led to a promotion, it was uncertain whether it would have been enough to fully overcome the underlying mistrust.

Palpatine's Influence

The influence of Palpatine loomed large over Anakin's life. It is narratively implied that Mace acknowledged Anakin's potential by suggesting that “Anakin would have done so, if he proved himself not to be neglectful and used his anger constructively”. However, it is also stated that Anakin had not earned the rank of Master as he had failed to train his Padawan to become a Knight. He lacked the wisdom, self-control, and basic knowledge to become a true Jedi Master. Anakin had been rushed through the system and his actions ultimately led to his tragic fall.

Possible Outcome: Mace's Decision?

Considering Mace Windu's actions and the pivotal moments in the storyline, it is plausible that Mace might have dispatched the Sith Lord, Sidious, upon learning the truth about Palpatine. However, Mace's master of Vaapad and his ultimate performance against Sidious showed his immense skill in the Force. If Anakin remained in the Temple, Mace and the Council might have seen Anakin through his struggles, but the underlying mistrust might have persisted.

The Force's Plan and Speculation

The narrative also introduces the concept that the Force has its own plans. Anakin could have potentially reformed and fixed the Order. If he had stayed on the path of the Light Side, he could have brought balance to the Force by killing Sidious or allowing him to be killed. Mace then might have returned and allowed Anakin to strike him down, symbolizing the final act of redemption and the end of the Jedi Order.

However, these are mere speculations. The complexities of narrative and the infinite possibilities beyond the known story highlight the uncertainties of what could have been. The Force's plan, as it stands, is to ultimately wipe out the Sith and the Jedi, as they were all a danger to the living Force. The Sith for their evil nature, the Nightsisters for their malevolence, and the Jedi for their straying from the path of the Light into becoming warmongers.

Ultimately, the story of Anakin and the Jedi Order is a rich tapestry of complex emotions, choices, and the power of the Force. The question of whether Mace Windu would have given Anakin the rank of Master if he stayed at the Temple remains a fascinating and open-ended one, leaving room for endless speculation and interpretation.

Key Points Recap

Mace's reservations were rooted in Anakin's emotional struggles and the suspicion of Palpatine. Staying at the Temple might have improved Anakin's standing but wouldn't fully overcome Mace's mistrust. Anakin's rush through the system and his controversial actions limited his potential for a Master's rank. Palpatine's influence and the Force's ultimate plan for the Order play major roles in any alternative narrative. Anakin's potential for reform and the ultimate fate of the Jedi Order remain speculative and subject to interpretation.

The outcome of such a scenario would have undoubtedly changed the course of the Star Wars saga, and the story would have taken on a unique dimension. Whether Mace would have granted Anakin the rank of Master is a question that adds depth to the narrative, inviting readers and viewers to explore alternate possibilities within the rich universe of Star Wars.