TV Review: ‘The Acolyte’ Flashback Is Forced And Contrived
by Frank Martin
It was inevitable that The Acolyte would flash back to reveal the origins of its characters and plot. It’s just strange to see the show do it so quickly. It had a two-part premiere, so technically its third episode is actually its second release. To have a show flashback to its origin so quickly is odd. Usually, a series lets the audience ruminate a bit with its characters to gain a sense of who they are and form a connection with them. By going back so quickly, it feels as if The Acolyte missed an opportunity to further develop the present before explaining the past. There is a lot to like about the episode, but unfortunately, it’s contrived ending failed to really make its point.
This installment focuses on the childhood for Mae (Leah Brady) and Osha (Lauren Brady) as they are raised as the next generation in a coven of witches who use the Force. While Mae is perfectly happy with her life, Osha wants more and is intrigued when Jedi come to visit. They want to test both sisters, but the coven is concerned the Jedi will take them. Also, Osha wants to leave and this leads her into conflict with them. Mae ends up sealing her sister in a room and starting a fire. Osha escapes, but her home is engulfed in flames and destroyed. All of her coven are dead, and Osha watches Mae (seemingly) plunge to her death. Sol (Lee Jung-jae) manages to save Osha just in time and takes her back to Coruscant, thus beginning her journey as a Jedi Padawan.
It was interesting to see a new group of Force users have a completely different culture than the Jedi. It was also interesting to see how the Jedi react when confronted with this group. Unfortunately, the episode had an agenda from the very beginning; it needs to set Mae and Osha on two different paths while also keeping a secret between them that only Mae knows. In order to pull this off, Osha had to be separate from the rest of the action while also having animosity for her sister. The program accomplished this in a very fabricated way that ended with both sisters reaching out for each other before they are separated and presume the other is dead. It was a very cringe-worthy moment that ruined a relatively interesting episode. Hopefully, when the show returns to the present, it will get back to the mystery and action that made the second episode so entertaining.
The Acolyte streams Tuesdays on Disney+.
