Pong Krell, portrayed by Dave Fennoy, was once a respected Jedi Master who fell to the dark side during the Clone Wars. Known for towering over most beings, Krell belonged to the Besalisk species, giving a physical advantage with four muscular arms. A powerful and intimidating presence in the Jedi Order, Krell was known for his military tactics and his proficiency in lightsaber combat. But beneath the surface, Krell harbored a deep desire for power, ultimately leading to betrayal.
A Jedi’s Path to Darkness
During the Clone Wars, Pong Krell gained recognition for his strategic brilliance in battle. As a Jedi General, Krell commanded clones on the frontlines, proving capable and ruthless. Behind the scenes, however, Krell’s growing disillusionment with the Republic and the Jedi Council led to a secret craving for power. Viewing the impending rise of the Sith as inevitable, Krell became consumed by visions of the dark side’s eventual triumph.
The shift in Krell’s allegiance became evident when assigned to the 501st Legion, temporarily taking over leadership from Anakin Skywalker. This mission became a turning point, marking Krell’s overt embrace of the dark side. Krell was willing to sacrifice his troops, sending clones to their deaths in wave after wave of reckless assaults. His brutal tactics were designed to sow discord and chaos, weakening the Republic from within.
Krell’s Dual Lightsaber Combat
Krell’s lightsaber fighting style was as unique as his physiology. Wielding two double-bladed lightsabers, one green and one blue, Krell used his four arms to engage in a relentless and overpowering combat technique. This style allowed him to execute rapid strikes and create an impenetrable defense, making him nearly unstoppable on the battlefield. Krell specialized in Form VII: Juyo, a lightsaber form known for its aggressive, unpredictable, and ferocious combat style. His natural strength and dexterity gave him an advantage, allowing him to dominate opponents in both one-on-one combat and against multiple enemies.
Betrayal on Umbara
The pivotal moment in Pong Krell’s story unfolded during the Battle of Umbara, one of the most brutal and mysterious campaigns of the Clone Wars. Krell’s leadership on Umbara pushed his true motives into the spotlight. Instead of prioritizing the mission or the welfare of his clones, Krell enacted reckless orders designed to prolong the conflict. The clones were trapped in a deadly cycle, fighting without clarity or mercy.
Krell’s disdain for clones became clear as he referred to them as expendable and lesser beings. The clones, especially Captain Rex and ARC trooper Fives, began to question Krell’s increasingly erratic and hostile orders. Krell’s secret betrayal was finally revealed when it was discovered that his ultimate plan was to weaken the Republic, clearing the way for the Sith to seize control. Krell anticipated that by aiding the Sith, he could secure a place of power for himself in the new Empire.
Confrontation and Defeat
Krell’s plan almost succeeded, but the loyalty and courage of the clones foiled his plot. In a daring confrontation, Captain Rex and his troops staged a mutiny, arresting Krell after realizing that his orders were designed to turn them against each other. Even in captivity, Krell’s power and influence over the clones were formidable. Several attempts were made to subdue him, but each time, Krell unleashed devastating attacks using both his mastery of the Force and his double-bladed lightsabers.
It wasn’t until Dogma, a clone soldier who had once blindly followed Krell’s orders, executed the Jedi in an emotional turn of events. Krell’s death on Umbara marked the fall of one of the most dangerous threats within the Republic ranks, though his dark legacy would endure.
The Legacy of Pong Krell
Pong Krell’s story stands as a grim reminder of the dangers of ambition and power. His fall to the dark side was not the result of external manipulation, as with Anakin Skywalker, but rather a calculated decision rooted in Krell’s belief that the Jedi were doomed to fail. Krell’s actions during the Clone Wars serve as a stark contrast to the selflessness expected of a Jedi, showing how one’s desire for power can lead to devastating consequences.
Krell’s unique fighting style, his overwhelming physical prowess, and his willingness to betray those he once served make him a fascinating figure in the Star Wars saga. Though his time in the spotlight was brief, Krell’s impact on the Clone Wars and the clones under his command left a lasting scar, particularly for soldiers like Captain Rex who were forced to confront a leader who had become their enemy.
Krell’s story also highlights the tragic reality that not all Jedi are immune to the pull of the dark side. His calculated decisions to turn against the Republic, combined with his brutal combat skills, make Pong Krell a symbol of corruption within the Jedi Order.
