"The Acolyte" Review: A Star Wars Fan's Conflicted Take After 3 Episodes

I'll admit, I was hyped for 'The Acolyte.' Like, staying-up-late-refreshing-Disney+-hyped. A Star Wars series set during the High Republic era? Sign me up! But after three episodes, I'm feeling...conflicted. This show is a weird mix of awesome Jedi showmanship and questionable dialogue. Let's break down what's working and what's making me cringe.

"The Acolyte" drops us into a time when the Jedi Order is supposedly at its peak, but the very first episode hints at the darkness lurking beneath the surface. We're introduced to two sisters, (former?) Jedi-in-training Asha and the more rebellious Miara, played with captivating intensity by Amandla Stenberg. Their complex relationship becomes the emotional core of the series. Their paths diverge as Asha seemingly embraces the Jedi way while Miara walks a more dangerous path. The episode's stunning visuals, from the vibrant cityscape to the serene Jedi Temple, transport us to a familiar yet fresh corner of the Star Wars galaxy. And the opening scene, featuring a thrilling chase and a mysterious masked figure, immediately hooks us with a sense of intrigue and danger.

Episode 2 dives deeper into the mystery, as Asha and her master, the enigmatic Jedi Master Sol, embark on a mission to uncover the truth behind a series of attacks. Their investigation leads them to a seedy underworld, where they encounter intriguing new characters and face unexpected challenges. The action sequences in this episode are a true highlight, showcasing a unique blend of traditional lightsaber combat and elegant wuxia-inspired choreography. The tension between Asha's loyalty to the Jedi and her connection to Miara intensifies, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown.

The show introduces us to a cast of compelling Jedi Masters, each with their own unique strengths and struggles. There's the enigmatic Jedi Master Sol, brought to life by renowned South Korean actor Lee Jung-jae. This casting is a masterstroke, adding a fresh layer of complexity and intrigue to the Star Wars universe. Growing up in South Korea, Lee's fascination with Star Wars began with the iconic "A New Hope" movie poster.  He was captivated by the vastness of the universe and the mythical Jedi Order. Decades later, his mesmerizing performance in "Squid Game" caught the eye of "The Acolyte" creator Leslye Headland, who saw in him the perfect balance of vulnerability and strength needed for Jedi Master Sol.

Lee dove headfirst into Star Wars lore, meticulously studying the Jedi's golden age and their traditions. Rewatching the films, he sought to understand the nuances of the Jedi Order and infuse his own unique perspective into his character. The result is a Jedi Master who exudes both the tranquility of his order and the steely resolve required to confront the encroaching darkness. This being his first English-speaking role, Lee faced a unique challenge. But with the help of dialect coaches and English tutors, along with the unwavering support of the cast and crew, he navigated the language barrier with grace and determination. He even cited Qui-Gon Jinn as an inspiration, aiming to imbue Sol with a similar warmth and courage.

But Sol isn't the only Jedi Master leaving a mark on the series. Dean-Charles Chapman, known for his roles in "Game of Thrones" and "1917," plays the battle-hardened Jedi Master Torbin. Chapman's character appears much older and weathered than his actual age, thanks to the extensive makeup and scars that mark his face. Torbin's commitment to the Barash Vow, a period of self-imposed isolation and meditation, adds a layer of mystery and power to his character.

Then there's the formidable Jedi Master Indara, portrayed by Carrie-Anne Moss, best known for her role as Trinity in "The Matrix." Moss' character is a force to be reckoned with, as evidenced by the intense fight scene that introduces her. To prepare for the role, Moss underwent intensive training, drawing on her background in dance and sports to master the fight choreography. Her dedication to the character is evident in the power and grace she brings to Indara.

The presence of these Jedi Masters, each with their own distinct personalities and experiences, elevates "The Acolyte." They add depth and richness to the story, showcasing the diversity and complexity of the Jedi Order during its supposed golden age. Their interactions with the younger generation of Jedi, Asha and Miara, provide valuable insights into the challenges and responsibilities of being a Jedi.

Episode 3, directed by Kogonada, a South Korean filmmaker, delves deeper into Asha and Miara's backstory and introduces a fascinating new subculture. We get a glimpse into their childhood and the events that shaped their diverging paths. The episode also features a captivating ritualistic dance scene that adds a unique cultural flavor to the Star Wars universe. It's the most thought-provoking episode so far, raising questions about the nature of the Force and the Jedi's role in the galaxy. But even with its strengths, it can't quite escape the show's uneven pacing and occasionally clunky storytelling.

And let's talk about that dialogue. For every line that makes me nod in appreciation, there's another that makes me roll my eyes. Some of the conversations feel forced and unnatural, relying on clichés and exposition dumps. The show is at its best when it lets the visuals and performances speak for themselves, but the dialogue often undermines those moments.

The critical response has been...interesting, to say the least. Critics generally seem to dig the show's ambition and fresh take on Star Wars lore. But fan ratings? Not so much. Some are calling it the best thing since "The Mandalorian," while others are bashing it as the worst thing since "The Rise of Skywalker." It seems like some fans are more upset about the show's perceived ideological leanings than its actual content.

So, where does that leave us? "The Acolyte" is a show with a ton of potential. It's visually stunning, boasts some fantastic performances (especially from Lee Jung-jae, Dean-Charles Chapman, and Carrie-Anne Moss, who each bring a fresh perspective to the Star Wars universe), and isn't afraid to take risks. But it's also got its fair share of flaws, from clunky dialogue to uneven pacing. Whether you end up loving it or hating it, there's no denying that "The Acolyte" is a Star Wars show unlike any other.

But hey, it's still early days. Maybe "The Acolyte" just needs time to find its footing. I'm holding out hope that the remaining episodes will tighten up the writing and fully deliver on the show's immense potential. The Star Wars galaxy is vast and ever-expanding, and I'm eager to see where this journey takes us.

What do you think of "The Acolyte"? Are you on board with its fresh take on the galaxy far, far away, or are you left wanting more? Let's talk about it in the comments!