‘The Acolyte’ Episode 3 Takes Star Wars Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

[Warning: Article contains spoilers for Star Wars: The Acolyte, episode 3, ‘Destiny.’] It’s taken me a day or so to process the third episode of the latest live-action Star Wars series, and…. I… well now. That was something. When I first reported on The Acolyte, I remarked that it just felt like it was missing that certain Star Wars something. Upon a second watch of the first two episodes, I felt more positive about the show’s direction. Then ‘Destiny’ aired, and I honestly don’t quite know what to think now.

The episode dives deeply into Osha and Mae’s past as part of a coven of witches apparently exiled from the Republic. While including a Zabrak witch (giving big nods to the witches of Dathomir and Darth Maul) was a nice touch, seemingly any real connection to the rest of Star Wars lore ends there. They call the Force the “Thread,” and The Acolyte hints that Mother Aniseya conceived the twins through the Force, er, Thread, itself. (*Anakin as the Chosen One purists have entered the chat*) There was so much more this episode could have done/been but, unfortunately, the wheels fell off quickly.

The Acolyte episode 3 misses the mark

I hate to say it, but the writing for this episode was simply atrocious. The dialogue (and, sadly, acting) between the young twins felt even more ridiculous and childish than I’m assuming was intended. The ascension ceremony, meant to have an air of gravitas about it, was more comical and cringe-inducing than anything. That scene has already become an early turning point in The Acolyte, and not for the better. The witches’ chant was perhaps some of the worst writing in all of Star Wars, a franchise that includes “I don’t like sand” and “somehow, Palpatine returned.” Mae wanting to murder Osha for wanting to live her own life? Wildfire spreading… in a stone cave…

Yikes.

If there was a highlight from the episode, it is undoubtedly, once again, actor Lee Jung-jae (Master Sol). His dedication to Star Wars (effectively learning English just for this role) is evident in every scene in which he appears. Sol is unquestionably the heart and soul of The Acolyte. The downside of that is that I, and many fans, are growing far more invested in his character than we are assuredly meant to be in the two main characters of Osha and Mae. It’s not a good sign for a series when the main characters are overshadowed by only the third episode.

I still think the show has potential to grow, and by the will of the Force I really hope it does. Sadly though, thus far The Acolyte, with its first three episodes, is the perfect representation of the phrase “two steps forward, one step back.”

New episodes air every Tuesday at 9:00 pm Eastern on Disney+.