Fans Deeply Disappointed by ‘The Acolyte’ Episode 7 and Its Portrayal of Jedi: “So, basically, the Jedis in Acolyte are Qanon bigots, right ?”

This week’s episode of ‘The Acolyte’ has been released. If you haven’t had a chance to watch it yet and want to avoid spoilers, stop reading now. This episode is another flashback.

For those who don’t mind spoilers, here’s a brief summary: Episode 7 revealed that the Jedi had a valid reason for being on Brendok 16 years ago. They suspected the presence of a Force Vergence there—a concentrated force that fosters life in an otherwise barren place.

The Jedi discovered that Force Vergence had created Osha and Mae, and despite Master Indarra’s warnings, they decided to intervene. Master Sol, feeling a unique connection to Osha, defied the odds and chose her as his Padawan. Jedi Padawan Torbin, eager to return to Coruscant, impulsively decided to storm the keep where the witches were staying to capture the girls once the Jedi realized they were the product of the Force Vergence they had been seeking.

Master Sol followed Torbin, and due to a series of misunderstandings, anxiety, and fear, it was revealed that Master Sol was the one who killed Mother Aniseya. Additionally, the remaining witches did not die in a suspicious fire but rather exhausted themselves trying to influence Kelnacca’s mind while he was fighting his fellow Jedi.

It’s also revealed that Sol deliberately chose to save Osha rather than making a greater effort to save Mae. Following the incident that wiped out the coven, the Jedi decided to lie about the true events of that night. They also lied to Osha, leading her to believe that her sister was responsible for the annihilation of the entire coven.

We also sort of received confirmation that Mother Korin is the other Sith Lord Headland had teased. She managed to escape by transforming herself into a dark force cloud.

Thus, the Jedi are clearly portrayed as the antagonists of the show, despite Headland’s attempts to excuse their actions. Episode 7 confirms this portrayal. Her depiction of the Jedi as incompetent aligns with the books in that their complacency ultimately led to their downfall, but we must draw the line at murder.

Fans had some interesting reactions to the show, mostly mocking ‘The Acolyte’s’ portrayal of the Jedi and overall criticizing the series. They were also disappointed that the penultimate episode was wasted on another flashback. Fans already knew that the Jedi were mostly at fault for what transpired at Brendok that night, either directly or indirectly, and that this was the guilt Master Sol has been carrying.

What are your thoughts on Episode 7? Share your opinions in the comments below!