The Acolyte Episode 3 Review
It’s time for The Acolyte: Origins with an all-flashback episode that fills in some blanks.
The Acolyte Episode 3 Review -
(Warning: This review contains full spoilers for Star Wars: The Acolyte Season 1, episode 3.)
The Acolyte Episode 3 takes a deep dive into the past, focusing on Osha and Mae's backstory. This all-flashback episode aims to fill in the blanks left by the first two episodes, which hinted at significant events that shaped their lives. The Acolyte Episode 3 is set 16 years in the past and explores what really happened back then, leaving us with more questions and some intriguing answers.
The Acolyte Episode 3 introduces us to the coven that raised Osha and Mae during their early years. These witches aren’t a new concept in the Star Wars universe, having been established in The Clone Wars and other media, but their appearance here might surprise casual fans. Unlike the Nightsisters, these witches refer to their power as the "Thread" instead of the Force. This different perspective on the Force adds depth to the Star Wars lore, showing that not everyone in the galaxy sees it the same way.
We learn that Mae and Osha have no father, and their creation involves something possibly dark or unnatural. This echoes Anakin Skywalker's mysterious birth and hints at broader connections within the Star Wars mythos, like the story of Darth Plagueis.
Despite these intriguing elements, The Acolyte Episode 3 struggles with its execution. The witches' accession ceremony, meant to be a powerful spiritual moment, comes off as awkward and cheesy. The chant, "The power of one! The power of two! The power of many!" combined with a choir, feels out of place and detracts from the scene’s intended gravity.
Master Sol, a wise Jedi, seems to be hiding something about the witches’ demise. There’s confusion about why Osha and Mae believe different things about the witches’ deaths, and Mae's survival from a significant fall is left unexplained. The episode misses opportunities to provide clarity and add action, especially in showing how Many escaped.
Mae’s portrayal as wanting to kill Osha and starting a fire outside her room complicates her character in a way that feels too extreme. This depiction contrasts with other Star Wars characters who turn to the Dark Side due to grief or loss, making Mae’s motivations seem less sympathetic.
On a brighter note, the episode expands the lore of the Jedi Order, showing their controversial methods of recruiting Force-sensitive children. The interactions between Jedi Masters Sol and Indara highlight the tension between Jedi practices and other beliefs in the galaxy.
Jodie Turner-Smith and Margarita Levieva deliver strong performances as key coven members, although their relationship remains vague. The episode suggests a connection between the Brendok witches and the Nightsisters, adding more depth to the lore.
Some elements, like calling a treat "spice cream," feel distracting given the context of "spice" in Star Wars . Directed by Kogonada, known for After Yang This episode also reunites him with Jodie Turner-Smith.
Verdict
The Acolyte Episode 3 continues to expand the Star Wars universe with new perspectives on the Force and the Jedi. However, it suffers from inconsistent storytelling and awkward execution. While it provides a lot to think about regarding the galaxy’s history and the Jedi Order, it also raises questions that need clear answers in future episodes.
Star Wars: The Acolyte
Star Wars: The Acolyte
DISNEY+
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