The sixth episode of “The Acolyte,” titled “Teach / Corrupt,” has left many viewers feeling underwhelmed. This episode, which is arguably the most uneventful one yet, features a series of conversations between masters and pupils, but fails to deliver any significant plot developments. The episode’s title is fitting, as it revolves around the themes of teaching and corruption, but the execution leaves much to be desired.
One of the central interactions in this episode is between The Stranger/Qimir (Manny Jacinto) and Osha (Amandla Stenberg) on an “unknown planet” that bears a striking resemblance to Ahch-To from “The Last Jedi.” This is the same isolated island planet where Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) trained Rey. While it’s unclear if it is indeed the same planet, the possibility adds a layer of intrigue that the sequels never fully explored.
The conversations between The Stranger and Osha are filled with vague hints about The Stranger’s past, discussions about why Osha never became a full Jedi, and a heart-to-heart about their abandonment issues. Osha’s moment of trying on the Sith’s helmet could symbolize a shift in her character, potentially foreshadowing her drift to the Dark Side while Mae moves towards the light. However, the twin plotline remains the weakest link in the series, which is problematic given its central role.
Another subplot follows Mae and Sol (Lee Jung-jae) as they escape Khoftar and Mae tries to uncover the truth about her and her sister’s past. The show has been dragging this mystery out for far too long, and this episode continues to do so. Sol’s reluctance to reveal what happened only serves to prolong the mystery unnecessarily.
The third master/pupil dynamic involves Vernestra Rwoh (Rebecca Henderson) and her new pupil, Mog (Harry Trevaldwyn), as they investigate the murders of the Jedi on Khoftar. This investigation is rather bland, especially when compared to the more interesting subplot involving the alien Bazil’s investigation into Mae’s identity.
Ultimately, not much happens in this episode, and it ends abruptly, leaving viewers feeling underwhelmed. The episode lengths are a significant issue, as they either need to be longer and more substantial, or Disney should have released them in batches. Each episode this season has felt rushed and sudden, and this one is no exception. Following the most action-packed and deadly episode of the series, this installment loses the momentum and sense of urgency that had been building.
The “Parent Trap” subplot, involving lightsaber haircuts and twins changing places, was silly and easily seen through by both Sol and The Stranger. This subterfuge felt unnecessary and only served to complicate the plot further.
With just two episodes remaining, it’s hard to see how the series can wrap up in a satisfying way unless the remaining episodes are significantly longer and the story starts moving at a faster pace. If the season ends with an irritating cliffhanger, it won’t come as a surprise. The show has a lot of potential, but it feels half-baked in its current state and needed more time to develop.
There were a few highlights in this episode. The “power of two” callback was a nice touch, and Qimir remains a great character who deserves more focus. Mae’s cold factory reset of the droid was a standout moment, showcasing her darker side. The deaths from the previous episode were confirmed, adding a sense of finality and consequence that is often missing in Disney’s Star Wars shows. Learning about cortosis and its properties that make the Sith helmet so powerful was interesting, and Osha putting it on to end the episode was a fitting conclusion, even if it felt like not enough happened.
The scar on Qimir’s back, which looks like a whip-saber mark, suggests that Vernestra Rwoh, who possesses such a weapon, might be his old Master. This connection adds an intriguing layer to the story, but Vernestra’s character hasn’t been developed enough to make this revelation impactful.
The Acolyte takes place around 132 BBY, and Vernestra Rwoh, being a Mirilian with a strong connection to the Force, can live a very long time. This timeline makes it plausible that she trained Qimir decades ago, adding a personal vendetta to his actions.
While these elements are interesting, the show as a whole struggles to make viewers care about them. The potential is there, but the execution falls short, leaving much to be desired.
Source: Disney
