One of the most shocking moments as a visual in Star Wars: The Acolyte episode 4, "Day," is when Mae reaches the end of her trail and finds her quarry dead in his home. Slumped lifeless in his chair at a work surface, Jedi Master Kelnacca has a mortal lightsaber wound so fresh that smoke is still rising from it and is still smoldering. In a shaky voice, Mae announces, "He's here," meaning her dark side master.
The visual is shocking, but the plot is not. In Mel Brooks' Tony Award-winning musical, The Producers, novice Broadway businessman Leopold Bloom dares to wish everyone "good luck" on their opening night. Amid horrified gasps, he's warned of the dire consequences of saying that:
"It's bad luck to say good luck on opening nightThe Producers
If you do
I tell you
It is certain by the curtain you are through"
Closer to The Acolyte's home, Captain Typho opens Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones with "I guess I was wrong. There was no danger after all." Promptly, the yacht he had just escorted to safety explodes.
Minutes before Mae's terrified realization of who got to Master Kelnacca before she did, Mae comes to the realization that she can be free and declares her independence:
"You know, after running through that forest for an extremely long time, I realized something. I don't need to do this anymore. I don't need to kill a Jedi without a weapon. I don't need to keep this deal. You were wrong. Osha being alive changes everything. My loyalty is to Osha. Not your Master."Mae
It's a great moment of empowerment and quite a swing from the person known for saying few things before she committed murder. There is hope for her.
Unfortunately, that's the moment she metaphorically murdered Kelnacca without ever setting foot in his home. In terms of plot, the only response to Mae standing her ground is to pull the rug out from under her. She tempts fate, whether she realizes it or not, and joins the ranks of Captain Typho and Grand Moff, "Evacuate in our moment of triumph?" Tarkin. We still don't know the connection between Qimir and the dark side Master, but it is close enough for Mae to arrive ten minutes later and a minute too late to turn herself in to Kelnacca.
The episode ends with the Jedi turning their backs on one enemy to gang up on a greater threat. Hopefully, there will be survivors in the next episode, and at least one of them will listen to Mae's side of things.