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Writer's pictureDan Brooks

The Acolyte (2024) Series: Jedi Crime Spree and Lightsaber Shenanigans in Disney's Latest Adventure. Early Review

An investigation into a shocking crime spree pits a respected Jedi Master against a dangerous warrior from his past. As more clues emerge, they travel down a dark path where sinister forces reveal all is not what it seems…




Ah, Disney and Star Wars—a combination that’s as inevitable as the Death Star’s destruction. Their latest offering, The Acolyte, has just dropped its first two episodes, and, well, it’s already stirring the pot faster than a lightsaber duel in a china shop. Starring Amandla Stenberg, Dafne Keen, and Jodie Turner-Smith, this series takes us back to the final days of the High Republic era, roughly 100 years before the events of The Phantom Menace. So, buckle up, because we’re about to dive into a galaxy far, far away where the Force is strong, and so is the woke ideology.


The Plot (Or How to Jedi Mind-Trick Your Way Through a Crime Spree)


The Acolyte kicks off with an investigation into a shocking crime spree that pits a respected Jedi Master against a dangerous warrior from his past. As more clues emerge, our heroes travel down a dark path where sinister forces reveal that all is not what it seems. It’s like Law & Order: Special Jedi Unit meets Scooby-Doo—mystery, lightsabers, and a lot of “I would have gotten away with it if it weren't for you meddling kids!”


First things first, Disney is not shying away from its agenda. They’ve cranked the diversity dial up to 11, and while representation is crucial, the forced nature of it here is more obvious than a Jawa trying to sell you back your own droid. Some fans have raised eyebrows over certain quotes from the director and actors, hinting at a social commentary that feels more like a lecture than storytelling.


This series is set in the final days of the High Republic era, a time when the galaxy was, supposedly, at its peak. But judging by the crime spree, I’d say the golden years were more like bronze.


What I Liked (Or, The Force is Strong with These Aspects)


Special Effects: The special effects are top-notch. The worlds and creatures are so Star Wars that you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a cantina on Tatooine. It’s visually stunning and absolutely fan-approved.


Cameos: Who doesn’t love a good cameo? Famous faces pop up like Easter eggs, adding a layer of delight for fans. It’s like playing Star Wars bingo with your friends—just yell “Boba Fett!” instead of “Bingo!”


Throwback Calls and Dialog: The series is peppered with nods to the original movies, making it a treat for die-hard fans. It’s always great to hear familiar lines and see iconic moments reimagined.


What I Disliked (Or, The Dark Side of the Show)


Forced Fight Scenes: Okay, I get it, the Force can do a lot of things. But sometimes, watching tiny women beat up huge men feels a bit forced (no pun intended). The show gets some leeway because of the Force powers, but sometimes it just comes off as phony. If you’re going to have a lightsaber duel, at least make it believable.


Woke Ideology: Disney, when will you learn? Forcing woke ideology into the story feels like being hit over the head with a Gungan’s booma. It’s as subtle as a bantha in a china shop and detracts from the storytelling. We get it, you want to make a point, but can we focus on telling a good story first?


Extra Tidbits (Or, Did You Know Yoda’s Second Cousin Twice Removed Might Show Up?)


Lee Jung-Jae: The South Korean actor learned enough English for his lines in the series, marking his first English-speaking role. Kudos to him for that dedication!


Amandla Stenberg: Not only does she star in the series, but she’s also an accomplished violinist and performs on the score using her grandfather’s violin. She’s got more talents than a Jedi with a Swiss Army lightsaber.


Jedi Council Easter Eggs: Several Jedi Council members from the prequel era were alive during this period, including Yoda, Yaddle, and Yarael Poof. None have appeared yet, but fingers crossed for a surprise visit.


Final Thoughts and Rating (Or, The Verdict from This Blogger Jedi)


So far, The Acolyte is a mixed bag. It’s got fantastic special effects, delightful cameos, and enough Star Wars nostalgia to keep fans entertained. However, the forced woke elements and some unrealistic fight scenes drag it down. It’s like a podracer with one engine running at full throttle and the other sputtering.


My final rating? 6.2/10 so far. It’s worth watching for the special effects and nostalgia, but don’t expect it to become your new favorite Star Wars series just yet.



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