The Acolyte is proof that there is one major flaw with Star Wars TV shows, and it likely isn’t what first comes to mind. The Acolyte is the newest of Star Wars’ movies and TV shows, and although it initially received significant backlash, the show has won many people over in recent episodes. In fact, The Acolyte episode 5 was a game changer, with many viewers thrilled at the reveal that Qimir is the masked villain, the Stranger.

While that may be, though, The Acolyte also has flaws—as any show does—that have nothing to do with the absurd outcries about diversity ‘ruining’ Star Wars. Rather, The Acolyte struggles with some of the same issues other recent Star Wars shows have exhibited. One flaw in particular has become a pattern, and it just isn’t working for the franchise.

8 Episodes Aren’t Enough For Major Character Development

The 8-episode arc has become standard not only for Star Wars but also for most streaming shows, but The Acolyte is proving why that isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. In fact, the most recent episode was one of the best examples of that. The Acolyte episode 6 had three plot lines all happening concurrently. The first was Osha’s time on the Unknown Planet with Qimir, the second was Mae disguising herself as Osha and going on Master Sol’s ship, and the third was the Jedi trip to Khofar.

While the trip to Khofar was admittedly a bit less exciting than the other two plots, it was essential to the plot, as the Jedi uncovered a bit about what had transpired on the planet and recovered the bodies of the dead Jedi. However, both Osha and Mae’s arcs were absolutely fascinating, but they ended just as they really gained momentum. In Osha’s case, this meant being trapped on a remote island with Qimir.

In addition to the enemies-to-lovers romance novel nature of this setup, this plot was interesting because it suggests that Osha and Mae might be switching places in more ways than one. Specifically, it seems Osha may truly turn to the dark side and accept a role as the Stranger’s brand-new Acolyte. Just before the episode ended, Osha put Qimir’s helmet on her head, breathing like Darth Vader.

Osha may truly turn to the dark side and accept a role as the Stranger’s brand-new Acolyte.

In Mae’s case, she ends up being caught by Master Sol, who figures out impressively quickly that she is not her sister. With this discovery, Master Sol ties Mae down but promises it isn’t to harm her. Instead, he intends to tell her everything. They are also headed to a specific destination and, although it went unstated, it is almost certainly Brendok, the twins’ planet of origin.

In both arcs, The Acolyte is getting to some of the most interesting subject matter yet. However, The Acolyte now has only two episodes left. How is this going to be adequate time for Osha and Mae’s arcs to be effectively fleshed out? It seems impossible that the two episodes will feel anything but rushed, even if a second season is coming (which isn’t confirmed).

The Acolyte Will Repeat A Major Revenge Of The Sith Flaw

Specifically in Osha’s storyline, The Acolyte is doomed to repeat a major flaw from Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith. Although Revenge of the Sith may now be considered one of Star Wars’ best movies, a significant complaint has always been that Anakin Skywalker’s fall to the dark side was too quick. Yes, his path to the dark side had been building from the very beginning, but the actual moment he became Vader was too fast.

Even after events like Anakin’s slaughter of the Tusken Raiders in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, a slow build was required in Revenge of the Sith for Anakin to believably betray all he had known for over a decade and the people he had grown to love. Instead, Anakin seemed to change on a dime, going swiftly from betraying Palpatine by revealing his Sith identity to Mace Windu to calling Palpatine “my master.”

Just as Anakin’s turn occurred too quickly, if Osha is going to join the dark side, it will be too sudden a switch. Qimir may be seducing Osha to the dark side (in more ways than one, including, apparently, literally), but it simply won’t be believable if Osha quickly accepts and moves on from Qimir’s brutal murder of Jecki Lon and Yord. Even if Qimir is a master manipulator, a sudden change doesn’t make sense.

If Osha is going to join the dark side, it will be too sudden a switch.

An 8-Episode Structure Is Too Much Exposition

In that case, the 8-episode arc will be to blame. There simply isn’t enough time to cover all the ground that needs to be covered. In fact, the development of the background and context for these plot points has been proof enough of that. While The Acolyte is a mystery show, some mysteries are dragging out for too long when they should have been only exposition. The demise of the Witches of Brendok is arguably the best example.

While The Acolyte is a mystery show, some mysteries are dragging out for too long.

So far, The Acolyte has felt almost entirely constructed of exposition, with the show just now getting to ‘the good part.’ Sadly, the two episodes remaining in the show will leave little room for the good part, thus cutting itself off at the knees. This truly is a result of the 8-episode arc, as Andor, one of Star Wars’ best TV shows, makes even clearer.

Andor is beloved throughout the franchise, with even those most vocally opposed to Disney Star Wars often considering it a good show. Notably, Andor does not follow the 8-episode structure; Andor season 1 had 12 episodes, and that offered plenty of time for character and plot development. The Acolyte is surely proof that Star Wars must continue taking a page out of Andor’s book, but sadly, it’s already too late for season 1 to get this right.