The Acolyte reaches the half-way point in this week’s episode, deepening the mystery, while ending on one hell of a tease.
We’re back from the past in this week’s episode of The Acolyte, ‘Day’ directed by Alex Garcia Lopez. The hunt is on as the Jedi regroup with their newfound information and endeavor to reach the next target on Mae’s list before she does. The result is a fast-paced, thrilling episode that brings the current-day story into new territory.
As always, I’ll be diving deep into spoilers for this episode. So if you haven’t had a chance to watch it just yet, come back later on. In the meantime, enjoy my previous recaps here: Episode 1 & 2, Episode 3.
Back to the Temple
Following the events of the second episode, Master Sol and his crew have been summoned back to the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. With Osha now cleared of any wrongdoing, she’s ready to get back to her old life…seemingly. It’s easy to tell that Osha’s limited, and perilous, time back with the Jedi is both distressing and comforting. Clearly her decision to cease her training wasn’t due to “bad blood,” and she still wants to sense of belonging, even if she knows it’s not what’s best.
I think it’s neat that she chooses to say her good-bye’s to Jecki, even as she pointedly avoids doing so with Master Sol. With both of them being Sol’s Padawan learners (at different points) there’s a certain kinship between them. Almost like a sisterly bond, despite their limited interactions with one another.
I like it in that it gives us a solid look into Osha as a person overall. It would be easy, almost normal, to view the “new” Padawan (Jecki) with some sort of jealousy. You almost expect there to be some level of tension between the two given the circumstances. Instead, we see Osha as accepting, encouraging even. Genuinely hoping that Jecki can succeed where she did not.
It’s a great bit of character work…In other parts of the Temple, however, Vernestra, Sol, and a few other Jedi have gathered to discuss their next steps regarding Mae and her secretive Master.
Yes, that is Ki-Adi-Mundi. I thought it was simply another Cerean Jedi at first, but the show’s credits confirm it’s the Wookiee-concerned, ice-loving Master we see later on in the Prequel films. What a wild appearance! Of all the Jedi who could have popped up in this show, I certainly wasn’t expecting that one.
The main takeaway I have in this scene, however, concerns Vernestra. She’s acting real shady, and it’s not the first time it’s seemed that way. In the first couple episodes, we saw how concerned she was with “public perception” and keeping things on the down low. The type of duplicitous thing that seems a little un-Jedi like to say the least. Here, however, she openly states her intention to keep information from the High Council; encouraging everyone else to stay silent as well until things are handled.
That’s mighty suspicious! I’ve actually had a theory about Vernestra since her introduction years ago in The High Republic novels. Perhaps we’ll see that play out after all…
Even if it’s as innocuous as it seems, and Vernestra is genuinely only trying to keep the Jedi out of a scandal, it shows how the Jedi are losing their way. The lack of transparency shows their more insular nature, a shift from the “servants of the people” ideals they’re supposed to uphold. Jedi keeping secrets seems to be a running theme in this show so far…
Close, but no Khofar
The interesting thing in this episode is, everyone seems to know exactly where they need to go. Having figured out Mae’s revenge list, and which Jedi she’s hunting down, the Jedi know she’s heading to Khofar, where the Wookiee Kelnacca has secluded himself. The key, however, will be to get there before Mae and hopefully bring her to justice this time.
After much urging, Master Sol is able to convince Osha to come on the mission with Jecki, Yord, Holden, and a few other Jedi. The hope being that any good left within Mae is tied to the love she has for her sister; which can be used to bring her in peacefully.
Sol’s obviously eager to bring Mae in alive; likely to atone for the fact he couldn’t save her before. In many ways, he sees this as a way to redeem his own actions from that night on Brendok. We still don’t know the full extent of what happened that night, but considering he promises to tell Osha “everything” when they get back to the ship makes it abundantly clear there’s more to that story.
Speaking of Osha, it seems like we’ve got some explanation for why she left the Order all those years ago. Rather than being some singular event, it’s evident she’s never been able to move on from what happened on Brendok with her sister. Not only losing her whole family, but believing it Mae caused it all (I’m still not convinced that’s what happened) is a lot for a kid to handle.
In many ways, it’s tragic to see how excited Osha was as a little girl to become a Jedi only to have the experience of departing her family/coven be the reason she couldn’t finish training. As Yord says at one point her past is a “wound” she’s always carried. Perhaps this is exactly what she needs to finally face her past and put it aside. Maybe even come back to the Jedi Order as she very clearly wants to (look at her eagerness when she thought Sol was asking her to return to the Order).
