Star Wars: Darth Plagueis fills in The Acolyte finale’s plot holes

As a seasoned Star Wars fan with a particular fondness for the dark side of the Force, I’ve read my fair share of Expanded Universe novels. But none have captivated me quite like “Star Wars: Darth Plagueis” by James Luceno.

In the beginning of watching “The Acolyte,” I sensed a strong connection to the storyline of “Star Wars: Darth Plagueis” by James Luceno. This 2012 novel is set around 100 years before the occurrences of “The Phantom Menace,” and given the Sith theme, Leslye Headland’s series might either refute or intensify the tales of one of Star Wars’ most infamous off-screen characters. Although “Star Wars: Darth Plagueis” was demoted to “Legends” status in 2014 during Lucasfilm’s rebranding, it now seemed essential summer reading.

I’m thrilled I finished reading it: Surprisingly enough, The Acolyte seems to be deeply involved with Hego Damask II, the Muun from “Star Wars: Darth Plagueis.” It’s fantastic because this book has quickly become one of my favorite new Star Wars reads.

In “Revenge of the Sith,” Sheev Palpatine, later known as Darth Sidious, introduced Anakin Skywalker to the tragic backstory of his former master, Darth Plagueis. George Lucas introduced this character with a mere mention, expanding the Star Wars universe’s history and sparking viewers’ imaginations, leaving the intricacies for future storytellers to explore.

In the Star Wars universe, it was Luceno, a trusted author known for his Darth Vader stories, who received the opportunity to write “Star Wars: Darth Plagueis.” The proposal for this novel was proposed vaguely, but was put on hold as Lucasfilm pondered over commissioning a novel centered around Palpatine. Eventually, Luceno persuaded them and collaborated with George Lucas to ensure the story adhered to the highest level of Star Wars canon. The opening pages set a tense tone, depicting Palpatine triumphantly defeating his master Plagueis. The remaining 480 pages delve into Plagueis’ manipulations and orchestration of what he believed to be the Sith Order’s greatest coup.

As a long-time Star Wars fan with a deep appreciation for the Expanded Universe, I’ve seen my fair share of novels that didn’t quite live up to my expectations. I was there for the groundbreaking “Shadow of the Empire” and Timothy Zahn’s Thrawn books, but struggled to get through the Rogue Squadron series and anything without a Jedi character. I even fell off the wagon in the 2010s, until I discovered “Master & Apprentice.”

Plagueis exhibits a stoic demeanor while harboring great manipulative skills. Contrary to this image, the initial chapters present him in an adventurous light, akin to Bruce Wayne’s antithesis. On his home planet Muunilinst, Plagueis is recognized as Hego Damask II, a respected figure within the InterGalactic Banking Clan. This organization channels funds into influential cartels and corporations that shape Coruscant’s power structure. Scenes portray Plagueis engaging in high-stakes financial negotiations with precision and ruthlessness, reminiscent of Logan Roy from “Succession.” It’s intriguing to ponder how well the cunning Sith might have meshed within the Roy family dynasty.

Plagueis, like Darth Tenebrous, was taught under the Bith Master on Bal’demnic. This dark lord introduced Plagueis to cortosis, a metal that wards off Jedi powers. Notably, Qimir in “The Acolyte” similarly employs cortosis for his protective helmet. The intricate web of connections between these characters and elements unravels before us.

Tenebrous’ connection with Plagueis proves to be fleeting, after which Plagueis embarks on a journey to control midi-chlorians and potentially prolong his existence. During this quest, he uncovers hidden knowledge from Tenebrous and acquires a new apprentice: the young Naboo rebel, Sheev Palpatine.

As a gamer, I used to think that delving deep into the intricacies of “The Phantom Menace” and cross-referencing every detail with the movie would be tedious and time-consuming, like mapping out every star in the universe. But under Luceno’s skilled pen, this meticulous exploration transformed into an exhilarating political thriller. In this new narrative, evil was given room to grow unchecked. With no preconceived cinematic voice to guide me, the author breathed life into Plagueis as a captivating and sinister protagonist, whose voice in my imagination resonated with the menacing charm of The Emperor from “Baldur’s Gate 3” – perhaps an unconscious comparison due to his height.

In this rephrased version, the book is deeply immersed in the perspective of Darth Plagueis, with his schemes constantly unfolding. Readers of Thrawn’s novels are sure to be captivated by the intricate plotting and character-driven narrative. This story does not feature any traditional heroes; instead, it showcases those wielding power. The depicted violence is frequent and authentic, which may seem even more intense in 2024 compared to 2012.

The future of “The Acolyte” is uncertain, as production has taken a long time and Disney Plus has delayed at least one Star Wars TV series for the big screen. However, the first season leaves no doubt about the direction of the story. An intriguing character resembling Darth Plagueis, with a long neck emerging from a cave on a suspected Bal’demnic world, makes an appearance. Yet it remains unclear how this figure will influence Qimir and Mae’s descent into the Dark Side.

If Headland intends to restore certain aspects of Luceno’s novel, here are some facts: Darth Plagueis is deeply fascinated by the Force’s role in creating life, disregarding any potential Sith Lords who may hinder his plans. At a certain point, Palpatine, an exceptionally powerful user of the Force, enters the narrative. Be warned, he is well-equipped and highly dangerous.

If Headland transforms Plagueis into an impressive antagonist in her unique way, allowing Luceno’s books to fully embody the essence of Legends, then I’m all for it. You can absolutely, and even more so, immerse yourself in the experience by reading it.

Star Wars: Darth Plagueis 

Prices taken at time of publishing.

• $14

  at Amazon

• $17

  at Bookshop

• $14

  at Walmart

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2024-07-17 21:19