Warning: Spoilers follow for Episode 3 of The Acolyte.
The third episode of The Acolyte has left Star Wars fans buzzing with questions, but series creator Leslye Headland suggests that the answers may not be as clear-cut as some might hope. Episode 3, titled ‘Destiny’, takes viewers 16 years into the past, shedding light on the tragic journey of Osha and Mae. The episode introduces their mothers, Koril and Aniseya, revealing that Koril was responsible for bringing the twins into the world, while Aniseya “created them.”
This revelation has sparked intense speculation among fans, especially when Koril cryptically asks, “What happens if the Jedi discover how you created them?” This line hints at a deeper mystery surrounding the twins’ origins, but Headland has made it clear that the answer is complex. In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Headland teased that the show will delve into this mystery, but there won’t be a single, definitive answer. “Some characters believe certain things and other characters believe other things in terms of what she means by that,” she explained. “So you’re going to have to watch and decide which side of that argument you’re on.”
Aniseya’s confirmation that “there is no father” in Osha and Mae’s origin has led fans to draw parallels with Anakin Skywalker, who was also created without a father. However, there are notable differences. Anakin was created by the Force itself and is considered the Chosen One, while the exact method of Osha and Mae’s creation remains shrouded in mystery. Some fans speculate that their creation involved a complex ritual, rather than a direct act of the Force.
The episode has also fueled theories about a possible connection to Darth Plagueis, a Sith Lord known for his ability to manipulate midi-chlorians to create life. Some viewers believe that Plagueis may have had a hand in creating Osha and Mae, or that their existence inspired his experiments with midi-chlorian manipulation. These theories have been circulating since before the show’s premiere, given its timeline placement 100 years before The Phantom Menace, which would allow for an exploration of Plagueis’ origins.
The episode has left fans with more questions than answers, particularly regarding the identity of Mae’s Sith ‘Master’. While this mystery remains unresolved, the latest installment has provided plenty of material for fans to dissect. IGN’s review notes that Episode 3 “adds a lot of tantalizing new layers to how we perceive both the Jedi and the Force,” even as some aspects of the storytelling remain frustrating.
The Acolyte’s exploration of the Jedi and their approach to attachment has also been a point of interest. The show raises questions about whether the Jedi’s strict rules on attachment are ultimately beneficial or harmful. This theme is echoed in the interactions between characters like Jecki and Sol, who debate the merits of keeping sentimental items from the past.
The episode’s worldbuilding has been praised for its attention to detail, with production design elements that reflect the story’s setting a century before the Skywalker Saga. The depiction of the Jedi and their various outposts across the galaxy adds depth to the narrative, even as some scenes, like Mae’s infiltration of a Jedi temple, raise questions about the show’s internal logic.
Despite some clunky storytelling and moments of unintentional humor, The Acolyte continues to intrigue with its unique take on the Star Wars universe. The show’s exploration of the Force, the Jedi, and the Sith offers a fresh perspective, even as it grapples with the challenge of living up to the epic nature of the franchise.
As fans eagerly await the next episode, the mystery of Osha and Mae’s creation remains a central point of speculation. Whether the show will provide a satisfying resolution to this enigma or leave it open to interpretation, one thing is clear: The Acolyte has succeeded in capturing the imagination of Star Wars fans, sparking debates and theories that will likely continue throughout the season.