Mae, meanwhile, is trekking through the dangerous forest of Khofar with Qimir guiding the way. Between the two of them, we get a tad more insight into the “Master” they’re working for. It’s not much, but gives a good sense of background/history that makes it clear Mae’s been training with this person for quite some time now.
Along their arduous journey, however, Mae seems to come to a different conclusion than expected, and probably the biggest issue I have with this episode…
Quick Change
Aside from the ending sequence, the biggest plot event in the this episode is Mae’s decision to turn herself in. Deciding to renounce her Master and the dark quest he’s given her, and putting her fate in the hands of the Jedi instead.
Generally speaking, I like the idea. I don’t have any issue with Mae’s story heading this direction. After all, her driving force has always seemed to be her sister, and as she tells Qimir, Osha being alive “changes everything.” If her sole reason for treading this path no longer exists, it would make sense for her to have some doubts and consider leaving that life.
Maybe, that’s the real test her Sith Master has laid before her; a test of faith/commitment. If I were a betting man, I’d throw down some money on the idea that the Sith, whoever they are, already knew Osha was still alive. In the second episode, Qimir (more on him in a bit) doesn’t seem surprised about Osha in the least, suggesting they have a bit more intel than Mae.
Knowing the devious nature of the Sith, nor how they operate in general during this time period, it’s feasible the Master engineered the events of the show thus far in order to test the loyalty of their newest Acolyte, Mae. Like I said, some real interesting story stuff here that I enjoy thinking about.
The problem, however, is in the execution. Mae’s change of heart feels a bit too sudden. In one scene, she refers to Osha as “Jedi scum” and literally the next scene she’s ready to turn herself in. It’s a wild flip flop that on the surface, based on the story, makes sense, but in effect feels off.
In my initial, spoiler-free, review of The Acolyte I discussed how similar it felt to the Prequels for both good and bad. This turn of events is pretty much what I was thinking of when I vaguely discussed this.
The thing with the Prequels (especially Attack of the Clones) is they know exactly what story they want to tell, the beats to hit, and say fuck all to get there. While the fun factor does a solid job of helping gloss that aspect over, there’s no denying it leaves things feeling a tad choppy.
Like Mace going from “the Senate will decide your fate” to “he’s too dangerous to be left alive” in the span of a couple minutes. We can absolutely understand why characters dramatically change their minds, but doesn’t make the execution of it all any smoother.
Of Qimir and Sith
Speaking of sudden changes, we should go ahead and talk about Qimir. Mostly because, the assumption most are making is that, after being left hanging (literally) by Mae, he manages to quick change and is ultimately the masked Sith we see at the end of the episode. It’s a pretty logical conclusion as it’s clear Qimir is more than the bumbling sidekick he presents himself to be.
In fact, it’s a bit too logical. Even from his introductory episode, it felt like the show very much wants us to think Qimir is the hidden Sith. How he shifts from oaf to threatening menace when confronting Osha, plus the way he easily handles Mae’s surprise attack are pretty solid indicators he’s more powerful than we think.
Combined with how he continually dodges Mae’s questions (which also raises her suspicions), and the evidence sure does seem stacked against him. Even so, I’m not convinced. For a show built around mystery, it feels too obvious and I suspect Qimir is a red herring.
Is Qimir more than he lets on? Absolutely, but I don’t think he’s the main Sith we’re dealing with. If anything, he may be another acolyte with the Master pitting them against one another until one comes out ahead as the apprentice. Hell, maybe Qimir is the Sith apprentice and is courting Mae as an acolyte in order to help take his Master’s place.
Regardless, I don’t think he’s the one we see floating down to confront the Jedi outside of Kelnacca’s house. For one, he just doesn’t seem to have the time to kill Kelnacca (how wild was THAT reveal?) and come back.
Yes, Qimir conveniently leaves Mae to rest while he goes to refill their water. But soon after when Mae starts screaming, we see him doing exactly what he said he was doing! Getting water at a nearby creek. With Kelnacca’s house being “ten minutes that way, right?” it doesn’t seem plausible he’d be able to run there, kill Kelnacca, and then get back to pretend he’s getting water. I know time can be a flexible thing in Star Wars, but unless it took Mae half and hour to set her rope trap…I’m not buying it.
