I'm not here to call The Acolyte's Mae Aniseya a saint. She's certainly done plenty of wrongs (and I am a supporter of fictional women's wrongs). However, in the few weeks that have passed since the series wrapped up, I keep thinking back to Mae's story. The narrative did this character so dirty. That's not always a bad thing, as pathos can be an excellent tool for storytelling. As the internet lost its mind for Osha and her new boy Qimir, I found myself feeling even more for Mae.
Because Mae is the girl no one wanted.
The only people who chose Mae were her mothers. Mother Aniseya and Koril wanted the best for both of their daughters. In return, Mae loved her coven. She embraced their practices and traditions and was astounded when Osha wanted to leave. As a little girl, Mae wanted her twin to stay with her, but Osha always wished to leave their home. It scared Mae, and fear leads to anger. Mae burned Osha's journal out of anger, but that fell away quickly when the fire got out of control. Sprinting outside for help, she watched one of her mothers get murdered, and the other one runs away. Mae lost the only two people who ever wanted her in just a few minutes.
Sol chose Osha. There was no point where he ever considered Mae or wanted to take her on as his padawan. Once he hyperfixated on Osha, that was his choice. He would always catch his future pupil first when the bridge collapsed. Even if Sol tried to save them both, Mae would always be the first to die over her sister.
Mae thought she found a place to belong with Qimir and her Master, who ended up being Qimir. The dark side isn't forgiving, though, preying on her pain and on the belief that Osha had perished. However, when given the chance to reunite with her sister, she left Qimir. That was the moment he didn't want her anymore. She was nothing more than a hurdle on his way to get to Osha. Qimir picked Osha over Mae, which became his entire focus.
From the moment that the sisters were reunited, Osha didn't believe Mae. She hunted her own twin, seeking revenge for what happened on Brendok. Repeatedly, Mae reached out to reconnect with her sister, and repeatedly, Osha turned her down or tried to kill her. It was only after Osha heard the truth from Sol, not Mae, that Osha believed her twin.
Then, the sisters' reunion was short-lived. Mae sacrifices herself so Osha can have a path of her choosing, even if it's with Qimir. Mae chooses to have her mind erased of all memories of her sister, Qimir, and the last sixteen years of her life. It's a choice she makes for her sister, who has never chosen Mae. Osha has never picked her sister, and yet Mae has always thought of Osha.
It's heartbreaking seeing Mae's story. Despite the shadiness of the Jedi Order, I am glad Mae is with Vernestra Rwoh. Not because I think the Jedi are going to treat her well. It's clear that Vernestra only wants Mae to find her old student, Qimir. Vernestra is using the young woman and, like everyone on this list, doesn't actually want Mae for Mae. It's only how useful Mae can be for her. I'm glad that Mae is in a place where she has a clean slate. While Vernestra told Mae about Osha, I hope there's a chance for Mae to start over.
Since no one else has wanted Mae, I hope she chooses herself.