Since their first introduction in Star Wars, the Jedi have developed a reputation as untouchable heroes, but in reality, their humanity and tendency to make mistakes are what make them truly effective. They might seem like they’re invincible, but they’re actually tirelessly working to hold themselves to such high standards, the same as anyone. George Lucas created the Jedi to be warriors who encourage children to be courageous and strive for goodness, but if the Jedi become perfect ideals, they lose the ability to inspire others.
The missteps of the Jedi tend to carry a lot of weight because of the perception that they should be perfect, but it’s their failures and attempts to overcome those failures that make them true heroes. Kelly Knox took to X to remind Star Wars viewers what is often forgotten with a picture of a George Lucas quote.
According to Lucas, “The Jedi are not superheroes. They’re regular people like the rest of us.” The humanity that opens them to making mistakes also makes them relatable and gives them a sense of being realistic heroes to look up to.
The Jedi May Be Noble, But They Aren’t Faultless
Being Good Doesn’t Mean Being Perfect
The Jedi hold themselves to an incredibly strict code that gives them the appearance of being above making mistakes. Unfortunately, the standards set by that perception sometimes create unrealistic expectations in the eyes of the galaxy’s other inhabitants. The Jedi seem to be the stuff of fairy tales, white knights that come to defeat any villains that might show up. From an outside perspective, they have become symbolic of the eternal fight between good and evil, and good is always supposed to come out the faultless victor.
Jedi might represent goodness, but they don’t always make the right call. Like Torbin or Anakin, they can get caught up in fear and anxiety, rushing into actions that not only don’t solve their problems but make them a lot worse. Sometimes, the emotional rigidity that the Jedi try to commit to causes them to lose sight of the true problems they’re trying to solve.
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Jedi Can Still Be Good People Who Make Bad Choices
They Can Only Do Their Best
Despite the mystical abilities and heroics that set the Jedi apart from the other citizens of the Republic, they are still just people who are doing their best to protect the galaxy. The Acolyte revealed major mistakes on Brendok, highlighting the misinterpretations and brash actions that led Master Sol and the rest of the Jedi that led to a devastating chain of events. The Jedi might have believed they were protecting two vulnerable children from a dangerous Force cult, but by rushing in without all the information, they made things much worse.
As the conflict on Brendok ignites, Mother Aniseya says to Sol, “Someday those noble intentions you all have will destroy every Jedi in the galaxy.”
While she might not have predicted the future exactly, she does strike a chord with the Jedi’s fate. The Jedi’s belief that their good intentions justify their actions will one day lead them into a period of war and complacency that will usher them into near-extinction.
When the Republic was at war with itself during the Clone Wars, the Jedi found themselves acting as soldiers rather than peacekeepers, and they had to make decisions that sometimes had lasting negative effects on their perception. Star Wars: The Clone Wars often explores the Jedi’s mistakes and complacency during the galaxy-wide conflict that created a lot of collateral damage that left many wondering if the Jedi can be trusted as protectors.
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The Brendok Team Were All Capable Of Redemption
But Only Sol Has The Chance For It
Star Wars has always prioritized the idea of redemption, even in the most complicated of circumstances. Just like Darth Vader, Sol has the opportunity to prove himself to be more than the sum of his mistakes now that the truth has been revealed. The Jedi at Brendok kickstarted an incredible tragedy on their mission, but each choice was made with an intention of avoiding harm. Unfortunately, now that most of them are dead, they don’t have the opportunity to make amends. Sol is now the only one with the ability to make things right with Osha and Mae.
Master Sol’s belief that the children were in real danger seemed like it aligned perfectly with the Jedi’s role as protectors, but the Jedi were missing crucial pieces of information that would have changed their plan immensely. When Torbin rushed into the witches’ den without any plan, Sol and the other Jedi had to make snap decisions in response to the witches’ attempts to defend themselves. Mae’s quest for vengeance might have eliminated most of the Brendok team’s chance to resolve things, but in true Star Wars fashion, Sol can still try to make things right with the twins.
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 - Writers
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Leslye Headland
, Charmaine De Grate
, Kor Adana - Directors
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Leslye Headland
, Alex Garcia Lopez