The Mandalorian has been a pivotal addition to the Star Wars universe, yet it surprisingly omits references to iconic figures like Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Though the series primarily focuses on the Mandalorian culture rather than the Force or Jedi, appearances by Ahsoka Tano and Luke Skywalker significantly alter this trajectory. Grogu’s Force sensitivity further intertwines the series with the Jedi legacy, creating a rich narrative foundation, despite Grogu’s decision to step away from his Jedi journey in The Book of Boba Fett.
In a notable moment from Season 3, Episode 6 of The Mandalorian, Commissioner Helgait nearly referenced Anakin Skywalker while discussing Count Dooku. This close brush with mentioning one of the Jedi Order’s most significant figures adds another layer of intrigue to the series, intensifying the surprise that names like Obi-Wan Kenobi have yet to be voiced within the show.
Obi-Wan Kenobi: A Key Jedi Ally to the Mandalorians
Obi-Wan’s Defiance of the Jedi Council for Mandalore
Despite Obi-Wan Kenobi’s crucial role in the history of Mandalore, his name has yet to surface in The Mandalorian. During Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Obi-Wan displayed his dedication to Mandalore by defying the Jedi Council to protect the planet from the threat of Death Watch, which was led by the nefarious Darth Maul. This act of loyalty, particularly towards Duchess Satine Kryze, was rare for a Jedi Knight known for his adherence to Council directives.
At that time, Mandalore’s official stance of neutrality during the Clone Wars meant the Jedi Council was hesitant to offer aid, even when Duchess Satine actively sought their assistance. Nevertheless, Obi-Wan, clearly showing emotional attachment, chose to intervene, expressing frustration at the Council’s inaction. Given this history, one would think to hear a mention of Obi-Wan in The Mandalorian would be inevitable.
Bo-Katan Kryze: Her Connection to Obi-Wan
Bo-Katan’s Knowledge of Obi-Wan’s Contributions
While Satine, unfortunately, lost her life during The Clone Wars, her sister Bo-Katan Kryze has become a prominent figure within The Mandalorian and shares a personal history with Obi-Wan Kenobi. Bo-Katan’s connections include partnerships with Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano, alongside her intimate knowledge of Obi-Wan’s contributions to Mandalore.
Bo-Katan’s ties to Obi-Wan extend back to her time as a leader during the Clone Wars, where he participated in missions on Mandalore as a Padawan alongside Qui-Gon Jinn. While it’s reasonable to feel disappointed at the absence of Obi-Wan’s name within the series, it is equally disheartening that even Satine has yet to be acknowledged in The Mandalorian. This lack of recognition for such pivotal characters in Mandalorian lore raises questions about their future inclusion in ongoing narratives.
Despite the potential for more significant references, the almost-reference to Anakin Skywalker underscores the missed opportunity to honor Obi-Wan Kenobi. As The Mandalorian continues to unfold, fans are left hoping for more connections to these critical figures of the Star Wars saga.