Any massive fanbase will have tremendous disagreements. A narrative universe likeStar Warshas countless elements to focus on, but every devotee prefers a different mixture. The most notable divide between reasonable fans is the distinct divide between the grim, haunting militaristic side ofStar Warsand its esoteric, mystical, and fantastical traits.Andorrepresents the apex of grounded science fiction in the franchise, and though it earned almost universal appeal, some hated its lack of magic.The Acolytecan demonstrate the future by combining presentation with subject.
Every newStar Warsshow faces a massive uphill battle. Disney started with a positive reputation after thefirst season ofThe Mandaloriandelivered a straightforward, solid, and enjoyable streaming series.The Book of Boba FettandObi-Wan Kenobishook those expectations a bit. Reasonable fans now wonder whether the franchise has any new ground to cover. Shows likeAndorand, potentially,The Acolytecould fix that accusation.
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Release Date
Jul 11, 2025
It’s hard to believeAndoremerged from theStar Warsfranchise, but it truly couldn’t exist anywhere else. It’s a brilliant elevation of the original ethos of George Lucas' franchise, updating the tone, presentation, and structure to fit a modern era. The show doesn’t feel out of place because it deals with mature subjects, though it does. Its political awareness also doesn’t separate it from the rest of the franchise. Even the show’s stunning approach to depicting its villains as nightmarish reflections of real antagonists can stand alongside previousStar Warsentries. It only stands out because it’s too good to stand alongside anyStar Warsproject released in the past 40 years. It’s too bold, groundbreaking, engaging, fascinating, and unique to belong to the same brand name that shamelessly releasedThe Book of Boba Fett. It’s hard to hateAndorfor what it is, but relatively easy to dislike it for what it isn’t.
Some fans see onlythe signifiers ofStar Wars. To them,Star Warsis lightsabers, X-Wings, familiar quotes, stormtroopers, Force powers, and all the other things they’ve seen before. The only characters allowed to exist emerged from the first two film trilogies or took inspiration from someone who did. These are people acting exactly as Disney would like them to act. The studio gains nothing from innovating upon the franchise they purchased. They want fans to demand to see the things they loved decades ago and denigrate anything different. This allows them to churn out the same material over and over again without risk.Obi-Wan Kenobiis a perfect example. Despite its endless faults, the series earned massive success by bringing back familiar actors, characters, and scenes. If fans reduceStar Warsto a handful of tropes and visual signifiers,Andoris their enemy. It refuses to bow to the right references,maintaining a thematic connectionto its predecessors, where they demand one forged by repeating details.The Acolytecan change this perception by demonstrating the use of familiar signifiers in new contexts.
The Acolytewill feature elementsAndorleft aside
The Acolytetells the tale of a former Padawan turning against the Jedi Order. A beloved Jedi Master partners with his new learner to solve the killing spree, uncovering the dark conspiracy behind the events. It’s everything fans want. Force powers, lightsabers, and familiar alien species light up the trailers. Those who prefer callbacks and references might be less delighted. The only “returning” character listed so far stepped out of a novel. Everyone else is new, and almost none of them appear to be blatant retreads of existing figures. The show is not out right now, but its premise seems unique, and its showrunner seems prepared to keep things interesting. Leslye Headland citesAndoras a source of inspiration. This is an opportunity to do something with the quality ofAndorwhile incorporating the other aspects of theStar Warsuniverse. It’s a chance to explore new sides of familiar tropes.Andorgave fans a newlook at the rebellion.The Acolytecan provide a new take on the Jedi and Sith. These new shows could saveStar Wars.
The Acolytemight be misleading audiences with its trailers and announcements, but its current trajectory seems promising. Even if it doesn’t turn out well, a fascinating failure would be preferable to something without ambition.Andorbrought a level of nuance and polish toStar Warsthat the franchise hadn’t seen since the 1980s. Those who didn’t care for the show because it lacked the elements they love aboutStar Warshave an argument, but newshows likeThe Acolytecan fill in these gaps. Let fans decide which aspects of the galaxy far far away they love and give them projects that explore them.Andorshould set an example in quality, if not in tone.The Acolyteshould prove that aStar Warsseries can be excellent and mystical. The only problem will be finding a new excuse for all their other shows.
