#sw bazil

[classicanalyzer]

Star Wars Acolyte - Night Thoughts

"Freedom. The freedom to wield my power the way I like. Without having to answer to Jedi like you. I want a pupil, an Acolyte. But this one...went back on our deal. She exposed me. So, now I have to kill every single last one of you. I don't make the rules. The Jedi do. And the Jedi say I can't exist. They see my face, they all die. Aw, look at you two. Right back where you started." "Qimir"

HOLY SHIT, THIS EPISODE IS SO GOOD.

I love how badass Jecki was against both Mae and "Qimir"...sadly she didn't survive "Qimir" (I was not expecting how fucking brutal her death was and I was so sad). She managed to not only take down Mae who took down a Jedi Master in combat but hold out for a good while against a Rule of Two Sith (even breaking his Cortosis helmet!). She was simply too badass to live with her amazing dual blade stance. Jecki is truly Sol's Padawan.

I know I thought "Qimir" couldn't have been the Sith but I love this show's execution of him being the Sith. He's so jacked, I guess we know why he chose to be a seemingly carefree chemist. I love how he comes across as a psychopathic manchild with how he wants the freedom to do what he wants...which is killing Jedi. "Qimir" is definitely the Sith Apprentice (or rather Acolyte) and not the Sith Master. I think he wants an Acolyte to overthrow his master.

I'm also so happy that the show didn't try to make the Sith sympathetic. That was one of my biggest worries going into this show. We see the insanity of "Qimir's" "reasoning" for hating the Jedi and their attempts to stamp out the Sith for good.

I think what's going to happen is that the Jedi think "Qimir" is the Sith Master and not the Apprentice. Then after they kill him, they'll not tell the rest of the Order and Republic about this little incident. Since they're sure this time the Sith are truly extinct, and they don't want to cause any unnecessary panic.

I love how "Qimir's" armor and helmet are made out of Cortosis, a material that can temporarily shortcircuit Lightsabers.

Poor Jecki and Yord, the two Jedi were trying their goddamn best but it wasn't enough against the Sith. Jecki did an amazing job in this episode despite being a Padawan. Yord also grew on me as the show went on, and it was surprising how brutal he and Jecki's deaths were. Their deaths also show how unnecessarily cruel the Sith are. I'm also thankful that Bazil and Pip survived this episode given how murder happy this show is.

It's sad to see how far the twin's relationship fell apart. Mae truly wanted to be with her sibling again, even willing to abandon her Sith master...but Osha will always see her as irredeemable which one can't blame her for. I was screaming when Mae posed as her sister and even more so when Osha was left at the "mercy" of her former Master. I really hope Mae backs out of her presumed plan to kill Sol.

Everything about Sol in this episode, the panic and heartbreak in his voice and face when asking Yord to bring Osha to safety and Jecki's death shows how much of a father figure he is. Sol truly saw Osha, Jeckil, and even Mae as his children. It's truly a case of what if Obi-Wan died in TPM instead of Qui-Gon and we see that good is not nice at all. If it wasn't for Osha, Sol might've done something he would've regretted. I wonder if he figured out by the end that Mae is impersonating Osha.

ALSO THE USE OF KYLO REN'S THEME NEAR THE END. His Knights of Ren-looking helmet might actually hold more than we thought. Perhaps "Qimir" founded or inspired the Knights of Ren.

I hope Sol can help Mae and perhaps redeem Mae. On the other hand, I really think Osha might fall to the Dark Side. It would be a nice subversion of what we thought Osha being the Light Side Twin and Mae being the Dark Side Twin. Great darkness has the possibility of being just as bright while great light has the possibility of being just as dark. I wonder if "Qimir" will tell Osha of the Sith version of the events at Brendok that make the Jedi look worse than they are. However, perhaps Sol would tell Mae the actual version of events which shows that while the Jedi are flawed, they weren't responsible for the deaths of her Coven and even tried to save some, even if some (Master Torbin) believe it was their fault that it came to these series of events.

