The first season of The Acolyte has concluded on Disney+, and the series Star Wars now showcases its strengths and weaknesses in this contrasting finale.
With the eighth and final episode airing on Disney+, it’s time to assess The Acolyte, which highlights both the best and worst of the Star Wars series since its beginning. From intriguing characters to uneven pacing, the series appears to be another mixed bag in Disney’s vast galaxy.
Even episode 7, with the Jedi counter-attack, did little to ease our concerns as it set up new flashbacks leading into the finale. This last episode had the daunting task of wrapping up the storylines and addressing all remaining questions. Was it successful? Yes, despite The Acolyte emerging with more commendations than some of its counterparts.
Final Showdown (and Lightsaber)
Following the final flashback that unraveled the mystery behind the massacre of the Brendok witches, The Acolyte is now able to address its challenges. Symbolically, the series wraps up its season 1 storyline on Brendok, bringing all its main characters together for a final confrontation.
Here, the character development by showrunner Leslye Headland culminates in… or not. Faced with an emotionally charged finale, once once more Sol shines as the series’ standout introduction. Lee Jung-jae portrays his Jedi character as a tragic anti-hero, burdened by guilt and the consequences of his actions.
MVP
However, Sol’s success contrasts with the storyline of twins Mae and Osha, who struggle to emotionally connect. Despite a strong performance by Amandla Stenberg, the series fails to distinguish between the two protagonists and their role reversal in this episode falls flat.
Ultimately, this duo, meant to carry the series, inadvertently shifts the focus to secondary characters like Sol or Qimir, the two sisters so similar that they become practically interchangeable. Osha’s descent to the dark side lacks the intended impact, as does her inevitable separation from Mae, who ends up back where The Acolyte started.
At least the Kyber crystal “bleeding” scene was cool
The Phantom Menace
Thematically, The Acolyte continues its exploration of the dark side of the Jedi Order, further exposed by revelations regarding the Brendok incident. As Sol crumbles, it’s the venerable Master Vernestra who seems to be entangled in the web of deceit surrounding the plot, as her standing is questioned by a faction of Coruscant’s political elite.
As anticipated, the series unveils a connection between Qimir and the Jedi, hinting at potential developments in a second season. The Acolyte raises fundamental questions regarding the suppression of emotions among the Jedi. While Sol succumbs to her emotions and rushes towards her fate, Vernestra’s pragmatic decisions come into focus, logical but morally questionable.
She betrayed
These are themes that other Star Wars projects have explored before, notably The Clone Wars through the complex character of Mace Windu. The Order’s downfall begins as it attempts to exert control and becomes entangled in politics, leading to its demise in the prequels. The emergence of a Senate faction willing to investigate the Jedi’s actions is a welcome, albeit belated, addition.
Since its inception, The Acolyte touches on a multitude of compelling ideas. By deconstructing the Jedi’s image, it humanizes them, revealing the limitations of their doctrine. However, it barely scratches the surface of its intriguing concepts, and this finale underscores the series’ shaky pacing more than ever.
The best saber fights under Disney
Hasty Conclusion for The Acolyte
The odd placement of the flashback in episode 7, slowing down the momentum as the story headed towards the climax, hinted at potential issues. These concerns materialize in the final episode, failing to build the anticipated momentum. Across eight episodes, two share nearly identical structures that revolve around a pivotal flashback, severely impacting the series.
With only 47 minutes, the series has to wrap up most loose ends and lay the groundwork for a potential second season (unconfirmed as of now). It’s a daunting task that pushes towards quickly resolving its various story arcs.
A reversal of the balance of power
The Acolyte races through its finale, quickly transitioning between scenes without fully exploring the gravity of certain situations. The pivotal death in the episode is somewhat glossed over, while one of the major cameos remains unexplained, proving frustrating (despite being pivotal for the saga’s canon).
Like many Star Wars series on Disney+, The Acolyte‘s inconsistent pacing has diluted its potential. While the finale is enjoyable, it needed further development of its key plot points. This observation applies to the entire first season, and we hope for improvements if a second season is greenlit.
Season 1 of The Acolyte has been available on Disney+ in France since July 17, 2024.
The first season of The Acolyte has finally come to an end on Disney+, leaving fans with a lot to think regarding. This Star Wars series has been a rollercoaster of emotions, with its highs and lows showcased in this contrasting finale. From intriguing characters to a wobbly pace, The Acolyte has definitely made its mark in the diverse world of the Disney universe.
The eighth and final episode of the season had a lot on its plate, aiming to tie up loose ends and answer burning questions. While some may argue that the series still has its flaws, The Acolyte manages to stand out among its peers with honors. The episode delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding the Brendok witches, bringing together all the main characters for a final showdown.
One of the standout characters in this finale is Sol, who embodies the tragic anti-hero consumed by guilt and burdened by the weight of his actions. While Sol shines, twins Mae and Osha struggle to make a lasting impact emotionally. The series fails to differentiate the two characters effectively, making their arcs feel somewhat flat. The separation of the twins at the end of the season fails to evoke the expected emotional response, leaving fans wanting more from their story.
Thematically, The Acolyte continues to explore the dark side of the Jedi Order, shedding light on the complexities of their emotions and decisions. The series challenges the traditional views on Jedi suppression of emotions, sparking a deeper conversation regarding the flaws in their dogma. The inclusion of political intrigue and investigations into the Jedi’s actions adds a layer of depth to the narrative, setting the stage for an exciting potential second season.
As the finale rushes to tie up loose ends and set the stage for future storylines, some important moments feel rushed and underdeveloped. The series struggles with pacing issues, leading to some key plot points being skimmed over. While the finale is enjoyable to watch, there’s a sense that certain aspects might have been better fleshed out to provide a more satisfying conclusion.
Overall, The Acolyte’s first season has been a wild ride, leaving fans eager for more. As we await news of a potential second season, it’s clear that the series has a lot of potential to explore exciting concepts and deepen its characters. With a few tweaks to pacing and character development, The Acolyte might truly shine in the Star Wars universe.
Season 1 of The Acolyte is now available on Disney+, so be sure to catch up on all the action and drama in a galaxy far, far away. May the force be with you as you embark on this thrilling journey through the world of The Acolyte.