The latest episode of The Acolyte on Disney+ takes a deep dive into the darker sides of Jedi heroes, showcasing Mae and Osha’s struggle with light and dark paths. This episode, titled Day
, provides a complex narrative that explores the multifaceted nature of the Force.
When we first see Manny Jacinto’s Qimir in The Acolyte, he is actively contributing to Mae’s dubious mission by preparing a potent poison. Jacinto mentioned to Entertainment Weekly, The following contains major spoilers
, shedding light on Mae’s intricate plan against Jedi Master Torbin. The series makes it clear that the twins, who were separated after a disaster on Brendok, are now on clashing paths—Mae towards the Sith and Osha towards the Jedi.
This conflict reaches an emotional crescendo as both characters undergo a form of the famous Star Wars mirror test—forcing them to confront their inner fears and make choices that could alter their destinies.
Examining the Mirror Test in Star Wars
The mirror test has been a crucial thematic element in Star Wars lore, representing a period of intense introspection and potential turning points for iconic characters. In Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back, Luke Skywalker faces his greatest fear when he sees his own face beneath Darth Vader’s mask in the Dagobah cave. Likewise, The Last Jedi features Rey confronting her dark reflection in a cave on Ahch-To.
Rian Johnson, discussing Rey’s mirror scene, stated that it was left open to [the viewer’s] interpretation
. He emphasized that Rey’s journey was about self-discovery and choosing her true path despite her ominous reflections. Similarly, Mae and Osha’s journey parallels this reflective and introspective process.
The Acolyte not only references these past moments but also delves deeper into how powerful Jedi confront their inner conflicts. The scene where Mae uses poison prepared by Qimir after failing to breach Torbin’s Force wall strikingly mirrors moments from previous films, bringing an added layer of complexity and darkness.
Mae and Osha’s Test of Choices
The sisters’ dynamic in The Acolyte creates a uniquely personal mirror test. Their interaction reflects not just their internal struggles but also their contrasting ideologies. As children, Mae displayed cruelty with her use of the Force, loving to harm animals—a trait Osha found disturbing and chose not to follow.
This confrontation is more than a hallucination; it’s their attempt to rebuild broken bonds and find redemption or acceptance through their actions. Mae feels warmth from Osha, yet her promise to turn herself in represents a critical juncture where she grapples between loyalty to her Sith Master and familial reconciliation.
The Risk of Falling Short
As Episode 4 concludes, ominous developments suggest both could potentially fail their tests. Mae discovers her target, Kelnacca, dead—a move likely orchestrated by her Sith Master. This complicates her plans for redemption as she weighs the risks involved if she continues down her current path or tries to align with the Light once more.
Osha faces her own dilemma; unresolved feelings might drive her towards darkness should she perceive betrayal or loss once more. This plotline seems reminiscent of Anakin Skywalker’s tragic turn due to grief over loved ones—a stark reminder that young Star Wars characters are continually tested by trauma and fierce choices.
Manny Jacinto aptly captures this compelling narrative: Manny Jacinto discusses the shocking reveal in the latest episode of Disney+ and Lucasfilm’s Star Wars prequel series The Acolyte
. This episode doesn’t shy away from making audiences question our heroes’ true natures and posing difficult choices before them—all while echoing one of cinema’s most pivotal moments in Revenge of the Sith.
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