The latest episode of the Disney+ series “The Acolyte” has sent shockwaves through Star Wars fandom, as it boldly embraced a “Rogue One”-style ending, leaving many key characters dead in its wake. The episode’s ruthless execution of multiple Jedi resembled the infamous massacre in “Rogue One,” where the entire Rebel squad was wiped out.
When “The Acolyte” was announced, fans voiced concerns about it potentially disrupting the established Star Wars canon. However, the latest episode has silenced these worries by taking an unexpected turn. By eliminating practically all the Jedi characters, the series has found a way to avoid canon conflicts and maintain the established timeline.
Despite the original trilogy setting no precedent for killing off major characters, the Disney+ era of Star Wars has been hesitant to follow suit. Therefore, it came as a surprise to many when “The Acolyte” chose to embrace a more ruthless approach, eliminating key characters in a manner that echoes the fate of the Rebel Alliance in “Rogue One.”
Episode 5 of “The Acolyte” saw a relentless assault on the Jedi, leaving Master Sol as the lone survivor. Characters like Yord and Jecki Lon met grim and violent ends. This unrelenting display of brutality underscores the series’ willingness to depart from the conventions of previous Star Wars shows.
In retrospect, the series’ early marketing subtly foreshadowed its Rogue One-esque ending. Despite Carry-Anne Moss’s prominence in the promotional material, her character was quickly dispatched in the first episode. This move hinted at the expendability of even the most recognizable characters.
With its bold embrace of character deaths, “The Acolyte” has channeled the spirit of Metallica’s classic heavy metal anthem, “Kill ‘Em All.” The series’ unwavering commitment to eliminating its main characters has left fans both shocked and speculating about the fate of the remaining survivors.