The Acolyte is proof that some Disney+ TV shows really are better off being movies
As a long-time Star Wars fan and someone who grew up watching the movies on the big screen, I have to admit that I was disappointed with the recent release of The Acolyte on Disney+. Don’t get me wrong, there were some good aspects to the show – the storyline touched upon fascinating themes, there were great performances, and the action scenes were well-executed. However, as someone who has experienced the magic of Star Wars in theaters, I couldn’t help but feel that The Acolyte fell short.
As a longtime fan of Star Wars and Marvel, I have to admit that I was initially excited when I heard about “The Acolyte” being developed for Disney+. However, after watching its first season, I cannot help but feel disappointed.
Caution: This article contains SPOILERS for The Acolyte Season 1
Prior to the films’ events, in “The Acolyte,” Amandla Stenberg’s character, Osha, is a former Jedi apprentice. She finds herself embroiled in an investigation that accuses her of killing other Jedi. Unbeknownst to her, the true killer is her long-lost twin sister Mae (also portrayed by Stenberg), whom she had believed dead for decades. As Osha and Mae’s stories intertwine, they uncover the mystery behind how the Sith have managed to endure and regain their power.
As a devoted fan, I’ve noticed some criticisms leveled against the show regarding its pacing, writing, and acting. Nevertheless, it managed to paint an engrossing portrait of the Star Wars universe despite these issues. The finale, in particular, garnered wider acclaim as it delved into the complexities of the Jedi Order, with one Master placing undue blame on a deceased Jedi instead of acknowledging the possibility of the Sith’s return. There was potential for a captivating second season and intriguing setup for the enigmatic Darth Plagueis, who is said to be the master of Palpatine, yet even with these promising elements, the show was not without its flaws.
Additionally, The Acolyte followed a pattern observed in Star Wars and Marvel: They produced television series that could have been films instead.
Why Disney+ is making the wrong projects shows
Disney has a valid reason for producing TV shows based on Star Wars and Marvel. These franchises are massive and iconic, providing an excellent foundation for Disney+ content. The extended format of a television series allows creators greater scope to expand their narratives, making it a logical choice. However, the results have not met expectations so far.
I’ve been thoroughly impressed with the latest Star Wars projects, and I’m not even usually a big fan! The critically acclaimed series “Andor” has won over both Star Wars devotees and newcomers with its gripping storyline, intricate political dynamics, and unique insights into the Empire. And let’s not forget about “The Mandalorian,” which ignited a fresh wave of excitement and even earned Emmy nominations.
On the Marvel Studios’ side, “Ms. Marvel” performed exceptionally well as a television series, while “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law” seemed more suitable for the fourth-wall breaking format in a TV show rather than a movie. Similarly, “WandaVision” effectively incorporated television into its narrative, making it essential to present the story on this medium. Lastly, “Loki” excelled at employing the episodic structure, enriching the plot with thrilling cliffhangers that left viewers anticipating the next episode.
Instead, Regarding the other shows, “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” and “Secret Invasion” drew criticism for their uneven pacing and lengthy six-episode arcs. In retrospect, “Secret Invasion” might have benefited from being condensed into a single film, as its storyline seemed excessive for the given number of episodes, potentially concealing some weaknesses. Instead of an edge-of-your-seat experience for Nick Fury, it came across more like a weary old man’s slow journey and an unsatisfying conclusion.
In relation to Star Wars, Obi-Wan, portrayed by Ewan McGregor, was initially planned for a standalone film. His performance was exceptional, and the confrontations between Obi-Wan and Vader were intense. By eliminating some unnecessary scenes involving the search for Leia, it became an engaging storyline. Similarly, Ahsoka skillfully brought her animated character to life while introducing live-action’s long-awaited Admiral Thrawn. However, a cinematic experience of these stories could have added an extra layer of excitement.
There’s an uneasy feeling that the storylines in both properties are misusing television format instead of movies. On the contrary, some people believe Marvel’s “Eternals” could have thrived as a TV series due to its vast cast and intricate plotlines. Squeezing it into a single movie resulted in a disorganized narrative. A TV show, however, would have provided enough space for the story to develop properly.
This leads to The Acolyte, which showcases the problems of this program.
Why movies are always a better fit for Star Wars
Star Wars has historically shined on the big screen. People have made it a tradition to attend this cinematic experience, as watching Star Wars was once an event. Transforming it into television hasn’t been as effective, except for shows like “Andor.” Unfortunately, the plot of “The Acolyte” would have benefited more from being a movie.
The two episodes heavily feature flashbacks of Mae and Osha’s past, each told from different perspectives – their own and that of the Jedi. These misunderstandings ultimately resulted in a tragic outcome. However, having two entire episodes for this may seem excessive when a single movie scene could have merged these viewpoints more effectively.
In essence, the show effectively highlights Luke’s assertion in “The Last Jedi” that the Jedi order, at its peak, was marred by hypocrisy and arrogance. They seized children from their families for training, engaged in power struggles, and even tarnished the reputation of a respected Knight to uphold appearances. This unwavering commitment to preserving the status quo ultimately paved the way for Palpatine’s devastating destruction of the order.
As someone who grew up watching the original Star Wars trilogy, I find it intriguing how George Lucas hinted at the inevitable end of the Jedi era through his movies. The Jedi had become complacent and stuck in their ways, while the Sith evolved and adapted. I believe a film exploring those themes alongside the usual action would have been captivating.
In all fairness, there are numerous streaming TV shows besides “Acolyte” that unnecessarily have lengthy episode counts. A significant number of these series could have been more effective with only half the number of episodes. Additionally, certain character deaths in “Acolyte” held more impact due to viewers having spent several episodes getting to know those characters. Consequently, their demise came as a greater surprise.
In essence, Acolyte found itself attempting to cover too many aspects while neglecting some crucial ones. By reducing excess material and possibly shortening the number of episodes, the series could have maintained a smoother narrative. Moreover, it may have steered clear of the backlash from certain fan communities, who tend to be more critical of weekly shows compared to films that release their entire story at once.
As a dedicated gamer, I’ve come across this predicament before: the frustration of weekly installments in certain shows, where judgement is prematurely passed on an unfolding narrative. With The Acolyte now completed, fans can finally assess the entire storyline and appreciate how it evolved, surpassing its initial stages. A movie format would have provided instant gratification, wrapping up all loose ends at once. Instead, we were left with a series of weekly releases that inadvertently clouded our perspective with hasty reactions rather than allowing us to wait for the grand reveal.
Disney tends to opt for weekly releases instead of making an entire season available at once, like with “Mandalorian.” This strategy worked well for the show due to the popularity of Baby Yoda. However, it can result in issues, such as excessive fan anticipation that may not be fully met, especially among unpredictable Star Wars fans. A Disney+ exclusive film could have been a more effective choice than a TV series.
The Acolyte may not have been top-tier Star Wars but boasted a message tackling the franchise’s themes in a unique way, some good performances and action. But like other Marvel and Star Wars shows, it fell into the trap of trying to expand a story beyond what it needed and ultimately weakened it. Fans just seem to enjoy Star Wars more on the big screen than small and a lesson that Disney could remember for the future.
The Acolyte Season 1 streaming on Disney+.
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2024-07-20 16:27