Star Wars: The Acolyte just came out with its sixth episode titled "Teach/Corrupt." We got to see the twins Osha and Mae essentially do a Freaky Friday swap, which gave us a very compelling ending to the episode for both of the twins. It also gave us a look at a new side of Jedi Master Sol, so let's break down that ending.
Star Wars: The Acolyte Episode 6 "Teach/Corrupt" Ending Explained
Our recap of the episode breaks things down in detail, but really, the episode was about Mae pretending to be Osha to trick Sol and Osha assuming Mae's role with The Stranger, AKA Qimir. It seemed like just a matter of time until Sol figured out Mae's ruse, and eventually, he did and was able to stun and restrain her.
The ending of their half of the episode results in Sol somewhat menacingly telling Mae that he has been thinking for 16 years, since the events of Brendok, about what he would say to her. It seems like he is finally going to get his chance. Sol has been interrupted so many times right as he is about to spill the beans about Brendok that these flashbacks, whether it is all or just parts of episode 7, really better be worth it.
The creative team behind the show have a difficult balancing act to achieve. They must justify why Mae and The Stranger are so angry about things and why Mae was/is so hellbent on revenge. Master Torbin told Mae that the Jedi were doing what they thought was right. We should see the Jedi faced a situation where there were no good options, and they did the best they could. If we see the Jedi acting too badly, like if they slaughtered the witch coven or something like that, it would be unforgivable and would really just be another instance of painting the Jedi in a negative light, making it harder and harder to root for the Jedi. It is not an easy task and will require a deft touch, so we will see how the creators handle this delicate flashback, which is really at the crux of the whole series.
Over on the "Unknown Planet," which sure looks like a knockoff of Ahch-To from The Last Jedi, we see Qimir use his charisma and powers of seduction to try to lure Osha towards the dark side. It works pretty well. He gives her every opportunity to leave, but she stays. She even gives into her anger when The Stranger gets her to admit she left the Jedi Order because she failed.
By the end of the episode, Qimir has piqued her curiosity enough that she is willing to try on his fancy cortosis helmet. He says it cuts off all of your senses, similar to masks they used to train as Jedi younglings or the sight-blocking visor Luke Skywalker uses in A New Hope. That way, "it is just you and the Force." She puts it on when he is not there, and we get a glimpse into her view from within the mask, just like when we see the Darth Vader mask go on Anakin at the end of Revenge of the Sith.
It is a very cool moment, and it certainly leaves the door wide open to Osha giving in to the dark side and joining forces with Qimir. It is not clear what her thoughts are when she puts the helmet on, but she seems to feel the power of the helmet. Its allure may lead her further down the path to the dark side.
There are only two episodes left of the series. It seems like we are about to get another spoonful of Jedi doing bad things in flashbacks, so if that is your thing, then the next few episodes should be just for you!