The newest series in the Star Wars universe, The Acolyte takes place 100 years before the rise of the Empire. It is an era of unbroken peace brokered by the Jedi Order and The High Republic (called the Galactic Republic here). However, there are many ‘ways of life’ in the galaxy and more than one way to use The Force. This is the story of an assassin who seeks revenge and a former Jedi who seeks solace. Whether they fail or succeed, finding what they’re looking for is unlikely.
At the start of Episode 1, a masked Assassin (Amandla Stenberg) arrives at a bar on Ueda where she finds the Jedi Master, Indara (Carrie-Anne Moss). The Assassin instigates a fight and the Jedi is forced to oblige. It quickly becomes clear they both know the ways of the force, but beyond their abilities, they share a turbulent history. That’s when the situation gets hectic. The two Force Users launch in a two-story fight sequence that sings to its Wuxia influences—and it’s one of the top two fights in the first half of the season.
Elsewhere in the Galaxy, we meet a meknek (or outer-ship mechanic) called Osha Aniseyalso. Also played by Stenberg, trouble comes for Osha in the form of the Jedi Knight Yord Fandar (Charlie Barnett) and his Padawan Tasi Lowan. Yord and Osha are old friends but he’s on official business (and he takes the job and himself too seriously). Osha is stunned to learn she stands accused of crimes against the Jedi. The ensuing investigation is our first insight into her traumatic past and why she left the Jedi Order six years earlier. Cue: A segue to Master Sol (Lee Jung-jae) back on the Jedi home world Coruscant. When Sol hears the news he doesn’t hide his attachment to his former padawan. Nothing can convince him Osha is girl they’re looking for. Not even when the Jedi council-member, Master Vernestra (Rebecca Henderson), delivers the news. Don’t you love it when Sensei believes in you?
After a snowy detour and some hijinks reminiscent of The Suicide Squad and Guardians of the Galaxy, Sol puts the band back together and the team of Sol, Osha, Yord, and Sol’s Padawan, Jecki Lon (Dafne Keen) follow the clues leading to the mystery of The Acolyte. Can’t you feel Sith-ness of it all? It’s an engaging set-up and, trust, I haven’t spoiled a thing. The Acolyte builds its foundation on interpersonal relationships that get complicated and action-adventure that sweetens the experience.
By the time we get to Episode 2, we know there are Four Jedi Masters at the heart of the mystery. Sol, Osha, Yord, and Jecki remain a step behind the Assassin. This is where we meet Qimir, played with slacker aplomb and mastermind skill by Manny Jacinto. The chemistry between Stenberg and Jacinto pops—leaving us to wonder if they’re going to kiss or knife each other. Stenberg and Lee are equally charismatic, but their relationship is more kinship than apprenticeship. From the moment they are reunited, we sense just how deep their connection goes. The level of love and trust between Sol and Osha is a surprise that is immediately tangible.
While the story doesn’t truly begin until episode 3, writer/director Leslye Headland and her cast deliver a depth of emotion that pulls us into their world. We trust the motivations fueling these characters long before we know why their feelings are valid. Quests for absolution, vengeance, reunions, and loyalty are made evident through the performances. Because of that foundation, the more we learn about the Assassin’s mission the more entangled we become in questioning what the Jedis did to jumpstart all this turmoil. Don’t worry too much, there isn’t long to wait long before Episode 3 reveals the past while twisting our faith in the Jedi into knots.
Created by Headland, The Acolyte is visually rich—the production paints its own reality— and it’s gorgeously diverse with fully inhabited characters. You’ll believe the rage, guilt, and motivations ignited by the Assassin. Likewise, the secrets of this era in Jedi history are a strong hook. Outside of The Night Sisters, there are other witches who are in opposition to the rule of law. (Prepare yourself for Jodie Turner-Smith as Mother Aniseyalso and tell us if you see Storm from the X-Men.) Possible links to characters we’ve only heard mentioned and possible tie-ins to characters we know well are scattered throughout the first four episodes. Thus the engagement ramps up in the premiere, however, the storytelling isn’t fully dimensional yet. While the layers are still forming, what episodes 1 and 2 do well is establish doubts: Are the Jedi worthy of our adoration? What tumultuous history led them to divest themselves of attachment? And is detachment a mistake when it leads to lethal blindspots in the future?
Similar to Andor, the upcoming episodes of The Acolyte reflect on current issues. Themes like imperialist control and religious persecution rise up like well-proofed bread—giving the show more bite.
