WARNING: Spoilers included from the first two episodes of The Acolyte.
Star Wars is back, and the dark side of the force is strong with this one.
The High Republic era of Star Wars has finally made its way into live-action television, and it has a lot to say. With a diverse cast, dark forces rising, and intense combat sequences coupled with some interesting narrative twists, The Acolyte is bound to scratch an itch many Star Wars fans have wanted for a long while. The first two episodes have finally premiered on Disney+, and the much-anticipated series is off to a very mysterious start.
The story follows a rogue assassin (presumably a Sith of some kind) out for blood against a few Jedis in the order, and the opening episodes make no bones about who is safe and who is not. Carrie-Anne Moss as Jedi Master Indara is the first to encounter this assassin and showcases some very Matrix-level action that is sure to make fans of both franchises giddy at the prospect of Trinity now wielding a lightsaber whilst duking it out with the titular character in the opening moments of the show. The first episode opts to show us that there is a bit of a twist going on, as you come to find out that the person who may be responsible for the Jedi slaying may not be whom everyone thinks initially.
Amandla Stenberg portrays Osha, the immediate suspect in the first murder, and is also pulling double duty in this series as it’s revealed later on that she is also playing the Acolyte herself, revealed to be Mae. The twin sister of Osha. This twist was well hidden and not present in any of the trailers. This takes the murder mystery narrative and starts to ask the question, “Why is Mae killing these former Jedi masters?” Osha has also been revealed to be a former Jedi herself but walked away some years before the events of this series began. Will she revert back to her old ways in the wake of her sister’s actions? Time will certainly tell.
In these opening episodes, we’re introduced to Osha’s former master, Sol (Lee Jung-jae), and his new apprentice, Jecki Lon (Dafne Keen), as well as Yord Fandar (Charlie Barnett). Sol is reserved and wise, but has some ghosts from his past that will come to light the more Sol and Mae come into conflict, and it could impact his relationships with his former and current Padawan’s. Just how dark is the past between Sol, Mae, and Osha? The first two episodes allude to Osha being orphaned by a fire that allegedly killed her family, but obviously this is not the case and one of the many questions the series poses in its first two episodes.
The plot machinations begin to culminate together by the second half of the second episode, ramping up for what is to be an engaging rest of the season. The next six weeks will have fans asking plenty of questions. Who is Mae’s benevolent dark master? Why is she killing specific Jedi from her past? Will Osha reform to her former Jedi ways? When will we see Lightsaber Whip?
On a technical level, the first two episodes are well shot with excellent cinematography (provided by James Friend and Chris Teague), the action is tight and edited with finesse, and despite some very average (if not, somewhat corny) dialogue delivery and a very straightforward story – The Acolyte brings forth a new generation of Star Wars lore to the table in charming fashion that is bound to keep longtime fans and newcomers interlocked for the weeks to come. Leslye Headland serves as the showrunner and has a very distinct, clear vision for this show. The prospect of looking through a villainous perspective is a refreshing take for Star Wars, and in that way, is fertile ground for fans of the dark side of the force to be more than pleased with, I’m sure.
The Acolyte season 1 drops new episodes on Tuesdays on Disney+.