Episodes 1 Lost/Found and 2 Revenge/Justice introduce us to the High Republic Era, a period in time that precedes The Phantom Menace. The Acolyte begins with a thrilling combination of tragedy and mystery!
The High Republic is very different from the Star Wars we’ve seen in any canon movie or series before. Small things like the gold accents in Jedi robes and their overall fancier appearance to big things like how they think and behave bring a totally new feel to their attire.
Watching this series without knowing anything about the High Republic and expecting to see the same things that other Star Wars media has shown before might hurt your experience. This is another era, with different problems, people, and beliefs. This also applies to the Jedi Order.
To get yourself up to speed, we recommend checking out our prep guide for The Acolyte. If you plan to invest more time into the High Republic multi-media project, we have a complete catalog of all books and comics with recommended reading order!
This article contains major spoilers from the first two episodes of The Acolyte and mentions events and characters from books and comics about The High Republic.
Indara’s last mistake
As stated above, the High Republic is an era where Jedi think and act a little differently from what we are used to seeing. But even in the period of time when they are supposed to be at their peak, their arrogance is one of the traits that stand out.
Indara is supposed to be a powerful Jedi Master, very good at Physical combat and even better with the use of the Force. Despite this, Mae was able to take her down with just knives and some creativity. It’s true that being able to use the Force would give her an advantage against normal enemies, but Jedi aren’t normal people.
Master Indara showed her arrogance the moment she engaged in combat, all she did was block or evade Mae’s attacks.
I understand that Jedi shouldn’t be so willing to take a life without trying to submit their opponent first but let’s be honest, Indara never tried to even subdue her attacker.
The reason might be that Indara was trying to find out more about Mae’s intentions but even so, I have the impression that Indara underestimated Mae to the point of not even trying to attack, as if she was just toying with an inoffensive opponent. Obviously, this was a mistake and she paid the ultimate price for such arrogance.
A different Star Wars universe full of new Characters
It’s so refreshing to many new faces and well-defined characters. It just takes a few moments of watching how they behave and talk to figure out the type of person that they are.
Jecki is the star pupil. Clever, adaptable, mature, cold-headed, and always thinking ahead of the situation but she’s still young and inexperienced.
Yord is a fairly new Jedi and as such he wants to act accordingly but this makes him a very rigid person. He thinks too much about what must be done. I can already tell that he will make some very questionable decisions.
Osha is tough and very resourceful, she might have a soft look but the girl can handle herself. Like Mae, her pain has shaped her life and it looks like everything is leading both sisters to an inevitable confrontation.
Vernestra is a very experienced Jedi. As we’ve read in the books and comics of the High Republic, the Mirialan has seen her fair share of war and despair during the conflict against the Nihil.
The former Padawan of Stellan Gios is a brave and formidable member of the Order. The thing that really makes her stand out from other Jedi is her ability to use her purple Lightsaber as a whip.
Qimir is still a bit of a mystery, my first impression was that he’s a smuggler who’s just trying to earn money without caring about the concepts of good and evil.
But after the second episode, I think that he’s the type of person who plays dumb to hide his true intentions. I am 80% sure that he has a bigger role in this story.
Having so many aliens on screen is something that always gives that extra “Star Wars feeling”, even if they’re just in the background and have no lines. I think that it just adds an extra layer of immersion.
In just the first two episodes we’ve already seen so many species: Kubaz, Wookiee, Neimoidian, Zygerrian, Theelin, Mirialan, and even a Selkath! I can’t wait to see what other species we get to see in the upcoming episodes.
The Brendok Mystery
I was very surprised to learn that Osha and Mae are two different people. For a second it looked like Osha had a personality disorder, killing a Jedi without any remorse and then risking her own life to save a prisoner?
Something didn’t check but it turns out that both sisters lived and not only that, they thought that the other one was dead.
What happened at Brendok?
According to Master Sol, he witnessed Mae’s death. Even more strange is that Master Torbin was so haunted by what happened that he didn’t speak to anyone for ten years, and the moment that his past caught up with him, he didn’t hesitate to end his own life as an alternative to “confessing his crime”.
Mae hates the four Jedi that were stationed on her planet during the fire and so far she has managed to take down two of them. Is everyone else guilty of the same crime that Master Torbin committed?
To make everything worse, Master Sol hid the fact that Osha’s twin sister died before his eyes. This might sound odd but I believe that Indara, Sol, Torbin, and Kelnacca have some responsibility for Mae’s supposed death.
Indara was shocked to see her, Sol lied in the official report, and Torbin’s guilt was so powerful that he drank the poison without hesitation. Maybe they didn’t attack her directly but something happened and Mae’s lust for revenge is the result of it.
In the High Republic era, Jedi had more freedom in terms of what they could do, there are very different approaches among the members of the Order so it wouldn’t be surprising to see a Jedi make decisions that would be inconceivable in the times of the Galactic Republic.
Master Sol is VERY different
Even if we’ve only seen two episodes it’s clear that Master Sol is very different from other Jedi. He is a very composed man when facing danger but at the same time, the Jedi Master can be very kind with others.
His compassion is almost palpable during certain moments (props to Lee Jung-jae) but this is not the most notable trait of this Jedi.
Sol’s actions aren’t entirely motivated by the Jedi code, the code has the base guidelines of how Jedi are supposed to be but he is willing to go against that if he feels that it’s the right thing to do.
You can see his disappointment in his eyes when Vernestra tells him that they must discuss everything in a meeting. Something really bad is happening and the Jedi are more worried about discussing things in a committee and the public opinion rather than taking action.
It’s an ironic parallel of how the Jedi Order will cease to exist just a few hundred years after these events because they failed not only to perceive the darkness but to act against it when it showed up on their doorstep.
