Warning: SPOILERS ahead for The Acolyte episode 4!
Summary
The Acolytecomposer Michael Abels has responded to the newStar Warsshow’s divisive fan reaction, responding to what people have been saying about the latest series in the franchise.Episodes ofThe Acolytehave been getting a plethora of negative reviews since the show began, dividing the fanbase on the quality of the series. Discussion surrounding episode 4 continued to widen this rift, with Ki-Adi-Mundi’s appearance 100 years beforeThe Phantom Menacebringing in the latest bout of criticism.
Speaking withScreen Rant,Abels responded toThe Acolyte’s divided fan reactions, explaining how he follows much of the discussion surrounding the show. Comparing his work on theStar Warsseries to that of Jordan Peele movies he’s composed for, he understands why fans are so passionate. But he also believes the series is honoring the franchise regardless of negative reception. Check out what Abels had to say below:
I have been reading, and I’m going to continue reading, because it’s really important for me to know about the reaction. Jordan Peele movies have a huge fan base, and people dissect every aspect of the trailers when they come out. It’s remarkable. Also, not everybody likes Jordan Peele movies, and they have a lot to say about that. So, that’s not new to me.
What is new is the level of passion about this. I have been a Star Wars fan all my life, but not compared to some people. I really am a newbie compared to some people and how deeply they’re into it, and I have a very mixed reaction. I do love that people are so passionate about it and feel like it’s so personal to them; what Star Wars means to them. I would be a composer without Star Wars, but my life is forever blessed because of the music from Star Wars, and that’s really personal to me. I have to respect that other people have other things about Star Wars that are as personal to them as the music is to me.
I can’t say that I agree with some of the things that they choose to be passionate about, like the age of characters. I don’t think that’s quite as important to me as the things I care about. It’s just not what makes Star Wars to me. But I think that our show is honoring the things that are important about Star Wars for a lot of people, and I love that the show is reaching those people who can appreciate what we’ve done for Star Wars.
The Acolyte Backlash Happens In A Context
People Who Worked On The Show Can Also See Fan Responses
As Abels' statement indicates, people who worked on the series are likely watching fan responses to theStar Warsseriespour in, especially the negative reactions dominating online discourse. While some viewers harshly criticize the show for what they believe are “woke” attributes,others are simply displeased withThe Acolyte’s charactersand storytelling.While the show has been getting positive reception from critics so far, it’s clear there’s a genuine divide being seen by not only the general public, but by those who worked on the show as well.
Because everyone from Abels to the writers and actors can watch the public outcry against the show,it could be discouraging to see such a large amount of hatred aimed at the show.The context of the show getting review bombed in places like Rotten Tomatoes also doesn’t help, as it indicates a massive amount of displeasure for the series overall. But, whileThe Acolyteepisode 4’s qualityhas generally been the weakest so far, the fact some are still reviewing the show positively means the overwhelming negativity doesn’t represent everyone’s views.
Despite how much backlash the show has received,The Acolyte’s viewership dataindicates it’s still a decentStar Warsentryfor Disney+. While that doesn’t mean everyone watching it is enjoying it, the show’s metrics are the key to its long-term success. With season 1 having reached the halfway point, though, it seems the negative reception will continue for quite some time - something those working on the series will end up having to endure because of the online discourse.
Due to review bombing,The Acolytecurrently has a 14% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, contrasted with an 84% critics score.
The Acolyte
Cast
The Acolyte is a television series set in the Star Wars universe at the end of the High Republic Era, where both the Jedi and the Galactic Empire were at the height of their influence. This sci-fi thriller sees a former Padawan reunite with her former Jedi Master as they investigate several crimes - all leading to darkness erupting from beneath the surface and preparing to bring about the end of the High Republic.
