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May 28, 2002
Grand Moff Tarkin
With the exception of the Emperor, Grand Moff Tarkin was the most powerful man in the Empire. Around the beginning of the fourth episode in the Star Wars saga, politics still had quite a stranglehold on things in the galaxy and Tarkin was the top man. For real proof though, consider this: he was the only one who could tell Vader what to do without having his windpipe crushed by The Force. That’s pretty incredible.
However, his power over the armies of the Empire and the Death Star battle station was nothing compared to what he did with it. He proclaimed that fear would allow the Empire to govern and proved it by continually bullying everyone in sight. He had no respect for the cause of the Rebellion ether, ordering Princess Leia’s termination. His ultimate act of evil, however, was his casual destruction of the peace-loving world of Alderaan. Destroying that planet… that’s about as low as any villain has ever gone. And to think he did it so casually, like he was ordering a friggin’ pizza… what an ass.
Tarkin rates incredibly high on some important Mofo meters, most especially Sway and Vileness. He may not score higher than Vader, but he will forever be known as one of the vilest villains in cinematic history.
INTELLIGENCE - 10: This well-established leader of the Empire was brilliant, cunning, and arrogant (an especially nice Mofo quality).
POWER - 2: He was far more political and strategic than physical in his moves.
VILENESS - 10: Blew up Alderaan - and an entire world's population - on a whim.
SWAY - 9: Not only a commanding leader, but also held Vader’s leash. That's pretty awesome.
PURITY - 9: His commitment to evil is legendary, almost to a fault. Vader at least had the sense to get out of the Death Star and fight.
PHYSICAL - 3: Not too scary-looking, aside from that dour look on his face.
TOTAL: 43
Posted by Destro at May 28, 2002 04:57 PM