Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Obi-Wan Kenobi
A veteran clone trooper has a surprise appearance in Obi-Wan Kenobi, giving the Star Wars franchise a first and showing the tragic fate of one of its unsung heroes. Clone troopers were, tragically, brainwashed into murdering the Jedi and facilitating Palpatine’s fascist coup during Order 66, but the Empire had little use for them afterward. The unnamed veteran clone in Kenobi gave the series one of its most heartbreaking moments thus far, as well as including a practical clone trooper armored suit, a first for a live-action Star Wars production.
In Obi-Wan Kenobi “Part II,” the titular Jedi hero travels to Daiyu to rescue Princess Leia but is taken by surprise when he encounters a homeless Clone Wars veteran. The clone, played by Temuera Morrison and wearing the first physical suit of clone armor, asks for credits to pay for a warm meal, which Obi-Wan cautiously obliges. The clone doesn’t recognize Kenobi but is grateful for the credits.
The veteran clone trooper’s armor includes a blue paint design, indicating that he’s a member of the famous 501st Legion. Considering how often the 501st worked alongside the 212 Attack Battalion (and thus Obi-Wan) in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, the veteran’s inability to recognize the famed Jedi general is odd. After a decade of abuse from the Empire, civilians, and perhaps the process of overcoming brainwashing resulted in the veteran clone trooper’s failure to see that it was Obi-Wan Kenobi who gave him credits. However, while his response to Kenobi may seem strange, the veteran's appearance actually helps flesh out the history around Obi-Wan Kenobi and make the context of the story even richer.
The 501st fought in some of the most pivotal battles in the Clone Wars, serving under General Anakin Skywalker and Captain Rex. During Order 66, most of the 501st marched on the Jedi Temple with Anakin (now Darth Vader). The veteran clone may have unwillingly killed Jedi during the Jedi Purge, only to realize in horror what he’d done once the effects of his clone control chip wore off. As shown in Star Wars: The Bad Batch, not only can clones eventually overcome their brainwashing, but their service to the Empire was short-lived.
Within a year after Palpatine’s fascist coup, clone troopers were replaced by the recruited stormtroopers. Clone troopers, who are fundamentally good men, were already seen by many as little more than organic droids (despite the countless lives they saved throughout the Clone Wars), but once they outlived their usefulness to the Empire, they were discarded or relegated to training positions within the Imperial military. The veteran clone trooper’s scene heartbreakingly showcases how meaningless the Empire rendered their service and suffering.
Obi-Wan Kenobi himself, understandably, is nervous around the clone, as the last time he’d encountered clone troopers was at the Jedi Temple, where he and Yoda killed several mind-controlled clones in self-defense. Due to the clone not recognizing Obi-Wan (and the latter’s good nature), he helps the underappreciated veteran by giving him money. With his free will restored, the veteran clone trooper in Obi-Wan Kenobi might have recognized the famed general, but chose not to call attention to him, simply desiring some credits and a bit of kindness.
Episodes of Obi-Wan Kenobi air Wednesdays on Disney+
