The Acolyte Review

 

MILD SPOILER REVIEW (SPOILERS ARE MARKED):

    Well, I guess I am an official Disney shill because I actually enjoyed The Acolyte (even though there's hordes of other Disney properties I have absolutely hated, but logic be gone I guess). That aside, the first thing I want to mention is just how glad I am to finally have a Star Wars project explore a new time period in film and television with fresh and original characters. Aside from a few easter eggs, references, or parallels on occasion, the series gives us wholly new characters, many of which have yet to make an appearance, even in the criminally underrated High Republic novelizations.

    While admittedly there are some characters and actors that could have been better, both in terms of their acting range and characterizations, two in particular really stand out, boosting the series with their star power. The first one, Lee Jung-Jae's Jedi character Sol, maintains an almost Qui-Gon level of both wisdom and unconventionality that that easily makes him one of the most compelling characters of the story (also fun fact, Jung-Jae had to learn English for this role as this was his first American production). Manny Jacinto's performance as [SPOILER WARNING] Sith Lord Qimir is also complex, with him expertly balancing both a terrifying persona while also coming off as sincere, even occasionally unintentionally humorous [END OF SPOILER]. As for Amandla Stenberg's performances as twins Mae and Osha, I think she did a fine job with what she was given, even though I personally would have liked to have seen here convey a bit more emotion.

    As the series was sold as a murder mystery, I feel like it is worth mentioning that while I did personally feel those elements could have been stronger at times, it aroused just enough curiosity to see where I found myself guessing how the story would play out week to week (shoutout to YouTube's Star Wars Meg, New Rockstars, and ScreenCrush for their excellent breakdown videos). The one constant praise I am seeing even from the series' detractors is in its gleefully brutal and hardcore fight sequences. While on occasion some moves can come off as cheesy or unrealistic, they feel at times more intense than anything we have seen from Star Wars in years. The introduction of kung-fu blends seamlessly with what might just be the best live-action lightsaber fights since Revenge of the Sith, in particular Episode 5's excellent jungle sequence.

    I should note that at the time of this review, I have seen the entire series twice, and I do feel as though watching these episodes knowing the larger picture at play does improve the experience. It becomes easier to understand the context of specific characters' motivations and reasoning, story progressions, and subtle nods and parallels to other iconic players throughout the saga. Even what seems to be lore breaking moments are better understood once all the puzzle pieces are placed. For those who seem more mixed to negative on the series, I would recommend going for a second viewing as I would guess your experience might lean more positive.

    That said, even multiple viewings are unable to rectify some of the series' shortcomings. There are some moments that would have benefited from stronger writing, and a couple episodes (specifically Episodes 2 and 4), could have been combined into other episodes to better tighten the pace, as both do little in progressing the story in a meaningful way. There are still a few continuity errors and plot holes, though nowhere near as frequent or devastating as certain corners of the fandom make them out to be. I would have also liked to have seen more of what was promised of being a Sith-driven story and promising to showcase "the emergence of Dark Side powers". Once again, I feel as though Disney plays it a bit too safe and does not give us enough unique planets or settings to really make the live-action debut of The High Republic era stand out and feel distinct among the other time periods.

    Last but not least, I feel as though the series leans a bit too far into the "Jedi is evil" direction. While I understand that the whole deconstruction of the Jedi perspective is a George Lucas idea explored even in the prequels, here they almost go to the point where the Sith Master (either intentionally or unintentionally) seems more sympathetic and has a higher moral code than the Jedi. Nonetheless, while it may not be perfect, The Acolyte still manages to be a fresh and fun romp in a galaxy far, far away with great action, a compelling mystery, and fun easter eggs and Legends callbacks. 

7/10