Obi-Wan Kenobi, in the series, underwent significant personal growth, but a discarded plot concept would have provided him with the opportunity to finally overcome the repercussions of Order 66. The narrative of Obi-Wan Kenobi showcased the Jedi Master grappling with the reality that his former Padawan, Anakin Skywalker, had become Darth Vader and was wreaking havoc across the galaxy. This emotional journey forced Obi-Wan to confront the guilt of his perceived failure towards Anakin, his student and brother. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the possibility of Obi-Wan Kenobi season 2, this abandoned plotline could have further enriched his emotional evolution.
In the first season of the series, Obi-Wan began to come to terms with the tragedy of Anakin's descent, yet the show did not delve into the lasting impact of Order 66. As one of the rare survivors of the devastating order, Obi-Wan likely experienced intense survivor's guilt. His encounter with a veteran clone trooper also revealed his lingering fear of his former comrades, indicating that he still needed to undergo significant healing following the betrayal of the clones. With a discarded storyline revolving around a beloved character, the show already possesses a fitting avenue to revisit the haunting events of Order 66.
Obi-Wan Kenobi Season 1 Almost Featured A Commander Cody Arc
Commander Cody in his clone armor and without his helmet in Star Wars: Bad Batch Season 2 - Obi-Wan Kenobi Season 1 Almost Featured A Commander Cody Arc
Stuart Beattie, one of the show's writers, revealed that there was a plot cut for Obi-Wan Kenobi involving Commander Cody. The proposed storyline would have depicted an older Cody on Tatooine, grappling with guilt from executing Order 66. He would have sought to regain Obi-Wan's trust by aiding him in evading the Empire. While Cody's narrative would have been intriguing, it was ultimately deemed unfit for inclusion in season 1 of Obi-Wan Kenobi.
A common criticism of Obi-Wan Kenobi season 1 was its heavy focus on subplots, causing the central conflict between Obi-Wan and Vader to be overshadowed. Introducing Cody's relationship with Obi-Wan would have exacerbated this issue by introducing yet another secondary storyline, diverting attention from the Vader storyline. However, season 2 presents an opportunity to explore Cody's journey towards redemption, as Palpatine hints at Vader ceasing his pursuit of Obi-Wan.
Obi-Wan Kenobi is available to stream on Disney+
Obi-Wan Kenobi Season 2 Could Still Use Cody’s Abandoned Story
Ewan McGregor in Obi-Wan Kenobi. - Obi-Wan Kenobi Season 2 Could Still Use Cody’s Abandoned Story
In the first season, Obi-Wan provided assistance to the Hidden Path, an underground group dedicated to aiding Jedi and Force-sensitive individuals in escaping the grasp of the Empire. His encounters with the Inquisitorius, a faction of former Jedi tasked with tracking down Order 66 survivors, stirred up significant unrest. If Cody sought out Obi-Wan with hopes of seeking redemption, he would have likely learned about the events of the initial season, making it easier for him to locate Obi-Wan. By finding Obi-Wan, Cody could still fulfill his intended role as a loyal friend and ally.
Obi-Wan Could Finally Come To Terms With Order 66
Cody's addition to Obi-Wan Kenobi season 2 could introduce interesting new elements to the original story planned for him. In the initial plan, Cody had been living with and assisting Obi-Wan for years before the show's start. Bringing him in during season 2 would allow for the portrayal of Obi-Wan's initial reaction to reuniting with Cody. This reunion would evoke complex emotions in both individuals, offering a perfect opportunity for a powerful on-screen depiction. While initially challenging to address, these emotions could ultimately pave the way for healing for both characters.
Star Wars Obi-Wan Kenobi and Order 66 - Obi-Wan Could Finally Come To Terms With Order 66
Obi-Wan, a Jedi Master and Council member, likely carried the weight of responsibility for not foreseeing and preventing Order 66. Throughout Obi-Wan Kenobi season 1, he struggled with fear, regret, and sorrow from Order 66, hindering his progression as a Jedi. Cody's unexpected return would compel Obi-Wan to confront his emotions and memories linked to Order 66, presenting him with an opportunity for personal growth. Additionally, a revelation in Cody's narrative could help Obi-Wan realize that he had been wrongly placing blame on others for the Jedi Order's downfall.
Cody could show Obi-Wan that Order 66 wasn't the clones' fault, which would help him move on. Evidence of the behavioral chips and Cody's remorse would not only absolve him of guilt, it would also prove to Obi-Wan that Palpatine's plan was too convoluted for him to ever have predicted it.
Cody Doesn’t Have To Be The Main Story Of Obi-Wan Kenobi Season 2
Star Wars' Commander Cody and Obi-Wan Kenobi - Cody Doesn’t Have To Be The Main Story Of Obi-Wan Kenobi Season 2
Cody's return could play a significant role in a broader storyline. The idea of facing someone Obi-Wan once trusted, who later turned against him, would undoubtedly resurface painful memories for him. Seeking guidance from Qui-Gon Jinn could lead to a new spiritual journey for Obi-Wan, allowing him to learn from his former master once again. Cody's reappearance could be intertwined with a narrative exploring the teachings Obi-Wan received from Qui-Gon, including the importance of forgiveness. Additionally, Qui-Gon could impart other valuable lessons, such as the art of becoming a Force ghost.
If Obi Wan Kenobi season 2 focuses on Qui-Gon teaching Obi-Wan the secret to becoming a Force ghost, Cody's redemption would complement that story perfectly. Forgiving Cody could be enough proof of Obi-Wan's spiritual enlightenment that Qui-Gon would be ready to divulge the secret to becoming one with the Force. If that wasn't enough, and Qui-Gon required Obi-Wan to take the Force Priestess trials like he and Yoda both had to, Cody could also fit into that story by helping him get to the Wellspring of Life and overcome the obstacles on the way there.
More of Cody's redemption story will likely be shown in The Bad Batch season 3, but it won't be enough. Given that show's setting, there is very little chance he would be able to interact with Obi-Wan. Cody's redemption should give him a chance to reconcile with Obi-Wan, as they were dear friends in the Clone Wars, and their relationship deserves a chance to be healed. Including Cody in Obi-Wan Kenobi season 2 would give their relationship another shot, and it could go a long way in healing both men from the horrors of Order 66.
Editor's P/S:
The article presents a compelling argument for the inclusion of a discarded plotline involving Commander Cody in Obi-Wan Kenobi season 2. By delving into the lasting impact of Order 66 on Obi-Wan and providing an opportunity for redemption for Cody, this storyline could have significantly enriched the emotional evolution of both characters. It is unfortunate that this plot was ultimately abandoned, as it had the potential to further explore Obi-Wan's journey of confronting the tragedy of Anakin's descent and his own role in the events that transpired.
However, the article also acknowledges that introducing Cody's narrative in season 1 would have exacerbated the issue of subplots overshadowing the central conflict between Obi-Wan and Vader. Therefore, season 2 presents a more suitable opportunity to revisit this abandoned storyline and delve into the complexities of Obi-Wan's relationship with Cody and the lasting effects of Order 66. By doing so, the series could provide a more satisfying conclusion to the emotional journey of this iconic character.