Summary
Yodais undeniably one of the most powerful Jedi Masters in all ofStar Wars, but the movies neglected to mention one important weakness the Grand Master had thatStar Wars: The Clone Warsremembered. The lineage fromMaster to Padawanis a special connection between two Jedi, even after the Padawan has graduated to Knight, best exemplified by Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker.Star Warsfocuses heavily on the bond they share as a result of the many years of training closely together, particularly the ramifications of that bond afterAnakin falls to the dark side.
Yoda has a similar history with his own Padawan, yet that relationship is largely brushed over in the movies.Count Dooku trained under Yoda, but became inactive in the Order when he assumed leadership of his home planet. The disillusionment Dooku had begun to feel with the Jedi was eventually exploited by Darth Sidious, and Dooku officially became his apprentice shortly after the events ofStar Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace. Yoda faces off against Dooku at the kickoff of the Clone Wars, butStar Wars: The Clone Warsis where their complex relationship shines.
How Old Is Yoda In Each Star Wars Movie (& In The Acolyte)
Yoda is one of the oldest Star Wars characters, having lived through most of the Skywalker saga as well as the entire High Republic Era.
The Clone Wars Remembered Yoda’s Master-Padawan Bond With Dooku
And Highlighted Its Complexities
Star Wars: The Clone Warsused Count Dooku as a primary antagonist throughout the show, and took many opportunities to remind the audience of his history with Yoda. Yoda’s grief over his former Padawan’s choices is clear, and Dooku often mentions his history with his old Master as he plots against the Jedi.Dooku’s history with Yoda becomes a valuable weapon as he works with Darth Sidious.
Star Wars: The Clone Warsseason 6, episode 13 “Sacrifice” features Yoda seeking out the guidance of Qui-Gon Jinn. Faced with trials set by Force Priestesses, Yoda travels to the homeworld of the Sith, where he encounters many obstacles posed by the planet itself as well as Sidious and Dooku. Sidious uses Dooku’s blood to create an illusion specifically for Yoda, tempting and challenging him to make moves contrary to his beliefs.
Was This The Real Reason Palpatine Wanted Dooku As An Apprentice?
A Possible Weakness To Exploit
Palpatine never makes any move without a reason. At the end of the episode, “Sacrifice,” Sidious tells Dooku that they “failed to break” Yoda, and while he might only be referring to the illusions meant to keep him from passing the Force Priestesses’ test, there might be a larger strategy at play. While it is entirely possible that Palpatine’s newest apprentice’s history as the Grand Master’s former Padawan was a serendipitous stroke of luck for the Sith Lord,it makes a lot of sense to imagine Palpatine purposefully seeking Dooku out in order to exploit a possible weakness in Yoda.
If Obi-Wan’s reaction to Anakin’s fall is anything to go on, Yoda’s history with Dooku creates a vulnerability that challenges Yoda’s power.Star Warshas always highlighted the complexities of fighting against a loved one, andStar Wars: The Clone Warsfinally brings Yoda into that conflict. With Dooku acting as the face of Sidious’ plot, Yoda’s bond with his former Padawan created the opportunity to put him and the other Jedi at a huge disadvantage.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Cast
Star Wars: The Clone Wars is an animated series that explores the intense conflict between the Republic and the Separatists. Featuring a mix of loyalty shifts and alliances, it delves into complex mysteries of the Force and showcases pivotal moments for characters like Anakin Skywalker and Master Yoda.
