Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones is often maligned as the weakest prequel — mostly because of how corny Anakin and Padmé’s romance is. The relationship between Anakin and Padmé in Attack of the Clones was meant to mirror Han and Leia’s in The Empire Strikes Back. In addition to the large age gap in both relationships, both couples share an intimate—but forbidden—kiss which is abruptly interrupted. But where The Empire Strikes Back succeeded in showing a budding romance between a princess and a scoundrel, Episode II floundered in conveying the feelings between a senator and her protector.
In recent years, the hate for the Star Wars prequels has waned. Meme culture has turned many of the worst prequel dialogue into some of the most laughable and quotable lines in Star Wars. Even though Anakin’s “I don’t like sand” monologue was saved from scorn, it still doesn’t work as a believable pickup line. When it comes to smooth-talking, Anakin Skywalker is no Han Solo. Anakin and Padmé’s relationship is meant to be the centerpiece of the prequels, yet Lucas struggled to show the chemistry between the two. But letting Anakin and Padmé interact with others in a deleted scene would have helped sell their feelings for one another.
Seeing Padmé’s Family Could Have Strengthened Her & Anakin's Relationship
In a deleted scene from Attack of the Clones, Padmé visits the Naberrie home on Naboo to see her parents and sister. This scene starkly contrasts the majority of Anakin and Padmé’s cliché relationship which occurs between the two of them in secret in the movie. While at her parents’ home, the two of them have dinner with the family and discuss the danger Padmé is in. As soon as they’re seated, Padmé’s sister, Sola, teases that Anakin is the first boyfriend Padmé has brought home. Padmé shuts her down immediately by stating that Anakin isn’t a boyfriend (much to the Jedi's annoyance).
The point of the family scene is that it allows other characters who know Anakin and Padmé to react to their relationship. Her sister and mother tease Padmé about how Anakin looks at her since the romantic subtext between the two is obvious to everyone. Rather than Anakin creepily wooing Padmé while they’re alone at the Naboo lake house retreat, having Padmé’s family privy to their relationship helps make it more realistic. Unlike the Jedi Order — who would shun or scold Anakin for his attachment — Padmé’s parents want the best for their daughter, and they don’t seem to have any objections to Anakin during their meeting.
Anakin Not Lying To Padmé’s Parents Makes Their Arc Better
When Padmé’s mother brings up the assassination attempt, Padmé vehemently denies that there is any real threat. But when Padmé’s father asks Anakin about it, Anakin is upfront about the reality of the situation. This is completely out of character for him, since he lies to almost everyone about his relationship with Padmé for the rest of the prequels. Instead of going along with her lie, he is honest and sincere about his desire to protect her. The Jedi and Yoda fail Anakin by not having open communication, whereas Anakin has a healthy rapport with Padmé’s family — strengthening their relationship and the heart of Attack of the Clones.