The Acolyte: 4 things that didn't work in episode 4, "Day"

No show is perfect, whether it's The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, Andor, or The Acolyte. The latest episode of The Acolyte falls short of perfection, with writing being a significant area for improvement.

Here are 4 things that didn't work for me in The Acolyte Episode 4, "Day".

1. Yet another interesting character died

As if Master Indara's death in the first episode, "Lost/Found," wasn't disappointing enough after the promos gave me hope that Carrie-Anne Moss would play a significant role in the series, Kelnacca's death is the latest disappointing end to a promising character. Wookiees are beloved Star Wars species. Kelnacca seemed strong and adorable, two traits that make for a great Wookiee Jedi. Instead of capitalizing on his charm, episode 4 ends with Kelnacca being found dead in his home in the forest of Khofar. I'm sure he'll be seen in a few flashbacks in coming episodes, including a flashback where he uses a lightsaber. Still, I wanted Kelnacca to be one of the main characters in the series, which is unlikely to happen unless he comes back from the dead.

2. Mae's sudden change of heart

Not only does Mae change her mind about killing Kelnacca, but she's ready to turn herself in for her crimes. It's a sudden change of heart as a few minutes earlier in the episode, while trekking up the mountains with Qimir, she says, "I can't believe my sister is Jedi scum." Mae's desire for revenge was her motivation up to this point, and her change of heart seems rushed. An explanation of why this happened will likely come through flashbacks, which would mean the series has an issue of relying too much on flashbacks to explain things.

3. Repetitive scenarios

The dialogue between Master Vernestra Rwoh and Master Sol is becoming increasingly redundant. So has Master Sol's repeated requests for Osha's assistance on missions, even though she's no longer a Jedi. These scenes have happened more than once throughout just four episodes, and it's time for something different.

4. A lot is happening but not enough introspection:

This wasn't an issue in the first two episodes of The Acolyte, and it's why I enjoyed the first two a lot more. A lot is going on and things seem to be in motion, but there's not much introspection on the characters' part. Does Master Sol want Osha to finish her training? Does Osha want to finish her training? Why does Master Sol believe Mae is redeemable? We desperately need answers to these questions before the season is over.

The Acolyte is streaming on Disney+.