I could see it, but even in the original trilogy, Vader was not demonstrated to ever be particularly restrained in his use of the force. He would have at least known that Vader had a habit of casually force choking to death anyone that pissed him off a little with zero repurcussions. Even if he thought that wasn’t powerful enough he would have kept his mouth shut.
Both his and Vader’s boss, Tarkin, was in the room, so I think the main reason he did it was office politics. The Death Star represents the new Imperial doctrine, while Darth Vader represents the old guard He was trying to push Tarkin into favoring him over Vader, and pushed a little too hard.
I could see it, but even in the original trilogy, Vader was not demonstrated to ever be particularly restrained in his use of the force. He would have at least known that Vader had a habit of casually force choking to death anyone that pissed him off a little with zero repurcussions. Even if he thought that wasn’t powerful enough he would have kept his mouth shut.
Both his and Vader’s boss, Tarkin, was in the room, so I think the main reason he did it was office politics. The Death Star represents the new Imperial doctrine, while Darth Vader represents the old guard He was trying to push Tarkin into favoring him over Vader, and pushed a little too hard.
Or more precisely, George Lucas didn’t think it out that much.