The sixth episode of “The Acolyte,” titled “Teach/Corrupt,” has left many viewers disappointed. Possibly the most bland episode yet, this episode features a series of conversations between teachers and students, but fails to deliver any meaningful plot development. The episode’s title is apt, as it revolves around the themes of teaching and corruption, but the execution leaves a lot 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’s actually 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 heartfelt conversation about her abandonment issues. The moment when Osha tries on the Sith helmet could symbolize a change in her character, potentially foreshadowing her drift toward the Dark Side as Mae moves toward the light. However, the twins’ plot remains the series’ weakest link, which is problematic given their central role.
Another subplot follows Mae and Sol (Lee Jung-jae) as they escape from Khoftar and Mae tries to uncover the truth about her and her sister’s past. The show has been dragging out this mystery 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 teacher/student dynamic involves Vernestra Rwoh (Rebecca Henderson) and her new student, Mog (Harry Trevaldwyn), who investigate Jedi murders on Khoftar. This investigation is rather tame, 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 disappointed. The length of the episodes is a major issue, as either they should be longer and more substantial, or Disney should have released them in batches. Every episode this season has felt rushed and sudden, and this one is no exception. After the most action-packed and deadly episode of the series, this installment loses the momentum and sense of urgency that had been building up.
The “parent trap” subplot, which involved lightsaber haircuts and twins switching places, was silly and easily understood by both Sol and The Stranger. This subterfuge seemed unnecessary and only served to further complicate the plot.
With only two episodes left, it’s hard to see how the series can end in a satisfying way unless the remaining episodes are significantly longer and the story starts to move at a faster pace. If the season ends on a tear, it won’t be a surprise. The show has a lot of potential, but it feels undercooked in its current state and needs more time to develop.
There were a few standout moments in this episode. The reference to the “power of two” was a nice touch, and Qimir remains a great character who deserves more attention. Mae’s cold factory reset of the droid was a standout moment, showing her darker side. The deaths from the previous episode were confirmed, adding a sense of finality and consequence that’s often missing from 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 the mark of a whip with a sabre, suggests that Vernestra Rwoh, who possesses that weapon, could be his former Master. This connection adds an intriguing layer to the story, but Vernestra’s character has not been developed enough for this revelation to be shocking.
The Acolyte is set 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 her actions.
While these elements are interesting, the show as a whole struggles to get viewers interested in them. The potential is there, but the execution is poor and leaves a lot to be desired.
Source: Disney