This is an amazing episode and my favorite episode of the show. Once again I felt this episode was 45+ minutes rather than under 30 minutes. Truly the definition of all killer and no filler. I love this show so so much.

[classicanalyzer]

The Acolyte - The Acolyte (Episode 8) Thoughts

"I think the Jedi are a massive system of unchecked power, posing as a religion, a delusional cult that claims to control the uncontrollable...Not the Force. Your emotions. You project an image of goodness and restraint, but it's only a matter of time before one of you snaps. And when, not 'if', that happens, who will be strong enough to stop him?... The majority of my colleagues can't imagine a galaxy without the Jedi. And I can understand why. When you're looking up to heroes, you don't have to face what's right in front of you." Senator Rayencourt.

"You poor girl. You've been through so much. The Jedi have failed you. I am going to make this right. But I need your help...I need you to help me find someone...A pupil of mine before he turned to evil." Vernestra Rwoh.

We end the show where it began chronologically, Brendok.

I love how Rayencourt makes good points about the Jedi trying to claim that they can control their emotions and present themselves as pure good with no flaws. What he said also legit sounds exactly what will happen to Anakin in the future. He's even proven right about the former with Sol given Episode 7 and the latter with Vernestra lying in the end. Props to his actor, David Harewood, for doing an amazing job.

I love how Bazil is the bad vibes checker of this show. I'm so happy that he lived.

MOTHERFUCKING DARTH PLAGUEIS! I legit said what the actual fuck when he appeared. His appearance makes a lot of sense and given how the twins were created using the Force, ofc he would be interested in them. I also love how the music used in this scene was very similar if not a reprise to the choir used in "The Tragedy of Darth Plagueis the Wise." I also legit do not care about if people complain if his age isn't similar to Legends. Well, first of all, there is no set age in Canon. And second of all, I legit do not care.

I also love the ship chase sequence. The CGI looks really well done in there. You feel the ship's weight and the impact of the asteroids.

The show also continues the theme of visions not appearing as they are. The Acolyte killed the Jedi without a (physical) weapon, however, Osha was mistaken. The Acolyte happened to be her.

Also props to Amandla Stenberg for portraying the twins so well. I felt the intense heartbreak and betrayal as Osha realized that Mae was right and the intense hatred then regret after she murdered Sol. The Bleeding of Sol's Lightsaber was so chilling to see.

GOD SOL'S DEATH HITS ME REALLY HARD. I legit got Infinity War PTSD when he told Osha "It's okay" as she was killing him (He couldn't even tell her that he loves her which broke my heart). While we all know it was an understandable accident given what happened (even their mother didn't blame Sol for thinking her attempted protection of Mae was an attack), it didn't change the fact that he killed their mother. Vernestra summed up his character pretty well (despite framing him). Sol's biggest flaw was that he loved Osha so much that he now sees the misunderstanding of killing their mother as something he had to do and covering up Brendok because of the Vergence. I do like how she knew Sol was truly good and well-intentioned despite his flaws and mistakes as she gave him a Jedi funeral.

"He was a kind, brilliant, compassionate man. And he did a terrible thing... A mistake he lived with for so long it twisted his mind. He justified every step with the love he had for your sister." Vernestra Rwoh

THE CHOREOGRAPHY IS SO GOOD! I love the Lightsaber and martial arts fighting in this show. Qimir's change to single blade stance after failing to get past Sol's indomitable defense is so good. Osha's and Mae's fist fight was also amazing and tension filled.

The reveal that Qimi was Vernestra's apprentice was smth I also guessed after Episode 6 which explains why she's in this show. I wonder what she will do when she sees him again.

Despite me knowing how horrifying Sol's death was, I can't help but feel happy seeing the siblings reunite and at peace. It was even more sadder as Mae has to forget Osha to protect her sister. Even I got sad seeing Mae forget the pledge as more of her memories got erased.

