It comes up often in geekdom...
Why didn't Obi-Wan recognize C3PO and R2D2?
Quick! Show me a picture of your first television set! Clock radio. Coffee Maker. Kitchen table...
Protocol and Astromech droids are mass produced consumer electronics!
C3PO might be special because Anakin build him from scrap parts, but he was made to, eventually, look just like a standard protocol droid. We see at least two other identical except for color droids in the original movies!
We see even more R2 units scurrying about.
It's like spotting a particular VW Beetle...
As for remembering their names, do you remember the license plate number on your parent's car 20 years ago?
I know lots of people who can't remember the model their parents owned 20 years ago!
Why didn't Obi-Wan recognize C3PO and R2D2?
Quick! Show me a picture of your first television set! Clock radio. Coffee Maker. Kitchen table...
Protocol and Astromech droids are mass produced consumer electronics!
C3PO might be special because Anakin build him from scrap parts, but he was made to, eventually, look just like a standard protocol droid. We see at least two other identical except for color droids in the original movies!
We see even more R2 units scurrying about.
It's like spotting a particular VW Beetle...
As for remembering their names, do you remember the license plate number on your parent's car 20 years ago?
I know lots of people who can't remember the model their parents owned 20 years ago!