June 6, 2024

By Rajesh Bala

“Star Wars: The Acolyte” promised something new and exciting. However, the first two episodes left me feeling empty. As someone distant from the Star Wars universe since the controversial return of Palpatine, I had hoped this series would rekindle my interest. Sadly, it did not.

The Acolyte was meant to be different. It is set in the golden age of the Jedi, far removed from the Skywalker saga. Despite this promising premise, the Golden Age of the Jedi is portrayed as boring in these initial episodes.

The Story Of Star Wars: The Acolyte

The show focuses on two twins, Osha and Mae. A tragic event separated them at a young age, burning their hometown to the ground. Osha joined the Jedi Order but later quit to become a Meknes, an illegal freelance mechanic. Mae, on the other hand, fell in with a dark entity who trained her to use the Force.

Amandla Stenberg plays both Osha and Mae. She delivers a fine performance, capturing the essence of both characters well. However, the plot does not fully utilize her talents. Mae embarks on a Jedi killing spree, and Osha gets mistakenly arrested in her place. Osha reconnects with her old master, Sol, played by the excellent Lee Jung-jae. Together, they investigate Mae’s actions.

Characters and Performances

The characters and world-building are solid. Stenberg portrays the twins with depth, and Lee Jung-Jae shines as Sol. Manny Jacinto also impresses in his role as Qimir, a former smuggler aiding Mae. The performances are strong across the board, but the story fails to bring it all together effectively.

The relationship between Sol and Osha is intriguing. Their dynamic as master and student has potential. Yet, we do not spend enough time with these characters to care deeply about their bond. A solitary episode focusing on Osha before the chaos might have helped. Instead, everything feels rushed and dull.

Visuals and Action

Visually, The Acolyte is stunning. The environments are gorgeous, with fantastic lighting and costume design. The fight scenes are clear and purposeful, showcasing Force-powered characters in action. This visual appeal is one of the show’s strong points.

Writing and Dialogue

The writing is a significant drawback. The dialogue feels stilted and uninspired. Despite the actors’ best efforts, the script does not deliver. The story’s big question mark is Mae’s dark side leader, but his identity lacks intrigue. He is a typical villain with no compelling backstory.

Overall Impressions

After watching the first two episodes, I felt almost nothing. Time passed, and I was present, but I was not moved. It is rare for a show to leave such a minimal impact on me, but The Acolyte achieved this. I plan to watch a few more episodes, hoping for improvement. However, if they are like the first two, I doubt I will continue for long.

In summary, “Star Wars: The Acolyte” starts with an interesting premise and strong performances. Yet, it falls short in execution. The story lacks emotional depth, and the writing is weak. While visually impressive, it fails to engage the viewer. Fans may find some elements to enjoy, but overall, it is a disappointing start.