The final episode of Star Wars: The Acolyte, which has an eponymous title, features a lot of twists and turns and epic revelations. True to Manny Jacinto and Amandla Stenberg’s earlier tease, Episode 8 is jaw-dropping with the unexpected death of a major character. However, aside from these big reveals, the finale has set up the show’s return for Season 2, though Disney+ has yet to renew the series.
Warning: Major spoilers ahead. Read at your own risk.
The Acolyte finale finally revealed that Mae and Osha (Stenberg) weren’t twins, but one being that was split into two identical identities using the vergence in the Force. Though this solved the mystery surrounding the twin sisters, it still left a few loose ends that needed to be addressed if the series was ever renewed for a second season.
After killing Master Sol (Lee Jung-jae) and fully embracing the Dark Side, Osha joins Qimir (Jacinto) to be his acolyte in exchange for Mae’s freedom. By the looks of it, these two are about to continue their journey together, and their enemies-to-lovers dynamic may also be explored.
It also finally unveils the show's real Sith Lord. Judging by the long fingers, flat nose, and yellow eyes, the creature watching Qimir and Osha in the shadows on the Unknown Planet is probably the legendary Sith Lord Darth Plagueis. Though it remains to be seen if he is Qimir’s Sith Master, the potential second season may reveal their connection, why he’s on the mysterious planet, and a much larger exploration of the franchise’s cloning scheme.
In addition, Vernestra Rwoh (Rebecca Henderson) has set up a major connection with Qimir the moment she sets foot on Brendok. The Jedi Master and the Stranger quickly sense each other’s presence, making the former surprised that he’s still alive. It's good to note that Vernestra mentioned her pupil that turned bad when she was talking to Mae, seemingly referring to Qimir. So, if she's indeed Qimir’s former Jedi Master, The Acolyte Season 2 may have the answer to this question.
Her reason for covering Sol’s death and the murder mystery may also be revealed in future episodes. Also, now that Mae, whose memory has been wiped out by Qimir, is in her custody, there is a big possibility that Vernestra may shape her into a new Jedi.
To sum up all the major cliffhangers in The Acolyte finale, Grand Master Yoda appears after being met by Vernestra on Coruscant. Whether this is just a surprising cameo or a new character addition, only the possible second season has the answer.
Will there be Star Wars: The Acolyte Season 2?
So far, Disney+ has yet to renew The Acolyte for a second season. However, showrunner Leslye Headland told Nerdist in June that there were “conversations” about the show’s return, though she had no idea when it would happen and when the decision would be made. Back in March, she told Collider that she originally pitched the show to have multiple seasons, hinting at the major loose threads that couldn’t be tied up in just one season.
The series creator also revealed that she wasn’t the type to give fans an “emotional cliffhanger.” She wanted to provide them with a “particular type of catharsis” and an “emotional experience” in watching the whole season because she liked to reward the audience with that. Headland also teased that there were several plotlines that she could explore in the second season. Whatever the case, she admitted to hating creating an incomplete show.
“These things take forever to make, so I would hate to make a season that didn’t feel complete, even if it was still open for more story,” she said.
The Acolyte has received mixed reviews from critics and fans alike. Its Rotten Tomatoes critics score is 81%, while its 15% audience score is quite upsetting. However, with several loose ends, a major cliffhanger, and Headlands’ teases, it looks like the future is bright for the show to return.
All episodes of The Acolyte are available on Disney+.
