Warning! This article contains SPOILERS for Star Wars: The Acolyte episodes 1 & 2.
Summary
Star Wars’newest TV show,Star Wars: The Acolyte,has set up the Jedi’s downfall and Palpatine’s ultimate victory, 100 years before the events ofStar Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.The Acolyteis set duringthe High Republic era, an era of theStar Warstimelinethat takes place a few centuries before theStar Warsprequel trilogy. During this era, the Jedi were, arguably, at the height of their power. Thousands of Jedi and Jedi Temples were scattered all across the galaxy, reaching out to unknown worlds and those in need as much as they could.
On the surface, the Jedi Order of the High Republic era was everything the Jedi were supposed to be. Though the Jedi of the prequel era were famously blinded by their pride and fear, the High Republic Jedi were more flexible, less prone to violence, and, above all, less fearful of the dark side. And yet, sinceThe Acolytetakes place near the tail end of this prosperous period in Jedi history, the cracks were already beginning to appear.One of the Jedi’s interests, in particular, eventually led to Palpatine’s Imperial victory over a century later.
All 35 Star Wars Easter Eggs In The Acolyte Episodes 1 & 2
The Acolyte has finally premiered on Disney+, featuring a massive collection of exciting Easter eggs and references in the first two episodes.
The Jedi Are Already Immersed In Politics
By the time ofThe Acolyte, the Jedi were already deeply immersed in the galaxy’s political landscape. Throughout the High Republic era, the Jedi worked closely with theGalactic Republicand its security forces as they valiantly foughtthe Nihil, a dangerously violent group of marauders wreaking havoc across the galaxy. However, inThe Acolyte, the Jedi’s interest in politics seems to have grown – no longer do they follow politics as a result of their alliance with the Republic, but they are implied to have their own political agenda as well.
The Jedi are meant to be a peacekeeping force, so why do they have political enemies in the first place? Why have they allowed themselves to get tangled up in a web of trade, handshakes, and deceit?
InThe Acolyte’s premiere episode,Master Vernestra (Rebecca Henderson)informsMaster Sol (Lee Jung-jae)that they need to catch the mysterious assassin who has been targeting Jedi. Together they discuss the possible ramifications should it become public knowledge that a former Padawan is killing members of the Order. According to Master Sol, the Jedi’s“political enemies could use it against [them].”But the Jedi are meant to be a peacekeeping force, so why do they have political enemies in the first place? Why have they allowed themselves to get tangled up in a web of trade, handshakes, and deceit?
Jedi Have Never Been Good At Politics
The Jedi’s involvement in politics may have been a natural progression of their alliance with the Republic, but it was also a major reason why they fell 100 years later. The Jedi have never actually been good at politics;the very nature of the Jedi Code does not allow room for the passion, drive, and determination needed to survive within the political sphere, much less thrive.The Jedi are all about compassion, balance, and treating all life as equal. Political disputes cannot always be settled that way, however. The most ethical solution is not always the most practical one.
Star Wars Reveals Why The Sith Went Into Politics To Beat The Jedi
Star Wars has finally revealed why the Sith took to politics to defeat the Jedi and why the Jedi proved so vulnerable to their ultimate plan.
That is whythe Sith, on the other hand, have managed to flourish within the galaxy’s political landscape.They are not bound by any moral obligations – they can manipulate, dictate, and fight for their “beliefs” because, in the end, the Sith are out for power, and politics can give them that power. By becoming embroiled in politics long before Palpatine was even born, the Jedi unknowingly set the stage for their demise. Getting involved in political disputes inThe Acolyteeventually led to the Clone Wars, the re-emergence of the Sith, and the rise of the Empire.
The Acolyteepisodes 1 and 2 are now available to stream. New episodes release Tuesdays on Disney+.
The Acolyte
Cast
The Acolyte is a television series set in the Star Wars universe at the end of the High Republic Era, where both the Jedi and the Galactic Empire were at the height of their influence. This sci-fi thriller sees a former Padawan reunite with her former Jedi Master as they investigate several crimes - all leading to darkness erupting from beneath the surface and preparing to bring about the end of the High Republic.
