^the problem for me is that should be the whole ESB moment, so appose to being 'I am your father' its like 'I am the Dark Lord'. If only he didn't use the lightening, then anakin could discover he just murdered a jedi when it was all too late.

I suppose him knowing before hand though suggests his damnation was secured as soon as he went to meddle.

If dooku is not a sith, then perhaps the dark side subplot could be such a sidelined idea that its portrayed in a rebelious and exciting light. anakin asking palps about the 'dark side' could be with a similar enthusiasm to luke asking about his father, or pursuing his jedi career. there would just need to be that 'oh crap i was wrong, and its all to late' moment for anakin near the end.*

*not in a regrettable sence, but more in an 'its inevitable, i best completely surrender myself and hope for the best - later losing all perspective' sence.