The following contains spoilers for Star Wars: The Acolyte Season 1, Episode 1 “Lost/Found” and Episode 2 “Revenge/Justice,” which are now streaming on Disney+.
The Star Wars universe takes a bold leap with The Acolyte, exploring a galaxy far different from what fans have come to know. While the show has some standout moments that underscore why fans love Star Wars, it suffers from atrociously creaky dialogue that undercuts its otherwise refreshing take. One of the most talked-about aspects is the early demise of Master Indara.
A New Jedi with a Familiar Face
Jodie Turner-Smith’s introduction as a new Jedi character comes with significant buzz. In fact, Turner-Smith has elaborated on just how integrated her daughter is into the Star Wars universe, stating, She really loves to listen to stories and she loves movies; she’s like fully indoctrinated into Disney at this point.
Indara’s Striking Entry and Early Exit
Carrie-Ann Moss portrays the unique Master Indara, a well-respected Jedi whose storyline seems cut short faster than expected. In the opening episode, we see her engage in a compelling yet doomed cantina fight on Ueda, where Mae’s manipulation leads to Indara’s untimely death by knife—a move aligning more with conventional storytelling than the subversive expectation-breaking moments we were teased with.
Why The Death Feels Disingenuous
The trend of killing off big-name actors early isn’t new and has left a sour taste among Star Wars fans expecting more screen time for Moss’ Master Indara. This narrative shock tactic echoes Bryan Cranston’s brief appearance in Godzilla (2014), suggesting a bait-and-switch that feels more like a letdown. Fans had expected her to play a significant role based on extensive promotional material.
Beyond Initial Disappointments
Master Indara’s death also shares unplanned kinship with Luke Skywalker’s contentious arc in The Last Jedi. Both instances sparked debates around subversion done right versus merely pulling the rug from under fans for shock value. As Moss puts it, I think all of us would like a Jedi Master watching our back.
The Criticism of Dialogues
While the actions and visuals remain compelling, the show’s dialogue often falters. Lines that should resonate end up sounding hollow and forced, echoing not just through corridors but across social media platforms as well. Despite incredible action scenes, this Achilles’ heel cannot be overlooked.
A Glimmer of Hope?
Carrie-Ann Moss’ performance was widely anticipated due to her compelling roles in juggernauts like The Matrix. Her enthusiasm about the role was clear; she mentioned feeling an instant connection when director Leslye Headland explained Indara’s quick fate: [Series creator Leslye Headland] really wanted to have that impact right away.
Adding further intrigue is the inclusion of the Barash Vow—a deep cut into Star Wars lore first mentioned in 2017’s Darth Vader comic miniseries. Its inclusion promises richer layers moving forward even if immediate executions don’t always hit their mark.
The Controversial Return?
Some speculate whether Master Indara’s death might not be final. With precedents set (e.g., Reva’s survival after being stabbed), fans are left wondering if there’s more beneath the surface.
A Balancing Verdict
Overall, while The Acolyte’s early pitfalls—marked by creaky dialogue and potentially misguided character decisions—hold it back from greatness, it remains an ambitious addition to Star Wars lore worth watching. If it can tighten up its script and add depth to its narrative choices, it stands a chance at winning over even its harshest critics.
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