This article contains spoilers for episode 2 of Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Fans of Star Wars animated series have had many reasons to celebrate the release of Obi-Wan Kenobi, but one comment made in episode 2 may have been a subtle nod to an important character from The Clone Wars show.
In the scene, Obi-Wan and Leia have temporarily escaped the bounty hunters and Inquisitors chasing them and are looking for a cargo ship to board. As Leia confidently walks into the hangar and chides Obi-Wan for not trusting the person offering them help, he stops and says she reminds him of someone.
The person Obi-Wan describes is a fearless and stubborn leader who died long ago. Of course, one obvious conclusion based on the account is Padme, Leia’s mother. Padme was a senator who fought bravely alongside Obi-Wan several times during the Clone Wars. He has mourned her death for ten years. As Obi-Wan gets to know Leia, it is understandable that he would start making comparisons between mother and daughter
However, there is another woman in his life who he might be reminded of, the love of his life, Satine Kryze. Satine was the Duchess of Mandalore during most of the Clone Wars, as well as the leader of the Council of Neutral Systems. A resolute pacifist, Satine led her people into a time of peace while war thundered through the rest of the galaxy.
In the season 2 Mandalore Arc of The Clone Wars, we learn that during a civil war on Mandalore when Satine was younger, Obi-Wan was tasked with her protection. During the mission, Satine, Obi-Wan, and his master, Qui-Gon went on the run, their lives filled with uncertainty. It was during this time that Obi-Wan and Satine began to fall in love. After the civil war ended, Obi-Wan considered leaving the Jedi Order to remain with Satine, but in the end, his commitment to the Jedi won.
The two reconnected off and on during the Clone Wars, often at odds with one another’s views on peace and violence. Despite their frequent arguments, they worked well together, and Satine relied on Obi-Wan if Mandalore was ever threatened. Unfortunately, she was killed by Darth Maul towards the end of the Clone Wars, leaving Obi-Wan heartbroken.
Satine matches Obi-Wan’s description perfectly. Satine was the leader of Mandalore. She did not back away from conflict even when her pacifism prevented her from fighting physically. Her stubbornness is pointed out many times during The Clone Wars. She was never afraid to question ideas Obi-Wan might have taken for granted or call him out for the violence the Jedi so frequently create.
The situation Obi-Wan and Leia are in is reminiscent of his mission with Satine, which could cause him to think of Satine’s similarities with his new companion. When Leia argues with Obi-Wan about accepting help and trusting others, it would not be a surprise if he was reminded of the woman who changed his life forever.