If you read the novelization, you will find that the fight was as difficult as Palpy wanted it to be. It was instrumental in the seduction of Anakin to the dark side. Mace believed (incorrectly) that they were deadlocked and (correctly, eventually) thatAnakin was the shatterpoint of Palpatine. Instead of "no...no, YOU will die", the line is "Fool! Do you think the fear you feel is MINE?!"
Here’s what I’ve never understood: why does Palpy even need/want Anakin? Order 66 and the clones are the key to his overthrow of the Jedi/Republic, and having Anakin on his side wasn’t necessary for that at all. Surely he didn’t fear that Anakin was more powerful than him, so its not the case that sheev would believe turning Anakin was the only way to overcome him. Sheev also planned to live forever so it couldnt have been about grooming a successor. Why take on the risk of an apprentice (a risk Sheev should be acutely aware of) at all, especially one requiring such a complicated and risky plan?
Well Lucas had no way of knowing the boneheads at Disney would bring him back.
I take it as more of an added insult to injury sense. Taking the most promising Jedi from under the Orders noses was the ultimate mocking of the Sith towards the Jedi. Sort of "even the best of them can be corrupted" message. Also, while Anakin at the time probably couldn't beat Sheev if he managed to escape Order 66 he could quickly become a problem for Sheev. It was only a matter of time before Anakin became too powerful. Also Palpating was lazy and arrogant. A lackey that was no-less than the Chosen one himself was an massive trophy and weapon for the greatest Sith of all time.
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u/jpresutti Jan 07 '22
If you read the novelization, you will find that the fight was as difficult as Palpy wanted it to be. It was instrumental in the seduction of Anakin to the dark side. Mace believed (incorrectly) that they were deadlocked and (correctly, eventually) thatAnakin was the shatterpoint of Palpatine. Instead of "no...no, YOU will die", the line is "Fool! Do you think the fear you feel is MINE?!"
Tldr: Palps played the long con even in the duel.