The Acolyte finale saw several Star Wars characters make a cameo appearance that has angered the OG fans. The show revealed Darth Plagueis for the first time in live-action Star Wars projects, hinting that he could be Qimir’s Sith Master. The finale was disappointing since all it did was set up a Season 2.
The show received hate from fans right from the first episode. Fans blamed Disney and Kathleen Kennedy for trying to impose a forced inclusion agenda. After the disappointing finale and the potential Season 2 set up, fans now want the show to leave the Darth Plagueis arc alone.
Star Wars Classic Character Darth Plagueis Appears In The Acolyte‘s Disappointing Finale
The Acolyte finale was a huge disappointment even for fans who had rooted for the show from the beginning. While it answered some of the questions fans had about the characters, the show introduced more plot points in the last episode to make a second season possible. The episode featured some classic characters from George Lucas‘ original lore, which made some fans upset.
In the finale, Qimir and Osha leave the ocean world to seek out Master Sol and Mae in Brendok. As they leave, a hooded figure appears in the shadows inside a cave. The yellow eyes, humanoid body, smooth skin, long fingers, and flat nose clearly indicated the alien Muun, known to Star Wars fans as Darth Plagueis.
The character is the Sith Master of Sheev Palpatine aka Darth Sidious and is only mentioned in George Lucas’ Star Wars prequel films. A Star Wars fan page mentioned the lines that Palpatine says to Anakin in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith about Darth Plagueis. In the film, Palpatine tells Anakin:
Did you ever hear the tragedy of Darth Plagueis the Wise? It’s not a story the Jedi would tell you. It’s a Sith legend. Darth Plagueis…was a dark lord of the Sith so powerful and so wise…he could use the Force to influence the midi-chlorians… to create… Iife. He had such a knowledge of the dark side…he could even keep the ones he cared about…from dying.
He became so powerful…the only thing he was afraid of was… Losing his power. Which eventually, of course, he did. Unfortunately, he taught his apprentice everything he knew. Then his apprentice killed him in his sleep. It’s ironic. He could save others from death…but not himself.
According to Palpatine, Plagueis allegedly had the power to influence and manipulate the midi-chlorians to create life. His legendary powers are already teased in the show when the Witches of Brendok created Osha and Mae. It is speculated that more about the Sith Lord’s role in the events of the show will be revealed in future seasons.
Fans Are Largely Disappointed With Darth Plagueis’ Arc Used In The Acolyte
The show had received flak from fans for featuring women as expert warriors than men, including a lesbian relationship, and also including an obese Padawan. Fans accuse the show of using a ‘woke’ agenda in a manner that desecrates the original Star Wars lore. Citing Palpatine’s narration of the legend of Darth Plagueis, fans share on X that they want the show to leave that arc alone.
Referring to Palpatine’s line that Darth Palgueis’s story isn’t one the Jedi would tell, one fan commented that it shouldn’t be told by The Acolyte writers. Another fan also referred to the line sharing that they hoped Leslye Headland would never get to tell that story either. One fan shared that it was a tragedy that the classic character was brought into the Disney canon.
One fan shared that The Acolyte was one of the worst series among the Disney Star Wars projects and that it was bold for the series to set up a second season when they hadn’t even gotten the approval. Some of the fan comments read:
Nor should these writers…
— pmad (@pmadhorn) July 17, 2024
I wish it was a story Headland wouldn't tell.
— RHFlms (@Flms_JK) July 17, 2024
Yes, the tragedy that he’s been brought into the Disney canon
— Héctor Jay ✨ (@__hectorjavier) July 17, 2024
Quite possibly the worst season finale for a sw show. They're setting up Season 2, when they haven't even gotten approval yet.
— TheCallRocks (@thecallrocks) July 17, 2024
Season 2 has to be a massive improvement They at least left me hopeful for what’s to come
— Miser (@PropriateMiser) July 17, 2024
Fans of the films did not get to see the life of Darth Palgueis before his death at the hands of Palpatine. However, it was explored in the non-canon Star Wars universe, known as Legends. More details about the character primarily appeared in the Darth Plagueis novel by James Luceno.
The Acolyte is now available for streaming on Disney+.
