There seems to be much more to Qimir and the Dark Side than meets the eye

The latest episode of The Acolyte dropped a revelation bigger than the Death Star explosion, yet something we all somehow knew: Qimir is the mysteriously helmeted Master.

The mysterious masked menace, his identity finally revealed, is asked what he is and his reply is “The Jedi would call me a Sith.” Before you start crying out that he is a Sith, let that sink in - he didn't outright say he is a Sith. Intriguing, right?

Let's dive into the wild fan theories swirling around this epic twist. And, obviously, SPOILER WARNING if you're not caught up with the latest episode of The Acolyte, "Night".

Not your average Sith

So, what's the big deal? Qimir's choice of words is causing a seismic shift in the fandom. Instead of claiming the Sith title, he said the Jedi would call him a Sith. It’s like saying, “The Jedi have their labels, but I’m something...different.” And in the High Republic era, where everything is a bit more complex and nuanced, this could mean a whole new shade of dark side shenanigans.

In the High Republic era, the lines between Jedi and Sith aren't as clear-cut as in the Skywalker saga. The Jedi are at their peak, but the dark side is just as cunning and elusive. Qimir's vague declaration hints at the possibility of Dark Side users who don’t fit into the traditional Sith mold. Maybe he's part of a new dark side cult or a rogue force user playing by his own rules. Or, sure, maybe he could be a Sith but also just edgy and likes to create drama.

Fan Theories: The Speculation Frenzy

Star Wars Reddit is ablaze with theories. One popular idea is that Qimir is a Sith apprentice on a quest to find his own apprentice, suggesting a multi-layered Sith hierarchy. Another theory posits that Qimir could be a fallen Jedi, dabbling in the dark side without fully embracing the Sith title.

But there's reason to believe Qimir might be an acolyte of an ancient dark side order that predates the Sith, adding a deliciously mysterious layer to the story.

But, Cam, what order predates the Sith? I'm so glad you asked.

Before the Sith we know today, there were ancient dark side cults and orders, like the infamous Rakata and the Legends of the Sith species, who were among the first to tap into the Dark Side of the Force. These ancient groups had their own spooky rituals and powerful abilities that would make even Darth Vader think twice. The Rakata, for instance, were an ancient species known for their dark side-fueled Infinite Empire. They were tech-savvy and used the Force to create incredible devices and starships, which they used to dominate the galaxy. Their downfall came from their over-reliance on the dark side, leading to infighting and eventual collapse.

Before the Sith Order

Let's go all the way back to the beginning.

Way back in the galaxy's history, before the Sith Order as we know it, there were Dark Side users known as the Dark Jedi. These guys were the original rebels, refusing to follow the Jedi Code. Imagine a group of powerful Force users who decided, "Nah, we want to do our own thing," and they embraced the dark side. This group of rebellious Jedi ended up being exiled and eventually stumbled upon the Sith species on the planet Korriban. They mixed their dark side knowledge with the native Sith's mysticism, creating a supercharged, sinister new order: the Sith Order. Fast forward a bit, and this new Sith Order grows into a powerful empire, waging wars against the Jedi and the Galactic Republic. We're talking epic battles, betrayals, and a whole lot of Dark Side shenanigans. The Sith Lords ruled with an iron fist, but their obsession with power often led to infighting and chaos.

Enter the Brotherhood of Darkness, a group of Sith who decided that unity might be a good idea after all. They thought, "Hey, let's work together instead of constantly trying to kill each other." Led by Lord Kaan, they formed a cohesive, yet unstable, faction. Despite their efforts, they couldn't escape their nature. The Sith's greed and thirst for power led to more internal conflict, weakening them significantly.

Now, here's where things get really intense. During the Old Republic, the Jedi-Sith War raged on, with the Sith on the brink of defeat. Amidst this chaos, a powerful Sith named Darth Bane emerged. He looked at the Brotherhood and thought, "This isn't working. We need a reboot." Bane discovered ancient Sith teachings and devised a radical new plan: the Rule of Two. This rule was simple but genius: only two Sith can exist at a time - a master to embody the power and an apprentice to crave it. This way, the Sith would always strive for power without the self-destructive infighting.

