WARNING: Spoilers for the seventh episode of The Acolyte.
The Truth of Brendock is finally revealed.
Finally, The Acolyte has shed light on what transpired on Brendock, and the secrets Master Sol kept from Osha (and Mae) when they were children. This single mission is a display of just how arrogant the Jedi as a force-sensitive culture are just as flawed as any other unit or peacekeeping entity that would mirror our real world. What transpired on Brendock answers many questions the series had thus far, but more specifically, why Master Sol has been abrasive to reveal the truth: Because it is downright tragic.
Boring Jedi Duties
The episode starts without any voiceover and displays some meager scouting and collecting from Indara and the Jedi. As the flashbacks have worked so far in The Acolyte this isn’t too surprising. That said, the idea of flashback episodes in general often leaves fans frustrated. However, this episode did exactly what it needed to, and provided the (much-needed) context of WHY Mae decided to hunt down and kill these four Jedi, specifically. Indara, Kelnacca, Sol, and Torbin all played a part in the demise of the witch coven on Brendock.
Masters and Apprentices
Indara leads the team on this exploration of Brendock which was considered lifeless, however, the main mission was to search for a vergence on the desolate green planet. This adds an extra layer to the motives of the Jedi. Instead of brandishing them in a vein of deliberately seeking out force-sensitive children to train as future Jedi, this opts to show a perspective of seeking out force-based history that has been littered throughout Star Wars in both current and prior legends canon. This also showcases the inexperienced nature of a young Torbin, who finds the mission dull and uneventful. Despite being informed of the real purpose behind the expedition, Torbin’s patience doesn’t alter. While Indara shows off her intellect and tactile skills, this continues a trend longtime Star Wars fans should be familiar with – Padawans can be stubborn and this can lead to something consequential.
Force Discovery
While this episode covers some of what happened in the third episode, the audience gains the perspective from the Jedi’s point of view. Sol was the one who spotted Osha and Mae playing in the forest and even went so far as to follow them back to their homestead, making his presence almost known in the process. Even the editing lines up with certain events from the third episode, like how Koril sent the girls off to their rooms by sensing a disturbance which turned out to be Sol scouting the area from a perched hiding spot. We also witness what exactly happened to Torbin when he was possessed and who possessed him. Which, is probably one of the most haunting things done in any Star Wars media in a long while.
Possessive Manipulation
Torbin’s possession is shown in full force. Revealed to be Mother Aniseya as the one who possessed him during the initial confrontation between the witches of Brendock and the unit of Jedi, this added a layer of chilling prowess behind what this coven is capable of. This revelation shows that Mother Aniseya will go to certain lengths to protect not only her coven but her children as well. The beauty of The Acolyte is shining a light on the morally gray nature of all characters involved. Nobody in this show has clean hands.
Motherly Love
Mother Aniseya and Koril also got more time to shine, further displaying their differences in bringing up Osha and Mae. While Aniseya ultimately wanted Osha to make her own choices, Koril was adamant about Mae and Osha remaining with the coven. Both of these mothers show love for the children they created, despite wanting different outcomes for them. The performances from Margarita Levieva and Jodie Turner-Smith feel grounded, palpable, and relatable.
Action & Consequence
The climactic point of this episode of The Acolyte comes during a boiling point between the Jedi and the coven. Torbin rushes to gather the girls as he believes they are the vergence they are looking for. This leads to a confrontation between Torbin, Sol, and Mother Aniseya, which leads to her death at the hands of Sol. Sol impales her, and with her dying breath, Aniseya reveals that Osha would’ve been able to become a Jedi. To their despair, Kelnacca ends up being possessed by the rest of the coven leading to a brutal confrontation between him, Torbin, and Sol. This is brought to an end by Indara, who uses the force to wipe out the rest of the coven. Ultimately, Indara chooses to cover up the events of Brendock and put the blame on Mae so Sol can train Osha and protect her fellow Jedi.
Bittersweet Endings
One thing Aniseya says to Sol that remains relevant for the rest of the franchise. “Someday, these noble intentions you all have will destroy every Jedi in the galaxy.” This not only remains relevant to this series but the franchise as a whole. Specifically, in the prequel trilogy with the rise of Palpatine and Darth Vader. With only one episode left, certain revelations have set the stage for a finale that may answer some questions but also leave the door open for more. Leslye Headland has talked about the possibility of a second season, and if that is the case the finale could end up being another cliffhanger or a satisfying conclusion. Maybe both.
The Acolyte season 1 drops new episodes on Tuesdays on Disney+.