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By Sophia Doshi
The Acolyte is proof that the biggest haters of Star Wars are Star Wars fans themselves because I thought this show had a great story. The whole idea of introducing the Sith and debunking them as this evil, angry collective is fantastic, instead of placing the blame on the original 'sinners': the Jedi. We've known the Jedi to be cult-like for a long time, The Acolyte only furthered this fact.
First off: the cast. The cast was well done. Amandla Sternberg, who has been in The Hate U Give, The Darkest Minds, Everything Everything, and Bodies Bodies Bodies, was a great choice for Osha and Mae (yes, they're the same person. Not trying to call you stupid, just clarifying). Then Manny Jacinto? I didn't know that Jason from The Good Life could look like... that (compliment). He's ripped in this show and is the perfect balance of independence and darkness, and brings the mystery and tension to Qimir that is shared in a predictable plot twist with Osha. And yes, I did see the silly, scared Qimir-turned-Sith-Lord-Qimir thing coming. Perhaps that was one of the bigger flaws in the show–I could see everything coming. Maybe I am skilled with the Force, who knows?
The Acolyte, once again, blamed the Jedi for turning their own to the Dark Side. The strong hint that Vernestra Rwoh (the green-colored Jedi Master) was Qimir's former Master but broke their bond and betrayed Qimir smells similar to the relationship between Anakin and Obi-Wan. Two seemingly good and strong Force users turned towards anger, fear, and hatred in light of circumstances directly related to their Masters. That's quite substantial. That's not to say the dynamic isn't interesting. It forces (no pun intended) complexity into the story, which wouldn't otherwise be there if there was no mystery to Qimir's descent to the Dark Side.
I suppose I was a little confused as to how Osha, a former Padawan, gave up her goal of staying away from the Dark Side so easily to trade places with a sister who had set their home on fire, tried to kill her, disappeared for years, then came back and killed a bunch of Osha's former masters. Sure, Mae isn't completely guilty–she was shaped in a certain way because of Qimir's manipulation and the situation she was thrust into during her childhood. Mae had already found her place in the coven of witches on her home planet, meaning Osha was originally the odd one out. Does this imply that the Dark Side has always been the 'good' side since decisive Mae gravitated to it?
Once again, the Jedi are a cult. The Sith technically live whatever kind of life they have to live, as they don't have to abide by rules, morals, or ethics. They aren't told to divert to peace or mediation anytime a situation arises, the Sith are encouraged to live freely and with passion, two things that the Jedi were never allowed to do. This begs the question: what is worse, the Jedi or the Empire? Or are they equals? Not many Sith generals were operating at the Empire's helm, as we saw in Andor. They were living in their dark caverns or wherever the Sith lived. Speaking of caverns, what was that spindly-limbed, glowing-eyes creature living on Qimir's island? Was it Darth Plagueis?
This is the kind of fashion I was hoping to see from the show.
Image from Pinterest
Image from Pinterest
In regard to the production of the show itself, I wish I felt more like I was watching the story unfold in the intended era. The High Republic was a long era of peace and prosperity, but neither the Jedi Temple or any of the galaxy's cultures reflected that. I spotted no extra luxury or 'dated' clothing that you would think to be featured in a period piece. No, it isn't a period piece, but it does take place decades before the prequels. I wish the aesthetics reflected that.
Cover image from Star Wars
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