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Spoilers ahead for episode 5 of Star Wars: The Acolyte
Episode 5 of “The Acolyte” picks up with high intensity and delivers some of the most captivating scenes of the series so far. The episode opens with a brutal confrontation as the Sith Master, known as “The Stranger,” arrives at Wookiee Jedi Master Kelnacca’s post on the planet Khofar. The episode wastes no time, throwing viewers into a fierce battle where the Sith Master slaughters many Jedi, including those who arrived with Osha.re
One of the standout elements of this episode is the introduction of Cortosis into the main Star Wars canon. Previously seen in Star Wars Legends, Cortosis is a metal with an incredibly high energy absorption rate. This allows it to dissipate the energy of blaster bolts and even short out lightsabers upon impact. The reveal of Cortosis leads to some visually stunning and memorable moments, as the Sith Master uses his Cortosis helmet and gauntlet to short-circuit Jedi lightsabers, leaving them defenseless. This twist not only adds a new layer to the Star Wars mythos but also sets the stage for some intense and visually compelling combat sequences. The lightsaber in Star Wars mythos is one of the most powerful weapons in the galaxy; seeing it so easily disarmed was shocking, and the Jedi’s faces as they realized their weapons were useless are priceless. Could Cortosis be a new game-changer in Star Wars lore?
In an attempt to save her friend Yord (Charlie Barnett), Osha’s (Amandla Stenberg) efforts are thwarted as her blaster stun has no effect on the Sith Master. Yord urges Osha to run, leading to a dramatic chase through the forest. Just as the Sith Master is about to strike Osha down, Jedi Master Sol (Lee Jung-Jae) intervenes, resulting in a spectacular lightsaber deflection that cuts through nearby trees, showcasing the episode’s impressive visual effects. Sol orders Yord to take the civilian back to the ship, setting the stage for an epic duel between Sol and the Sith Master.
The lightsaber and hand-to-hand combat scenes between Jedi Master Sol and the Sith Master are some of the best in Star Wars history. The choreography is intense and emotionally charged, with both fighters demonstrating their mastery of the Force and differing combat techniques. The mix of lightsaber dueling and physical combat adds a raw, primitive edge to the fight, making it absolutely thrilling. This is something we do not get to see often in Star Wars, and it was refreshing to watch.
Meanwhile, Mae’s (Stenberg) attempt to escape the war zone is thwarted by Jecki Lon (Dafne Keen), leading to an intricate hand-to-hand combat sequence. What ensues is honestly some of the best action sequencing I have ever seen, and definitely peak fight scenes within the realm of Star Wars. The fight between Mae and Jecki engages in a dance of death, with each gaining the upper hand in turn. The choreography is fluid and acrobatic, showcasing Jecki’s impressive combat skills despite being a Padawan. She holds her own incredibly well and is effortless, almost as if she isn’t even breaking a sweat, countering Mae’s every move and dodging her multiple attempts to stab her. Their battle spills into the forest. After breaking free from Mae’s final headlock, Jecki pins her down and recovers Kelnacca’s lightsaber from Mae. Sensing something behind her, she narrowly gets out of the way to reveal the mysterious Sith Master’s blade.
The duel between Jecki and the Sith Master escalates the episode’s intensity in an almost clash of the titans kind of way. The master knocks Jecki to the ground, in an attempt to make an example of her to Mae, who stands nearby, calling Jecki a “Loyal Pupil” in a belittling way. The two go back at it, clashing in an inferno of green and red. The Sith Master uses his Cortosis gauntlet to short-circuit Jecki’s lightsaber; he thinks he’s got the upper hand until Jecki whips out Kelnacca’s lightsaber from earlier and attacks again. After a moment, Jecki is able to leverage BOTH of her lightsabers, which only raises the stakes in a duel that is already so wild. Jecki’s use of two lightsabers against the Sith Master, who employs his Cortosis gauntlet, adds a unique layer to their battle. The physicality of the fight, with kicks and punches, enhances the rawness and stakes of the duel.
