As I was watching the sixth episode of Star Wars: The Acolyte, I started to notice little things here and there as we witnessed the fallout of all those Jedi dying in the previous episode.
I noticed a lot of emotions being felt and expressed by all, but especially by Master Sol, the absolute badass who gave Qimir, aka Darth Swole, a beating he won't soon forget while still in Khofar. Firstly, let me pause right here and commend Lee Jung-jae for the absolutely phenomenal acting job he's done in the series so far. We knew he had range, but to be both endearing and a little sus at the same time takes a lot of talent - which, lucky for us, he's got a lot of that. Secondly, let me introduce to you a theory that hit me square in the face last night as I digested the episode.
But, before you continue to read, let me slap a friendly neighborhood SPOILER WARNING. Please continue to read at our own risk (or, you know, catch up on the show so you don't miss out on this.
THEORY: What if Master Sol, our cool and collected yet very emotionally driven Jedi Master, is the one who actually turns to the Dark Side by the end of The Acolyte?
The Setup
Cam, how dare you? We know you're an insufferable Sith fangirl, but Master Sol? Really?
Really.
From the get-go, Master Sol has been the epitome of Jedi wisdom and calm, setting the example that every Jedi should: feel emotions, understand them, and then move on. He has no problem showing his vulnerability and we've been able to tell since the very first episode that he's very emotionally conflicted when it comes to his old Padawan, Osha, and her twin, Mae.
His faith in the Light side of the Force has been tested more times than I can count ever since the twins reappeared in his life, and it's been remarkable watching a Jedi Master have to deal with these emotions with very little support (nothing against Vernestra or the other Jedi, but they're so painfully cold) and all at the same time. He witnessed his entire Jedi team die at the hands of a new threat that is still being evaluated and measured, beat Qimir effortlessly in a hand-to-hand duel, and almost killed the muscly man - only stopping himself because something-something Jedi standards.
But what really put the nail in the coffin for me was watching him deal with all these negative emotions during the sixth episode - notably when he randomly tells Osha (who's actually Mae) to take control of the ship and heads over to another console. He proceeds to hit the console with his fist in frustration, his face is contorted into painful and angry expressions, he exudes sadness, regret, and despair. He seems to take a minute to collect himself before turning the console back on, and the entire time he's quietly "cooling off", you can see what's going on in his head. He's so aware of himself and his emotions that he has to stop and take a deep breath so he feels and understands his emotions before trying to shove them aside. You can tell he's telling himself to calm down and not give in to these feelings and thoughts, not give in to the Dark Side.
Master Sol plays a very dangerous game of tip-toeing the line between Light and Dark, and I believe once what he and the other Masters did in Bendock is revealed, it could very well propel him into Sith robes. It makes sense. Master Indira, Master Torbin, Master Kelnacca, and Master Sol most likely did something horrible in Bendock. Did they start the fire and alter Osha's memory so she'd be easier to train (it would be so cool to see the memory-altering powers of the Jedi from KOTOR)? Did they give up on Mae and use her as collateral damage, as a reason for Osha to hang on to the Light side and become a Jedi? Did they actually kill the entire coven that night just to snag these two Force-baby twins for their cause? I honestly don't put that one past them.
Regardless of what they did, we can tell it wasn't ideal and, hopefully, it will all be revealed very soon.
But his unnatural attachment to Osha, the nostalgia and feelings he's been showing since literally the first episode whenever Osha is mentioned shows that he's very emotionally unstable - and that would be the perfect thing to make him swap sides in this.
If you think I'm pulling these theories and questions out of thin air, remember: Star Wars loves to surprise us. Just think of Anakin's fall from grace. Sol’s journey might be taking a darker turn than we ever imagined. Here's a little list for those who like lists of reasons why this theory makes perfect sense:
1. Mysterious Past: Master Sol’s backstory is murkier than Dagobah's swamps. We know bits and pieces, but there's a lot that hasn't been revealed. Maybe Sol’s been hiding some dark tendencies all along.
2. Temptation is Real: Even the most disciplined Jedi can be tempted by the Dark Side. Sol has shown moments of intense emotion - and yes, he has recovered every time, but it's enough to make me wonder if the Dark Side is whispering sweet nothings in their ear.
3. Power Struggles: The Sith are all about power, and who’s to say Sol isn’t tempted by the idea of ultimate control? Imagine the twist: Sol, a Jedi Master, falls for the lure of power and ends up as the titular Acolyte. I don't think he currently wants power, but who can say what we will witness in the last two episodes?
Sol’s journey has been one of discovery and internal conflict. He's faced dark moments, challenging decisions, and the burden of Jedi responsibility while trying to smother an awful secret about that one night in Bendock. What if all these experiences are setting him up for a fall? Sol, the wise and noble Jedi, finally succumbs to the Dark Side’s seductive promises - that would be an epic fall for such an epic Jedi Master. Imagine the climax of the series, the dramatic lightsaber battle, the heart-wrenching betrayal, and then the reveal - Master Sol, no longer a beacon of the Light Side, but a new Sith Acolyte, ready to embrace the darkness. It would be a twist for the ages, right up there with “I am your father.”
Star Wars is all about balance and surprises. Having Master Sol turn to the Dark Side would be a shocking twist that keeps us all on the edge of our seats. It’s the kind of storytelling that makes Star Wars legendary, blending the unexpected with the inevitable in the most thrilling way possible.
Is Master Sol destined to embrace the Dark Side and become the ultimate Acolyte? Or am I off in the Outer Rim with this theory? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure - The Acolyte is Star Wars in a way we haven't experienced yet and I absolutely cannot wait to see what happens in the last two episodes.