padawanlost:

thewillowbends
replied to your post “Let’s say (this probably wouldn’t happen) but Obi-Wan somehow manages…”

His execution might honestly be the best thing for everyone. The wound can be stitched once the knife is pulled out.

I think an
execution would be too traumatic for the witnesses (Obi-wan, Padmé, Ahsoka,
etc). It breaks my heart to say this, but I believe the best thing for Anakin (and
the galaxy) would’ve been for him to die killing Palpatine. It’s the least
messy outcome. I mean, if he turns back to the light AFTER Order 66 was
executed. Killing the Jedi younglings and padawans was the point of no return for
Anakin. The moment he does that he destroys himself and, judging by his face
during that scene, he knows it. it doesn’t matter if it’s Padmé or Obi-wan who
brings him back, the moment he goes through the Temple killings he destroys the
possibility of ever getting a happily ever after. Because even if the entire
galaxy forgives him, he would never be able to forgive himself to the point it would
no longer affects him. The rest of his life would be marked by what he did and I
don’t see him being able to live an idyllic happy life with his family and
carry that at the same time.

Anakin is
fully aware of what he did and why he did. He can’t rationalize his actions as
Vader the way he rationalize the Tuskens slaughter.

Again the
smile or snarl from his Master. “You
were a traitor, were you not, Lord Vader?” Vader’s breathing caught on the
hook of sudden anger. “What did you say?” “To
the Jedi. To Padmé. To Obi-Wan. To all those you loved.” His Master turned
to look at him, his eyes reflecting the flames. Vader didn’t know the answer
his Master wanted to hear, so he simply
answered with the truth. “Yes.” [Paul S. Kemp. Lords of the Sith]

If Vader understands
this so would Anakin. Anakin shouldn’t get happy and peaceful after returning
to the light in this particular case because he didn’t deserve one. to ignore
everything he did as Vader would cheapen his journey. If murder doesn’t affect
him at all he is either a bad character or a bad person. There has to be consequences,
and Anakin’s actions require severe consequences.