THE ACOLYTE’s Surprise STAR WARS Cameo Raises Major Questions About the Jedi

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As a long-time Star Wars fan with decades of waiting for Darth Plagueis to make his appearance, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of intrigue and frustration as I delve into the hidden secrets of the Jedi Order in “The Acolyte.” Vernestra’s deception, though well-intentioned, is a dangerous game that could ultimately lead to the destruction of the very Republic she’s fighting to protect.

In the finale of “The Acolyte,” Vernestra blamed her deceased friend Sol for the atrocities committed to conceal the dark truth about Brendok. She asserted that Sol had turned against the Jedi Order and was responsible for the deaths of those who had aided him in hiding this secret. According to Vernestra, this falsehood served a noble purpose, reminiscent of Sol’s own deception with Osha. However, her dishonesty not only tarnishes Sol’s reputation but also undermines the integrity of the entire Jedi Order. By keeping the truth about Qimir, Mae, and Osha concealed, the guardians of peace and justice are safeguarding their own power in the galaxy instead.

Star Wars enthusiasts are aware that Vernestra’s deceit regarding an imminent threat would ultimately lead to her Order’s demise. However, her last scene hinted at a more renowned Jedi Master playing a significant role in their impending destruction. She paid a visit to one of the most esteemed Jedi figures in Star Wars lore, who will remain on the High Council when Palpatine gains power – Master Yoda.

In “The Acolyte,” Jedi Master Vernestra went great lengths to bypass the scrutiny of the Galactic Senate. Simultaneously, she delved into the investigation of her fallen colleagues’ murders, taking care not to draw unwanted attention. This discretion wasn’t limited to politicians alone; she collaborated with fellow Jedi to hide the truth from their High Council as well.

During the High Republic Era in Star Wars, I was part of the Jedi Order and we had a High Council. This council was responsible for guiding us, which is similar to what we saw during the Skywalker Saga. However, The Acolyte introduced me to a different group of Jedi, led by Vernestra, who held significant power. They worked independently from the Council, shrouded in secrecy because they needed to keep the Senate informed directly. To conceal sensitive information, including the existence of a dark side Force user among us, we had to keep even the wisest and most trusted Jedi members in the dark.

Starting from episode eight, Vernestra’s connection with the Force grew so strong that she could uncover old secrets. After her personal visit, she discovered her late colleagues had deceived her. Though they acted with good intentions, their deceit gave Vernestra an idea to weave a larger falsehood. Instead of confessing about her former student who turned to the dark side, she accused Sol of the murders committed by Qimir, Mae, and Osha.

Senator Rayencourt’s fears were validated when he learned that a Jedi, someone he believed wielded too much power without accountability, had turned against the Order and the Republic. His concern led him to advocate for an investigation into the Jedi. However, Vernestra’s admission that this was indeed what transpired with Sol was a more convenient fabrication than the truth.

In the season finale, Vernestra acted to shield both the Jedi and herself from harm. Her deceit was preferable to revealing dreadful truths that might spark fear. Her narrative gave the impression that the Jedi had no secrets to conceal. Why would the Senate feel compelled to scrutinize an honest group? However, this level of supervision was precisely what the Jedi required.

Approximately a century from now, the prophecies of Senator Rayencourt and Aniseya will unfold. The Jedi’s commendable intentions will prove detrimental to them. Their good intentions, coupled with their overconfidence, will impede their ability to recognize the looming evil in their midst. Eventually, this malevolence will consume the entire galaxy, plunging it into darkness. If only they had sought an outside perspective, they might have averted this catastrophic outcome. Regrettably, it is Sheev Palpatine who will seize control of the very Republic that Vernestra dedicated herself to preserving in obscurity.

Star Wars fans know why Vernestra’s deception will prove fatal. But her final moment during the episode raises monumental questions about whether or not she also kept Master Yoda in the dark. He’s the only member of the High Council to appear on the show. She visited him after her meeting with the Chancellor and Senators.

As someone who has had my fair share of keeping secrets and navigating complex relationships, I can understand why she might have felt the need to confide in him about the sensitive matters regarding Sol, Qimir, Mae, Osha, and Brendok. She likely believed that he could be trusted with this information, knowing that his loyalty lies with her and their shared cause. However, I cannot help but feel a pang of unease at the thought of deceiving the Senate, even for the greater good. It’s a heavy burden to bear, one that can wear down even the strongest of souls over time. As for seeking advice on how to confront the Order’s greatest threat, I wholeheartedly support her initiative. In my experience, it’s crucial to gather as much knowledge and perspective as possible when facing an adversary as formidable as that.

Was Vernestra completely honest with Yoda, or did she conceal the full truth or even fabricate falsehoods instead? Perhaps she sought his counsel not for confessing her deceit, but merely to manage the guilt and weight of her unnamed lies – a tactic Anakin would later employ. Even if she was at peace with her actions, she tarnished the memory of an honorable man in doing so. Such a burden would be a challenge even for a seasoned Jedi Master.

In the story of “The Acolyte,” Ki-Adi-Mundi, a Jedi on the High Council, concurred with Venestra that it would be best to keep their hidden enemies a secret from the council. However, in “The Phantom Menace,” Mundi is also part of this same council, along with Yoda. When presented with Qui-Gon’s report of a Sith Lord, Mundi expressed doubt, stating no one had seen a Sith for millennia. The scene then shifts to Master Yoda, who gives a puzzled look to Mace Windu.

Based on my extensive knowledge of Star Wars lore and having closely followed the adventures of Vernestra Rwoh and Yoda, I believe there’s a compelling reason behind Vernestra’s visit to the wise Jedi Master. From what we’ve seen in the stories, Yoda has always been a guardian of the Force and an advocate for the light side of the galaxy. Given that the darkness was a significant factor in the downfall of the Jedi Order, it’s reasonable to assume that Yoda held crucial insights into this event.

At that point in time, was Yoda aware of Qimir, Mae, and Osha’s existence? Did he assist Vernestra in subduing them? And if so, did this apparent triumph obscure from Yoda the reality that a genuine Sith Lord concealed himself in the background, putting the Jedi Order in even greater danger? Or will it be revealed that Vernestra kept this information from Yoda, leaving her mistakes as her sole responsibility? It’s plausible that, given his virtuous nature, Yoda was unaware of all Vernestra had done. If true, a simple truth could have spared much future hardship.

Mikey Walsh is a staff writer at TopMob who spent decades waiting for Darth Plagueis to show up. You can follow him on Twitter and Bluesky at @burgermike. And also anywhere someone is ranking the Targaryen kings.

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2024-07-17 22:03