For those who don’t consume the expanded universe mediums like books and comic books, not much is known about the Jedi, Sith, or the Force in general before Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. It’s genuinely an unexplored universe outside the canon-based High Republic novels. So when Lucasfilm announced The Acolyte, set a century before the Skywalker saga, many were intrigued to learn more about the Jedi institution.

What happens when the Jedi Order becomes the galaxy’s most powerful and dominant organization? Would it really be complete peace and order? 

Star Wars: The Acolyte addresses the idea that the Jedi Order or High Republic may not be as perfect and peaceful as it seems. Not everything is black or white; the series explores the grey area and how, no matter what, there will be those in power and those who are oppressed.

Showrunner Leslye Headland has described the series as a “murder mystery,” and it immediately begins as such. In the opening scene, a mysterious Force-wielding warrior, Mae (Amandla Stenberg), challenges a Jedi Master in a battle. This leads to one of the most stunning uses of martial arts choreography, barely using a lightsaber. The resulting murder of the Jedi leads to Master Sol (Lee Jung-Jae) in charge of the investigation. He learns that he has a past connection with the warrior, opening up more questions about the Jedi Order and the mystery of this warrior and her Master. 

Star Wars: The Acolyte‘s first two episodes present a lot of information that can sometimes be overwhelming — which is expected in a story without any connections to the known canon. However, as the series progresses in the third episode, more details are thoroughly explained, making things begin to make sense. As more questions arise, the characters’ development becomes more apparent, drawing the readers into their journey. The pacing also picks up, giving the story a familiar, more urgent, and anticipated feel.

Lee Jung-Jae portrays the experienced Jedi Master full of zen and a comforting aura, a departure from the Jedi seen in the past. However, when the occasion calls for it, Sol transforms from the gentle “dad vibes” master to a fierce warrior, showcasing his versatility. Amandla Stenberg is equally impressive as Mae battling her demons and searching for her sense of purpose. 

The series weaves a captivating tapestry of wuxia and martial arts films, where the fight choreography relies more on skills than lightsabers and gun-fu. It’s a refreshing departure from the typical lasers and lightsaber battles. While there’s nothing amiss with lightsabers, Star Wars lore brings forth a unique perspective. The Jedi “do not attack the unarmed,” and they “do not pull a weapon unless prepared to kill.” The Force itself is harnessed in awe-inspiring ways, showcasing the Jedi’s strength and abilities and how it is used as a form of defense rather than attack. 

The Acolyte is a wonderful addition to the Star Wars universe, giving a new and in-depth outlook on the Jedi than before. Did people, including fellow Force users, become so oppressed by the Jedi that the Sith and the Order were created? Who and what is the Acolyte? These mystery questions and elements are even more intriguing because there really is no history or base to rely on. This is a newly marked territory that Headland plays with, creating a new refreshing path and mythos for Star Wars.