Star Wars The Acolyte Spoiler-Free Review Episodes 1-4

The Acolyte two-episode premiere debuts on Disney+ this evening at 8:00 pm CST and is set during the heyday of the High Republic, a time in the galaxy before Palpatine wreaks havoc across the stars. In the timeline, it takes place one hundred years before the earliest live-action Star Wars series and is helmed by Lesley Headland (creator, showrunner, and executive producer). The inciting incident involves the murder of a Jedi which leads to an investigation that has far-reaching ramifications for the Order.

This period is primarily known to fans of Lucasfilm’s immensely popular High Republic publishing initiative which takes place two hundred years before the events of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. In that era of Star Wars, the Jedi are the undisputed protectors of the galaxy, where peace is flourishing until an unknown presence known as the Nihil arrives to aggressively eradicate all manner of civility and justice, leaving chaos in their wake. These pirates are the primary antagonists of the Jedi and are led by the malevolent Marchion Ro. However, as mentioned above, in The Acolyte, one hundred years have passed since the timeline of the High Republic books, with only one character from the era appearing in the Disney+ series.

Perhaps this is what left me feeling a bit underwhelmed by the first episode. While I did not expect a continuation of the High Republic books and know this is a much different timeline with different characters, something does not quite work here. The Acolyte is missing the spirit and grandeur of the novels and while we are told it is set during the High Republic era of the Jedi, other than matching robes, there is not much evidence to suggest this is the case. There are some wonderful ideas and some promising storylines that I am eager to see come to fruition, but early on, I am somewhat disappointed.

The performances of the cast are notable, especially Lee Jung-jae (“Master Sol”) and Amanda Stenberg (“Mae”). The two have an easy chemistry and draw the audience in, but the emotional beats of the story feel more forced than earned. I will say that each episode gets progressively stronger and that part three has a fascinating new aspect of the Force that is compelling and notable for several reasons. It is also critical to note that the stunt work, fight choreography, and action are outstanding and ground-breaking. Michael Abels score is haunting and cinematic, greatly enhancing each scene.

The Acolyte should generate some interesting rhetoric about the nature of the Force and the Jedi, further adding to the conversation that began during the Prequel era. I anticipate multiple viewings might soften my initial reflections on the narrative of the first episode and that further introspection may change my perspective. But initially, The Acolyte does not work as much as I had hoped.

Episode 1: 2 out of 5

Episode 2: 3 out of 5

Episode 3: 3 1/2 out of 5

Episode 4: 4 out of 5

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