Ironically, Mae and Osha switch roles by the end of the show, with Osha being Qimir's Acolyte and Mae being utterly confused about why she's arrested by the Jedi. In a sense my guess about Mae having a redemption arc did come true...but just like the vision, just not in the way I had expected.

I really love how this show critiqued and explored the Jedi without bashing them. We see that they're truly a force of good and have the best of intentions...however those intentions can blind them to what's right in front of them. The Jedi are still sentient beings just like anyone else. We see how their complacency and desire to keep their image good blinds them to the rise of dark forces which includes the emerging Sith Order as the Grand Plan of the Sith takes shape. I had so many chills as Osha and Qimir looked at the sunset with the Acolyte theme playing.

The music in the finale is so good, especially during the fight and emotional scenes. This score really nailed it amtophseric-wise. I love the more creepy reprise of the witch coven's chants from Episode 3 during the credits.

A great season finale and season of SW TV. I really hope Leslye gets her multi-season show because the Acolyte has the potential to be an amazing multi-season show. She truly gave it her all in this season. I also trust her to make that Old Republic show as well.

"Sorry to disturb you, Master. We need to talk." Vernestra Rwoh.

[classicanalyzer]

The Acolyte - Teach/Corrupt Thoughts

"And that's what they told you. The Jedi teach there's only one way to access the Force and if you don't do it their way, it fades. But there is another way. Below the surface of consciousness are powerful emotions. Anger. Fear. Loss. Desire...Semantics." Qimir

"I will. Believe me. We have a lot to do. We need to find your Master. We need to save Osha. But first, you and I are going to talk. I've had sixteen years to think about what I would say to you if I ever got the opportunity. So you're going to listen." Sol

It's not as bombastic and fast-paced as the other episodes but I like the calm given what just happened.

I love how Star Wars wastes no time in reminding us how hot Qimir is haha.

God, I feel so bad for Sol. When he's all alone, we see how emotionally broken he is. He lost friends and two surrogate daughters. He clearly thinks he's responsible for it all and how he failed to protect his Padawans. I thought he was going to cry a bit when he punched the screen. Based on how he hugged Mae (not sure if he knew it was here by then), it's clear how much he cares and will do anything to protect the sisters.

Also, I know Mae might turn good but she better treat Pip better right away because when she reset Pip to factory settings I was screaming internally. The fact that Mae flips between what she wants and believes in shows me how much of a reactive person Mae is..and why Qimir thought she wouldn't be a good apprentice (he thought they shared the same goals). Bazil is a real one for helping Sol (tho as I said I think he might've already figured it out) figure out that Mae was posing as Osha. I really hope Bazil lives through this show.

We see how manipulative Qimir is toward Osha. He makes Osha bring out the inner darkness and insecurities she hides inside. How he manipulates Osha into wearing the helmet under the guise that she should learn to trust herself.

I love it when Star Wars states ore metals out loud and other in-universe lore terms.

I find it hilarious that Mog (The Jedi Padawan) thought Khofar's bugs might've killed the team...though tbf given the Jedi games, I can see what he meant.

I felt scared throughout this episode and when the dead bodies of the Jedi team showed up, I admit I was a bit scared just seeing the bodies alone.

That Lightsaber Whip looks so good! I've just started reading the High Republic novels and I can't wait to read stories around Vernestra.

I'm starting to think that perhaps Qimir's former master might be Vernestra Rwoh given how his scar looks like a Lightsaber whip mark. It could also be Qimir's Sith Master but I do think it would also explain a lot about Vernestra's appearance in the show.

I got a lot of Vader vibes when Osha put on the helmet and we hear breathing even for a little bit during the credits as it cleaver transitions. It also reinforces the idea that Mae will go down a dark path in the last two episodes.

This episode is really enforcing the idea that perhaps the twins might undergo the opposite of their paths (Osha going Dark Side and Mae going Light Side). Qimir corrupts Osha and Sol wants to teach Mae the truth to hopefully get her to understand.

