The Real Reason Why the Jedi Order Died, According to Fan Theory

Every Star Wars fan who has followed the film series knows that the Jedi Order ended for reasons outside of the control of the Order – the rise of the Sith headed by Darth Sidious, Anakin Skywalker’s crossover to the Dark Side, the Clone Wars. All these played a part in the waning of the powers of the Jedi, thereby causing the Order to not see the real dangers until everything was too late.

However, according to Imgur userdicklock’s theory, the Jedi Order’s downfall was really of their own doing, albeit unintentionally. Apparently, they were too lax with their teleworking policy that happened starting in Episode II – Attack of the Clones.

As the Imgur user discussed:

Here we see the Jedi Council convening for their monthly strategic alignment meeting at the beginning of Episode II. Like any organization with some semblance of professionalism, everyone schlepped themselves out of bed, sat through traffic on Coruscant, and showed up for work.

Because the meeting is face to face, there is a sense of accountability and clear delineation as to who is responsible for each action item. This is classic management protocol.

When Obi-Wan Kenobi started “taking advantage” of using holograms to appear in the meetings, that’s when things started getting awry.

Members of the Council followed suit when Episode III started. Since Obi-Wan has been hologramming for months, everyone suddenly started making “bullshit excuses” to hologram during meetings.

Members then started becoming more absent, “dropping out of this meeting like flies.”

dicklock explains:

Even Master Yoda takes up teleworking – leaving him less accessible to the middle managers that form the backbone of the order. His callous distance leaves him out of touch with the day to day activities of the temple.

The theory concludes that when Anakin finds himself alone in the council chambers, with every member of the council working from home, it could have influenced his turn to the Dark Side greatly.

A pleasant conversation at the water cooler probably could have lifted his spirits but everyone is out of the god damn office.

He probably keeps getting pre-recorded hologram away messages every time he tries to reach out.

Poor Anakin.

This theory seems plausible. Anakin at the time wasn’t the most stable Jedi you could hope for. While very talented and strong with the Force, in my opinion, he was like a kid that needed every guidance he could get from his parents, in his case the Jedi Council and most especially Obi-Wan.

It certainly aligns with Adam Driver and J.J. Abrams’ explanation of how Ben Solo became Kylo Ren. Just like Anakin, Ben lacked the attention that every kid needs from his/her parents. While it may seem whiny and weak, it’s just human nature.

While I admit this theory is possible, I don’t think it’s the only reason for the fall of the Jedi and Anakin’s crossover to the Dark Side. It’s a nice try though. Certainly, I would never look at those Jedi meetings the same again when I watch the prequels.

What do you think?

You can check out the entire Imgur post here.