Darth Vader and Grand Moff Tarkin: Subservient or Friends?

The relationship between Darth Vader and Grand Moff Tarkin in A New Hope of the Star Wars saga has been a subject of much discussion. The central question remains: was Darth Vader subservient to Tarkin, or did they share a deeper bond?

A Professional Hierarchy

On closer inspection, it is clear that Tarkin commands a hierarchy that includes Darth Vader. Tarkin, as the Grand Moff, is a high-ranking official in the Galactic Empire, serving as the personal appointee of Emperor Palpatine. This makes him the de facto commander of the Death Star and effectively places him above Vader in terms of authority. This is evident in several scenes of the film, where Tarkin makes decisions that Vader must follow. For instance, during their staff meeting, Tarkin is able to order Vader to cease the execution of Admiral Motti. This moment highlights the direct chain of command between the two.

Darth Vader’s Role

Vader's main function is to ensure that Tarkin's ambitions and plans do not go awry. However, this duty does not imply a personal relationship or mutual respect beyond a professional one. The dynamic between them implies a power structure where Tarkin is in control. The lack of familiarity and easy camaraderie between Vader and Tarkin suggests that their relationship is more formal than friendly. Tarkin's authoritative nature and strict command leave little room for personal connection.

The Death Star Scenario

Aboard the Death Star, Tarkin explicitly holds the authority over Darth Vader. He is in charge of the station’s operations and has the final say. However, this does not translate to the broader hierarchy of the Empire, where Vader holds a different position. In the broader context, Vader is second in line to the Emperor, making his authority over Tarkin more nominal. This can be parallelized to a scenario where a visiting admiral would still follow the orders of the commanding officer of the ship they are on, as a mark of respect and a sense of security.

Friendship or Professional Tolerance?

Some interpretations suggest that Vader and Tarkin are friends, but this seems unlikely given their interactions. They best tolerate each other, sharing a mutual understanding of each other's roles and avoiding unnecessary confrontation. This doesn’t necessarily mean they are fond of each other; rather, it highlights the political nature of their relationship within the Empire. Tarkin sees Vader as a tool for achieving his goals, and Vader respects Tarkin as someone who adheres to a strict, emotional-less approach, which they both find commendable.

Mythology vs. Fiction

Interestingly, the relationship between Tarkin and Vader is further explored in the Legends canon, where Tarkin is portrayed as a kindred spirit to Vader. Tarkin is described as ruthless, efficient, and unemotional, much like Vader himself. This portrayal suggests that their shared values and tactics might have led to a mutual respect, but it still doesn't translate to a personal liking. Vader values Tarkin's consistency and dedication to his role as an administrator, which aligns with his sterile, unyielding nature.

Conclusion

In A New Hope, the relationship between Darth Vader and Grand Moff Tarkin can be best described as one of professional hierarchy and mutual respect. While there is a recognition of each other's strengths, a personal bond or deep friendship is not evident. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for comprehending the complexity of the political and military structures within the Star Wars universe.