‘The Acolyte’ Recap: ‘Lost/Found’ & ‘Revenge/Justice’

6/5/2024

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘The Acolyte’.

If there is one particular name that is perhaps synonymous with the Star Wars Universe, it would have to be… Skywalker. For Anakin, Luke, and Leia have been the core fabric of this Universe since its inception, and their decisions for better or for worse have managed to shape the course of a galaxy, far, far away for generations. Plus, they are so engrained in the fabric of that galaxy’s history, that every single visual story we’ve enjoyed relates to them somehow. For the Clone Wars relates to Anakin, Solo takes place in the midst of Vader/Anakin and the Emperor’s rule, and of course… the sequel saga revolves around the aftermath of Luke’s heroics at the Battle of Endor and the legacy of the name Skywalker and what it inspires through Leia and Rey’s journeys.

If anything, it’s not a bad thing that this name has hung heavy over the franchise, since it has given rise to incredible adventures and powerful moments that are now generational in nature. Not to mention, it speaks deeply to the impact that one person, or a handful of people can make upon the world when they truly apply themselves, but this aspect of the saga has left fans wondering… if there will come a day when the visual SWU steps away from any Skywalker influenced storytelling. To truly dive into this universe a la the old school SWEU, just to see what other stories can be told and well… the answer to that question is indeed a resounding yes, as evidenced by the first tale in this saga free from the influence of the Skywalker family.

For The Acolyte on Disney+, happens to be a show that is set, 100 years before Anakin Skywalker turned to the Dark Side of the Force, giving rise to a story that is unlike anything we’ve ever seen in this universe. For ‘Lost/Found’ and ‘Revenge/Justice’ introduce us to a galaxy that is filled with peace and light. Where the Jedi are everywhere, and few have any concerns about their role as peacekeepers in the galaxy. Which in turn allows for this show… to offer up a different feel and a different vibe, one that is wondrous and charming. But while it is indeed magnificent to enjoy a galaxy free from the worry we find a century later, Star Wars thrives on conflict and it is present here, courtesy of a reminder that a thirst for revenge and darkness was still present in this era.

Granted, such matters may not be grounded in thoughts of domination and infinite power, but they are present here, and they are instead grounded in the notion of revenge. For this story introduces us to Mae, a woman that is Force sensitive and trained in some measure of the Jedi and Sith arts and she wants nothing more than to make a handful of Jedi pay for crimes that involve her youth. A troubled one, that saw her separated from her sister, Osha, after Mae harmed her family and well, in these opening chapters she is quite successful in bringing down two of the Jedi that are her targets, which gives rise to an epic chase across the galaxy to save the rest and uncover the mysterious Sith-like figure who trained her and seemingly has eyes on causing disruption in the peace the galaxy now enjoys.

Which brings forth an amazing and engaging story. One that showcases how well stories in other corners and time periods in the galaxy can and will work without the Skywalker name attached to the core of the story. For you are simply on the edge of your seat during this two-episode premiere. Courtesy of visuals that absolutely enthrall you and well, that story, is refreshing and original. Since it allows for an intimate and curious conflict to come forth in a galaxy that is bustling and infinite in nature, and it is one that we can connect with since it harbors elements that are surprisingly timely through and through. Such as family divides and unrest amongst the people since clearly, not everyone in this galaxy is eager to see the status quo continue.

Not to mention, it is filled to the brim with quality writing through and through. The kind that makes some shockingly bold decisions from the very beginning of the story and manages to build a grand mystery for the Jedi to solve, and it of course… is filled to the brim with amazing acting. For every single actor here truly brings their A-game to the table and uses their wondrous skill sets to help us quickly understand who these characters are, and what they stand for and well, all of these elements bring about… one of the finest Star Wars stories to ever hit the airwaves. For it truly takes us into bold new territory and captures us in the process, and it will be interesting to see how this incredible new chapter in the saga plays out, as the mystery surrounding this particular evil in the galaxy unfolds. Until next time.

Watch ‘The Acolyte’

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