You know it is crazy to think that The Acolyte became the most hated Star Wars series among the usual online trolls—you know, those miserable, perpetually outraged losers who despise anything progressive or inclusive. The show was review-bombed, labeled “woke,” and targeted by the same crowd that throws a fit anytime Star Wars dares to expand beyond its traditional mold. But beneath all the noise, The Acolyte actually delivered something fresh and thought-provoking, offering a unique perspective on the galaxy far, far away.
Perhaps the biggest draw of The Acolyte is that it explores the last known encounter between the Jedi and a Sith before the rise of Darth Sidious. So by the time The Phantom Menace begins, the Sith are thought to be extinct, yet here we see the Jedi facing an emerging darkness—one they either failed to recognize or actively covered up. The show hints at how the Sith operated in secrecy for centuries, planting the seeds for the corruption and downfall of the Jedi Order.
The character called The Stranger played by Manny Jacinto was one of the most compelling and layered Villains in The Star Wars universe—a mysterious figure whose very existence forced us to confront the deeper, often ignored flaws within the Jedi Order. He wasn’t just a villain in the traditional sense. Through him, the show exposed how the Jedi’s unwavering belief in their own righteousness could create enemies in the shadows they failed to see.
Adding to the intrigue is a coven of witches, deeply connected to the Force but completely detached from the Galactic Republic. They don’t trust the Jedi, viewing them as oppressive enforcers rather than noble peacekeepers. These witches have their own interpretation of the Force, referring to it as “the Thread”—a mystical energy that binds the universe together. This fresh take on Force mysticism adds an interesting layer to the Star Wars mythos, showing that different cultures across the galaxy understand and interact with the Force in their own ways.
Master Sol, portrayed by Lee Jung-jae with remarkable nuance, was the emotional anchor of the series. His performance was outstanding—subtle, conflicted, and deeply human. Sol wasn’t some flawless beacon of Jedi virtue; instead,his moral compass is what drove the central conflict, and watching it slowly erode under pressure gave the show its emotional weight.
Osha and Mae, the twin sisters played by Amanda Stenberg brought a fascinating duality to the series. Their paths—shaped by trauma, abandonment, and the shadow of the Jedi. Osha’s inner conflict and Mae’s thirst for vengeance made them the perfect opposites, yet both are victims of a system that never tried to understand them.
Sol’s padawn, Jecki Lon, played by Dafne Keen, who is known for delivering fierce, emotionally charged performances, was surprisingly underutilized. Her role had potential, but the writing never gave her enough room to stretch or leave a lasting impact. Anyhow, the entire cast is pretty solid.
But then there are a few massive fan service highlights — First, we get to finally see a Wookiee Jedi. It was fun to see such an iconic Star Wars species represented within the Order, and the sheer visual power and presence of a lightsaber-wielding Wookiee was as awesome as fans have always imagined. He deserved more screen time, but what we got was still a thrill.
Next, we get a glimpse of what appears to be Darth Plagueis emerging out of a cave. This is something the fanbase has been waiting to see for over a decade, ever since Episode III when Palpatine told Anakin about the tragedy of Darth Plagueis the Wise. So getting a glimpse of this legendary character was epic, and teasing at a an expanded role for Darth Plaguies in future projects.
And then Yoda makes an appearance at the end — Seeing the legendary Jedi Master during this era, possibly as a younger (well, relatively speaking) version of himself, ties The Acolyte into the larger Star Wars timeline in a compelling way.
Despite all the online hate, The Acolyte dared to do something different. It challenged the Jedi’s legacy, explored the origins of Sith resurgence, and introduced new perspectives on the Force. The lightsaber battles were outstanding, some of the very best ever. However, the backlash was predictable, but for those willing to engage with its story, the series offers a refreshing and bold addition to the Star Wars universe.
And although Season 2 has already been canceled, I hope future Star Wars projects find a way to bring these characters back and give fans the closure this unfinished storyline deserves. There’s still so much potential left unexplored, and these arcs deserve a proper conclusion.
The Acolyte Season 1 (2024) — 3 out of 5 Popcorn Bags 🍿🍿🍿
Rod Rioja 