The force is strong with this sibling rivalry.
“The Acolyte” is the latest made-for-Disney+ “Star Wars” series that takes places about a century before “The Phantom Menace.” At the end of the High Republic era and before the last name Skywalker existed. I was given a 4-episode look at the series, and I had a good time with this one. It has cliches spiked with Jedi taste, some likable performances, and a sibling rivalry crafted by the same actress.
Amandla Stenberg is given a dual role as a set of Yin and Yang twins-the good Osha and the bad Mae-both of whom were separated after Mae starts a fire at their home, which kills their family. At that very moment, the wise Jedi Master Sol (Lee Kung-jae) has only been able to save Osha, but not Mae, who was presumed dead. Years later, Mae murders another Jedi Master named Indira (Carrie-Anne Moss), and because they both look alike, Osha is a suspect. But her name is cleared, once Mae’s true colors are revealed to the Jedi.
I know this sounds like I’m giving away the story, but there’s more to it, so I’m not going to say every single detail. My website and podcast name is CJ @ The Movies, not Wikipedia.
But I can tell you the other Jedi in the show, which also includes Master Lord Fandar (Charlie Barnett), Sol’s young Padawan Jecki Lon (Dafne Keen, A.K.A. Laura from “Logan”), and the Wookiee Kelnacca (Joonas Suotamo). And there’s also Mother Aniseya (Jodie Turner-Smith), the leader of a covenant of witches, and Qimir (Manny Jacinto), Mae’s smuggler confidant.
“The Acolyte” was created by Leslie Headland, who started her career off miserably, but improved quite considerably with “Sleeping with Other People” and TV fans should know she co-created “Russian Doll.” Her first “Star Wars” entry should keep fans watching, because of how Stenberg is able to divide herself as a good girl and bad girl. Or maybe the girl has been consumed by an evil that Sol can acknowledge. And I love how Jung-jae adapts to the English language and portrays him with sincerity and humanity.
Parts of the story could have been a bit more challenging, but we’re still in the early stages of the show (remember, us critics got 4 episodes in), so maybe it will push itself. Or maybe I’m being optimistic. I can’t say for sure. I can tell you that it doesn’t top “The Mandalorian” or “Andor,” but it sure as Hell tops “The Book of Bobo Fett.” It looks great with the sets, decor, and lightsabers, and it feels entertaining with what life was like before the Skywalker Saga.
First 2 Episodes Streaming Tonight 6PM PT and 9PM EST on Disney+