As a longtime Star Wars enthusiast and someone who’s been following the High Republic era with great anticipation, I must say that the cancellation of “The Acolyte” was a bitter pill to swallow. However, there’s a silver lining in this story: The Stranger, Qimir, played by Manny Jacinto, could potentially steal the show once more and lead us into an era worth exploring.
A wave of dismay swept through Star Wars enthusiasts this week upon hearing that “The Acolyte” has been axed after just one season. This unfortunate turn of events means we may never unravel more of the tales woven by Osha and Mae, brilliantly portrayed by Amandla Stenberg, or witness the ongoing struggle between the Jedi and Sith masters for their destiny. The reasons behind this sudden cancellation remain unclear, but considering the divisive reactions to the show’s eight-episode stint on various platforms such as Twitter and YouTube, it seems that the fans themselves were torn apart by the series.
Although some found delight in the storyline during the High Republic era, others chose not to watch, heavily criticizing it for alleged deviations from established lore. Furthermore, Amandla Stenberg faced threats of harm during its broadcast. Ultimately, “The Acolyte” was met with intense disapproval due to its emphasis on a powerful element: inclusivity. Now that the show has concluded its single season, it appears that there may be two reasons for its downfall. Despite its bold storytelling and talented cast, many believe that this Force-themed series focused on the wrong aspects, wasting valuable resources in the process.
The Acolyte’s budget was too much for not enough
Venturing audiences into the Star Wars universe through live-action TV series was always a roll of the dice, but it seems Lucasfilm and Disney never got the memo about the odds. Six shows have come and gone, yielding varying outcomes. Among these, “The Acolyte” appears to be the biggest gamble, with its astronomical budget that could make one choke on their blue milk. The $180 million price tag places the High Republic-centric tale as the second costliest Star Wars series yet, trailing only behind the first season of “Andor,” which carried a $250 million price tag. Unfortunately, our math doesn’t seem to align with this investment.
Consider Diego Luna’s complex, multi-perspective storyline, like the one presented in “Andor,” as an example. The series boasts breathtaking visuals and diverse settings ranging from grim prisons to weathered towns, making it seem as if every penny was poured into each frame. In contrast, “The Acolyte” didn’t quite achieve this level of immersion, and perhaps unnecessary given the narrative it was trying to tell. The plot, divided between two interwoven storylines, frequently overlapped, even lingering in a single location for multiple episodes. Given the relatively modest scope of the story, such extensive background might not have been necessary.
The Acolyte needed more Manny Jacinto
Initially, it seemed like Manny Jacinto could have been a main character in “The Acolyte” from the get-go, but a traditional approach hindered his rapid rise as the show’s lead, potentially depriving viewers of this series they needed. The revelation that The Stranger, who disguised himself as a Sith dabbler, was actually Qimir wasn’t surprising, but his electrifying performances and brutal kills as the series’ most captivating character certainly were. His portrayal didn’t just rescue “The Acolyte” from its sluggish state; it sparked curiosity about this enigmatic new adversary to the Jedi and his past connections with them. It’s disheartening that we could have discovered these intriguing aspects earlier on.
Amandla Stenberg and Lee Jung-Jae’s captivating performances in their roles as Amandla and Jedi Master Sol are not at all undermined, but their story seems better suited for the second season of “The Acolyte.” Instead, the first season should have primarily focused on Qimir’s descent into darkness, his relationship with the cave-dwelling character revealed in the series finale, and his eventual encounter with Mae. Even though it appears that we may not delve deeper into “The Acolyte” following recent developments, The Stranger’s narrative is one that definitely deserves further exploration.
Don’t be a Stranger, Qimir
Could it be possible that Disney may reconsider the cancellation of “The Acolyte,” and bring back Manny Jacinto’s character, The Stranger, despite his villainous role in the series? His intriguing portrayal of a Jedi-hating antagonist and his impact on social media have gained him quite a following. With characters like Ahsoka (Rosario Dawson), Andor, and Boba Fett (Temuera Morrison) each getting their own spotlight on the streaming service, it’s not far-fetched to suggest that The Stranger could also deserve similar attention, especially considering the hints left in the season finale.
It was confirmed on the show’s last episode that Vernestra Rwoh (Rebecca Henderson) was Qimir’s former Jedi master before he abandoned the Order and found a different path. While the story of a fallen Jedi might not be anything new, a season focusing on one of the first to do so (perhaps even exploring the tragedy of Darth Plagueis the Wise, which you might’ve heard of) would be worth a watch. We know that Jacinto has it in him to carry a show thanks to most of the heavy lifting he was tasked with on “The Acolyte,” so doing it in a story focused solely on his character wouldn’t be that difficult. Above all though, it would accomplish what “The Acolyte” now won’t get a chance to do -– spend more time in the High Republic era.
Nailing The Stranger’s story could lead to reviving the world of The Acolyte
Disney may not find blockbuster success with “The Acolyte,” but they’ve undeniably discovered a rising talent in Manny Jacinto. It would be wise for the studio to make every effort to retain him. For now, one time period is securely established, with figures like Ahsoka, Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal), and Bo-Katan Kryze (Katee Sackhoff) set to continue their adventures in upcoming projects such as the feature film “The Mandalorian and Grogu” and Dave Filoni’s New Republic movie. If plans are underway to delve deeper into the other end of the Star Wars timeline, Qimir could serve as an intriguing starting point.
Instead of showing a character like Qimir gradually falling to the dark side, similar to Anakin becoming Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise, let’s imagine a scenario where his descent happens quickly, plunging us deep into the dark side and prolonging our exploration of that aspect. Given Jacinto’s acting prowess, he seems capable of executing such a role effectively. Once he captivates audiences further, it might pave the way for “The Acolyte” to return, potentially offering another opportunity for its revival.
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2024-08-20 22:00