10 Things About ‘The Acolyte’ That Make Absolutely No Sense

Disney’s ‘The Acolyte’ dives into the Star Wars universe with a fresh take, set a century before ‘The Phantom Menace’ (1999). It’s a bold swing at a murder mystery in a galaxy far, far away, following Osha, a former Jedi apprentice, as she unravels a conspiracy tied to her past. The show’s diverse cast and martial arts-inspired action aim to shake up the franchise’s formula, but not everything lands smoothly.

I found plenty to enjoy, like the sleek fight scenes and the exploration of Jedi flaws. Still, some choices in the story and characters felt off, leaving me puzzled. Here are 10 things in ‘The Acolyte’ that just don’t add up, ranked from the least to the most baffling.

10. Osha’s Quick Trust in Sol

Osha, played by Amandla Stenberg, is a mechanic who left the Jedi Order but gets pulled back into their world after being framed for murder. Her former master, Sol (Lee Jung-jae), steps in to help clear her name. What’s odd is how fast Osha trusts Sol again, despite years apart and her rocky exit from the Jedi. There’s no real buildup to show why she’d lean on him so quickly.

This rushed bond feels unearned. The show could’ve used a moment or two to flesh out their past connection, making her trust more believable. Instead, it’s like Osha flips a switch and decides he’s her ally, which jars with her independent streak.

9. The Jedi’s Blind Spot for the Dark Side

The series hints at a dark force user operating under the Jedi’s noses, yet the Order seems clueless. Set during the High Republic era, the Jedi are at their peak, so their failure to sense a threat feels off. The show suggests they’re complacent, but it’s hard to buy that not one Jedi picks up on the growing danger.

This gap in their awareness undermines the Jedi’s reputation as galactic peacekeepers. A bit more context, like showing internal politics or distractions, could’ve made their oversight feel less like a plot convenience.

8. Mae’s Inconsistent Motivations

Mae, Osha’s twin, is a key player with a murky agenda. One minute, she’s out for revenge; the next, she’s switching sides or abandoning plans without clear reasons. Her flip-flopping makes it tough to follow what she actually wants, leaving her arc feeling chaotic.

The writers seem to want Mae to be complex, but her motives shift too fast to track. A clearer thread tying her actions together would’ve made her less confusing and more compelling.

7. The Lightsaber’s Casual Use

Lightsabers are iconic in Star Wars, treated with respect due to their power. In ‘The Acolyte’, characters whip them out and swing them around like toys, even in non-combat moments. It’s jarring to see such a revered weapon used so carelessly, diluting its weight.

This casual approach breaks the Star Wars vibe. The show could’ve kept the lightsaber’s mystique by limiting its use to high-stakes scenes, making each ignition feel meaningful.

6. The Twin Twist That Falls Flat

The reveal that Osha and Mae are twins is meant to be a big moment, but it lands with a thud. The setup feels forced, and the idea that they’re somehow the same person or tied in a mystical way doesn’t gel with the story’s logic. It’s more confusing than clever.

This twist needed more groundwork to feel impactful. Instead, it comes off as a gimmick that complicates the plot without adding depth, leaving me wondering why it was included.

5. Qimir’s Convenient Survival

Qimir, a mysterious figure, gets carried off by giant moths in a dramatic scene. Yet, no one seems worried he might return, despite his clear strength and speed. Osha and Mae linger, argue, and even swap clothes without a hint of urgency, as if Qimir’s threat just vanishes.

This lack of fear makes the characters seem reckless. The show could’ve shown them rushing to escape or acknowledging Qimir’s danger to keep the tension alive.

4. The Jedi Murder Cover-Up

Osha is accused of killing a Jedi, but the resolution feels too tidy. The show leans on the twin angle to clear her name, but the evidence—like eyewitnesses in a bar—gets brushed aside too easily. It’s hard to believe the Jedi wouldn’t dig deeper into such a serious crime.

This plot hole weakens the mystery. Adding a scene where the Jedi investigate further or question the evidence would’ve made the resolution less flimsy.

3. The Force’s Vague Role

The Force is central to Star Wars, but in ‘The Acolyte’, its rules feel murky. Characters use it in ways that don’t align with established lore, like vague references to a ‘sisterhood’ or new Force powers that pop up without explanation. It feels like the show bends the Force to fit the plot.

This inconsistency pulls you out of the story. Tying new Force elements to known Star Wars concepts could’ve made them feel less random and more grounded.

2. Sol’s Lack of Questions

After a chaotic encounter, Sol wakes up and asks about Osha’s sister but accepts a vague ‘she’s gone’ without probing further. For a Jedi Master, his lack of curiosity is baffling, especially when Mae, posing as Osha, acts suspiciously. His passivity feels out of character.

This moment needed Sol to push for answers to show his wisdom and keep the stakes high. Instead, his silence makes the plot feel contrived.

1. The Show’s Lore-Breaking Sith

The biggest head-scratcher is how ‘The Acolyte’ handles the Sith. Star Wars lore says the Sith stayed hidden for a thousand years before ‘The Phantom Menace’ (1999), yet the show introduces a dark force user who openly challenges the Jedi. This breaks the established timeline and makes the Sith’s secrecy in later films feel nonsensical.

This contradiction is tough to swallow for longtime fans. The show could’ve used a non-Sith villain or explained the secrecy better to avoid clashing with the broader saga.

What’s your take on ‘The Acolyte’—did these plot holes bug you, or is there another twist that left you puzzled? Drop your thoughts in the comments!