New Twists in The Acolyte: Star Wars Saga

Have you watched the first two episodes of ‘The Acolyte’ that are now available for streaming through Disney+? If not, allow me to give you a brief preview of what is new to be found in this newly introduced part of the Star Wars series.

Despite the significant time jump of a hundred years before “Star Wars“. Although this series has been labeled as Clicker Wheel, this series still has many familiar aspects from the galaxy far, far away seen in films such as “Episode I: The Phantom Menace.”

1. The Trade Federation’s Return

The Trade Federation that was portrayed as the enemies in ‘The Phantom Menace’ reappears here, not as the antagonists as in the previous movie. In this series, Trade Federation has the role of an organization rather than the separatist group. Osha Aniseya is a member of this organization, which, therefore, suggests the Trade Federation in different roles throughout the High Republic era. 

2. Gonk Droids

Gonk droids are those droid characters with block-like appearances who acted as power generators in the previous Star Wars series and movies; they appear in “The Acolyte” as well, but their shape has slightly changed from rectangular to block one in a new series. That they have muscle to continue to be such a reliable, multifunctional, and useful part of technology in the Star Wars universe.

3. Protocol Droids Reimagined

Back as well are the protocol devices necessary for the functions of translation and communication between multitudes of languages. However, their design in “The Acolyte” looks different. From their common appearance, they are dressed more like medieval church choirboys than modern Christians. It is different from the slimmer, shorter one seen in the previous films; it is white and adheres to a bulbous, taller circular front while having a rectangular end. This change of design brings a new look while retaining the core features of these very useful and important devices.

4. Low-Tech Laser Shields

Laser shields, which were depicted in “The Phantom Menace,” where they were used by Jedi to defend themselves, are utilized in “The Acolyte” to imprison those that the parties do not approve. Even though the use of the technology is already in containment, the existence of the device can be traced back to the key features of the Jedi’s history.

5. The Jedi Robes Evolution

The iconic Star Wars robes have dye changes in this series, “The Acolyte.” While they were brown with a small contrasting hue, they are now white with a golden touch. This change enriches Anakin’s costume with the intention of the fashion and status of the Jedi Order, which thus connects the series to its more mature phase.

[Also Read : Revisiting the Saga: 10 Star Wars Retcons You Need to Know ]

6. The Jedi Temple’s Transformation

Coruscant City has changed over the years, especially when seeing the Jedi Temple of the prequel period in ‘The Acolyte,’ which is set 100 years before the prequels, where the temple is of a greater height and more conspicuous. The location of the temple in the less-populated at this time city of Coruscant means the temple is even more noticeable. 

7. Hologram Communication

“The Acolyte” also has holographic communication, familiar from the Star Wars saga: Vernesta uses a hologram to talk with Master Sol. Nonetheless, holograms in this series are smaller compared to the previous ones, indicating even incremental progress in the physical design and workings of the technology.

8. Lightsabers

The use of lightsabers, which are usually part of the Jedi’s weaponry, is presented more diversely in “The Acolyte.” While before blue and green lightsabers were dominant, the appearance of different colors, including yellow in this series, poses a new way for the Jedi to fight. It is worth revisiting the development of the Jedi Order’s equipment; this variety exemplifies.

9. Larger Starships

In “The Acolyte,” starships are significantly larger compared to the precursor, i.e., the films. Every one of these ships being bigger in order to hold more passengers and have more room are evolutionary improvements in the technology and design of starships. This also points at the enhanced size depicting the increase in the scale of interstellar travel and commerce during this period.

10. A Mysterious Sith

Last but not least, the aspect of mysterious Sith adds an element of mystery to “The Acolyte.” The encounter of Mae with the Sith Lord, whose identity is yet to be revealed, creates tension and correlates with the known Sith Lords, such as Darth Tenebrous and Darth Plagueis. This mysterious character’s involvement in the series suggests there are more twisted layers in the world of Star Wars.

New episodes of “The Acolyte” are released every Tuesday at Disney+. As both an old-school fan and a newcomer to this so-called galaxy, this series is a mixture of surprise and creativity that is contributing so much to the Star Wars series. You can now leave words of appreciation in the mothers’ comments section below and also share your own favorite moments with your own mom below.