The Phantom Menace marked a new beginning for the Star Wars franchise, launching the prequels era of the space opera saga. It also marked George Lucas’ return to the director’s chair, with the filmmaker directing an installment of the franchise for the first time since the 1977 original.
However, the film debuted to a mixed reception from fans and critics alike. Part of the reason for the poor reception was the film’s screenplay which was laced with plot holes. On social media, fans have pointed out one major Death Star-sized plot hole in the film that Lucas should have rectified, and here is what you need to know about it.
Star Wars: The Phantom Menace Has a Major Pod Racing Plot Hole
The Phantom Menace, released in 1999, is the first installment of the prequel trilogy of Star Wars movies. The film was written and directed by franchise creator George Lucas. However, fans have often pointed out the contrivances in the film’s plot, including a major one regarding the pod racing event.
In the film, Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi arrive on Tatooine after their ship is damaged while passing through the Federation blockade. To repair the damaged ship, they need a part for their hyperdrive. However, the junk dealer Watto refuses to accept payment in Republic Currency.
As a result, Qui-Gon decided to wager the required hyperdrive part and Anakin’s freedom on a pod race. The wager leads to one of the movie’s most enthralling and uniquely crafted action sequences. However, it begs the question of why Qui-Gon did not attempt to find another way of securing the part instead as it wasn’t necessary to put so much at stake on the pod race.
Star Wars Fans Suggest Alternate Ways Qui-Gon Could Have Handled the Hyperdrive Situation
The plot hole quickly became a major talking point on social media after user @yonshadyglenn posted a video on Instagram highlighting the stupidity of the situation. The video argues that the Jedi Master and his apprentice could have easily gambled on something other than the pod race to find local currency and fix the hyperdrive.
Moreover, it would have been simpler because of their Jedi mind trick powers. Similarly, other users also came forward with several creative solutions to the problem so that the Jedi could obtain the required part without putting everything on Anakin winning the pod race, which albeit a safe bet given the latter’s Force-sensitive nature was still too ludicrous a decision.
Just goes to show the low effort in the prequels.
One user made the above statement about how the plot hole negates the stakes of the pod race since the goal could have been achieved in several different ways.
Another user argued that the Jedi could have simply found another vendor willing to accept the payment in Republic Currency or could have used their mind tricks to convince the vendor. On the other hand, the Jedi could also have sold their ship and purchased a more discreet vessel to escape the planet. Hence, it is safe to say that Lucas dropped the ball with this particular plot point.
The Phantom Menace and other Star Wars movies are streaming on Disney+.
