‘The Acolyte’ Is Either the Most Authentic Star Wars Show Yet, or It’s Going To Crash & Burn for Breaking Canon

The debut of ‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’ has deeply split the community. The show has received both glowing praise and harsh criticism from fans and critics alike, each passionately arguing whether ‘The Acolyte’ is a groundbreaking addition or a detriment to Star Wars canon.

Moreover, the discussion around canon has been intense across the first four episodes. The show’s pacing has been widely criticized for being inconsistent, yet when pivotal moments occur, they provoke strong reactions from all perspectives.

Let’s begin with the authentic aspects of the show. ‘The Acolyte’ draws from the Expanded Universe and explores the High Republic era of the Star Wars galaxy, providing a fresh perspective without a live-action precedent for comparison. The introduced characters have been vibrant, with particular attention to the Wookiee Jedi Kelnacca, though many feel he has been underutilized and his potential wasted (his backstory will be further explored in Marvel Comics releasing this summer).

Another notable aspect is the depiction of Jedi combat. Throughout the episodes, the Jedi are portrayed primarily in defensive roles, adhering to the principle Mae emphasizes to Jedi Master Indara: drawing their lightsabers only when intending to deliver a lethal strike. This element has been effectively captured.

Then there’s the issue of the Jedi order’s corruption itself, with Headland clearly aiming to foreshadow its future downfall by portraying the Jedi as overly complacent and disorganized in the face of emerging threats.

However, there are also controversial aspects. In Episode 3, the introduction of the Witches of Brendok raised eyebrows, as they apparently used the Force to conceive two children. Some fans argued this alters Anakin’s significance by suggesting he’s not as unique as previously thought.

In my opinion, this argument doesn’t hold up. Anakin’s birth remains exceptional because he was not manipulated into existence but was a direct creation of the Force itself. In contrast, Osha and Mae were products of twisted experiments involving the manipulation of the Force to create life. This distinction is significant, as evidenced by their mother’s warning that once the Jedi learn of their origins, they will be targeted for elimination.

The inclusion of the Sith Lord raises concerns about potential canon conflicts in the show. He doesn’t appear to be either of the two Sith known from the century before Palpatine: Darth Plagueis and Darth Tenebrous, mentioned in both canon and Legends.

Episode 4 also introduces Ki-Adi-Mundi, whose continued presence contradicts the biological lifespan of his species, which is a significant deviation from established lore.

It’s important to acknowledge that creators involved in Star Wars canon often seek to introduce changes rather than strictly adhere to existing norms. The opportunity to contribute to such a prominent sci-fi franchise is undeniably tempting, inviting creators to explore new possibilities.

Before criticizing canon deviations, it’s essential to evaluate whether these changes enhance the narrative. Thus far, ‘The Acolyte’ has left much to be desired, and fans hope for improvement in the latter half of the season.

What are your thoughts on these developments? Share in the comments below!