'The Acolyte': Why Sol highlights the dark side of a hero complex
Contains spoilers and speculation
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'The Acolyte' Episode 8 aired on Disney+ on July 16, 2024. The epic episode saw the heartbreaking death of one of the show's most important characters at the hands of the person he loved most. Master Sol (Lee Jung-jae) died at the hands of his pupil Osha (Amandla Stenberg).
Although Sol had committed a mistake when he killed Mother Aniseya (Jodie-Turner Smith), he did so to save Osha and Mae, who according to him were not safe with the witches. Osha could not forgive him for this and killed him switching over to the Dark Side in the process.
Fans of the show and the 'Star Wars' series felt that Mae could have been the victim here as he was acting in good faith throughout and did whatever he did to save Osha and guarantee a bright future for her.
Fans sympathize with Master Sol after his death
A Reddit user enlisted the reasons why Master Sol was a victim in the show. Among the reasons were points like, "1, Was denied a padawan at first according to Indara. 2. Got lied to by a child leading to a massive misunderstanding that led to conflict. 3.Killed an innocent(ish) person due to said misunderstanding"
The other reasons included, "4.Have his former padawan accused of capital murder.5. His current padawan got murdered in front of him. 6. Try to make everything right with only the best of intentions in mind only to get killed by your former padawan, for whom you have vouched for over and over again for the last 16 years"
Another Reddit user agreed but added a caveat in comments in comments saying,"He’s supposed to be a complex character. I think Vernestra’s speech at the end of the episode was actually quite accurate - he was kind and compassionate and he also made a huge mistake that led to him doing some terrible thing."
Another Reddit user said, "He’s the embodiment of “The road to hell is paved with good intentions”" Another Reddit user said, "Agreed and this series really sets it up for people to see the path and understand the downfall of the Jedi and how the Sith were able to return to power. That's what I've been taking from it the most."
Some fans however were critical of Sol. A Reddit user said, I love Sol, I really do. But his actions and his unwillingness shift/ or to understand the perspectives of other characters, really dug him in here.Sol has a need to control situations because that's the only way he feels that he's in control of his emotions. He seeks to focus on the external rather than to face his inner emotions.
Why did Master Vernestra call Sol a rogue Jedi?
Master Vernestra (Rebecca Henderson) called Master Sol a rogue Jedi at the end of the episode and called him the murderer of his other Jedis. Master Sol however did not murder the other Jedi and they were murdered by Mae or Qimir (Manny Jacinto).
Master Vernestra pinned the blame on Sol in order to avoid the external review of the Jedi Order by the Senate. She did not want to go public with the rise of a mysterious dark force until she would investigate it herself with the help of Mae who has currently lost her memory.
Master Sol is already dead and by blaming him, she could put away the immediate danger on the Jedi Order.
How to stream 'The Acolyte'?
Episodes 1-8 of 'The Acolyte' are now available to stream on Disney+. To watch the show, you will need a Disney+ Subscription.
For a Disney+ Subscription, the basic membership plan with ads costs $7.99/month while the premium plan (with no ads) comes at $13.99/month or $139.99/year.
'The Acolyte' Trailer
Episodes 1-8 of 'The Acolyte' are now available to stream on Disney+