Summary
The Acolyteis proof that there is one major flaw withStar WarsTV shows, and it likely isn’t what first comes to mind.The Acolyteis the newest ofStar Wars’movies and TV shows, and although it initially received significant backlash, the show has won many people over in recent episodes. In fact,The Acolyteepisode 5was a game changer, with many viewers thrilled at the reveal that Qimir is the masked villain, the Stranger.
While that may be, though,The Acolytealso has flaws—as any show does—that have nothing to do with the absurd outcries about diversity ‘ruining’Star Wars. Rather,The Acolytestruggles with some of the same issues other recentStar Warsshows have exhibited. One flaw in particular has become a pattern, and it just isn’t working for the franchise.
I Needed More Time With The Acolyte’s Jedi
Though it was clear The Acolyte’s Jedi wouldn’t survive for long, I wish we could have spent more time with them before their stories came to an end.
8 Episodes Aren’t Enough For Major Character Development
The 8-episode arc has become standard not only forStar Warsbut also for most streaming shows, butThe Acolyteis proving why that isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. In fact, the most recent episode was one of the best examples of that.The Acolyteepisode 6 had three plot lines all happening concurrently. The first was Osha’s time on the Unknown Planet with Qimir, the second was Mae disguising herself as Osha and going on Master Sol’s ship, and the third was the Jedi trip to Khofar.
While the trip to Khofar was admittedly a bit less exciting than the other two plots, it was essential to the plot, as the Jedi uncovered a bit about what had transpired on the planet and recovered the bodies of the dead Jedi. However, bothOsha and Mae’s arcs were absolutely fascinating, but they ended just as they really gained momentum. In Osha’s case, this meant being trapped on a remote island with Qimir.
In addition to the enemies-to-lovers romance novel nature of this setup, this plot was interesting because it suggests that Osha and Mae might be switching places in more ways than one. Specifically, it seems Osha may truly turn to the dark side and accept a role as the Stranger’s brand-new Acolyte. Just before the episode ended, Osha put Qimir’s helmet on her head, breathing like Darth Vader.
Osha may truly turn to the dark side and accept a role as the Stranger’s brand-new Acolyte.
In Mae’s case, she ends up being caught by Master Sol, who figures out impressively quickly that she is not her sister. With this discovery, Master Sol ties Mae down but promises it isn’t to harm her. Instead, he intends to tell her everything. They are also headed to a specific destination and, although it went unstated, it is almost certainly Brendok, the twins’ planet of origin.
In both arcs,The Acolyteis getting to some of the most interesting subject matter yet. However,The Acolytenow has only two episodes left. How is this going to be adequate time for Osha and Mae’s arcs to be effectively fleshed out?It seems impossible that the two episodes will feel anything but rushed, even if a second season is coming (which isn’t confirmed).
Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader
Specifically in Osha’s storyline,The Acolyteis doomed to repeat a major flaw fromStar Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith. Although Revenge of the Sith may now be considered one ofStar Wars’best movies, a significant complaint has always been that Anakin Skywalker’s fall to the dark side was too quick. Yes, his path to the dark side had been building from the very beginning, but the actual moment he became Vader was too fast.
Even after events like Anakin’s slaughter of the Tusken Raiders inStar Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones, a slow build was required inRevenge of the Sithfor Anakin to believably betray all he had known for over a decade and the people he had grown to love. Instead, Anakin seemed to change on a dime, going swiftly from betraying Palpatine by revealing his Sith identity to Mace Windu to calling Palpatine“my master.”
Just as Anakin’s turn occurred too quickly, if Osha is going to join the dark side, it will be too sudden a switch. Qimir may be seducing Osha to the dark side (in more ways than one, including, apparently, literally), butit simply won’t be believable if Osha quickly accepts and moves on from Qimir’s brutal murder of Jecki Lon and Yord. Even if Qimir is a master manipulator, a sudden change doesn’t make sense.
If Osha is going to join the dark side, it will be too sudden a switch.
An 8-Episode Structure Is Too Much Exposition
In that case,the 8-episode arc will be to blame. There simply isn’t enough time to cover all the ground that needs to be covered. In fact, the development of the background and context for these plot points has been proof enough of that. WhileThe Acolyteis a mystery show, some mysteries are dragging out for too long when they should have been only exposition. The demise ofthe Witches of Brendokis arguably the best example.
WhileThe Acolyteis a mystery show, some mysteries are dragging out for too long.
So far,The Acolytehas felt almost entirely constructed of exposition, with the show just now getting to ‘the good part.’ Sadly, the two episodes remaining in the show will leave little room for the good part, thus cutting itself off at the knees. This truly is a result of the 8-episode arc, asAndor, one ofStar Wars’best TV shows, makes even clearer.
Andoris beloved throughout the franchise, with even those most vocally opposed to DisneyStar Warsoften considering it a good show. Notably,Andordoes not follow the 8-episode structure;Andorseason 1 had 12 episodes, and that offered plenty of time for character and plot development.The Acolyteis surely proof thatStar Warsmust continue taking a page out ofAndor’sbook, but sadly, it’s already too late for season 1 to get this right.
New episodes of The Acolyte release on Tuesdays at 9 PM EST/6 PM PST on Disney+.
The Acolyte
Cast
The Acolyte is a television series set in the Star Wars universe at the end of the High Republic Era, where both the Jedi and the Galactic Empire were at the height of their influence. This sci-fi thriller sees a former Padawan reunite with her former Jedi Master as they investigate several crimes - all leading to darkness erupting from beneath the surface and preparing to bring about the end of the High Republic.
