Today we’re delving into Star Wars: The Acolyte, episode five, “Night.” Spoiler alert: If you haven’t watched, turn back now!
Star Wars: The Acolyte, Episode 5, “Night” Recap
Last time, the Jedi faced a formidable foe, the Master, who unleashed a devastating Force push. Now, in episode five, Osha (Amandla Stenberg) awakens to a chaotic lightsaber battle between the Master and the remaining Jedi. The Master mercilessly cuts down Jedi after Jedi, showcasing his lethal skills. Master Sol (Lee Jung-jae) arrives, not to join the fight, but to command Yord (Charlie Barnett) to retreat with Osha. Sol, however, remains behind, bravely facing the Master alone. Simultaneously, Mae (also played by Stenberg), escapes with a stolen lightsaber, only to be confronted by Sol’s Padawan, Jeckie (Dafne Keen).
The action escalates as Mae and Jeckie clash, while Sol and the Master engage in a fierce duel. Mae is eventually captured, but Osha, sensing impending doom, persuades Yord to return to the fray. They cleverly use light to attract giant insects, creating a diversion. Jeckie heroically duels the Master, but tragically, she falls in battle. The Master, feeling betrayed by Mae, hunts her relentlessly. In a climactic moment, Sol dislodges the Master’s helmet, revealing Qimir (Manny Jacinto), who taunts Sol with secrets about his past involving Osha and Mae. As Osha and Yord return, Yord is swiftly killed by the Master. Sol, the sole surviving Jedi, now grapples with the revelation of the Sith threat. Osha ingeniously uses the insects to carry the Master away, buying them precious time.
In the aftermath, Osha and Mae clash, their loyalties and beliefs starkly opposed. Mae overpowers Osha, assuming her identity. The injured Master, seeking a new apprentice, discovers Osha, while Mae and Sol unknowingly embark on a perilous journey together. In sum, this episode delivers intense action and shocking deaths. Jeckie, a fan favorite, is sadly lost, leaving only the Master, Sol, the twins, and Basil alive.
Review: The Acolyte, Episode 5, “Night”
My impressions of the episode are mixed. The action is thrilling, and Sol’s emotional conflict is compelling. However, Osha and Mae’s interactions feel contrived and lack depth due to their underdeveloped backstories. The Master’s identity was predictable, but perhaps intentionally so. The show’s uneven pacing and underdeveloped storylines remain concerns. Yet, with the stakes higher and the narrative focused, there’s potential for improvement in the remaining episodes.
It’s premature to label Qimir a Sith definitively. He may be a Sith seeking an acolyte, but the show’s superficiality leaves room for doubt. The show remains a mixed bag for me, with some exciting moments but an overall feeling of untapped potential. Only time will tell what fate awaits the remaining characters. Will Sol meet his end? Additionally, will Osha become the new acolyte? Join us next week for “The Acolyte” episode six to find out. May the Force be with you.
