Star Wars: The Acolyte has burst onto Disney+ with a fresh take on the galaxy far, far away, diving into the High Republic era. The first two episodes have set the stage for a compelling mystery and an intriguing array of characters. Let’s delve into the details and see what makes this series a must-watch for Star Wars fans.
The New Era of Star Wars on Disney+
As we enter the fifth year of live-action Star Wars shows on Disney+, the franchise continues to evolve. Following the success of “Ahsoka” and the anticipation for “Andor” season 2, 2024 brings us “The Acolyte” and “Skeleton Crew.” These series promise to offer fresh narratives and exciting new adventures.
The Acolyte has already garnered attention for its unique setting in the High Republic era, a time previously explored only in comics, novels, and the animated series Young Jedi Adventures. This era showcases the Jedi at the height of their power, offering a new perspective on the galaxy before the events of The Phantom Menace.
A Strong Start with Intriguing Characters
The series, created by Leslye Headland, finds its footing quickly with a distinct tone and captivating characters. The first two episodes, titled “Lost/Found” and “Revenge/Justice,” introduce us to twins Osha and Mae, portrayed by Amandla Stenberg. Separated by a tragic event in their childhood, their paths diverge dramatically. Osha joins the Jedi Order, later becoming a meknek, while Mae falls under the influence of a dark entity, mastering the Force in a different way.
The action kicks off with a wuxia-inspired fight scene featuring Carrie-Anne Moss as Jedi Master Indara and Stenberg’s Mae. This sequence sets a high bar for the choreography and visual style of the series. Moss’s role, although brief in the premiere, leaves a lasting impact, and her potential appearances in flashbacks keep viewers anticipating more.
Unraveling the Mystery
The central plot revolves around Mae’s quest for revenge against the Jedi, leading to Osha’s wrongful arrest and a reunion with her former master, Sol, played by Lee Jung-jae. Sol’s calm demeanor and deep care for Osha contrast with the turmoil surrounding Mae’s actions. Jung-jae’s portrayal of Sol brings a sense of wisdom and humanity, grounding the series in emotional depth.
The narrative swiftly resolves the initial mystery of Osha’s innocence, shifting focus to Mae’s motives and the identity of her dark master. This quick resolution allows the story to explore deeper questions about Mae’s past and the nature of her revenge. Stenberg’s dual performance adds complexity to the narrative, making both Mae and Osha compelling characters.
High Republic Jedi: A Fresh Take
The High Republic Jedi are portrayed as proactive and proud, yet not without flaws. This era’s Jedi, while still acting as guardians, begin to exhibit traits of overconfidence, underestimating threats to their existence. Lee Jung-jae’s Sol stands out as a flexible and wise Jedi Master, reminiscent of Qui-Gon Jinn. His relationship with his former Padawan, Osha, adds a layer of emotional resonance to the series.
Charlie Barnett’s Yord Fandar offers a contrasting character, a by-the-book Jedi Knight with much to learn about the complexities of their mission. His interactions with Sol and Dafne Keen’s Padawan Jecki Lon introduce moments of humor and insight, making him a potential fan-favorite.
Visual Splendor and Promising Plotlines
Visually, The Acolyte is a treat. The cinematography, although occasionally uneven, showcases stunning environments, excellent lighting, and detailed costume design. The fight scenes are particularly well-executed, with clarity and purpose that enhance the viewing experience.
The plot thickens as the series delves into the backstory of Osha and Mae. Flashbacks to their childhood on Brendok, the fire that separated them, and Osha’s recruitment by the Jedi hint at a deeper narrative involving Mother Aniseya (Jodie Turner-Smith) and her coven of witches. This aspect of the story promises to unravel more mysteries and conflicts as the series progresses.
The Dark Forces at Play
The final scenes of the second episode introduce Joonas Suotamo’s Kelnacca, a Wookiee Jedi, and hint at the larger dark forces behind Mae’s actions. The masked villain wielding a red lightsaber adds an element of suspense and raises questions about the true nature of Mae’s master and their ultimate goals.
Conclusion: A Promising Start
Star Wars: The Acolyte offers a fresh perspective on the Star Wars universe, set in a visually stunning and richly detailed era. While the series has room to grow, its strong start and intriguing characters make it a promising addition to the franchise. With a mix of mystery, action, and emotional depth, The Acolyte is set to become a fan-favorite as it explores the untold stories of the High Republic.
