After The Acolyte, I Think Star Wars Is Becoming More Like Star Trek In A Way Some Fans Don’t Like

After The Acolyte, I Think Star Wars Is Becoming More Like Star Trek In A Way Some Fans Don't Like

As a long-time Star Trek fan who has grown accustomed to the intricate lore and callbacks that the franchise offers, I found myself thoroughly enjoying The Acolyte. Having spent countless hours delving into the details of the Star Trek universe, it was a delight for me to see these deep cuts referenced and expanded upon in new ways.


After the conclusion of “The Acolyte,” social media has been filled with heated debates for weeks. Fans argue about implausible elements such as space fires and the Jedi’s excessive power. The discussions about past lore and canon have overshadowed our excitement for the new major character revealed in the finale. I’ve come to realize that Star Wars is now resembling Star Trek for some viewers, and this transformation may be more distressing for certain fans than others.

When I’m not engrossed in “Star Wars” on my Disney+ account, I find myself fully immersed in the realm of “Star Trek,” engaging with actors and creators about subtle references in the newest series. It occurred to me that my lack of issue with “The Acolyte,” which some found problematic, is due to “Trek’s” longstanding distinction from its competing franchise in terms of storytelling.

After The Acolyte, I Think Star Wars Is Becoming More Like Star Trek In A Way Some Fans Don't Like

Star Wars Is Making Shows That Require More Than Base Level Knowledge Of The Franchise To Fully Appreciate Them

For many years, following the Star Wars saga was a straightforward task. If you watched or read the movies in their correct sequence, you could effortlessly engage with related content such as comics, games, and books without feeling confused. While the introduction of the Clone Wars expanded the mythology significantly, most of us who grew up with this expansion are now mature adults, retaining that information within our long-term memory.

Certainly, there were cartoon series such as “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” and “Star Wars Rebels” that provided additional insights into these time periods. However, they served as complements rather than essential prerequisites for the Sequel Trilogy. Viewers could still follow and appreciate the new films with just the foundational knowledge of the original six movies.

In simpler terms, the introduction of Ahsoka Tano in “The Mandalorian” challenged the knowledge level of “Star Wars” fans, but since she’s moderately popular in pop culture, most viewers grasped her importance to the storyline. However, the intricate concepts about The Force presented in “Ahsoka,” which were previously explored in “Rebels,” may not have excited those who hadn’t watched the animated series as much as fans who were already familiar with it.

At “The Acolyte,” set in the High Republic era, we find a story largely unrelated to the Original Trilogy and with tenuous links to the prequels through certain characters. Fans found themselves overwhelmed as they were bombarded with an abundance of new details. Some fans even responded negatively due to feelings that these developments contradicted the established lore. After all, there were no witches among the Jedi, no mind-reading abilities, and no lightsaber whips in the movies – making it seem as if these creators were straying from the established rules.

As a long-time fan of Star Wars, I can’t help but feel a pang of sadness and exclusion when I hear fans express their confusion over the latest shows like “The Acolyte.” Having grown up with the original trilogy and expanding my knowledge through the extended universe (now referred to as Legends), I used to pride myself on being part of this intricate web of Star Wars lore.

After The Acolyte, I Think Star Wars Is Becoming More Like Star Trek In A Way Some Fans Don't Like

Star Trek Fans Are Used To Lesser Known Callbacks And Deep Cuts, But This Is Newer Territory For Many Star Wars Fans

I’ve found “The Acolyte” engaging as a fan of “Star Trek,” and many other fans in the community have expressed the same sentiment. In the world of “Star Trek,” it’s common for an episode to reference old creatures or storylines and build upon them in innovative ways. For instance, “Star Trek: Discovery” revealed new information about the enigmatic Breen species towards the end of its run, sparking debates on the execution but not accusations of breaking the show’s established lore.

As a devoted “Star Trek” fan, I really enjoy encountering intricate references in each episode. Discovering these hidden gems and exploring their underlying meanings or connections is a thrilling experience for me. It’s quite challenging for writers to execute this effectively, but when they succeed, the results are delightful and add depth to the show’s expansive universe. This interconnectedness motivates me to rewatch past episodes on Paramount+ and immerse myself in the rich details of the “Star Trek” universe.

Sean O’Connell, the Managing Editor at TopMob, has a different interest in science fiction than me. While I’m deeply into “Star Trek,” he’s more of a “Star Wars” enthusiast and only enjoys the newer “Star Trek” films from the Kelvin timeline. Thus, I thought it appropriate to share his unique take on “The Acolyte.” In his view, it presented something that never occurred to me while watching it.

Sean is a big fan of “Star Wars,” but he found himself overwhelmed by the background knowledge needed to fully enjoy “The Acolyte” within the High Republic series. I haven’t felt that way, and I consider this show one of my top picks for the year. Hearing the opinion of someone I respect has given me a fresh perspective and a better understanding of those who didn’t appreciate the show as much.

After The Acolyte, I Think Star Wars Is Becoming More Like Star Trek In A Way Some Fans Don't Like

As A Star Trek Fan, I Love This New Direction, But I Get Why Some Are Frustrated

If Star Wars stories are starting to resemble those of Star Trek, I’m happy to keep watching the journey. However, I understand that some people might prefer a simpler viewing experience. Not everyone has the time or interest for intricate backstories and multiple shows. It’s perfectly fine if someone watched the new Star Wars production, felt overwhelmed, and decided it wasn’t their cup of tea.

As a dedicated gamer and huge Star Wars fan, I can’t contain my excitement about the High Republic! If you have the chance, I strongly recommend diving deeper into this captivating era. The Acolyte certainly gives us a glimpse into the beginning of the Jedi Order’s downfall, but there are plenty of other stories showcasing their peak power that are well worth exploring.

If you haven’t had a chance to watch it yet, “The Acolyte” is now streaming on Disney+. I’m hoping that the appearance of a major legacy character in the final episode will persuade those who were undecided to continue following the story if there’s another season. However, we’ll have to wait and see!

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2024-07-19 15:37