Acolyte Deepens Character Development, Sets Stage for Finale

In episode six of Star Wars: The Acolyte, titled “Teach / Corrupt,” the story unfolds with several intriguing developments. This week’s episode slowed the pace and dialed back the action compared to last week. Howeverr, it was a necessary transition focused on deepening our understanding of the characters, especially Master Sol and the enigmatic Stranger.

Star Wars: The Acolyte, Episode 6, “Teach / Corrupt” Recap

The episode opens with Oshà (Amandla Stenberg) finding herself stranded on an island, where she is challenged by The Stranger (Manny Jacinto), who questions her Jedi beliefs and morality. Meanwhile, Master Sol (Lee Jung-jae) and Mae (Amandla Stenberg), disguised as her twin sister Oshà, try to escape the planet, only to encounter technical difficulties. The Stranger, a former Jedi, engages Oshà in a conversation that challenges the Jedi way, suggesting an alternative path to connect with the Force through emotions like anger and fear. He even tests Oshà’s commitment to the Jedi code by encouraging her to strike him down with his lightsaber.

On the ship, Sol uncovers Mae’s deception and confronts her, while Jedi Master Vernestra Rwoh (Rebecca Henderson) and a group of Jedi arrive on the planet, discovering the bodies of Sol’s team and the involvement of a lightsaber.The Stranger reveals his Jedi past and knowledge of Oshà’s helmet, made of cortosis, which blocks external influences and enhances connection with the Force. He continues to tempt Oshà towards the dark side, emphasizing the power of emotions.

The episode concludes with Oshà alone in a cave, drawn to the cortosis helmet. She puts it on, and the sound of breathing reminiscent of Darth Vader fills the air, hinting at her potential turn to the dark side. This episode is a transitional one, focusing on character development and setting the stage for the final two episodes. The interactions between Oshà and The Stranger are particularly intriguing, as he challenges her beliefs and tempts her towards a different path. The episode also introduces the concept of the light whip, a weapon with a possible connection to The Stranger’s past.

Review: Star Wars: The Acolyte Deepens Character Development in Transitional Episode, Setting Stage for Possibly Epic Finale

The Stranger and his connection with Osha has become incredibly captivating. Initially seeking a student, it seems Osha might fill that role, even with her lingering anger and fear. Manny Jacinto is absolutely nailing this complex character.

Being the episode before the final two, it’s textbook television writing to have a transitional installment setting up various plot points through character development and storytelling rather than action. So, while some online criticism about the pacing is expected, a lot did happen, just more subtly. I’m still not entirely convinced by Osha and Mae’s dynamic, but their role reversal has piqued my interest. Something felt slightly off before, but their relationship is now far more compelling.

Jedi Master Vernestra Rwoh’s portrayal initially gave me pause, but the lightwhip-like scars on the Stranger’s back made me reconsider. The younger Vernestra from the High Republic books doesn’t quite match this version, suggesting a significant event occurred. I suspect the Stranger was her former student or Padawan.

We’re witnessing Jedi grappling with unresolved trauma. The Stranger’s future path—Sith, Knight of Ren, or something else—remains uncertain. He was once a Jedi, but his destiny is unclear. This episode’s writing felt notably stronger than the first three, giving the second half of the season a more solid foundation. While my initial impression was that the episode was decent, deeper reflection and the episode’s broader context changed my opinion to “quite good.”

Despite a slower pace, the episode was undeniably intriguing. It sets up three distinct storylines converging for the final two episodes, each with its own complications. This leaves me captivated and eagerly awaiting the next installment.