Star Wars: The Acolyte Episode 1 and 2 Review
Rewritten: Authored by Bernard Boo on June 4, 2024.
Be warned, this Star Wars: The Acolyte analysis includes details that may reveal key plot points.
The Acolyte has a unique selling point as the first real-life Star Wars spectacle that is not part of the Skywalker Saga. It is set a century before The Phantom Menace, which could persuade viewers to anticipate a different feel and approach to the series. However, after watching the first two episodes, it appears that the show resembles other Star Wars presentations in terms of sound, appearance, and emotions.
It's not necessarily a negative situation because many of the past Star Wars live-action series have been outstanding. The Acolyte has excellent potential with its fascinating plot and captivating mystery, along with solid acting performances. However, it seems like a chance was lost to fully explore the story's potential for genre-specific storytelling.
The blog post is about a new show that starts with the Jedi trying to catch someone who has been killing other Jedi. This killer is angry and seeking revenge. The first scene takes place in a place where people go to drink and chat in the Star Wars universe. The killer and Indara, a Jedi Master played by Carrie Ann Moss, have a fight. The action is well-orchestrated and easy to follow. It kind of reminds the author of the opening scene from Kill Bill, but it's not as intense. The child's reaction at the end also adds to the scene. Overall, the beginning sets the tone for the show.
The issue is that the show doesn't really continue with the strong start. Considering the violent beginning, you might expect a darker Star Wars story, with a unique style, or even a crime noir feel to it. The main trilogy was a space opera, and The Mandalorian was heavy on Western influences, but The Acolyte currently only has small hints of its genre under the space fantasy setting. While the show does have some emotional moments in its first two episodes, there's nothing particularly jarring or different thematically or stylistically. It's a well-written and well-told Star Wars story that's presented in a similar way to all the other franchise shows we've seen so far.
It's disheartening that The Acolyte, despite its unique premise and setting, doesn't stray too much from the generic formula. The show's editing, lighting, music, and character relationships all feel mundane and fail to bring anything fresh or exhilarating. The Acolyte may fit in well with other Star Wars shows, but it doesn't have that special spark that makes it truly exceptional - at least, not at the moment.
Well, the TV program might not be as daring or revolutionary as it had the potential to be. However, it's unquestionably worth giving it a go. The most admirable aspect of the narrative is that its hidden depths are disclosed at a pace that's quite captivating. There's a momentum to the manner in which fragments of the characters' past are veiled and then exposed, keeping the show continuously amusing to behold.
In the show, we are introduced to Osha, also known as Stenberg. However, the way she is presented to us causes us to doubt whether she is really the one responsible for killing Indara. We are left to contemplate this for some time until we witness her haunting vision of her twin sister Mae. This provides us with a small piece of the bigger picture, but we are still left wondering about Mae's master, why she wants to kill certain Jedi, and the reasons for the sisters' estrangement. The show has given us just enough information to whet our appetite and keep us coming back for more answers.
Master Sol's (played by Lee Jung-jae in Squid Game) relationship with his former student Osha raises many questions. He demonstrates feelings of remorse regarding Osha and Mae, and he discloses to his apprentice Jecki Lon (portrayed by Dafne Keen) that he witnessed Mae dying in a fire that she had started, killing her family. However, it is evident that there is more to this tale than what has been revealed.
Lee is an outstanding performer who delivers an impressive performance in both The Acolyte and Squid Game. Even though Sol's character lacks the emotional depth and complexity of Seong Gi-hun, Lee manages to imbue a sense of empathy and relatability into every moment he is on screen. His acting is marked by a heartfelt warmth and an inherent humane quality that is palpable throughout the show.
Stenberg is also a valuable asset and delivers a remarkable performance in bringing Osha’s story to life. However, there is a slight deviation in the portrayal of Mae. It's hard to determine if it’s the script or Stenberg’s acting, but Mae doesn't seem as intimidating or terrifying as she should be. It could be that Stenberg is too amiable to play the role of a ruthless killer, or maybe the character's rage and sorrow needed to be depicted more thoroughly. Whatever the reason, Mae's character should be more fearsome than what is on display.
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In the initial two episodes, the remainder of the crew has not been given enough opportunity to shape their characters, but they have all made a notable impression. Charlie Barnett does a remarkable job portraying the uptight Jedi Knight Yord, injecting his by-the-book, high-achiever, superior personality with a compelling layer of distress. Although Moss has a brief appearance onscreen, her fantastic performance during the initial battle scene gives the whole program a lift. Manny Jacinto also does an excellent job in his modest role as Qimir, Mae's jittery "supplier."
The first two episodes only scratch the surface of each character's complexity. Leslye Headland and the writers skillfully provide glimpses of hidden depths, without detracting from the main plot. The characters' intriguing backstories have captured our attention, and we eagerly anticipate discovering more about Jecki, Yord, and Qimir in the upcoming episodes.
In the first two episodes, the Star Wars timeline is briefly mentioned. It's important to note that the story takes place during the end of the High Republic era, which is a prosperous time for the galaxy. The Republic is still strong and the Jedi are highly regarded. Interestingly, even the Nihil, a group of evil anarchists from the High Republic books and comics, don't seem to be a part of this story. This timing has significant implications for the overall themes of the show.
This has an advantage of the show's obscure powers being naturally fascinating. The bad guys, known as Sith, are laying low during a calm time and not much is known about Palpatine's forerunners during the High Republic time. Despite knowing that the Sith will one day return to power in the time of the Prequels, it will be captivating to uncover the origins of their evil reign. It's fair to speculate that Mae's unknown teacher has a hand in setting those sinister plans in motion.
It has been predicted that during the conclusion of the High Republic era, the Jedi will encounter difficulties in maintaining their united front and social status. Sol's discussions with Vernestra Rwoh (an important character in The High Republic book series) reveal apprehension about how the Jedi Order is perceived by both the government and the general public. This is definitely something to look forward to.
In a more intimate sense, it will be intriguing to watch the sisters reunite and deal with the aftermath of the disaster that separated them. The showdown between Sol, the crew, and Mae in episode 2 is a particularly gripping scene, made all the more impressive by the outstanding choreography of the fight. But the highlight of the episode is the brief glance exchanged between the sisters just before Osha fires her weapon. This powerful moment is the most emotionally charged of the entire show, especially when you consider that Stenberg acted out the scene with herself.
When it comes to visuals, The Acolyte falls short in portraying the high level of danger and intensity that the story demands. The sense of danger and animosity seems inadequate, especially when considering the high stakes. Strangely, the second Jedi killing scene seems almost comedic at times. However, there is a sense that the show will improve over time. As the mystery unravels, it becomes more captivating, which is a positive sign. Additionally, intriguing concepts are slowly emerging. The most thought-provoking aspect is the weaponization of the Jedi philosophy, which is worth exploring.
"The Jedi have a vision of a peaceful existence, but an Acolyte shatters that vision with death."
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