Breaking Down The Acolyte Finale: Ending and Cameos Explained

By M Muzamil Shami

Powerful figures from both the light and dark sides make their presence known.

Everything was turned upside down in the lead-up to the July 16th season 1 finale of The Acolyte. Mae (Amandla Stenberg) went undercover as her sister Osha (also Stenberg), but her disguise was blown by the very man she intended to kill, Master Sol (Lee Jung-jae). Meanwhile, Osha was cozying up to the mysterious Stranger (Manny Jacinto), who had just killed multiple Jedi right in front of her. She even tried on his eerie helmet, a troubling sign for her future path.

We finally got answers about the events on Brendok, discovering that it was Sol who killed the twins’ mother, Aniseya (Jodie Turner-Smith), and that the Jedi — not Mae — were responsible for the death of the entire coven. Whoops!

       Osha Aniseya (Amandla Stenberg) on 'The Acolyte'. PHOTO: DISNEY+

"So, how do all these unexpected twists and turns affect the finale's outcome? We finally get some answers, but they also bring forth new mysteries.

In the climax, all the key players converge at the alleged site of convergence — Brendok. Sol and the Stranger engage in a fierce battle that concludes with Sol destroying the Sith's lightsaber. However, Mae joins the fray, leading to Sol confessing to the murder of the twins' mother. Shockingly, his staunch defender, Osha, overhears this confession and, distraught, uses the Force to fatally choke her former master to death. Mae, in a surprising turn, chooses to spare his life so he can face justice for his actions."

      Master Sol (Lee Jung-jae) on 'The Acolyte'. PHOTO: DISNEY+

"The decision marked Osha's full embrace of the dark side, evident as Sol's blue Kyber crystal turned crimson in her grip. Eventually, Osha struck a deal to apprentice under the Stranger, bargaining for Mae's release. In a sinister twist, the Sith erased Mae's memories to prevent her from leading the Jedi to their whereabouts.

Subsequently apprehended, Mae was delivered to Master Vanestra (portrayed by Rebecca Henderson), who emphasized the Jedi's commitment to atone for Sol's transgressions. She sought Mae's aid in locating 'a former pupil of mine who turned to darkness' — revealing that the Stranger had once been a Jedi Padawan."

       The Stranger (Manny Jacinto) on 'The Acolyte'. PHOTO: DISNEY+

After deceiving Senate members by fabricating a tale that Sol, portrayed as a rogue Jedi, had eliminated his associates on Brendok before his own demise, Vanestra faced further challenges from Senator Rayencourt (David Harewwood). Rayencourt persisted in advocating for an independent inquiry into the Jedi, characterizing them as "a sprawling, unchecked power structure masquerading as a religion—a misguided sect purporting to master the unmasterable."

In the final scene, Vanestra entered the chambers of a renowned Jedi Master, who despite his short stature, possessed large green ears. "Sorry to disturb you, Master. We need to talk," she said to Yoda.

Yoda's presence aligns with the Star Wars timeline, given his centuries-old age and occasional appearances in the High Republic novels of this era. Narratively, his complete absence would have been more surprising than his appearance. If "The Acolyte" continues into a second season, this suggests Yoda may play a more significant role. The potential inclusion of Yaddle, who also features in the High Republic novels, seems plausible and hopeful.

      Osha Aniseya (Amandla Stenberg) on 'The Acolyte'. PHOTO: DISNEY+

However, it was an earlier sighting of the shadowy side that has ignited fan excitement. As Mae and the Stranger departed the uncharted planet for Brendok, a mysterious figure emerged from a cave to observe them. Though his identity remains unconfirmed, his appearance strongly resembled that of Darth Plagueis.

Darth Plagueis the Wise, as recounted by Chancellor Palpatine to Anakin Skywalker in Revenge of the Sith, pursued immortality by manipulating midi-chlorians to create life and evade death. Ultimately betrayed and slain by his apprentice, Palpatine, this Muun with a distinctive, elongated face has his detailed saga chronicled in the non-canon Darth Plagueis novel. Season 2 of The Acolyte could potentially reintroduce Plagueis with a new backstory, opening new narrative possibilities.

The prospect of a Plagueis versus Yoda confrontation hints at an eagerly anticipated season 2 arrival.