Lucasfilm’s promise has always been its expansive Star Wars universe, which is prime for new stories set in different timelines. Yet the majority of stories remain within the same time frame. Whether it’s the “Skywalker saga” or the “Reign of the Empire,” Star Wars has stayed within a tiny lane that does not fully explore this universe’s possibilities. The Acolyte was pitched as the show that would “take the first step into a larger world.”
The show set 100 years before The Phantom Menace, is centered around a murder mystery involving the killing of Jedi. It explores the early signs of failings from the Jedi Order, which led to the rise of the Dark Side, eventually tearing them down. It’s a fascinating departure from previous Star Wars entries that feels fresh in its premise and approach yet unmistakably part of the same universe we all know and love.
The first two episodes of the show hit the ground running. Right away, the series thrusts audiences into the premise of Mae, an enraged force user, hunting down Jedi for a wrong that remains a mystery. The show’s pace is remarkable, with a determination to get to the conflict in the show. The twist of Mae and Osha being twins is quickly revealed and resolved as the purpose of that reveal does not lie in the murder mystery but in a much more interesting Force mystery. The Acolyte is far more interested in showing the cracks in the armour of the Jedi than taking audiences through a run-of-the-mill murder mystery.
The Jedi Order is shown as rigid and detached, except Master Sol, played brilliantly by Lee Jung-jae. Sol demonstrates a vulnerability that other Jedi are afraid to show. He feels that moving on too quickly from mistakes in the past can eventually be a detriment. “If we don’t meditate on the past, we are doomed to repeat it,” he tells Jecki, his new Padawan who replaced Osha after she dropped out of the order.
Sol, on multiple occasions, chooses to show understanding towards others while, in contrast, Jedi Knight Yord is quick to intimidate and revel in his power as a Jedi. Yord represents the frigidness of the Jedi, a Knight who wants to do everything by the book, even if it deters them from their mission. This divergence of Sol from the rest of the Jedi is at the core of The Acolyte.
The eclectic cast is another strength. Lee Jung-jae is undoubtedly the standout; however, Amandla Stenberg is right up there with them, having to play two roles convincingly. This is a complicated task for any actor, but the complexity of the push and pull of the Force and the scale of the Star Wars setting only elevates its difficulty. Amandla shines as both the show’s heart and its most intriguing aspect.
Charlie Barnett also sets himself apart by playing the by-the-book, conformist Jedi. This role may seem simple on its surface, yet the way Charlie plays him opens the possibility for a change of heart in the character. There is a subtle uncertainty in how Charlie portrays this otherwise cold character. The cast is the true definition of the ensemble. All work is fused perfectly to drive the plot of the story. It is one of the best Star Wars casts.
The most captivating part of the show is its deep dive into the Force lore. The concept of the Force has always been so straightforward and uncomplicated to audiences that it didn’t seem like there was much else to say about it. The Acolyte breaks down the notion by asking more significant questions such as, “Who is allowed to use the Force?”, “Do you have to be a Jedi to use it?” “Can you be trained by another group outside of the Jedi Order?”
These all open compelling possibilities for conflict within audiences accustomed to the Jedi ways of the Force. Seeing a different path compared to The Jedi is incredibly interesting and breaks down everything we’ve seen before in previous Star Wars projects.
All these themes, characters, and twists create a fascinating Star Wars show. The speed at which the story progresses makes The Acolyte one of the most exciting Star Wars shows. It’s a fast-paced, thrilling adventure demonstrating incredible attention to detail. The complexity of its story creates a canvas ripe for discussion and deep dives. It balances the thrills of an action-packed Star Wars show with a compelling critique of respected systems of power.
Leslye Headland maintains the tone and feel of Star Wars while adding new elements that elevate the previous material. The Acolyte is a remarkable Star Wars show, from the lore to the characters to the action. The journey is only beginning, and anticipating what happens next is fantastic.