Any massive fanbase will have tremendous disagreements. A narrative universe like Star Wars has 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 of Star Wars and its esoteric, mystical, and fantastical traits. Andor represents the apex of grounded science fiction in the franchise, and though it earned almost universal appeal, some hated its lack of magic. The Acolyte can demonstrate the future by combining presentation with subject.
Every new Star Wars show faces a massive uphill battle. Disney started with a positive reputation after the first season of The Mandalorian delivered a straightforward, solid, and enjoyable streaming series. The Book of Boba Fett and Obi-Wan Kenobi shook those expectations a bit. Reasonable fans now wonder whether the franchise has any new ground to cover. Shows like Andor and, potentially, The Acolyte could fix that accusation.
Instagram Unveils Two New Lightsabers from Star Wars: The Acolyte
Star Wars: The Acolyte reveals two new lightsabers in plain sight, igniting fan excitement as the series premiere approaches.
Andor got hate for what it wasn’t
|
Creator |
Tony Gilroy |
|---|---|
|
Stars |
Diego Luna, Kyle Soller, Stellan Skarsgård, Adria Arjona, Fiona Shaw |
|
Episodes |
12 |
|
Release Date |
September 21, 2022 |
It's hard to believe Andor emerged from the Star Wars franchise, 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 previous Star Wars entries. It only stands out because it's too good to stand alongside any Star Wars project released in the past 40 years. It's too bold, groundbreaking, engaging, fascinating, and unique to belong to the same brand name that shamelessly released The Book of Boba Fett. It's hard to hate Andor for what it is, but relatively easy to dislike it for what it isn't.
Some fans see only the signifiers of Star Wars. To them, Star Wars is 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 Kenobi is a perfect example. Despite its endless faults, the series earned massive success by bringing back familiar actors, characters, and scenes. If fans reduce Star Wars to a handful of tropes and visual signifiers, Andor is their enemy. It refuses to bow to the right references, maintaining a thematic connection to its predecessors, where they demand one forged by repeating details. The Acolyte can change this perception by demonstrating the use of familiar signifiers in new contexts.
The Acolyte will feature elements Andor left aside
The Acolyte tells 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 cites Andor as a source of inspiration. This is an opportunity to do something with the quality of Andor while incorporating the other aspects of the Star Wars universe. It's a chance to explore new sides of familiar tropes. Andor gave fans a new look at the rebellion. The Acolyte can provide a new take on the Jedi and Sith. These new shows could save Star Wars.
The Acolyte might 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. Andor brought a level of nuance and polish to Star Wars that the franchise hadn't seen since the 1980s. Those who didn't care for the show because it lacked the elements they love about Star Wars have an argument, but new shows like The Acolyte can fill in these gaps. Let fans decide which aspects of the galaxy far far away they love and give them projects that explore them. Andor should set an example in quality, if not in tone. The Acolyte should prove that a Star Wars series can be excellent and mystical. The only problem will be finding a new excuse for all their other shows.
Star Wars: Who Created The Witches of Dathomir?
The Force Witches learned their powerful magick from a former Jedi, and though her name rarely comes up, the first Nightsister deserves attention.