Summary

  • The Acolyte episode 7 revealed the truth about Brendok's past, showing the Jedi's terrible mistakes.
  • Torbin's motivations felt weak and unconvincing.
  • Resembling Anakin Skywalker wasn't enough to justify Torbin's impulsive behavior in the plot.

the Jedi committed a terrible crime. Sol, in particular, was at fault for much of what transpired, especially as he was the one to kill Mother Aniseya (in front of Mae).

However, all four Jedi stationed on Brendok at the time—Indara, Kelnacca, Torbin, and Sol—were culpable in some way. After all, it was Master Indara who truly wiped out the coven, even if she was doing what she thought was right and may not have even meant to kill them. However, it was Torbin's storyline in The Acolyte episode 7 that was really a weakness in the show for one key reason.

Mother Aniseya to the right looking serious and younger Master Sol to the left looking upset in a combined image with a slightly red hue
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1

Torbin's Motivations Made No Sense

Although Torbin was introduced early on in The Acolyte as the mysterious Jedi who was guilty enough over what happened on Brendok that he was willing to take poison rather than confess, in episode 3 and episode 7, he was just a Padawan. This made him believably restless and impatient, but Torbin's larger motivations throughout episode 7 made no sense. By the end of the episode, Torbin is essentially responsible for the death of the witches of Brendok; yes, Sol killed Mother Aniseya and Master Indara killed countless witches, but Torbin led them there.

His reason for doing so was flimsy at best.

His reason for doing so was flimsy at best, however. Throughout the episode, he pesters the Jedi, Master Indara in particular, about finally getting to go back to Coruscant. For unclear reasons, Torbin is obsessed with the idea of returning home, enough so, apparently, that he is willing to infiltrate a coven's fortress in an attempt to prove that their two children, Osha and Mae, are a vergence in the Force. Sadly, this just wasn't compelling or believable as a driving motivation.

Acolyte Master Sol and Force Vergence Custom Star Wars Image
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2

Looking Like Anakin Skywalker Wasn't Enough

Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader
Created By
George Lucas
Cast
Bob Anderson, Sebastian Shaw
Alliance
Jedi, Sith
Franchise
Star Wars
Died
Star Wars: Episode VI - Return Of The Jedi

Presumably, this weaker plotline was meant to work because Torbin resembled Anakin Skywalker, although he really only slightly did. Both had dirty blonde/light brown curls, at least, and Star Wars has been known to use such visual connections to subtly underline a point. This is precisely why the youngling who asks Anakin what they are going to do during Order 66 in Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith resembles young Anakin so strongly.

Presumably, this weaker plotline was meant to work because Torbin resembled Anakin Skywalker.

However, looking a bit like Anakin, who was known for being impulsive, impatient, and a bit whiny, wasn't enough to explain Torbin's behavior. Anakin's impatience had been earned over the course of multiple movies, whereas Torbin's character simply hadn't been developed enough to make this work. Sadly, the motivation of desperately wanting to get back to Coruscant wasn't compelling enough to make it believable that Torbin would rush into the witches of Brendok's home, and it affected The Acolyte episode 7 for the worse.

The final episode of The Acolyte releases on Tuesday, July 16th, at 9 PM EST/6 PM PST on Disney+.

The Acolyte Poster Showing Jedi Order, Mae, and a Sith Lord Holding Lightsabers

Your Rating

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The Acolyte
Sci-Fi
Fantasy
7/10
128
6.2/10
Release Date
2024 - 2024-00-00
Showrunner
Leslye Headland
Directors
Leslye Headland, Alex Garcia Lopez

Cast

See All

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming

The Acolyte is a television series set in the Star Wars universe at the end of the High Republic Era, where both the Jedi and the Galactic Empire were at the height of their influence. This sci-fi thriller sees a former Padawan reunite with her former Jedi Master as they investigate several crimes - all leading to darkness erupting from beneath the surface and preparing to bring about the end of the High Republic.

Writers
Leslye Headland, Charmaine De Grate, Kor Adana
Franchise(s)
Star Wars
Seasons
1
Streaming Service(s)
Dis