IR TV Review: THE ACOLYTE - EPISODE 3 [Lucasfilm/Disney+]

The progression of plot requires an essence of backstory. With Episode 3 of "The Acolyte" the idea is based in the raising of two twins within a coven that has a history. While the essence of the story does reflect back to "The Clone Wars", it is based in the idea and contruct of the sisters that would be become the essence of the Maul cult. The idea of followers bred for a specific purpose is not new but the dynamic here is interesting because one side wants to make their own choice and one side wants to keep their path hidden. The Jedi of course are not completely in the right either, because there is an essence of power created in their actions. While one can understand certain reasons why they use a certain recruitment tactic there is also alot of regrret and anger than can be foster and blostered by what they do.

The twins here (of which Amandla Sternberg's Mae is one) are no exception and one can see why certain actions are warranted. However the reason for such protection and power are not quite founded since we don't know the true backstory of what is being created. .Lee Jung-jae's Sol, as a character is interesting because he follows the Jedi code and yet he does operate a little bit outside the parameters much like Qui Gonn did. But in many ways, the reason Anakin turned out the way he did was a confluence of circumstanes (nonetheleast Qui Gonn's interference). The Jedi are not all knowing and they make more mistakes than successes. While this episode diverges from the main storyline per se to build exposition, it is necessary to understand the path the two young women, despite their differences of opinion, must follow. B

By Tim Wassberg