Headland Reveals That the Driving Factor Behind Osha Killing Master Sol was “Benign Sexism”: “He is imposing on her agency at that point”

As a fan who has spent countless hours immersed in the rich tapestry of Star Wars lore, I can’t help but feel a deep resonance with Leslye Headland’s insightful analysis of ‘The Acolyte’. The final episode’s climactic moment where Osha kills Master Sol was undoubtedly shocking, but it was also a poignant culmination of a complex father-daughter relationship riddled with subtle sexism and paternal protectionism.


After the last episode of “Star Wars: The Acolyte” was unveiled, there’s been a pause in production with no word yet on a second season. In the meantime, creator Leslye Headland is shedding light on certain aspects that viewers might have overlooked.

One of the most shocking moments in the finale was when Osha kills Master Sol.

If you’ve been an attentive viewer of the series, you are aware by this point that Master Sol played a pivotal role in the deaths of Mother Aniseya and the entire coven of Brenodk’s witches. Yet, his most egregious offense was falsely accusing Mae of these crimes and concealing the truth for sixteen long years.

1. When Sol eventually admitted his part in the destruction of her family, Osha found it impossible to suppress her feelings of animosity – anger, betrayal, and pain. She resolved to strangle Sol. Even in death, Sol opted for forgiveness, a moment that Headland explored more deeply.

In a recent interview with Collider, Headland explained that one of the important driving factors in the murder was subtle sexism:

1. The intriguing aspect of Osha killing Sol lies in the depth conveyed through his struggle for words. My initial thought was that he wasn’t giving Osha the freedom to make this decision on her own because he was accepting his fate. This act, I believe, adds an extra layer of offense, as if to say “It’s okay.” It’s a brilliant scene!

1. In our story, we recognized that the father’s betrayal was inevitable, and we wanted to contrast Luke’s forgiveness with Vader’s redemption. However, we thought, “This being a Sith tale, such an outcome isn’t likely.” You make a valid point. The concept of benign sexism is at play here, particularly paternal protectionism. It might seem like a positive trait, but it can also lead to over-guiding and controlling, as if saying, “I must shield you from everything, ensure your safety, guide you onto the right path, and then support you on that journey.”

Eventually, as women grow and establish unique identities distinct from their fathers, they will inevitably need to break free from paternal protective measures.

1. I’m extremely pleased with it, and there are countless scenes from the series that I adore. If you’ve got time, I’d be happy to reminisce about all of them! One scene that stands out is when he declares, “I did everything because I love–” He was going to say, “I love you,” which showcases a deep bond that might seem inappropriate for a Jedi. Moreover, this sentiment also explains his actions towards his daughter throughout the latter part of the season, given his imbalance and eventual emotional breakdown.

1. The daughter must eventually break free from his influence and carve her own path. She can’t remain a child, teenager, or young adult forever. At some stage, she will need to assert, “I refuse to conform to the expectations you set for me to gain your approval, to mimic your journey.” This is something she must accomplish.

In my opinion, when he responds with “It’s okay,” I believe you are correct in pointing out that he is infringing on her autonomy at that moment. However, I also suspect that she required his acknowledgment in an unusual way. His acceptance of the situation, rather than seeking his approval, may have provided her with the strength to make the final decision.

1. Regardless of your feelings towards Headland’s viewpoint, it’s evident that Osha has taken a turn for the worse and seems to be heading down a more ominous path. This path may grow increasingly sinister as Darth Plagueis draws near.

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2024-07-30 14:48