Dave Filoni, hailed as a Star Wars visionary, has faced criticism from fans for asserting that Anakin Skywalker is the greatest Jedi. Known for his work in animation, including directing the beloved series Avatar: The Last Airbender, Filoni's success led him to the Star Wars universe, where he created acclaimed shows like Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars: Rebels. While his expertise is recognized, Filoni has raised concerns with his recent remarks on The Chosen One, despite the introduction of the iconic character Ahsoka Tano.
In a Star Wars: Ahsoka featurette, Filoni casually mentioned that Ahsoka received training from the most exceptional Jedi in history. This statement caused confusion among fans, leading them to express their concerns on Twitter. @TheHouseOrgana posted, "Yoda, Obi-Wan, Luke, and several others, known and unknown, arguably possess the title of the greatest Jedi of all time. However, Anakin, despite being possibly the most powerful Force user, cannot be considered the greatest Jedi."
Fans like @allthingskenobi contributed to the discussion about The Chosen One, stating, "I doubt even George would agree with this assessment lol." This viewpoint was shared by many Star Wars viewers, who believed that Obi-Wan (Ewan McGregor) was the obvious choice for the greatest Jedi. He resisted the temptations of the Dark Side and dedicated himself to training Luke (Mark Hamill) selflessly when the time came. However, some critics challenged this perspective, setting their standards for the greatest Jedi even higher. @NickMenakos commented, "Many of you claim that Obi-Wan is the greatest Jedi according to Filoni. However, that is also incorrect because neither Anakin nor Obi-Wan can compare to Luke and/or Qui-Gon." Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and Luke are undeniably among the most ethically righteous Jedi, but does that automatically make them great?
The term "great" carries various interpretations. According to critics, these enthusiasts perceive greatness as embodying the ideals of the Jedi. However, blindly adhering to the Jedi Order, as exemplified by figures like Mace Windu, does not necessarily equate to greatness; rather, it signifies a propensity for following instructions. The Clone Wars served as a lesson for fans, illustrating that unquestioningly obeying the Jedi Order is as detrimental as aligning with the Sith. The Jedi played a significant role in alienating Ahsoka, despite her innocence. Moreover, the Jedi's apprehension towards the prophecy resulted in prejudiced treatment of Anakin, ultimately leading to his alliance with the Dark Side. Anakin's refusal to conform to the cult-like Jedi Order positions him as the most exceptional Jedi.
Undoubtedly, Anakin deviated from the path of righteousness. However, his portrayal in The Clone Wars reveals his capacity for compassion and his inclination to challenge illogical rules. He treated his loyal clone troopers as equals and instilled independent thinking in Ahsoka. The responsibility for Anakin's fall is not solely his, but a consequence of the system that shaped him. His ability to redeem himself and restore balance to the Force after succumbing to the Dark Side solidifies his status as the greatest Jedi in history.
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Source: TheHouseOrgana, allthingskenobi, NickMenakos