Warning: SPOILERS ahead for The Acolyte episode 6!
The Acolyte showrunner Leslye Headland has revealed the heartbreaking truth behind what happens when someone leaves the Jedi, explaining the intricacies behind the decision. The Star Wars show’s major focus has been on twin sisters Osha and Mae (Amandla Stenberg), with Osha being a former Padawan who left that life behind. However, episode 6 revealed that Qimir, who turned out to be the mysterious Sith master on The Acolyte‘s cast, was also a former Jedi who betrayed his master long ago. He later left them, though it’s unclear how the process would have gone.
Speaking with Collider, Headland revealed more about how people leave the Jedi, explaining that there’s a heartbreaking ceremony involved in the process. Consulting Star Wars‘ creative manager Pablo Hidalgo, the showrunner explained how Force users who leave must give up their lightsabers before they depart. Check out what Headland had to say about the ceremony below:
Pablo Hidalgo and I talked about that a lot because, obviously, in Ahsoka we see that, but in live-action, we haven’t totally seen the process of what that would look like. But one thing Pablo and I talked about was turning in your saber — that there would be a ceremony around relinquishing your saber and that it would happen of your own free will. It wouldn’t be taken from you, you would offer it up, and it would be a part of the ceremony of your leaving. So, I just loved the concept of [Qimir] tapping into, again, this part of [Osha] that is quote-unquote missing and saying, “How does it feel to hold one in your hand again?” Because that’s a tactile way of saying, “Clearly, you miss it.”
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This Jedi Ceremony Sounds Like The Most Painful Moment Imaginable
The ceremony for Jedi to leave the Order appears to be one of the most painful moments a Force user can go through, giving up their place among people like them, as well as their defining weapon. Depending on how much animosity there is surrounding someone leaving, it could be an emotionally tumultuous event for anyone who decides they don’t want to be there anymore. While it’s unclear if Qimir went through a similar ceremony, the fact Headland and Hidalgo discussed it means it’s an important factor in The Acolyte.
Leaving the Jedi Order in general also makes one more susceptible to influence from the dark side, since a Force user no longer has loyalty to the guardians of the light. This is further established in The Acolyte episode 6, with Qimir explaining his backstory throughout and Osha putting on his Sith helmet at the very end. While leaving the Jedi isn’t directly tied with embracing the dark side, it does open the door to outside influence, making the ceremony all the more tragic for those enticed by the Force’s other uses.
Given that The Acolyte episode 7 is teasing a Jedi twist, the ceremony Headland mentions could have a larger role to play in the upcoming episodes. Perhaps it will shine a brighter light on why Qimir left the Order, while also indicating how tensions can form between Jedi and those who are forced to give up the mantle. With plenty of mysterious backstory left to be presented, the show could reveal more about this ceremony and its impact on those who go through it in the next episodes.
Source: Collider
The Acolyte
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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.
- Cast
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Amandla Stenberg
, Lee Jung-jae
, Joonas Suotamo
, Charlie Barnett
, Dafne Keen
, Leah Brady
, Manny Jacinto
, Rebecca Henderson
, Carrie-Anne Moss
, Jodie Turner-Smith
, Dean-Charles Chapman
, Lauren Brady
, Anthony J. Abraham
, Thara Shöön
, Danielle Xin Yao Waterman
, Sienna Khiroya
, Jeramiah Evans
, Dan Milne
, Thomas Coombes
, Archie Singh Swali
, Nick Court
, Ed Kear
, Jumayn Hunter
, Scroobius Pip
, Abigail Thorn
, Margarita Levieva
, Amy Tsang
, Saskia Allen
, Deborah Rosan
, Tabitha Alege
, Paul Bullion
, Indra Ové
, Derek Arnold
, Lewis Young - Character(s)
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Mae
, Master Sol
, Kelnacca
, Yord Fandar
, Jecki Lon
, Little Mae
, Qimir
, Master Vernestra Rwoh
, Master Indara
, Mother Aniseya
, Master Torbin
, Padawan Torbin
, Little Osha
, Fillik
, Tasi Lowa
, Youngling
, Restrained Convict
, Convict
, Olega Urchin
, Olega Master
, Olega Padawan
, Scavenger
, Ensign Eurus
, Mother Koril
, Ensign Rane
, Scout Sarria
, Ensign Shima
, Elder Jaalyn
, Master Lakshay
, Master Holden
, Master Ki-Adi-Mundi
, Jedi Knight - Seasons
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1
- Streaming Service(s)
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Disney+
- Franchise(s)
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Star Wars
- Writers
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Leslye Headland
, Charmaine De Grate
, Kor Adana - Directors
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Leslye Headland
, Alex Garcia Lopez - Showrunner
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Leslye Headland
