Review of Star Wars: The Acolyte Episode 4

Score: 7/10

Overview: Episode 4 of Star Wars: The Acolyte continues to build on the intriguing foundation laid by the previous episodes. Set in a galaxy far removed from the Skywalker saga, this series delves into the darker aspects of the Star Wars universe, offering a fresh perspective that both aligns with and diverges from traditional Star Wars storytelling.

Highlights: One of the standout features of this episode is the introduction of a new planet filled with foreign threats. The environment and atmosphere of this planet evoke a nostalgic feel reminiscent of 80s fantasy movies like The NeverEnding Story and Labyrinth. This addition brings a sense of wonder and danger that enriches the episode’s setting.

Seeing the Jedi as a larger, organized unit offers a fresh yet familiar experience. The portrayal of the Jedi here provides subtle nods to the prequels while exploring new dynamics within the Order. Vernestra’s performance is a highlight; her subtlety in portraying the internal conflict of balancing political optics with the Jedi’s best interests is noteworthy. Watching her eyes convey the struggle adds depth to her character.

Manny Jacinto’s portrayal of Qimir steals every scene. His enigmatic presence and charisma leave a lasting impression, and his character’s potential future as a Sith, hinted by the mysterious toothy helmet, adds an exciting layer of intrigue to the narrative.

Critiques: However, not everything in this episode lands perfectly. Amandla Stenberg’s performance as both of her characters felt flat, as if she was merely sticking to the script without fully embodying her roles. Similarly, Dafne Keen’s acting was lackluster; it’s challenging to determine whether this is due to her performance or the character’s writing.

Another significant issue is the episode’s pacing. It feels incomplete, as though it needed just a few more minutes to wrap up its narrative threads satisfactorily. A quick reveal of the Sith Lord’s identity could have raised the stakes and provided a thrilling cliffhanger, leaving viewers eager to see how the Jedi would tackle this new threat. Instead, the episode ends with the lingering question of the Sith’s identity, a question that’s been dangling for several weeks and is becoming frustratingly repetitive.

Conclusion: Despite its flaws, Episode 4 of The Acolyte is a solid entry in the series. It captivates with its imaginative new planet and the larger portrayal of the Jedi. Rebecca Henderson and Manny Jacinto deliver standout performances, that deserve further development. However, the flat performances of some characters and the incomplete feel of the episode leave room for improvement. With its blend of nostalgia and fresh elements, The Acolyte maintains a strong footing, and we can only hope it continues to build on its potential in the upcoming episodes.