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We should learn from the Jedi in The Acolyte and try to be better

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I’ve been a Star Wars fan for as long as I can remember. I grew up watching the original trilogy over and over again, dreaming of becoming a Jedi knight like Luke Skywalker or Han Solo. The values of compassion, selflessness, and honesty resonated with me deeply, and I saw the Jedi Order as the embodiment of those ideals.

As a dedicated gamer following the captivating storyline of “The Acolyte,” I can’t help but reflect on the conclusion of its first season. The show masterfully portrayed the Jedi order in all their complexities, making me ponder if we as fans might benefit from learning some valuable lessons from their mistakes. Instead of just admiring these characters from a distance, perhaps it’s time to contemplate how their experiences can enrich our own lives and fandom journey.

We should learn from the Jedi in The Acolyte and try to be better

In my recent writings about “The Acolyte,” I’ve devoted considerable space to discussing the representation of the Jedi. From a personal standpoint, I believe that certain aspects of their portrayal could be seen as overly critical. For instance, the handling of the witch coven and the hasty decisions made by Sol and Torbin may give an undesirably negative impression.

It’s worth noting that not everyone agrees with this perspective. Some people believe that it’s past time to present the Jedi in a more complex light. After all, humans have strengths and weaknesses, and portraying our heroes as imperfect can make them feel more relatable and authentic.

This is a very valid and respectable take.

In my opinion, the Jedi represent ideals worth striving for. Their virtues of kindness, sacrifice, truthfulness, and concern for others are not always abundant in our everyday lives. Consequently, it’s essential to have characters that truly personify these admirable qualities.

In “The Acolyte,” the Jedi characters exhibit uncharacteristic behaviors. Sol is dishonest, prioritizes himself over others, and erroneously takes Mother Aniseya’s life. Shockingly, he held onto his belief that he had acted justly even in death. Similarly, Vernestra appears to be preoccupied with political maneuvering for the Jedi Order, rather than upholding moral principles or speaking truthfully. Despite their supposed noble motivations, these actions do not align with what is right.

Leslye Headland and the show’s creators didn’t just come up with this idea out of thin air. They’re expanding on themes already established in the Star Wars franchise. For instance, Obi-Wan Kenobi misled Luke Skywalker about his father in the original trilogy, using the reasoning “It’s true from a certain point of view.” The Jedi made debatable choices during the prequels and the Clone Wars, which some would argue led to their eventual defeat. It’s nothing new for the Jedi to act imperfectly.

Maybe I harbor feelings of disappointment because the sequel trilogy failed to showcase the optimal Jedi side of Luke, as I had envisioned him learning from past mistakes and establishing a Jedi order rooted in altruism and empathy.

With the franchise opting for a new take on the Jedi, it appears increasingly uncertain that there will be a phase in the galactic history where the Jedi served as an undeniable source of goodness.

In my perspective, I find it annoying yet many fans appreciate the complex moral landscape of the Jedi. Daily life presents us with the decision to uphold goodness and follow our noblest urges or succumb to our darker inclinations. The imperfections and emotional lapses of the Jedi make them more authentic and identifiable as human beings. However, I can’t help but yearn for more instances where we witness the Jedi exercising their virtuous traits on screen.

Despite being just a fictional universe in a distant galaxy, Star Wars remains a beloved topic for many. It’s important to keep cool heads and avoid getting worked up while discussing different interpretations of a TV show or movie. We may not agree on every point, but we should strive to understand and respect each other’s perspectives. After all, our shared appreciation for Star Wars is what brings us together.

In the same vein as the Jedi not exclusively wielding the Force, no single Star Wars fanbase sector possesses an exclusive claim to the correct perspective or interpretation. We cherish Star Wars for varied motivations, and it’s essential not to jump to conclusions that those holding opposing views are acting maliciously or misinterpreting their fandom incorrectly. The Jedi themselves served as a reminder of this lesson when they reacted to the witches on Brendok based solely on their unfamiliar practices, assuming harm was being inflicted upon Osha and Mae.

By observing and drawing lessons from their errors, we have the opportunity to improve ourselves. Let’s avoid hasty conclusions and negative assumptions towards others. Gain insights from the blunders of Sol and Vernestra as depicted in the series.

When talking about the Jedi, let’s keep in mind their guiding principles: restraint, selflessness, compassion, and humility. While expressing our views on the Jedi, we need to ensure we do so considerately towards everyone involved. This respectful approach aligns with the true essence of being a Jedi.

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2024-07-19 00:22

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