Bane's big moment came during the final battle on Ruusan. He tricked the Brotherhood into using a devastating dark side weapon called the Thought Bomb, which obliterated both the Jedi and Sith forces in the area. When the smoke cleared, Bane was the last Sith standing. He took on an apprentice, Darth Zannah, and the Rule of Two began its long, secret journey to ultimate power. Thanks to Bane's cunning plan, the Sith survived in the shadows for centuries, plotting and scheming. They eventually resurfaced with Darth Sidious (a.k.a. Emperor Palpatine) and his apprentice, Darth Vader, bringing the galaxy to its knees and proving the Rule of Two's effectiveness.

Now, imagine Qimir being part of such a legacy. It means he might possess knowledge and abilities lost to time, making him a formidable and unpredictable foe. This connection to an ancient dark side order could explain why he operates differently from the typical Sith apprentices we've seen. It also opens up the possibility of ancient Dark Side artifacts and secrets coming into play. Maybe Qimir has access to forbidden knowledge or powerful relics that give him an edge over his adversaries. This twist would not only make his character more compelling but also deepen the overall lore of the Star Wars universe.

The Bigger Picture: is there a Master?

Many fans aren't convinced Qimir is the ultimate villain of The Acolyte, and I have to say that I wholeheartedly agree. Speculation is rife that his master will be revealed in a jaw-dropping twist, possibly someone with connections to well-known Sith lore, like Darth Plagueis. Imagine the chaos if the master shows up, effortlessly overpowering Qimir, just to flex those dark side muscles (because let's face it, Qimir's arm muscles have most of us defeated).

With Osha’s kidnapping in the last episode, things are getting spicy, and the fan theories are flying faster than the Millennium Falcon in hyperspace. Here are some possibilities both fans and lore have given us concerning Qimir's Master.

Mother Aniseya, Mae and Osha’s enigmatic mother is at the top of the list. Some believe she might be pulling the strings behind Qimir’s dark deeds. Aniseya’s background is shrouded in mystery, and her connection to the twins adds an emotional twist to the theory. If Aniseya is indeed Qimir’s master, it would make for some intense family drama and a juicy plot twist.

Next on the list is the Green Jedi, a lesser-known but intriguing group. The Green Jedi hail from Corellia and are known for their unique connection to the Force and their distinct approach to Jedi traditions. Some fans speculate that Qimir’s master could be a rogue Green Jedi who has embraced the dark side. This would add a fresh angle to the High Republic era, showcasing the complex and often blurry lines between light and dark. Plus, a Green Jedi turned dark side could bring some cool new Force powers into the mix.

Ah, Darth Plagueis, the name that sends shivers down every Star Wars fan’s spine. Known for his mastery over life and death and his tragic tale, Plagueis has been a fan favorite for ages. The show recently introduced a key Sith skill linked to him - Force resurrection. This skill, rumored to be one of Plagueis’s secret techniques, adds weight to the theory that Qimir’s master could be the infamous Darth Plagueis himself.

With only three episodes left and Osha in Qimir’s clutches, the tension is ramping up. Fans are eagerly waiting to see who will emerge as the true puppet master behind Qimir. Each theory brings its own set of tantalizing possibilities. If it’s Mother Aniseya, we’re in for a heart-wrenching family showdown. If it’s a rogue Green Jedi, we could see some fascinating new Force dynamics. And if it’s Darth Plagueis, well, hold on to your seats, because things are about to get epic.

Will Qimir’s master be revealed? And how will Osha escape from his grasp?

Will we get a full reveal of Qimir’s true nature? Is there a Sith master waiting in the shadows? And what does this mean for our heroes? One thing is for sure: The Acolyte is keeping us on the edge of our seats.