Max Nocerino 
Max explores Mace Windu‘s role in the downfall of the Republic and the demise of the Jedi Order
I’ve always had a liking for Mace Windu. His trademark violet lightsaber made him a mysterious enigma that always stood out among the rest. He was extremely powerful in the Force and neigh-unbeatable in lightsaber combat as this boss completed the final unfinished form of lightsaber dueling. Form 6 or Juyo (practiced by Darth Maul as well) was mastered by Mace to the 7th form known as Vapaad, named in-universe for a dangerous many-armed creature. The form seemingly put the user to the penumbra of the dark side – channeling the dark side into the light. Very hard to master, students were typically not allowed to study it as it could lead to the Dark Side. Mace was the only practitioner of it that didn’t fall to the dark, or did he??
Recent evidence from the last season of The Clone Wars points towards my theory that even though Mace was a “good” guy with pure intentions; he may have acted in a way that sealed the fate of the Republic. While talking to the other Jedi, Ahsoka Tano joins the holo-conversation and politely asks why her former Master has been called away. Instead of answering, Windu coldly responds that this is a discussion for Jedi; not citizens which is what Ahsoka refers to herself as she left the Order.
We know Ahsoka was sitting on very important information regarding Anakin Skywalker; a person of interest and Mace basically told her to mind her own business. Besides being rude; this implies he harbors a grudge toward Ahsoka for leaving the Order and his biased belief that the Jedi know what’s best for the galaxy. His attitude is terrible and perhaps hints at arrogance. Then when Mace is told by Anakin that Palpatine is indeed the Sith Lord they had been looking for; he bars Anakin from going with the team to arrest Palpatine. He said Anakin gained his trust but then…. he doesn’t trust him.
It’s definitely a form of arrogance as Anakin’s inclusion would’ve neutralized the trust barrier between him and the Council and there would no need to feel sorry for a weakened Palpatine when Anakin would see him attack initially like a vicious wolverine. Then when Mace has Palpatine at his mercy and Anakin (who arrived late anyway); he implores Mace to spare him and let him stand trial. Mace’s objections are indeed warranted due to his position of power BUT he should’ve listened and put his blade away. Palpatine would be flabbergasted and in a position where he would indeed lose, Mace wouldn’t have died and the Republic may still have been standing. So Palpatine was right; from a certain point of view. All who gain power are afraid to lose it. Even Mace Windu.
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Max Nocerino is a new addition to the Future of the Force roster. He is a passionate Star Wars fan and loves the literature of the galaxy far, far away. Follow him on Twitter @MaxN2100 where he channels his passion frequently!
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Max Nocerino is a regular Staff Writer for The Future of the Force. He is a passionate Star Wars fan and loves the literature of the galaxy far, far away. Follow him on Twitter where he shares his love of the Force frequently!
