Analyzing ‘The Acolyte’: 3 Things They Did Right and 3 Critical Failures

‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’ is the newest addition to the franchise, having premiered three weeks ago amid a polarizing reception. It has stirred significant debate, hailed by some for innovation while criticized for straying from canon and its high budget. Online opinions range from extreme praise to severe criticism, but the reality lies somewhere in between.

Could the show improve? Certainly. With a $180 million budget, my expectations were higher than what we’ve seen in just two episodes of minimal action. However, we’re only halfway through the season, and anticipating epic fight scenes ahead is warranted. As I’ve noted, the show is a mixed bag, showcasing both strong elements and significant shortcomings under the showrunner’s direction.

The good – Varieties of Force users across the galaxy

It’s unrealistic to expect every Force user in a galaxy as vast as Star Wars’ to align strictly with either the Jedi or the presumably extinct Sith. As show creator Headland pointed out, Jedi don’t hold a monopoly on the Force, contrary to popular belief. Whether you view the Witches of Brendok as heroes or villains, exploring diverse interpretations of the Force is refreshing.

Personally, I appreciated the portrayal of the Witches of Dathomir in ‘Ahsoka’ and the enigmatic aura surrounding them. Baylan Skoll’s unique connection with the Force also resonated with me, showcasing Star Wars’ evolving perspective that the galaxy encompasses various types of Force users.

The Bad – The Force Birth

It might be premature to judge this aspect fully, as the mystery behind it remains unsolved. However, the statement “There is no father” from one of the witches to the Jedi, reminiscent of Shmi Skywalker’s words, raises questions. While Anakin’s origin was the will of the Force and the twins’ creation involved manipulating the Force (presumably), it seems evident that this prequel to the prequels attempts to diminish Anakin’s significance by introducing a prototype of him a century earlier. This is my interpretation, open to correction and discussion.

Even if this doesn’t directly contradict canon, it feels like a contrived effort to elevate the importance of the main characters.

The Good – Arrogance precedes the downfall

In the High Republic Era, the Jedi Order reigns supreme without any natural adversaries. Frankly, the portrayal of the Jedi in the show leaves me underwhelmed—they appear disorganized and overly comfortable in their status. History shows that a century later, they will face near annihilation, partly due to complacency bred by centuries of peace and a sense of moral superiority. This led them to underestimate new dangers, like the Sith’s resurgence. ‘The Acolyte’ effectively captures this period of their history; currently, the Jedi don’t appear as formidable as one might expect.

The Bad- Kelnacca met his demise off-screen

Fans have waited decades for a live-action Wookiee Jedi, and ‘Acolyte’ somewhat delivered. However, the Jedi only appeared briefly, and what was teased as a climactic fight with Mae killing Kelnacca unarmed ended up being disappointing—it occurred off-screen. One of the writers explained this was due to budget constraints and maintaining the story’s point of view.

I believe Episode 4 would receive better reviews if they included epic scenes of Kelnacca battling the Sith Lord. It’s puzzling to allocate a budget for animating Bazil while deeming a Wookiee Jedi too costly.

The Good – Jedi wield their lightsabers with discipline

Jedi ignite their lightsabers not just to strike down adversaries, but as a defensive measure when faced with serious threats that demand their intervention. The lightsaber symbolizes their dedication to safeguarding others and upholding peace and justice. In ‘The Acolyte,’ this was effectively portrayed, notably in an early action sequence where Mae fatally confronts Jedi Master Indara.

Repeatedly, Jedi are cautioned to use their lightsabers judiciously, ensuring each activation serves a purpose. The introduction of the lightwhip has stirred mixed reactions, and its impact is yet to be fully seen. Throughout the series, Mae has shown a keen interest in acquiring a lightsaber, possibly to claim one and bleed its crystal.

The Bad – The Ki-Adi-Mundi problem

In ‘The Acolyte,’ eight original characters were alive during its events: Master Yoda, Yaddle, Oppo Rancisis, Yarael Poof, Jabba the Hutt, Chewbacca, Maz Kanata, and Dexter Jettster.

However, the showrunner faced significant criticism for including a character who famously stated in ‘The Phantom Menace’ that “The Sith have been extinct for millennia,” a line that conflicts with the character’s presence in this era. This discrepancy has sparked controversy among fans, who find it difficult to reconcile this choice with established lore.

Certainly, future episodes might clarify that The Master is not truly a Sith Lord, or he/she could eliminate all Jedi who encountered him, leaving no survivors to report encountering an actual Sith. As my colleague Arthur pointed out, the Sith Lord might have simply killed the entire search party, leaving Mundi spared since he wasn’t part of that group. However, as Mundi’s species doesn’t have a long lifespan, his existence still poses a canon issue, regardless of how you analyze it.

The introduction of the Sith Lord was executed brilliantly, evoking just the right amount of horror as he menacingly levitated behind the Jedi.

What are your thoughts on this? Share your opinions in the comments below!