The Acolyte Season 1 Episode 1-4 Early Review

The following is a spoiler-free review of the first four episodes of The Acolyte. The first two episodes premiere tonight on Disney+

Ever since the Skywalker saga, further properties set within the Star Wars universe (predominantly television series) have come in many shapes and sizes, to varying results. While some merely exist to pad Disney’s Disney+ streaming service and also leveraging the legions of Star Wars fans towards the service for said properties in order to justify subscriptions. Though some attempts are more blatant than others, every once in a while, the odd series emerges that actually has something to contribute. The Acolyte, a much-hyped prequel series set in the final days of the High Republic era, 100 years before The Phantom Menace, brings something to the table, a compelling murder mystery that harkens back to the Star Wars of old. In the end, great characters and strong writing are what make it work thus far (through the 4 episodes provided to press before the series premiere). Another achievement is just how accessible it is. Non-fans of Star Wars won’t feel left out by a story that won’t go over their heads and fans of Star Wars will find more than enough to keep them engaged. Delivering plenty of intrigue and action, featuring some impressive fight choreography, there’s something for everyone.

The Acolyte takes place in the midst of a crime spree where Jedi Masters found themselves murdered by a mysterious force-wielder. Tasked to investigate was the respected Jedi Master Sol (Lee Jung-jae), he would soon find himself pitted against a figure from his past (Amandla Stenberg). Initially caught in the crosshairs of Sol’s investigation was Osha (Stenberg), a mechanic, former Jedi and Sol’s former padawan, and the twin sister of Mae, the presumed suspect. That being said, the twin theory was not enough to convince everyone off her innocence as that cloud of suspicion nonetheless remained. Already a complicated history to mine between the three characters, Mae was believed to be dead therefore her reemergence presented its own set of questions, mainly how but mostly, how did she get trained in the ways of the force, and who was her master? Supposedly on some sort of revenge tour, there clearly had to be more to that story. Over the course of the investigation, Sol and Osha were joined by Yord (Charlie Barnett), Osha’s old friend from the Jedi academy, and his padawan Jecki Lon (Dafne Keen). As they pieced the clues together, all roads lead back to Osha and Mae’s complicated backstory where Sol played a major role. 

On the other hand, Mae was certainly not working alone. While her true motivations appeared to be guided by revenge, she also appeared to be working under the directive of her mysterious master whose identity was a mystery, even to her. Mae was very adept at the force but still showed some signs of experience, mostly driven by anger. Either way, she had a plan and she had her targets, for which Sol was one. However, taking on any Jedi Master was not just any task so she had to be careful, and creative, about how she would engage targets. Engaging in a fair share of battles so far, the fight choreography is stellar and the fight scenes themselves are such a blast to watch for just how fluid they were. The contrast between both sisters was an interesting one as their journeys with force went different ways. Despite being different people ideologically, what connected them was their sisterly bond. Regardless of what may or may not have happened between them, they still had feelings for one another. Though as far as their past was concerned, there was so much more to that story. As Osha and Mae inched closer to one another, whatever bond they have left was put to the test once the line between suspect and family began to blur. 

It was only inevitable that both sisters crossed paths but Mae proved to be elusive. As the investigation went on, the focus shifted away from her, to her master, with the Jedi contingent believing that they and whatever bigger plan at play posed the greater threat. Also, Mae could be a vital source in discovering the identity of her master. Tailing Mae to her next target in the hopes of finally apprehending her, the first half of the season would end on a cliffhanger as her master made their presence felt in a major way.   

On a technical level, The Acolyte is beautiful to look at, favoring shooting in real locations over the Volume technology. That emphasis on real maintained a real old Star Wars feel that fits its High Republic era setting. Similarly, the production and costume design were both on point while the score was just the cherry on top. In the end, it was clear that the series was helmed by creative who knew what they were doing and the world in which they were doing it. From the writing, to the directing, there was a care there that adds to the overarching murder mystery storyline, pulling viewers into the story and leaving them on the edge of their seats by creating strong connections with its great characters. Though there are still four episodes left to finish the presumptive story, viewers will find themselves left wanting more of the story and the characters as it goes on which could make the series a prime candidate for bingeing (as many are sure to do anyway). Truly bringing this world to life was its stellar cast, led by the aforementioned Stenberg and Jung-jae, but that cast went far beyond that with Carrie-Anne Moss and Manny Jacinto shine in supporting roles.

Ultimately, the series rests upon the shoulders of Amandla Stenberg and Lee Jung-jae. Playing two roles takes range, and Stenberg got to show some of hers as Osha and Mae, but the sample size is too small to past judgement on her as the latter has yet to see much in the way of character development. Nevertheless, she adds an energy to a story whose tone could have easily taken it too far in the wrong direction. Out of the two characters, Osha is the one that arguably fares the better out of the two so far. Osha is flawed but relatable, trying to survive on her own until faced with the revelation that her sister was alive. Unlike Mae, she still had her humanity, something that would come under challenge as she had to choose between her Jedi family and her actual family. Meanwhile, Jung-jae, and his charm and gravitas, was perfectly cast as Master Sol. A strong Jedi in his own right and a compelling mentor figure that many turned to, he had his own allegiances tested, preserving the Jedi order and doing right for Osha and Mae. Above all else, he was a calming presence. Whether or not that resolve is tested remains to be seen.

At the end of the day, The Acolyte takes the Star Wars universe in a fresh new direction with an original murder mystery series crafted with care and vision, as well as strong writing and great characters.

still courtesy of Lucasfilm

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Keith Noakes

The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.