'The Acolyte': Why is Mae killing Jedi? Internet speculates one major theory ahead of Episode 3
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'The Acolyte' premiered its first two episodes on Disney+ on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. Set in the High Republic Era, the series unfolds with the Jedi Order at its peak, and peace reigning as the norm.
However, this peace is soon disrupted when Mae (Amandla Stenberg), presumed to be dead, resurfaces to kill Master Indara (Carrie-Anne Moss).
The story follows Jedi Master Sol (Lee Jung-Jae) as he teams up with Mae's twin sister Osha to confront Mae and prevent the killings from happening.
Mae is commanded by a mysterious masked figure who has ordered her to assassinate four Jedi Masters, Indara, Torbin (Dean-Charles Chapman), and Kelnacca (Joonas Suotamo).
Mae gets caught by Sol and Osha after attacking Indara and Torbin in the first two episodes. However, by the end of the second episode, she manages to escape Sol's custody and sets her sights on targeting Sol and Kelnacca.
Why is she committing the murders though? Here's what the internet has to say
Internet Speculates the reason behind Mae's targets
In the first two episodes, viewers learn that Mae and Osha's planet suffered a devastating fire that claimed the life of their mother.
For the longest time, it was widely believed that Mae had also died in the fire. Some fans speculate that the Masters may have been involved in the fire.
One Reddit user offers an intriguing theory, suggesting, "My theory right now, the four Jedi (including Sol) started the fire that killed Mae’s family, either accidentally or they probably sensed darkness coming from her village and erroneously thought it’d be the best course of action. She got blamed and they didn’t step in".
Another Reddit user commented with his version of the theory behind the four targets having a history with Mae adding, "1. Indara killed someone that was unarmed. Hence why she hesitated to kill Mae. 2. Sol didn't save Osha (Which is a lie Sith Shark told Mae) 3. Kelnacca fought Torbin and scratched his face with his claws so he lives in exile.
4. Torbin did something horrible while under the witch mind control that he became suicidal."
As the mystery deepens, the cat-and-mouse game intensifies between Mae and Sol, with Mae now targeting Kelnacca. Episode 3 will probably reveal details about Mae and Osha's history.
Why is Mae adamant about not using a weapon?
When Mae attacks Indara and Torbin, she initially tries to do so without using a weapon. However, her attempts are unsuccessful, and she ultimately resorts to using a knife to kill Indara and poison to kill Torbin.
Mae is determined not to use a weapon as she wants to prove her worth to her masked master, who has been depicted wielding a red lightsaber thus far
She holds the belief that by killing even one of the Jedi Masters without using weapons, she will demonstrate her strength in the eyes of her master.
She can fulfill that objective by killing either Kellanaca or Master Sol without relying on weapons.
'The Acolyte' Trailer
'The Acolyte' Episodes 1 and 2 are streaming on Disney+.