The Acolyte Ending Explained: The Shadow of Darth Vader Drops on the High Republic
The ending of the Acolyte season 1 closed unresolved riddles, raised fresh ones, and left the shadow of Dark Side hovering over the High Republic Era. Once the ending of The Acolyte episode 7 revealed what happened on Brendok, focus turned right away to the season finale. The show had to finish the sad tale of Master Sol, tie the destinies of Osha and Mae, provide more information about Qimir's motivations and ties to the larger Sith organization, and explain Vernestra Rwoh's links to the whole event.
Cover-up for Jedi and accusations by Senator Rayencourt
Vernestra Rwoh talks with Senator Rayencourt, a character mentioned throughout the series, in the eighth Acolyte episode. Given the two organizations are cooperating more closely, this Senator is pushing for a Senate external review of the Jedi. Rayencourt shows mistrust of the Jedi and seeks to know, more precisely, what they fight for if not personally. Though The Acolyte episode 8's ending involving Master Sol proves otherwise, Vernestra insists Rayencourt is wrong.
Rather than bringing Mae to justice, Vernestra just holds Sol's terrible death at the hands of Osha responsible for the murders of Indara, Torbin, and Kelnatta. Sol is the scapegoat used to keep the Jedi Order free from participation in The Acolyte events. Sol's egotistical behavior is the reason behind these issues, the Senate is advised. Sol's passing unfortunately exposes a possible truth in Senator Rayencourt's claims.
The Fall to the Dark Side of Osha and the Authority of Darth Vader
Common belief has been that Osha and Mae would trade places since the sixth Acolyte episode. While Osha would welcome darkness and accompany Qimir, Mae would see the Jedi in another perspective. This idea is realized in the last episode of The Acolyte. Osha completely rejects her former training after learning of Sol's involvement in Aniseya's murder and gives in to the guilt, wrath, and fear that brought about her failure as a Jedi.
Osha Force-chokes Sol and formally teams with Qimir using the trademark power move of Darth Vader. This shows her whole acceptance of the negative side as well as her loyalty to Qimir and his Sith doctrines. Osha's decision emphasizes the vulnerability of Jedi who fall for the lure of darkness and the terrible power of unbridled emotions.
The Changes in a Jedi Lightsaber
Regarding Star Wars' lightsabers, many people have wondered precisely how Sith warriors get red lightsabers. Comics and books have examined this, but The Acolyte is the first live-action Star Wars property to feature a Jedi's lightsaber being "bled" into a red, Sith-like blade. With one hand Osha Force-chokes Sol; her other holds his lightsaber with the Kyber crystal showing.
The Kyber crystal starts to bleed from its original blue to a dark red as Osha descends more into her gloom. This metamorphosis marks Osha's embrace of the dark side and her total rejection of the Jedi manner. It marks a symbolic change from the light to the dark since the lightsaber comes to reflect her corrupted character.
The Acolyte's Cameos: Master Yoda and Darth Plagueis
Two major Star Wars cameos define The Acolyte season 1's finale unquestionably as the main point of discussion. A robed figure is seen observing Qimir and Osha leaving their planet to intercept Mae and Sol midway through the episode. This is none other than Emperor Palpatine's Sith Master, Darth Plagueis.
Mae and Qimir leave, really casting the shadow of the dark side over the show, with Plagueis's bony fingers, long face, and piercing yellow eyes. His presence suggests a more expansive Sith organization functioning in the background, so augmenting the mystery and risk inherent in the High Republic era.
Master Yoda's cameo in the last shot of The Acolyte marks the opposite end of its good and evil spectrum. Vernestra Rwoh enters a room apologizing for upsetting Yoda and insisting they should talk after trying to hide the misdeeds of the Jedi Order. Looking more like the puppet than the CGI version from the prequels, the camera pans down to show Yoda's rear.
This relates to the future tales of the Skywalker Saga by suggesting The Acolyte's more general narrative of light and darkness. Even as the dark side creeps in, Yoda's look emphasizes the significance of the Jedi Order and their part in preserving galaxy equilibrium.
The Acolyte: Dark Undertones Sci-Fi Thriller
Set in the Star Wars universe at the end of the High Republic Era, the Acolyte is a television series featuring both the Galactic Empire and the Jedi under major influence. Foreshadowing the end of the High Republic, this sci-fi thriller centers on a former Padawan who meets her former Jedi Master as they investigate different crimes, all of which cause darkness to erupt from beneath the surface.
Examining the internal conflicts, flaws, and vulnerability to the dark side of the Jedi Order, The Acolyte explores their complexity. Providing insights on the events leading to the rise of the Sith and the fall of the Jedi Order, the series functions as a prequel to the Skywalker Saga.