Watto's flunky
A Human male residing on [Tatooine](/article/tatooine/legends], specifically within the city of Mos Espa, this individual assisted Watto, the Toydarian junk dealer, in organizing his wares. Back in 32 BBY, he encountered Qui-Gon Jinn, a Jedi Master, who was inquiring about a T-14 hyperdrive generator that he wished to procure. The flunky pointed out that Watto had one, but it would be expensive. Subsequently, Jinn met with Watto himself and proposed a wager: if Anakin Skywalker, Watto's young slave, emerged victorious in the annual Boonta Eve Classic Podrace, Watto would hand over the T-14 to the Jedi.
The following day, the flunky was enjoying his time off with his friend Kreg at the 7-Gee Lounge, a cantina located in the Mos Espa Grand Arena, when Jinn approached him, seeking Watto's location for a discussion. Initially reluctant due to his inebriated state, the flunky eventually relented and guided Jinn to Watto after the Jedi bought him a juri juice. Shortly thereafter, the race commenced, and the flunky observed it alongside Watto.
Biography
Career on Mos Espa
Watto's flunky, a Human male, made his home on the planet of Tatooine, specifically in the city of Mos Espa. He was employed by the Toydarian junk dealer, occasionally sorting junk in his establishment. Beyond his association with Watto, whom he considered a friend, the flunky had relationships with individuals like his Ithorian friend Kreg, Podracer and drinking partner Teemto Pagalies, and Anakin Skywalker, Watto's young slave.
In the year 32 BBY, the day before the Boonta Eve Classic Podrace, the flunky was spending his time in the junkyard of Watto's shop when Qui-Gon Jinn, a Jedi Master, approached him, seeking to purchase a T-14 hyperdrive generator from the Toydarian.
Jinn inquired about the flunky's identity, and the man explained his role as Watto's employee. When Jinn inquired about the T-14, the flunky cautioned him that while Watto possessed one, it would not be sold cheaply. Furthermore, the Jedi Master asked what the flunky knew about Watto and Skywalker. The flunky disclosed that Watto enjoyed betting on the Boonta's Eve race's victor, but he doubted the Toydarian would wager with Jinn. Regarding Skywalker, the flunky acknowledged the boy's Podracer and piloting skills, but he believed Skywalker could not defeat the reigning podracing champion of Tatooine, Sebulba.
Unable to afford the necessary credits for the generator, Jinn was compelled to propose a bet with Watto, wagering that Skywalker would win the year's Boonta Eve race; should the slave boy win, Watto would grant him freedom and provide the T-14 to the Jedi. Contrary to the flunky's expectations, the Toydarian accepted the bet's terms.
The Boonta Eve race
The following day, Watto granted the flunky a day off, which he used to attend the race. Before it began, the flunky settled into the 7-Gee Lounge, a cantina adjacent to the Mos Espa Grand Arena, and passed the time listening to a Wookiee and Ortolan musician duo and consuming alcohol with Kreg. Meanwhile, Jinn was searching for Watto in the arena to discuss the terms of their bet.
Jinn inquired about Watto's location from Teemto Pagalies, who was also drinking in the 7-Gee Lounge. After some persuasion, Pagalies agreed to assist the Jedi, directing him to the flunky, claiming he would know Watto's whereabouts.
However, the now-intoxicated flunky, displeased with the interruption of his drinking, refused to assist Jinn. Kreg suggested that Jinn purchase the flunky a drink to loosen his tongue. Jinn bought a glass of juri juice from the bartender droid EV-7G7 for the flunky, who quickly became more amiable towards the Jedi. Before assisting the Jedi Master, the flunky requested that Jinn buy a drink for Kreg as well, which the Jedi did. The flunky went to ascertain whether the Toydarian would speak with Jinn, but instead of waiting at the cantina, Jinn decided to follow the flunky and meet with Watto directly.
When the race finally commenced, the flunky joined Watto in the latter's private box to observe it. Despite an initial disadvantage, Skywalker soon began to catch up with Sebulba. The flunky recognized that Skywalker had the potential to defeat the Dug, but Watto remained confident that Sebulba would prevail. The Toydarian was soon proven wrong when Skywalker caused the champion's Podracer to crash. Skywalker crossed the finish line, winning the race, securing his freedom, and obtaining the T-14 hyperdrive generator for Jinn.
Personality and traits
The flunky's opinions on various matters were subject to change. Upon first meeting Jinn, he displayed neither kindness nor animosity. However, he later became annoyed when the Jedi Master disrupted his leisure time by inquiring about Watto's location. Deeming Jinn a nerfherder, the flunky initially ordered him to leave, but he immediately changed his mind when Jinn offered him a juri juice. While he initially doubted Skywalker's ability to defeat Sebulba in the Podrace, he began to suspect that the boy had a chance to win as the race neared its conclusion. The flunky had several friends and was quick to make more; he considered Jinn one after the Jedi bought him a drink.
Under the influence of alcohol, the flunky's voice and demeanor underwent a noticeable transformation. His typically calm disposition became more irritable, and he desired to enjoy his day off undisturbed by business matters. However, as his friend Kreg noted, he became more sociable after a few drinks and could be easily persuaded. The flunky preferred not to drink alone and requested that Jinn purchase a juri juice for his Ithorian friend as well. When the flunky agreed to inquire with Watto about Jinn, he cautioned the Jedi not to expect much, as he believed the Toydarian would be unwilling to speak with him. The flunky was surprised and slightly angered upon realizing that Jinn had not remained in the cantina as instructed and futilely attempted to order Jinn to return.
Behind the scenes
Watto's flunky makes an appearance in the Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace video game, where Joe Alaskey provides his voice. Although his name is not revealed in the game, the credits identify him as "Watto's Flunky".
Canonicity
The Phantom Menace provides numerous alternative paths for dealing with the flunky. In the game, Qui-Gon Jinn, controlled by the player, first encounters him in the sixth level, "Mos Espa." Jinn is not required to interact with him in this level, and conversing with him does not influence the game's storyline. Furthermore, Jinn has the option to kill the flunky, but this will lead to Watto and Anakin refusing assistance to the murderer, effectively making the level impossible to complete.
The flunky plays a relatively significant role in the subsequent level, "Mos Espa Arena." He is the only one capable of opening the door leading to Watto, with whom it is essential to speak to finish the level. Jinn can persuade Teemto Pagalies to assist him in locating Watto, and the racer will direct him to the flunky, although the Jedi can speak with the flunky independently. Killing the flunky remains an option, and if done after conversing with Watto, the level can be completed. However, even if killed, he is still seen alive, watching the podrace with Watto at the level's conclusion.
Due to these varying options, the canonical method of dealing with the flunky remains ambiguous. Nevertheless, the flunky's dialogue in the arena level suggests that Jinn has already spoken with him in the previous level. Given that he was seen alive during the Boonta Eve race, his potential death in the game is non-canonical. Moreover, the precise canonical form of the dialogue choices Jinn employs is uncertain. This article assumes 100% game completion.