Plus, we can see Kelnacca’s wound is still very much fresh. Smoke is still rising from the cut. Seems like something done almost immediately before Mae gets there; meaning Qimir would have to cut himself down, travel the same distance BEFORE Mae, and change into a menacing Sith outfit. Feels like a tall order. The easiest explanation is the Sith Master we see confronting the Jedi is someone else entirely.
Hopefully we’ll learn more about that next week, as we’re left with one hell of a cliffhanger.
Tidbits
Jecki’s Quote – Both scenes between Jecki and Osha are among my favorites, and I feel the need to specifically shout out Jecki’s words of comfort on Khofar, “We’re not defined by what we lose. We’re defined by what we survive.”
That’s the most JEDI thing I’ve ever heard and it hits hard. Loved it. Just a phenomenal quote and ideal in general.
Sith Entrance – I absolutely LOVED how the Sith made themselves known in the final scene. Casually floating down to the ground, out of focus behind Osha, is about as dramatic as it gets…and the show nails it. The whole sequence feels like something out of a horror movie down to the pacing and overall shot composition.
The result is impressive. It’s a legitimate “holy fuck” moment that had me wide-eyed and genuinely fearful for the characters. There’s an immediate sense of bad things are about to go down, which is the perfect way to introduce the Sith of this era.
Big Bugs – I always love when Star Wars throws wild, dangerous creatures at us. The Umbramoths fit that bill pretty nicely. Actually reminded me of the bugs we have to fight off in the Star Wars Jedi games!
Easter Eggs
Tarlafar – the furry cat-like alien introduced in Solo: A Star Wars Story (and prominently featured in The Bad Batch final season) makes a return! You can see this Tarlafar in the Jedi Temple when Sol stops Osha from leaving.
Kel Dor – On top of seeing the familiar face of Ki-Adi-Mundi, you may have also noticed a Kel Dor Jedi in the background as well. This is the same alien species as Jedi Master Plo Koon, and some have suggested it might actually be him.
Personally, I think it’s just another Kel Dor Jedi. Mostly because this alien is part of the Jedi group who goes to Khofar with Master Sol. Considering how this episode ends, I imagine that just about any Jedi in that group who ISN’T officially named in the show, won’t make it out of that forest alive. Might as well have put them in a bunch of Red Shirts.
“Civilian” – Yord referring to Osha as a “civilian” feels like a direct callback to when Mace Windu called Ahsoka, “Citizen,” in the final season of The Clone Wars. Though it has nothing to do with the Easter egg aspect, it’s a funny moment as we can tell this is Yord actively trying to distance himself from the emotions he feels for Osha. He wants to be a good Jedi and thinks he has to remain utterly detached to do so.
Jedi Prime? – I’m still waffling on this one, but it still feels worth mentioning. In the scene where we follow Kelnacca (not dead yet) as he makes his little meal, we can see various drawings he’s done on the wall. While one is clearly in the shape of the mark we’ve seen from the Witch’s Coven on Brendok, others felt familiar as well.
In particular, the first couple that are zoomed in on/highlighted are reminiscent of the Yin-yang symbol. The only other time we’ve seen something like that in Star Wars is the “Prime Jedi Symbol” first seen in The Last Jedi and even serves as the emblem for the Dawn of the Jedi era in the official Star Wars timeline. Interesting…
Tynnan – The furry new friend we meet in today’s episode, Bazil, is none other than a Tynnan! The aliens were first introduced all the way back in the 1979 novel, Han Solo’s Revenge. They were technically reintroduced to the new Star Wars canon in the Rogue One: Catalyst novel, but this marks their first on screen appearance. Talk about a deep cut!
Flying Sith – On top of looking ridiculously cool, this actually isn’t the first time we’ve seen a Sith use flight for a badass entrance! In the sixth mini-sode of Genndy Tartakovsky’s Clone Wars animated series, we see Count Dooku himself fly/float down in a menacing fashion as he meets with Asajj Ventress. I don’t know if the reference is deliberate or not, but it’s kinda cool to see.
I have no doubt there are others I’ve missed, but these were definitely the moments that stuck out to me most.
All in all, “Day” is an exciting episode of The Acolyte. While I have some issues with the pacing of character decisions, and the abrupt ending…I enjoyed it overall. It definitely feels like only half an episode and I suspect watching it back-to-back with next week’s episode will smooth out any remaining issues.
Regardless, we’re at the point now where we’ve seen just about all of the footage from the trailers/commercials so far. Meaning we’re heading into the back half of the season mostly blind and with some big unanswered questions. Can’t wait to see what happens next!