I'm super nervous for next week's episode which I imagine might be the last single title and a flashback episode (the director for Episode 7 is the same as Episode 3).

[classicanalyzer]

The soundtrack of the first four episodes of the Acolyte is out!

What I love about this soundtrack is the focus on the atmosphere and sense of character of each episode and the show.

Some of the standout tracks that I heard on my first go -

Episode 1: A Lone Assassin, Noodle Shop Fight, Classroom on Coruscant, Finding Osha, An Acolyte

Episode 2: Temple of Olega, Teacher and Student, Combat in the Courtyard, The Sisters Meet Again

Episode 3: Brendok, The Ascension Ceremony, Osha Meets Sol, Choosing to Leave, Under the Bunta Tree

Episode 4: Bazil’s Theme, A Tracker, Preparing to Face the Past, Dark Master Descends, Very Dark

[classicanalyzer]

The Acolyte - Day Thoughts

"You know, after running through that forest for an extremely long time, I realized something. I don't need to do this anymore. I don't need to kill a Jedi without a weapon. I don't need to keep this deal." Mae Aniesya

This show keeps on being amazing! I hope the team, actors, and actresses get all the acclaim because they all deserve it.

I love Osha and Jecki bonding, especially due to their connection to Master Sol. Despite Osha's insistence on not rejoining the Jedi, when Sol approached her in the episode, the way her tone sounded seems that deep down, she does want to rejoin the Jedi. She still longs for a family to be a part of. We even see Osha slowly regain her connection to the Force. The way Sol tries to help Osha and protects her shows how fatherly Sol is and how his emotional bonds strengthen him rather than weaken him.

We also see more of the HR Jedi slowly becoming the PT Jedi by how they emphasize Mae's use of emotions during her fighting, even looking down on her. We also see their entanglement with politics as they didn't tell the High Council out of fear of a scandal. Vernestra continues to also serve as Sol's polar opposite. However, as I said before, Sol continues to believe in the good in everyone, even in Mae with him believing her love for her sister is stronger than anything else. He's even proven right with Mae deciding her family over her master's plans.

I get a feeling Osha asking Yord to put down Mae if it fails is going to bite her back. Yord is also on the money when he thinks Sol also wants Osha to face her sister.

I know I thought last week about how Mae seems to be going down the path of total evil but it's amazing how she changes my opinion in one episode. Her loyalty is always obvious to Osha, and I love how she realizes Osha's survival, she realizes that she'll do the smart thing. I love it when characters make smart decisions which is something I love in this show. If my theory about Acolytes being agents of the Sith is true, I think Mae's former master might be the sole Acolyte rather than Mae. I say this since it seems like Mae doesn't even know a lot about her master other than her master promised revenge for the death of her sister and family.

Bazil, the first Tynnan on-screen, is one of the cutest SW alien designs I've seen. The combination of beaver and otter attributes makes Bazil so cute to look at.

I really don't think Qimir is Mae's former master now. I think my next guess could be Mother Koril. It would also add a lot of irony to Mae thinking her family is dead. The person she was serving not only was one of her mothers but was responsible for those chain of tragic events

The chills I felt when it was revealed that Kelnacca was already killed and Mae realized that her master was there. It suddenly gives Yord's comment on the ship about Kelnacca not responding to their warning transmission a darker context.

I'm also not going to lie when Mae's former master appeared, I thought they were going to kill Osha and Mae was going to be our new main protagonist. I'm hoping we at least get to see the two properly interact before one of them dies. The way her master appeared descending is just haunting.

Despite this episode being under 30 minutes, with all the plot, character interactions, and revelations, it felt like 40-45 minutes. This show truly is the definition of all killer and no filler.

Also, it would be a missed opportunity if the next episode isn't called Night.

We shall see what Mae's former master is truly made of against an entire Jedi strike force next week.