In "The Acolyte," Jedi Master Sol is a key character driving the mystery of the show.
Renowned Lee Jung-jae's character Jedi Master Sol is central in the Disney+ series "The Acolyte." Although the show presents us to a number of fresh Jedi characters—including Master Indara, Master Kelnacca, and Master Torbin— Jedi Master Sol is a particularly interesting and nuanced figure. Though he is battling with his past and inner strife, he is a wise, greatly esteemed, and strong Jedi Master. This post delves deeply into Jedi Master Sol's character, looking at his background, function within the Jedi Order, and relationship to the main mystery of the show.
Sol, the Jedi Master: An Honored Order Member
First we meet Jedi Master Sol in "The Acolyte," where his standing inside the Jedi Order is clear-cut right away. He is much respected and honored even though he is not the Grand Master. He is guiding younglings in the Jedi Temple on Coruscant to link with the Force and understand their visions. Usually reserved for the Grand Master, this assignment highlights Jedi Master Sol's Force strength and dedication to Jedi values.
Only Yoda appears in the Star Wars chronology instructing younglings in "Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones." This emphasizes the respect colleagues of Jedi Master Sol demand. Usually reserved for the Grand Master, he is charged with displaying his force capability and relentless loyalty to Jedi teachings.
Tragic History of Jedi Master Sol on Brendok
The backstory of Jedi Master Sol is deftly entwined with the main mystery of "The Acolyte." Mae, a Sith acolyte portrayed by Amandla Stenberg, is the main focus of the program as committed killer of Jedi. Her goals seem haphazard at first, but "The Acolyte" episode 2 shows she is especially aiming at four Jedi—including Jedi Master Sol. This targeting links to an incident on the planet Brendok sixteen years prior to the events of the show involving both Jedi Master Sol and the other three targeted Jedi.
Confirmed to be from Brendok, Mae and Osha—also portrayed by Amandla Stenberg—lived there with their family as young children. Mae began a fire on the planet, which spiraled out of control and sadly killed her family including Osha. Although Mae first seems in the show as responsible for the fire, "The Acolyte" episode 7 reveals a more nuanced reality. On Brendok looking for a Force vergence, Jedi Master Sol, Indara, Torbin, and Kelnacca came upon Mae and Osha. Strong emotional ties to Osha drove Jedi Master Sol to act errlessly. Torbin's homesickness for Coruscant combined with the witches of Brendok's manipulation defied the Jedi Council's orders and aimed at twin rescue. Under the heat of the moment, Jedi Master Sol killed the mother of the girls and decided to save Osha from the fire, so separating Mae from her.
Osha and Jecki, Jedi Master Sol and His Padawans
Beyond the sad event on Brendok, Jedi Master Sol's relationship with the twins transcends. Osha was taken in by the Jedi Order once Mae was thought dead. Jedi Master Sol eventually asked permission to have her be his Padawan. Yord notes the Council's reluctance in "The Acolyte" episode 1, referencing Osha's older age and her loss of family member grief. Eventually, though, the Council yielded and Jedi Master Sol became Osha's Master.
This relationship helps Jedi Master Sol to link the main mystery of the show. Currently the target of Osha's sister's wrath and retribution, he actively participated in her upbringing. This makes the choice Jedi Master Sol made to choose Osha as his Padawan a turning point in the story of the show, one that Mae's violent actions will eventually be realizing decades later.
Six years prior to the events of "The Acolyte," Osha left the Jedi Order; Jedi Master Sol discovered a new apprentice: Dafne Keen's Jecki Lon. Half-human, half-theelin hybrid Jecki shows a maturity above her years on the show. Mostly found in Star Wars Legends, showrunner Leslye Headland included the species because she loved the old, non-canon stories.
The first two episodes of the show have a particularly noteworthy dynamic between Jecki and Jedi Master Sol. Their first together, the mission to Olega helps to explain the early conflict in their relationship. Though more risk is ahead, their bond gets stronger as the episodes go on.
Confrontation between Jedi Master Sol and His Darkness on Khofar
Leading a group of Jedi to Khofar, looking for both Mae and Kelnacca, Jedi Master Sol's past catches up with him. After the arrival of the enigmatic Stranger, a terrible Jedi massacre takes place in "The Acolyte" episode 5, leaving all the Jedi on the mission except for Jedi Master Sol, dead, including Jecki. The Stranger reminds Jedi Master Sol that he brought her there, driving him into darkness when he says she was only a child. He battles The Stranger almost kills him.
Osha is the only one who prevents Jedi Master Sol from giving in to his darkness, but The Stranger's charge regarding his past behavior on Brendok has long-lasting effect. Especially to Osha, this drives Jedi Master Sol to tell the truth and forces him to really face the results of his deeds. But now Mae has swapped locations with Osha, leaving her twin sister under The Stranger's care, Jedi Master Sol has not yet confronted Osha regarding his past and asked for her pardon.
Set in the Star Wars universe at the end of the High Republic Era, "The Acolyte" centers on the Jedi and the Galactic Empire, at their height. This sci-fi thriller tracks a former Padawan's reunion with her former Jedi Master as they look at crimes hinting to the arrival of darkness and the fall of the High Republic. Key in this developing narrative, Jedi Master Sol reflects the struggle between light and darkness defining the Star Wars universe and has a complicated past and inner conflict.
