Key Takeaways:
– Star Wars prequel series, The Acolyte, receives mixed reviews from fans.
– According to the series, Jedi only use lightsabers when intending to kill, which conflicts with the original Star Wars lore.
– The show currently holds a divergent score on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics rating it 85%, but the audience rating plummets to 21%.
“May the force be with you” but perhaps not the Star Wars prequel series, The Acolyte. Fans are expressing their discontent over various aspects of the show, notably the illogical use of lightsabers. As typical of a Star Wars entry, lightsaber duels are a tradition and an integral part of the storyline, making them a subject of scrutiny.
Conflict in Lightsaber Logic
One major inconsistency picked up by fans relates to the use of these iconic weapons by the Jedi. According to The Acolyte, Jedis only use their lightsabers when they intend to kill. However, the traditional Star Wars lore paints a different picture, creating a significant plothole. Fans were quick to point out examples from previous entries where Jedi used their lightsabers for various reasons, such as lighting up dark areas.
Echoes of Discontent Across Social Media
The gulf between the show's presentation and the fan's expectations generated a wave of disgruntled comments over social media. Fans were vocal about the misinterpretation of the Jedi lore, with several comedic yet critical posts gaining traction.
The Acolyte Stirring the Pot
The Acolyte isn't a stranger to controversy. Ever since its announcement, fans and critics alike have had their eyes on it. Leslye Headland, the creator of the Russian Doll series, emerged as the first woman to create a Star Wars series. Unfortunately, her interpretation and presentation of the Star Wars universe have been a hot topic of debate.
Audience vs Critics: The Dividing Score
While critics welcomed the series with an 85% score on Rotten Tomatoes, audiences did not reflect the same sentiment. The series hit a low with a 21% audience score, leading to accusations of review bombing. The term ‘going woke' was also thrown around a lot by the audience in their reviews.
Creator's Perspective on Backlash
This backlash called for a response from both Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy and Leslye Headland. Kennedy sympathized with the difficulties faced by women stepping into the franchise and how they are sometimes subject to personal attacks due to the male-dominated fan base. Headland, on the other hand, expressed empathy towards the fans, stating anyone making bigoted comments doesn't qualify as one.
The Bottom Line
Despite the controversy, The Acolyte continues its run on Disney Plus, stirring discussions with every new episode. A saga that has captivated and united generations of fans now faces a challenge: engaging new viewers while remaining true to its established lore. Meanwhile, fans are left to watch and ponder whether the new interpretations add to the rich Star Wars tapestry or rip apart the seams.
While the original Star Wars series was widely hailed for its iconic characters, groundbreaking special effects, and rich lore, it looks like the newer series are finding it a tough act to follow. Today, The Acolyte stands as a testament to the struggles and potential pitfalls of rebranding a cherished franchise for a new generation.
