'The Acolyte's' Worst Episode Hides Brilliant Reveal

The Acolyte is the latest chapter in the Star Wars saga, and its latest episode has recently enriched the lore. Although certain audience members have taken offense with its female lead(s), last night’s reveal pushes things into dark and insidious territory none of us were expecting.

Amandla Stenberg in The Acolyte — Credit: Lucasfilm

Both Lucasfilm head Kathleen Kennedy and series showrunner Leslye Headland are under a lot of heat for their “woke” and feminist-heavy motifs, and the newest episode, “Destiny,” is currently regarded as “One Of The Most Disappointing Star Wars Episodes Ever Made”. However, it’s still a critical and necessary watch in the grand scheme of the galaxy far, far away.

While the young versions of Osha and Mae aren’t exactly the most compelling elements of the episode, the coven of Force-sensitive witches might have just set up one of the most crucial elements in the canon. While the witches themselves are screaming “Dark Side of the Force” from the minute Mother Koril appears on screen, things get much more sinister before the credits roll.

WARNING! Spoilers for The Acolyte beyond this point.

The Acolyte Introduces Sith Alchemy

Nightsisters gather in Ahsoka — Credit: Lucasfilm

From their first appearance, the coven on Brendok has an eerie nature about its members. The last time viewers saw Force-wielding witches in the Star Wars galaxy was Ahsoka’s Witches of Dathomir, a trio of sinister Nightsisters working with the villains on the hunt for Ezra Bridger.

While these might not be the same entities, they might still be related either as a predecessor or some other sect, especially when Mother Aniseya states “This isn’t about good or bad. It’s about power, and who is allowed to use it!”

Although the show clearly intends to blur the lines between good and evil/the Jedi and the Sith, the Witches have already indulged in one of the most sinister forms of Sith practices. They’ve created life through Sith alchemy.

Sith Alchemy

Emperor Palpatine in 'The Bad Batch' Season 2 — Credit: Lucasfilm

Sith Alchemy is a Dark Side ability in the Star Wars extended universe, often use to bewitch and ensnare the forces of life and death. Previously in The Clone Wars (over a century after the Hight Republic Era) by Darth Sidious and Count Dooku to enter the World Between Worlds, it is an evil and dangerous mastery that goes against the balance of nature.

It was revealed that Osha and Mae were created by Mothers Aniseya and Koril through some unspeakable means that they try to keep away from the Jedi scouts when Master Indara, Master Sol, Master Kelnacca, and Padawan Tobin arrive. They aren’t just protecting their children, they’re covering the evidence of their crimes.

What Does It Mean?

Palpatine telling Anakin about Darth Plagueis — Credit: Lucasfilm

“Have you ever heard the tragedy of Darth Plagueis the Wise?” While that line has become one of the most notorious memes in all of Star Wars, The Acolyte could finally bring it to life in a brand new way.

In the extended universe, the dark lord Darth Plagueis experimented with Sith Alchemy and other dark sciences while tutoring a young Emperor Palpatine before he disposed of his master. One such experiment was an attempt to create life and manipulate midi-chlorians, and it seems that the witches of Brendok have done precisely that.

Amandla Stenberg stands outdoors, wearing a chainmail-like top with metal armor plating. They are looking upwards with a serious expression. The background features greenery with blurred palm leaves. The scene appears to be set in a forest or jungle environment. — Credit: Lucasfilm

If what The Acolyte suggests is true and Mother Aniseya did indeed create the twins through some form of Sith Alchemy, then Osha and Mae might have a direct connection to Darth Plagueis, Palpatine, and Anakin by extension. That would mean that their story is still essential to the overarching narrative of the Star Wars galaxy.

While it could still be said that episode three of the series is perhaps the weakest so far, the introduction of this crucial Dark Side element changes everything we know about the show’s leads. We now have method to Mae’s madness, and possibly a link to an even more sinister plot line.

Does this change your opinion of The Acolyte? Tell Inside the Magic why or why not in the comments below!