Episode 3 of The Acolyte: A Disappointing Turn

As a longtime fan of the Star Wars universe, I was eager to see how “The Acolyte” would expand on the rich lore and storytelling that has captivated audiences for decades. However, Episode 3 of “The Acolyte” was a letdown. It not only failed to live up to the high standards set by previous Star Wars media but also introduced several baffling elements that left me questioning the direction of the series. Let’s dive into the specifics of why this episode was the worst yet.

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A Return to Brenock

The episode starts with a flashback to young May and Osha, taking us back 16 years to their village in Brenock. This matriarchal community, inhabited by female witches, initially seemed promising. However, the execution was far from compelling. We learn that May and Osha are the only children in this coven and are training to become witches through a ceremony called the Ascension. This setup felt rushed and lacked the depth needed to invest in these characters’ backstories.

The Concept of the “Thread”

One of the most confusing aspects was the introduction of the “thread,” which is essentially the Force rebranded. The coven claims that the Jedi appropriated this power and misunderstood its true nature. This felt like an unnecessary and confusing deviation from established Star Wars lore. The explanation that the thread is not a power to wield but something that changes everything when pulled was convoluted and poorly integrated into the story.

The Ascension Ceremony

The Ascension ceremony, where May and Osha are supposed to become full witches, was another low point. The scene resembled a stereotypical Halloween witch gathering, with cloaks, hoods, and chants. May’s transformation goes smoothly, but Osha hesitates and is interrupted by the arrival of four Jedi: Indara, Torbin, Talaka, and Soul. The Jedi’s sudden appearance to inquire about child training felt contrived and poorly timed, leaving many questions unanswered about their motives and prior knowledge.

The Jedi Test

The subsequent Jedi test for May and Osha was equally frustrating. Osha’s task involved identifying pictures from the outside world, which made little sense given her isolated upbringing. Despite her initial attempts to lie, she somehow passes the test, leading to a poorly executed conflict with her mother about leaving to become a Jedi. The dialogue and emotional weight of this decision felt hollow and unconvincing.

Inexplicable Plot Holes

The episode is riddled with plot holes. When May discovers Osha’s intention to leave, she resorts to an extreme reaction, setting a fire that inexplicably spreads throughout the stone building. This leads to a chaotic and visually unconvincing climax where Osha and May are separated on a collapsing bridge. The lack of Force usage by Jedi Soul to save May was another glaring inconsistency, especially since he had used it earlier in the series.

Themes and Messaging

It’s apparent that the series is attempting to convey a message about identity and acceptance, likely reflecting the personal experiences of writer-director Leslie Hedland. However, these themes are delivered heavy-handedly and often at the expense of coherent storytelling. The inclusion of a trans character and the emphasis on Osha’s self-discovery felt forced and detracted from the narrative’s focus.

Final Thoughts

Episode 3 of “The Acolyte” was a major disappointment. It suffered from weak storytelling, poorly developed characters, and numerous plot inconsistencies. The attempt to infuse the series with modern social themes was clumsily handled, making the episode feel more like a personal project for Hedland than a genuine addition to the Star Wars universe. As a fan, it’s disheartening to see the series deviate so far from what makes Star Wars special. Unless significant improvements are made, “The Acolyte” risks alienating its audience and tarnishing the legacy of the franchise.