Why Couldn't They Free Shmi Using the Pod Money in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace?

In the movie Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, one of the most intriguing plot points revolves around what would happen if Anakin’s pod racing victory paid off. The audience is left wondering, why couldn’t they use the money to free Shmi?

The Value of Anakin’s Pod

The reason for this question lies in Watto, the junk dealer and owner of Anakin’s podracer. Watto’s influence and control over the situation are significant when he states, 'no pod is worth two slaves.' This line is the crux of the entire dilemma. Despite the pod’s victory, Watto remains unmovable in his stance.

Watto's immunity to mind tricks, as well as his behavior when dealing with others, further emphasize his cunning and manipulative nature. He doesn’t believe in the effectiveness of Jedi mind tricks, yet he employs his own persuasive tactics. His refusal to let Shmi and Anakin go free despite the pod’s value speaks volumes about his determination to hold onto their services.

The Rarity of Nubian Hyperdrive Core

Furthermore, the rarity of Nubian hyperdrive cores adds another layer to the complexity of the situation. According to the lore, Nubian hyperdrive cores are rare outside of Naboo. Watto’s possession of such a core is quite impressive, as he claims to be the only one in Mos Espa. However, this might be part of his sales pitch rather than an actual fact.

The pod’s selling price plays a crucial role. Even if the pod might have paid for the Nubian hyperdrive core, it is unlikely that a single pod alone could cover both the cost of the hyperdrive and Shmi. Watto’s statement, 'no pod is worth two slaves,' suggests that he intentionally sets the price barrier high, knowing that freeing Shmi is beyond their reach.

The Betting and Manipulation

The story takes an interesting turn when Qui-Gon Jinn offers the new racing pod as a separate bet to Watto. Qui-Gon's motive is to secure two slaves, and Watto, being shrewd, does not easily let Shmi and Anakin go. Instead, he uses a betting cube to decide which slave should be returned, hoping that Anakin would lose the race.

Qui-Gon, employing his Jedi skills, wields the power of the Force to manipulate the cube so that the blue side, representing Anakin, would win. Watto, with a different agenda, sees Anakin's defeat as a fait accompli. He believes that by betting heavily on Sebulba, he would gain significant winnings. However, Watto's misstep in the betting on Sebulba leads to him losing everything, while Anakin’s victory returns Shmi to her rightful place and underscores his value.

Ultimately, the pod’s value and Watto’s complex motives make it impossible to utilize the pod money to free Shmi. The interaction between the characters illustrates their conflicting desires, making the story richer and more engaging for the audience.

By exploring the intricate details of the pod sale, the rarity of the Nubian hyperdrive core, and the betting scenario, we gain a deeper understanding of the characters and the underlying themes in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.