In Star Wars, two of the most formidable Imperial figures are Darth Vader, portrayed by David Prowse (with voice by James Earl Jones), and Grand Moff Tarkin, portrayed by Peter Cushing. Their connection is marked by a fascinating blend of rivalry, respect, and mutual goals under the Empire’s rule. As leaders in the Empire, both carry immense power, yet their styles, motives, and approaches differ vastly, creating an intriguing dynamic that unfolds across the Star Wars timeline. From their early days under Emperor Palpatine to their role in the destruction of Alderaan, their relationship shaped pivotal moments in the galaxy far, far away.
First Encounters and Formative Influences
During the rise of the Empire, Anakin Skywalker, later known as Darth Vader, and Tarkin began their paths under Emperor Palpatine, but from very different origins. Tarkin had a military and political background, becoming known for ruthless tactical skills and a cold, calculated manner that earned respect within the Imperial ranks. Vader, previously Anakin Skywalker, the Chosen One and a Jedi Knight, fell to the dark side and became an agent of terror, enforcing Palpatine’s rule through fear and power.
Palpatine’s influence bound Vader and Tarkin together, recognizing their complementary strengths. Vader commanded through the Force and sheer intimidation, while Tarkin’s method relied on military precision and psychological warfare. Palpatine’s control allowed the two to collaborate, yet he never fostered deep trust between them. Instead, he ensured each recognized the other’s power while maintaining loyalty to the Emperor above all.
Clashing Authority in the Empire
In A New Hope, Tarkin holds the title of Grand Moff, a high-ranking position that places him above nearly every other official in the Empire, with direct authority over the Death Star. Despite Vader’s power and his unmatched connection to the Force, Tarkin’s command of the Death Star makes him one of the few who can exert authority over Vader without immediate consequence.
Tarkin’s authority surfaces early when he dismisses a subordinate’s concern over Vader’s harsh treatment of an officer. When Vader uses a Force choke on Admiral Motti for questioning the power of the Force, Tarkin intervenes, calmly stating, “Release him.” Tarkin’s intervention subtly demonstrates that within the Death Star, his authority rivals even Vader’s. However, this wasn’t an open challenge to Vader’s power, rather a demonstration of Tarkin’s strategic insight and understanding of his jurisdiction within the Empire’s hierarchy.
Strategic Partners: The Destruction of Alderaan
The infamous destruction of Alderaan represents one of the most devastating demonstrations of their combined approach. Tarkin orders the annihilation of Princess Leia’s home planet as a demonstration of the Empire’s might and an example to all who dare oppose it. Though the decision was Tarkin’s, Vader’s presence on the Death Star signifies his tacit support of the act, illustrating the shared commitment to enforcing the Empire’s rule through terror and destruction.
While Tarkin’s motivation stems from a desire to instill fear and suppress rebellion, Vader’s presence brings a different layer to the event. As a former Jedi who witnessed the death of the Jedi Order and the rise of the Empire, Vader’s approach to this act reflects his internal struggle, a remnant of Anakin Skywalker overshadowed by the duty as Darth Vader. This tragic event unifies Vader and Tarkin’s objectives, solidifying their partnership as both enforce the Empire’s iron grip on the galaxy.
The Battle of Yavin and Mutual Respect
Throughout their partnership, Vader and Tarkin share a professional respect. This respect is unique in the Imperial ranks, where fear, not respect, is the usual bond between officers. Tarkin sees Vader as a powerful asset, a figure capable of enforcing the Empire’s will through supernatural means. In return, Vader appreciates Tarkin’s tactical mind and willingness to make hard choices without hesitation. Both realize that they need each other to fulfill their roles, bound by loyalty to Palpatine and a shared vision of Imperial dominance.
Their mutual respect reaches its height during the Battle of Yavin. As the Rebellion attacks the Death Star, Tarkin remains on board, confident that the Empire’s power is invincible. Vader, piloting his TIE fighter in defense of the station, showcases his commitment to the Empire and to Tarkin’s plan. This moment illustrates their partnership in the Empire’s most advanced military project and the ultimate failure of that partnership. The destruction of the Death Star marks not only the loss of Tarkin but a profound setback in Vader’s pursuit of stability for the Empire.
Legacy of Their Partnership
The relationship between Darth Vader and Grand Moff Tarkin leaves an indelible impact on the galaxy, resonating long after the events of A New Hope. Tarkin’s strategic influence continues within the Empire even after his death, as his ruthlessness and tactical prowess set a standard that later Imperial officers, such as Grand Admiral Thrawn, attempt to match. For Vader, the loss of Tarkin removes one of the few figures in the Empire who approached his power and authority as an equal, creating a void that affects his relationships with other Imperial officers.
In Tarkin’s absence, Vader’s role becomes more solitary within the Imperial hierarchy, where he serves as the Emperor’s enforcer, feared but rarely trusted. The mutual respect Vader and Tarkin shared becomes a rare and unique feature within the Empire’s power structure, where ambition often breeds distrust rather than partnership. This void shifts Vader’s interactions with Imperial officers, reinforcing his isolation and setting the stage for the eventual confrontations with Emperor Palpatine’s other enforcers, such as the Grand Inquisitor.
This powerful alliance between Darth Vader and Grand Moff Tarkin is remembered as one of the most impactful partnerships in the Star Wars saga, shaping the events that led to the Empire’s dominance and, ultimately, its downfall. Both Vader and Tarkin leave legacies defined by fear, strategy, and the relentless pursuit of control, yet their partnership remains unique within the Empire’s history, a blend of power and respect that transcended ambition and endured despite the looming shadow of the dark side.