With all that said, we have to acknowledge that Sol has some very obvious flaws. After six years he’s still very attached to Mae and from the look of it, what happened in Brendok still troubles him.
Star Wars fans know better than anyone what can happen to a character that lets feelings like fear and guilt take over. I just hope that Master Sol doesn’t become a victim of his own ghosts.
The Master and Apprentice Plot
I can’t wait to learn more about the person behind the mask, the few seconds this person appeared during the first episodes reveal that there’s a well-planned strategy to set in motion the eventual downfall of the Jedi Order and everything they represent.
“The Jedi live in a dream. A dream they believe everyone shares. If you attack a Jedi with a weapon, you will fail. Steel or laser are no threat to them. But an Acolyte… an Acolyte kills without a weapon. An Acolyte kills the dream.”
This dark figure understands that beating the Jedi with brute force is almost impossible. Throughout galactic history many have tried and failed; the ancient Sith, the Mandalorians, and Marchion Ro and his Nihil forces. All of them have forces that many considered unbeatable and yet, the Jedi still remain.
We will see how, like a disease, the Sith are going to slowly deteriorate and weaken both the Jedi Order and the Galactic Republic. I have some theories about how this might happen but this time I’d rather wait and see how everything evolves.
Mae’s pain is being weaponized and so far it has proven more than useful. She’s dedicated to end the life of four Jedi but what’s going to happen next?
I seriously doubt that her vendetta ends there. Osha is probably the only one who could bring her back into the light but considering Osha’s own hate for her sister I doubt that we’ll see this outcome.
One thing is certain, the events of the prequel trilogy will be the result of this master plan: The Jedi failing to see through the dark side of the Force, planets losing faith in the system and joining the CIS, and a Dark Lord of the Sith who has rooted his seeds so deep in the system that he’s able to control both sides of a war that only ends with the destruction of his enemies.
Final Thoughts
It’s been only two episodes but so far I’m pleased with it. It combines the nostalgia of the prequels with the excitement of new stories and The High Republic.
However, I have to admit that so far, it’s not easy to relate most of what has happened with the High Republic that I know. It’s still very early on so I am expecting for this to change in the future.
Watching so many species and places gives a lot of immersion while also showing that, unlike Andor or The Mandalorian, this show is going to be on a bigger scale in terms of story.
Master Sol is my personal highlight of the first two episodes. He is dedicated to serving the people of the Republic rather than the institution while also showing combat prowess. He reminds me a lot of Qui Gon, hopefully he doesn’t share the same end.
During the High Republic era, Jedi were spread across multiple systems. With many of them serving in different outposts, it’s nice to see that this is an important part of the storytelling.
The Small Hints and References are a Big Deal
Maybe small hints or clarifications could be useful for viewers who are not familiar with the High Republic and would prove valuable. So, here we go!
Like how the color of the Jedi’s robes depends on the designed task. White and gold are for more formal occasions while dark brown and beige are for field missions.
This is just an example that while simple, may confuse the curious fans who are watching.
Seeing references or similarities with other Star Wars media is always cool, especially when it is fairly unknown. A perfect example of this is the mention of the Barash Vow, an oath taken by some Jedi who completely separated themselves from the Jedi Order.
This vow was created by Barash Silvain, a former Jedi who lived during the High Republic era but it actually appeared for the first time during the 2017 Darth Vader comic series when Vader confronted Master Kirak Infil’a.
Phase II of the High Republic goes from a small incident to a conflict that could endanger millions of systems. It feels like The Acolyte is going the same route, from something small to a huge catastrophe.
I have a very bad feeling about where everything is going, if the High Republic has taught us something it’s that no one is safe from tragedy, especially Jedi.
You can learn more about the High Republic with our High Republic Reading Guide. And don’t forget to check back the Star Wars category here on VULKK because we plan to talk a lot about The Acolyte in the coming days and weeks!
Star Wars The Acolyte Episode Breakdowns
Everything you may have missed while watching Star Wars The Acolyte TV Series. We did detailed breakdowns and analysis of every moment and scene from each episode, all of the characters and their story arks and backgrounds. We've also done our best to help you better understand The High Republic era by providing references and details about anthing you may have missed or be unfamiliar with if you have not read the books and comics.
Star Wars The Acolyte: what you should know before watching
Here’s everything you should know before venturing into The Acolyte series that takes place before the Star Wars Prequel trilogy. It’s a new era, never before seen on the TV or big screen in the Disney Canon timeline, The High Republic Era!
Star Wars The Acolyte Episode 3 Breakdown
“Destiny” is the third episode of The Acolyte. In it, we learn more about Osha and Mae’s past and the events that changed their lives forever.
Star Wars The Acolyte Episode 4 Breakdown
"Day" is the fourth episode of The Acolyte. The mysterious dark figure finally appears before the Jedi right after committing a heinous crime.
Star Wars The Acolyte Episode 5 Breakdown
Night is the fifth episode of The Acolyte. It's packed with action, a massive reveal, and devastating moments.
Star Wars The Acolyte Episode 6 Breakdown
Teach/Corrupt is the sixth episode of The Acolyte. It brings back the mysterious tone of the series while leaving us on a massive cliffhanger.
Star Wars The Acolyte Episode 7 Breakdown
Choice is the seventh episode of The Acolyte. It finally answers what happened in Brendok and why Master Sol feels so guilty about it.
Star Wars The Acolyte Episode 8 Breakdown (Season Finale)
"The Acolyte” is the eighth and last episode of the series. It is packed with answers, shocking scenes, and the live-action debut of a character that was first mentioned almost twenty years ago.