Mae flees into the forest, and the Sith Master pursues her after destroying one of Jecki’s lightsabers. He catches up to Mae, who begs for his forgiveness. The master attempts to kill her but is stopped by Master Sol and Jecki, who engage him in yet another epic duel. In this final battle, Sol engages in hand-to-hand combat with the Sith Master, and Jecki comes to his aid with her lightsaber, successfully knocking off his helmet. Before his identity is revealed, he stabs Jecki with his own blade three times, killing her. The Sith Master is revealed to be Qimir (Manny Jacinto), a predictable revelation, the smuggler/trader associate of Osha’s seen in past episodes. Sol is devastated at the loss of his impressive Padawan, and Qimir uses that moment to gain the upper hand, blinding him with his cloak and seizing Mae in a chokehold. Mae seems equally surprised by the revelation of his true identity.
Fueled by anger and grief after witnessing his Padawan fall to the Sith Master, Sol goes after Qimir with renewed determination. Their duel is intense and evenly matched, showcasing their formidable skills. Sol finally gains the high ground and is moments away from delivering a decisive blow when, frustratingly, Osha interrupts and stops him. This interruption, now becoming a familiar trope, likely foreshadows future consequences. Qimir seizes the opportunity to sow doubt in Osha’s mind about her former Jedi Master, suggesting that Sol is more in touch with his dark side than he appears. He criticizes the hypocrisy of the Jedi Order, a recurring theme in “The Acolyte” that resonates throughout the series. The portrayal of the Jedi as overly policing the galaxy, especially in light of the dubious events that led to Mae and Osha’s separation and the destruction of their force-sensitive family, adds depth and complexity to the narrative.
Osha cleverly attaches her droid, Pip, to Qimir’s back, revealing a plan she and Yord had been orchestrating: leading an army of Umbramoths towards the forest clearing. These creatures are attracted to light, and the combined illumination from Pip’s flashlight and Qimir’s red lightsaber lures them into attacking and carrying him away into the air.
Osha then confronts Sol, questioning why she shouldn’t trust him. Sol promises to explain later but is suddenly stunned by Mae. The long-awaited conversation between Mae and Osha follows, where they discuss their past traumas and Mae’s crimes. Osha implies that the Jedi have been more of a family to her than Mae ever was. Mae counters by asking if Osha has forgotten their roots as force-sensitive witches and accuses the Jedi of brainwashing her. The two share a heartfelt hug, and things seem to be improving until Osha declares that Mae must be arrested for her crimes. A scuffle ensues, ending with Mae using the Force to knock Osha unconscious. In a move reminiscent of “The Parent Trap,” Mae switches clothes with Osha and assumes her twin’s identity.
In the end, Mae is seen impersonating her sister with Master Sol on the Jedi ship, while Osha is left unconscious and found by Qimir, who may or may not realize they have switched places.
Conclusion: A Stellar Episode
Episode 5 of “The Acolyte” is a triumph for the series, delivering a compelling narrative, breathtaking action sequences, and significant developments in the Star Wars universe. The introduction of Cortosis, the intense combat choreography, and the emotional stakes make this the best episode of the series yet. It stands out as one of the finest pieces of Star Wars media in recent memory.
This episode was comprehensively captivating, keeping me on the edge of my seat from start to finish and full of unexpected twists. The narrative was wonderfully written, the fight scenes were superb, and overall, this episode is a high point for the series. “The Acolyte” continues to impress and captivate, solidifying its place as a must-watch for Star Wars fans. I eagerly await Episode 6 to see how these thrilling events unfold.
Rating: 10/10
This episode has set a high bar for the series, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating what comes next. “The Acolyte” is a shining example of Star Wars storytelling at its best.
Hey hey, I’m Max Taff! If you found my insights on this episode of The Acolyte compelling, join me for more discussions on Twitter @VigilanteVibes. Dive deeper into the world of nerd culture with my podcast, Vigilante Vibes: A Marvel Podcast. AND if you’re looking for a welcoming community to explore all things nerdy, join my non-toxic Facebook group, MediaVerse: Comic Unwrapped, boasting over 50k members. Let’s connect and delve into our favorite fandoms together!
