The Implications of Sidious Accepting Dooku’s Original Plan in Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith

Let’s knock out the post-Prequel stuff first. Much less complicated:

Considering Dooku’s survival, Sidious would likely use him to train acolytes for the Emperor. Inquisitors trained by a master swordsman like Dooku would be significantly more dangerous than those encountered in Star Wars Rebels. This would likely cement Palpatine’s grip on power by having a highly skilled and loyal force of Sith protectors and enforcers at his disposal. Consequently, it’s less likely that he would give Dooku an official role in the Empire, similar to how Darth Vader served as an unknown and unquestionable agent of the Emperor without an official title.

In another scenario, Sidious might get bored and pit Darth Vader and Dooku against each other to see who is worthy of being his apprentice. This would add an unpredictable and intense dynamic to the narrative, driving a deeper conflict between the two feared Sith Lords.

Immediate Consequences for Revenge of the Sith (ROTS)

If Darth Sidious did not kill Dooku at the beginning of the movie, he would likely orchestrate a situation where Dooku remains useful at a later date. This could see Dooku imprisoned in the Jedi Temple, serving as an invaluable asset when Anakin and the 501st Stormtroopers attack, or perhaps sent offworld to assist the clones in eliminating more powerful Jedi Masters like Yoda. At this point, the exact plot twist is beyond prediction, but there are certain certainties:

IF Dooku is present when Yoda attacks Sidious, the Jedi are likely screwed. IF Dooku is present when Obi-wan confronts Anakin, the Jedi are likely screwed. IF either of the previous scenarios occur, the Jedi are likely doomed. The Sith win.

It is important to note that, despite these dire possibilities, Palpatine’s decision to dispose of Dooku once the Clone Wars served its purpose was motivated by clear strategic reasons. If the Clone Wars provided any indication, Dooku likely wasn't planning on playing a secondary role forever. Alternatively, the canon itself may be inconsistent with itself, with either perspective being valid.

The Strategic Decisions of Darth Sidious

Darth Sidious was a master tactician with an agenda far beyond immediate personal gain. His decision to dispose of Dooku aligns with his larger plan to maintain control and ensure the dominance of the dark side. By eliminating Dooku, he allowed himself to focus on a unified apprentice, Darth Vader, ensuring a more stable and complete Sith presence in the galaxy.

The preservation of Dooku’s life would have introduced a significant restructuring of power dynamics within the Sith. It would shift the balance of power from Sidious as a single, undisputed leader to a more complex network of power, potentially leading to internal conflicts and less cohesive leadership.

Conclusion

The implications of Sidious accepting Dooku’s original plan are profound. While it would have certainly introduced different dynamics, it could have been detrimental in the long run by creating factions within the dark side that would have weakened their collective power. Sidious’s original decision was ultimately strategic, designed to maintain his absolute control over the Sith and ensure the downfall of the Jedi. Understanding these strategic decisions highlights the complexity and depth of the Sith Lord’s character and his role in the galaxy far, far away.