One of the most disconcerting scenes Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clonesif not all Star Wars, is the scene in which Count Dooku captures Obi-Wan Kenobi and tries to recruit him, thus revealing his and Palpatine's plans. Count Dooku proved to be a fascinating character in Star Wars movies and TV shows, especially as time passes. In Attack of the Clones and Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sithhe was a formidable opponent, even facing Master Yoda.
However, programs like Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi revealed how complex he really was, especially as a former Jedi turned Sith Lord. These more recent stories have also shed new light on his attempts to recruit Obi-Wan in Attack of the Clones. While Obi-Wan may have perceived this as a mere mistake, the Star Wars prequel trilogy, especially Revenge of the Sithconfirmed that Count Dooku was largely telling the truth. So why would Count Dooku take such a big risk?
Did Dooku hope to reform the Jedi around him?
As evil as he became, Count Dooku's views on the Jedi were complex
In Tales of the Jedi episode 4, "The Sith Lord", the nuances of Count Dooku's feelings about the Jedi were revealed in more detail. At the beginning of the episode, Dooku meets Qui-Gon Jinn, his former Padawan, and Jedi Master Yaddle, who at the time sat on the Jedi Council. This scene took place shortly after Qui-Gon returned from Tatooine with young Anakin Skywalker and reported that he believed Darth Maul was a Sith Lord to the Council (and was met with only doubt from the Council).
Some important things become clear from this scene alone. On the one hand, Count Dooku still had considerable affection for his former Padawanwhich became clear when he almost said sadly to Yaddle: "They grow up so fast. Our students." It's possible that this affection was transferred to Obi-Wan, whether Dooku knew it or not, after Qui-Gon died. That Tales of the Jedi the scene also creates this possibility. Qui-Gon tells Dooku that Obi-Wan is now the one who protects him, to which Dooku responds, "I'd like to meet him someday. You're always singing his praises."
This scene in Tales of the Jedi it also proves that, at first, Dooku sincerely tried to save the Jedi before finally leaving and turning to the dark side.
Aside from the (rather surprising) possibility that Dooku's attempted recruitment of Obi-Wan came down to residual affection for Qui-Gon, this scene in Tales of the Jedi it also proves that, at first, Dooku sincerely tried to save the Jedi before finally leaving and turning to the dark side. Dooku tells Yaddle and Qui-Gon, "I have been warning you of the coming darkness for years, never to be taken seriously." This suggests Count Dooku may have truly wanted to protect the Jedi, but was disillusioned by their lack of action. (made worse by Qui-Gon's death).
What makes this series of events even more shocking is Yaddle's arc before his death in this episode. In their final meeting, Yaddle tells Dooku, "I'm on your side, Dooku. I resigned my position on the Council. You were right about many things; the Council should have listened. Qui-Gon didn't need to die." Although Dooku ends up killing Yaddle, these conversations lead to the argument that Dooku had an interest - at least initially - in reforming the Jedi around him, and his Attack of the Clones scene with Obi-Wan may be indicative of this.
Was Dooku deliberately trying to undermine Darth Sidious?
The rule of two may also be behind this strange choice
Another more obvious – and slightly less exciting – possibility is that Dooku was simply following standard Sith Rule of Two protocol. That is, perhaps Dooku was already trying to betray Palpatine and intended to take the Sith Master's place by bringing Obi-Wan as his Sith apprenticeif he had been successfully recruited. Of course, this would require Obi-Wan to be open to turning to the dark side, which seems like an impossibility no matter the scenario.
Perhaps Dooku was unfamiliar with Obi-Wan (who Tales of the Jedi sets up) and didn't realize it would never turn. Even so, Star Wars has increasingly suggested that Dooku had every intention of undermining Darth Sidious and becoming the Sith Master. This is most obvious in The Clone Warsin which Dooku has a Sith assassin, Asajj Ventress.
Although it was never directly stated, it's safe to assume that Dooku had ulterior motives for keeping Ventress around. Presumably, she was yet another possible Sith apprentice. Without a doubt, however, Dooku would have strongly preferred Obi-Wan, both because he was one of the Star Wars the most powerful Jedi and because he reminded him of Qui-Gon.
Dooku's motives in this clone attack scene remain a mystery
Dooku's true loyalties were never entirely clear
Ultimately, It remains unknown why Count Dooku made such a risky choiceand it is not clear whether Star Wars will never explain it. If it were revealed, it seems more likely that it would happen in a book. Star Wars is still tied to the prequel trilogy era, of course, but returning to Dooku's story once again on screen would be surprising.
Tales of the Jedi opens the door for questions to be raised about the extent of Dooku's loyalty to the Sith.
However, Tales of the Jedi opens the door for questions to be raised about the extent of Dooku's loyalty to the Sith. Even as he kills Yaddle, in fact, Dooku seems conflicted and reluctant. He also regurgitates a common Sith refrain, echoing sentiments similar to those that helped Palpatine manipulate Anakin Skywalker. Before killing her, Dooku tells Yaddle, "I just want to bring peace and order to the galaxy."
In the end, it seems that Dooku was mistaken, just like Anakin. Perhaps Dooku was trying to recruit Obi-Wan because he wanted to see a reformed version of the Jedi, or perhaps he was fully committed to the dark side and intended to overthrow Palpatine. This scene in Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones remains mysterious, but raises a number of exciting questions in Star Wars.