One of the most bewildering scenes inStar Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones, if not all ofStar Wars,is the scene in which Count Dooku captures Obi-Wan Kenobi and attempts to recruit him, thereby revealing his and Palpatine’s plans. Count Dooku has proven to be a fascinating character inStar Wars’movies and TV shows, particularly as time has gone on. InAttack of the ClonesandStar Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith, he was a formidable adversary, even going toe-to-toe with Master Yoda.
Yet, shows likeStar Wars: The Clone WarsandStar Wars: Tales of the Jedihave revealed how complex he really was, particularly as an ex-Jedi who became a Sith Lord. These more recent stories have also shed new light upon his attempts to recruit Obi-Wan inAttack of the Clones.While Obi-Wan may have perceived that as merely deception, theStar Warsprequel trilogy, especiallyRevenge of the Sith, confirmed that Count Dooku was largely telling the truth. So why would Count Dooku take such a major risk?
Did Dooku Hope To Reform The Jedi Around Him?
However Evil He Became, Count Dooku’s Views On The Jedi Were Complex
InTales of the Jediepisode 4, “The Sith Lord,” the nuances of Count Dooku’s sentiments about the Jedi were revealed in greater detail. Early in the episode, Dooku encounters Qui-Gon Jinn, his former Padawan, and Jedi Master Yaddle, who at that time had a seat on the Jedi Council. This scene took place just after Qui-Gon had returned from Tatooine with young Anakin Skywalker and reported that he believed Darth Maul was a Sith Lord to the Council (and was met only with doubt from the Council).
A few key things become clear in this scene alone. For one,Count Dooku still had considerable affection for his former Padawan, which became clear when he almost woefully said to Yaddle,“They grow up so fast. Our students.“It’s possible that this affection transferred to Obi-Wan, whether Dooku knew it or not, once Qui-Gon died. ThisTales of the Jediscene even sets up that possibility as well. Qui-Gon tells Dooku that it is now Obi-Wan who protects him, to which Dooku responds,“I should like to meet him someday. You’re always singing his praises.”
This scene inTales of the Jedialso proves that, at first, Dooku earnestly tried to save the Jedi before he ultimately left and turned to the dark side.
In addition to the (rather surprising) possibility that Dooku’s attempted recruitment of Obi-Wan came down to residual affection for Qui-Gon, this scene inTales of the Jedialso proves that, at first, Dooku earnestly tried to save the Jedi before he ultimately left and turned to the dark side. Dooku tells Yaddle and Qui-Gon,“I’ve been warning them about the coming darkness for years, never to be taken seriously.“This suggestsCount Dooku may have genuinely wanted to safeguard the Jedi but became disillusioned by their lack of action(made all the worse by Qui-Gon’s death).
What makes this series of events all the more shocking is Yaddle’s arc before her death in this episode. In their final encounter, Yaddle tells Dooku,“I am on your side, Dooku. I stepped down from my position on the Council. You were right about so many things; the Council should have listened. Qui-Gon did not have to die.“Although Dooku does ultimately kill Yaddle, these conversations lend themselves to the argument that Dooku did have an interest—at least at first—in reforming the Jedi around him, and hisAttack of the Clonesscene with Obi-Wan could be indicative of that.
Did Count Dooku Kill His Greatest Potential Star Wars Ally?
In the finale of Count Dooku’s arc in Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi, he kills an old friend who could have been his and Palpatine’s most powerful ally.
Was Dooku Deliberately Trying To Undermine Darth Sidious?
The Rule Of Two Could Also Be Behind This Odd Choice
Another more obvious possibility—and one that is slightly less exciting—is that Dooku was simply following the standard protocol forthe Sith Rule of Two. That is,perhaps Dooku was already looking to betray Palpatine and intended to take the place of the Sith Master, bringing Obi-Wan on as his Sith apprentice, if he had successfully been recruited. Of course, that would require Obi-Wan being open to turning to the dark side, which seems like an impossibility no matter the scenario.
Perhaps Dooku had little familiarity with Obi-Wan (whichTales of the Jedisets up) and didn’t realize he would never turn. Even so,Star Warshas increasingly suggested Dooku had every intention of undermining Darth Sidious and becoming the Sith Master. This is most obvious inThe Clone Wars, in which Dooku has a Sith assassin, Asajj Ventress.
Although it’s never directly stated, it’s safe to assume Dooku had ulterior motives for keeping Ventress around. Presumably, she was yet another possible Sith apprentice. Undoubtedly, though, Dooku would have strongly preferred Obi-Wan, both because he was one ofStar Wars’most powerful Jediand because he reminded him of Qui-Gon.
Dooku’s Motives In This Attack Of The Clones Scene Remain A Mystery
Dooku’s True Loyalties Were Never Quite Clear
Ultimately,it remains unknown why Count Dooku made this very risky choice, and it’s unclear whetherStar Warswill ever explain it. If it was to be revealed, it seems most likely to happen in a book.Star Warsis still linked to the prequel trilogy era, of course, but circling back to Dooku’s story yet again on screen would be surprising.
Tales of the Jediopens the door for questions to be raised about the extent of Dooku’s loyalty to the Sith.
Nevertheless,Tales of the Jediopens the door for questions to be raised about the extent of Dooku’s loyalty to the Sith. Even as he kills Yaddle, in fact, Dooku seems conflicted and begrudging. He also regurgitates a common Sith refrain, echoing sentiments similar to those that helped Palpatine manipulate Anakin Skywalker. Before killing her, Dooku tells Yaddle,“I want only to bring peace and order to the galaxy.”
In the end, it seems Dooku was misguided, just as Anakin was. Perhaps Dooku was attempting to recruit Obi-Wan because he wanted to see a reformed version of the Jedi, or perhaps he was fully committed to the dark side and intended to overthrow Palpatine. This scene inStar Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clonesremains mysterious, but it raises a number of thrilling questions inStar Wars.
Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones
Cast
Years after the events of The Phantom Menace, the Skywalker Saga continues with Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones. When Senator Padme Amidala’s life is threatened, Jedi Knights Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker are tasked with her protection. While Obi-Wan uncovers a clone army made in secret, Anakin falls in love with Padme, marking the beginning of his inevitable fall to the dark side of the Force.
Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi
Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi is an animated action-anthology series set in different periods during the first three episodes of the film series. The show follows two different characters, Ahsoka Tano and Count Dooku, at different points in their lives, with Ahsoka’s padawan days and beyond, as well as the rise and fall of Count Dooku, exploring his descent into the dark side.
