Vader vs Tarkin: Who Outranks the Other in Star Wars?

In the ever-expanding universe of Star Wars, two powerful figures stand out: Darth Vader and Grand Moff Tarkin. Often seen as antagonists to the protagonists, they play significant roles in the battle against the Rebel Alliance. However, in the intricate weave of the Star Wars universe, the question of who outranks the other remains a topic of debate among fans and Star Wars experts. This article delves into the hierarchy and dynamics between Darth Vader and Grand Moff Tarkin, examining their roles and the factors that contribute to their positions.

Theoretical Hierarchy in the Imperial Military

Theoretically, in the Imperial hierarchy, Darth Vader outranks Grand Moff Tarkin. This is primarily due to Vader's role as the Emperor's chief enforcer and trouble shooter, his status as a Sith Lord, and his position as Supreme Commander of the Imperial Military. Tarkin, on the other hand, primarily serves as the governor of the Outer Rim and the commander of the Death Star. However, these theoretical hierarchies don't always align with the in-universe actions and interactions.

The Role of Tarkin on the Death Star

In the original movie, A New Hope, Tarkin is depicted as the primary commander of the Death Star. He orders Vader to stop Force choking an Admiral, indicating that Vader was under Tarkin's command at the time. Despite the theoretical hierarchy, Tarkin's direct orders imply a more practical arrangement, where Vader was more an observer and enforcer than a full military subordinate.

Challenging Competing Hierarchy

However, there are additional hints that complicate this arrangement. For instance, Tarkin's response to Leia Organa's accusation of holding Vader's "leash" suggests a more complex relationship. This implies that Tarkin had more control over Vader in the context of the Death Star. Another hint comes from Tarkin's decision to command the Death Star, which isn't typical for a full-time staff officer. This could be seen as Tarkin's way of asserting his authority over Vader, further complicating the hierarchy.