This is a section where we will present our theories and sometimes unique viewpoints on things in the Star Wars universe.

DARIN SAYS...

Many people are wondering and theorizing about the new trilogy. Here are some thoughts of mine.

Ben (Obi Wan) Kenobi's name: Just how did General Ben Kenobi come to be known as "Obi Wan Kenobi"? A few have theorized that he is actually a clone patterned after the real Ben Kenobi. While I don't subscribe to that theory, it did provide food for thought. One theory I had is that it was an alias used by Ben to survive the Jedi extinction in the Clone Wars. However, Vader calls him Obi-Wan, so that can't be so.

Theory I: It is just his name.

Theory II: It is a title of sorts. Having once been involved in Japanese martial arts, I could think of it as something akin to Sensei. Or...

Theory III: It is still a title, but only the Wan part. This would be a parallel to the Japanese term San. We do know that Japanese films had an influence on Star Wars. However, it does not seem right that Vader would use that particular title to refer to Ben, or does it? Coming from Vader, it could be an insult--showing that he considers Ben lower than himself. As to the Obi part of the name: What if Ben is his middle name and his real first name starts with an O? O.B.-Wan Kenobi. Over the years when the Jedi were "all but extinct," people who had merely heard the name/title might spell it Obi-Wan and with the lack of knowledge about Jedi and their titles for rank, people seeing and hearing this might simply think it to be his name.

Until George Lucas tells us, the "why?" behind Kenobi's dual name is kind of like the question "how many licks does it take to get to the Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Roll pop?" The world may never know.

Points to ponder from the movies and their novelizations: Ben recalled not going by the name of Obi Wan in a long time. In the novelization of "Return of the Jedi," Ben relates to Luke details about the hiding of the twins from Vader and Palpatine. Ben explains that Luke was given to his (Ben's) brother, Owen, to raise as his nephew. Now if Owen Lars is Ben Kenobi's brother, why is his last name Lars?

Perhaps to protect Luke. It is obvious from watching "Star Wars" that both Owen and Beru Lars at least knew of Anakin Skywalker and knew what had happened to him. "Luke's just not a farmer Owen, he has too much of his father in him." "That's what I'm afraid of." They doubtless knew that the Imperials would come looking for him if a known brother of Ben Kenobi existed. Therefore, I believe that Owen Kenobi took the name of his wife, Beru Lars, to protect Luke, and the line of Jedi.

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SCOTT SAYS........

On the part of Obi Wan's name, I don't think it is any more significant than a military title or something honorary, either something given to him by the Jedi or someone he saved (possibly the mysterious Queen?). Personally, I don't buy that crud about Obi-Wan meaning 'OB-1' as a clone designation. Obi Wan in ANH was the real thing as far as I'm concerned.

But as far as the prequels go, do you think it is possible that there is a Mrs. Kenobi? Do you think Darth could have done something to her in revenge against Ben?

Also, what if Darth Vader married Obi-Wan Kenobi's sister? That would make Anakin's wife Ben and Owen's sister, and that would make Owen UNCLE Owen to Luke! Could something happening to her make both Darth and Owen resentful of Ben?

And who is Palpatine REALLY? Is he a rogue Jedi? What is his relation to Ben and Anakin? Is it possible that he is Mrs. Skywalker's father? Now that would be weird! Whoever he really is, he is someone that we least suspect (according to George Lucas!).

What about Boba Fett. Do you think he should be left in mystery or should he be revealed in the prequels? I would be happy either way, to tell you the truth.