Warning: This article contains MAJOR SPOILERS for Episode 6 of The Acolyte.
Summary
- The Acolyte's creator, Leslye Headland, confirms Qimir has a connection to Kylo Ren.
- The show's score includes snippets of Kylo Ren's theme, teasing a potential link to the Sequel Trilogy.
- Theories suggest Qimir could be the first Knight of Ren, creating continuity between The Acolyte and the Sequel Trilogy.
Leslye Headland, creator and showrunner of Star Wars: The Acolyte, confirmed what a lot of attentive viewers noticed in episode five, which revealed the identity of The Stranger as Qimir. In an interview with Inverse, Headland discussed the jaw-dropping episode, which featured a massive lightsaber battle and the deaths of several major characters. It also teased a huge connection to the Star Wars sequel trilogy and Kylo Ren.
Many viewers noticed that during the episode, snippets of Kylo Ren's theme from the sequels were included in Michael Abels' score. Headland revealed that parts of John Williams' music for the character, played by Adam Driver, were indeed included on purpose. She said:
It is there on purpose, but I can’t tell you why, and I can’t go into what it is. But you shall see.
Episode 6, "Teach/Corrupt," didn't explore the Kylo Ren tease directly, but instead focused on the aftermath of the massacre in episode five. We do get the revelation that Qimir was once a Jedi, but is now embracing the emotions that lead to the Dark Side. He appears to be grooming Osha to be his apprentice, and his tactics seem to work, as the episode ends with her trying on his helmet. We also get some labored breathing from Osha, an obvious call back to Darth Vader and a foreshadowing that she may turn to the Dark Side.
In case you missed the Kylo Ren connection in the episode, here is a clip, posted to X (formerly Twitter):
With no clear revelation provided in episode six, fans will continue to speculate about the significance of the use of the Kylo Ren theme. The obvious theory is that Qimir is possibly the founder of The Knights of Ren, the Dark Side order that Ben Solo (Driver) joins in the Sequel Trilogy. Qimir's helmet is the most obvious clue (as fans dubbed him "Smilo Ren"), as he resembles the look of the Knights we first see in The Force Awakens. Qimir reveals in episode six that he has a master, whose identity will likely answer most of the questions and finally explain the Kylo Ren connection.
Why Has The Acolyte Been So Controversial Among Fans?
It remains to be seen how all the loose ends in The Acolyte will tie together, but the series has an uphill battle convincing some fans that it is a worthy addition to the Star Wars saga. While the series has received praise for its ability to capture the look of the Prequel Trilogy, many hardcore fans have taken issue with plot points that deviate from established canon. In the case of the inclusion of Jedi Ki Adi Mundi, it contradicts canon outright, establishing the Jedi knew of the return of the Sith less than a hundred years before The Phantom Menace.
The identity of the Sith Lord called The Stranger was never the central mystery of The Acolyte. The real focus of the story is on the Jedi's failure.
With two episodes remaining, the series has the chance to explain the possible inconsistencies. If the inclusion of Kylo Ren's theme indeed means the Knights of Ren are involved, it would explain why the Jedi believe the SIth are extinct in the Prequel Trilogy. The Knights technically aren't Sith, so the Jedi may dismiss them as merely renegade Force users. If the Knights of Ren are involved, it would give the events of The Acolyte more gravitas, if it manages to link directly to the Sequel Trilogy.
New episodes of The Acolyte release on Tuesdays at 9 PM EST/6 PM PST on Disney+ .