The twisty mystery of season 1 of The Acolyte wasn’t a ‘whodunit’ after all, but focused on why the murders were happening instead.
While the first half of the season felt underbaked, it was episode 5 that turned things around, with the following two chapters doing most of the season’s compelling character and thematic work. Last week in episode 7, we finally found out what really transpired on Brendok 16 years before the main events of the series. Now, the finale closes that story arc, gives some characters closure, and teases where things might be going next.
Mind you, The Acolyte has yet to receive a season 2 renewal, though recent interviews with creator and showrunner Leslye Headland, as well as some Star Wars social media posts, seem to suggest there’s an interest in taking this story further and closing the gap between the late High Republic era and The Phantom Menace.
Episode 8 has almost everything you’d want out of a compelling season finale: with every player who hasn’t bitten the dust clashing into each other, and the veils being lifted on remaining questions linked to the plot and themes. Also positive is the choreography work once again, which confirms The Acolyte’s lightsaber fights might be the snazziest since 2005’s Revenge of the Sith. Moreover, there are two killer cameos that every Star Wars die-hard fan was surely waiting for.
Still, the weight of the messier first half of the season ultimately crushes Mae as an interesting character; she goes from being a mere pawn to having flimsy convictions and acting however the plot demands her to in each scene. This had been happening ever since she and Osha essentially swapped roles, and while the once-good twin gets the space needed to grow and become a more mature version of herself, it feels like Mae remains at a crossroads and even takes a couple of steps back in the finale. Likewise, there are a couple of plot beats and character moments in this (partial) conclusion that don’t feel nearly as well justified as the rest.
Fancy diving deeper into Star Wars lore? Then the Star Wars timeline is a must read. Then brush up on your Star Wars knowledge by checking out our ranked lists of the best Star Wars movies, Star Wars TV shows, and Star Wars games. You’ll be granted the rank of Jedi master in no time.
Spoilers ahead for The Acolyte episode 8: “The Acolyte”
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Space…