The Rot's Demise Leads to Rot's Absence, Signifying the End of the Acolyte's Influence
Power corrupts, and when you're holding the reins, you start doing things you think are right, but they're actually not. This was the sentiment George Lucas expressed in a 2005 interview with Wired, as he looked back on the Star Wars prequel trilogy, including Revenge of the Sith - the film that signaled the end of the Republic and the Jedi Order. The story of Star Wars centers around the impact of power on people, so it comes as no surprise that The Acolyte follows a similar path, exploring power dynamics in a time of decay.
Set at the beginning of the inevitable darkness, "The Acolyte," the self-titled eighth and final episode of the season, delves into compromises that twist those touched by power. As the truth about what happened on Brendok finally comes to light for Osha and Mae, the episode grapples with balancing the emotional heights of its climax with spinning plates, leaving viewers knowing that there is likely more to the story.
One aspect of this struggle becomes evident in the sudden appearances of two major Star Wars characters, one possibly the first on-screen appearance of Darth Plagueis and the other the series' parting shot of Grand Master Yoda. While these cameos hint at more ideas beyond the central twin story, they ultimately feel like rushed attempts to entice viewers. The episode has frequently grappled with an uneven flow and relies on the strengths of its ideas, even when they are awkwardly communicated, to reach its interesting places.
The personal level of power is demonstrated in the grip Sol has now that the truth about Brendok has been revealed, as he manipulates Mae to support the Jedi's actions. Following Mae's attempts to escape, Sol stalks her through the ruined coven, where they once committed heinous acts, attempting to prove his motives. Mae, on the other hand, seeks to bring Sol to justice and expose the lies of the Jedi Order. However, their roles are tragically reversed when Osha, driven by rage and a thirst for darkness, intervenes, pushing Osha firmly into the shadows.
As the Jedi Order scrambles to cover up the events of Brendok, its Systemic power is demonstrated through Vernestra's increasingly desperate measures to keep the fallout contained. Her ultimate compromise comes when she sacrifices Sol's reputation in exchange for maintaining the Order's power and influence. The cyclical nature of power and corruption is evident as the Jedi Order is left on the precipice of a darker era.
"The Acolyte" ends its season with a clear intention to explore its central theme of corruptive, compromised power further. Whether it gets that opportunity remains to be seen, but the idea is captivating enough to warrant further examination. As viewers, we are left wondering what the future holds for those who wield power in the twilight of the golden age.
- The upcoming series, 'The Acolyte', inherently follows the path of power dynamics and its corruptive influences, much like George Lucas' 'Star Wars' and as confirmed in a 2005 interview.
- In the final episode of the season, 'The Acolyte', two notable 'Star Wars' characters make their appearance, suggesting a possible connection to Darth Plagueis and Grand Master Yoda.
- The episode grapples with the uneven flow, as it tries to balance the emotional heights of the climax with various storylines, including the personal power struggle between Mae and Sol.
- As the Jedi Order attempts to cover up the events at Brendok, its systemic power becomes evident through Vernestra's desperate measures, demonstrating the cyclical nature of power and corruption leading to a darker era.
