Key Takeaways:
– The audience score for Star Wars series ‘The Acolyte’ sinks to a new low of 14% despite an 84% Tomatometer rating.
– Fans voice displeasure over an obese Jedi character, arguing it contradicts the known Jedi training principles.
– The series is accused of pushing a forced inclusion agenda, with an emphasis on diverse characters and progressive storylines.
– The show is also said to have overhauled a key Star Wars plot point regarding Anakin Skywalker.
Body Content
The Acolyte, a new series within the Star Wars franchise, finds itself on the receiving end of harsh criticism from fans. Despite garnering a Tomatometer score of 84%, the audience rating plummeted to an all-time low of 14%. Fans’ main grievance? An obese Jedi character that contradicts established Star Wars lore and disrupts the logic of the Jedi universe.
Embracing Diversity or Pushing an Agenda?
Star Wars fans linked the series’ downfall with Disney and Kathleen Kennedy’s alleged attempt to enforce a diversity agenda. In contrast to the predominantly white male character line-ups of the original George Lucas projects, The Acolyte series spotlights diverse characters. Critics argue this effort compromises the integrity and logic of the Star Wars narrative. Lack of coherence to Jedi training protocols, in particular, has been a sticking point for the fans.
Obesity in Jedi Canon: A Controversial Inclusion
The surprise addition of an obese Padawan has ruffled feathers among the Star Wars fan community. Fans argue that the Jedi training, described in prior films and books, indicates a monk-like regimen that inherently promotes physical fitness. Therefore, the notion of a physically unfit, obese Jedi simply doesn’t scene. One fan likened the situation to the impossibility of an obese member in an elite military unit like the U.S. Navy Seals.
Star Wars body-shaming History and Inconsistent Canon
The show’s critics also allude to the Star Wars franchise’s history of body-shaming when debating the inclusion of an obese Jedi. From Porkins in the original Star Wars trilogy to the notorious villain Jabba the Hutt, overweight characters have been portrayed unflatteringly. Fans exonerate Porkins as a plausible character as he was a pilot, which does not necessitate physical fitness. Whereas the appearance of obese Jedi is a stark detour from precedent, hence, directly conflicts with the established Star Wars canon.
While seeking a more inclusive and diverse representation is commendable, it shouldn’t be at the expense of the storyline’s logic and consistency, complain the series’ detractors.
Rewrite of Major Star Wars Plot Point Incites Further Ire
The series further incensed fans by retconning a significant Star Wars plot point. The beloved character Anakin Skywalker, unique due to his Force-based conception, is no longer exceptional. The Acolyte divulged that characters Osha and Mae were also born through Force, making Anakin’s backstory less exclusive and further distancing the series from its roots.
Regardless of the negativity, however, ‘The Acolyte’ and the rest of the Star Wars universe continues to be accessible to fans and newcomers alike on the streaming platform, Disney+.
Inclusion in a universe as vast and rich as Star Wars does not have to dismantle the established lore. A balance between representation and consistency can lead to compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences without alienating devoted fans. As the Star Wars franchise continues to evolve, so must its strategies for diversification.
