The Acolyte Episode 8 Easter Eggs & Star Wars References Explained

As a devoted Star Wars fan, I have eagerly watched every episode of The Acolyte with great anticipation and excitement. The series finale, titled “The Acolyte,” was a thrilling culmination of the stories and characters we’ve followed throughout the season. With its longer runtime, this episode contained more easter eggs and references to the rich Star Wars lore than any other episode before it.


As a dedicated Star Wars fan, I’ve just finished watching the eighth episode or Season 1 finale of The Acolyte. I can’t help but feel excited and intrigued by the number of hidden gems and references to the expansive Star Wars Universe that were included in this lengthier-than-usual installment. Given its extended runtime, it comes as no surprise that this episode contained more allusions to the rich history of Star Wars lore than any other we’ve seen before.

Here are the easter eggs that we spotted in The Acolyte finale.

All major Star Wars easter eggs spotted in The Acolyte’s finale

In the thrilling finale named “The Acolyte,” I was introduced to new characters and intriguing elements that beautifully blended with the live-action universe of this franchise. The episode also featured nostalgic scenes reminiscent of earlier installments, transporting me back to cherished memories.

Darth Plagueis

In the last episode of “The Acolyte,” Darth Plagueis, portrayed briefly, makes his first live-action appearance in the Star Wars universe. He has a notable history in Star Wars lore as the former master of Darth Sidious, and his presence has been referenced in films, video games, and comic books prior. Towards the end, Plagueis covertly observes Qimir and Osha as they depart for Brendok.

The creation of a Sith lightsaber

In “The Acolyte,” a new element from the Star Wars franchise makes its live-action debut: the creation of a Sith lightsaber. Kyber crystals, which normally remain colorless within lightsabers, transform into various colors when chosen by a youngling. However, the Sith cannot utilize these crystals in their untouched state as they belong to the Light Side. Instead, they manipulate and “bleed” them, resulting in a red-hued blade. In this series, Osha unwittingly performs this process after avenging her mother’s death by killing Sol.

The Jedi Master of The Stranger / Qimir

In Episode 8, we learn that Vernestra Rwoh was once Qimir’s mentor before he turned to the dark side. Towards the finale of the series, Vernestra pleads with Mae, the one who allowed Qimir to erase her memories, for assistance in locating the rogue Sith Lord.

Yoda’s appearance

Towards the end of the episode, Vernestra makes her way to find Yoda to share all that transpired. Though she kept Senate delegates in the dark, revealing secrets to a Jedi Grand Master like Yoda is unlikely to be withheld.

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A Tarsunt Supreme Chancellor

In the final scene, Vernestra stands before a Senate court presided over by Supreme Chancellor Drellik, hailing from the Tarsunt alien race. Some may recall that a Tarsunt chaired the Senate during the New Republic’s time as well.

The fall of the Jedi

In the climax, Vernestra confronts Senator Rayencourt, a fierce opponent of her Jedi Order. He labels the Jedi as a misguided cult and warns, “Your façade of virtue and self-control is bound to crack at some point. When that day comes, which I assure you is not a question of if but when, who will have the strength to prevent the destructive actions of one of your own?” This statement hints at the future emergence of Anakin Skywalker and the demise of the Jedi Order.

Firebird helmet & targeting computer

In the pursuit around Brendok, Mae dons a helmet brandishing a Firebird insignia, a mark synonymous with the Jedi Order at the time. A hundred years later, this emblem experiences alterations and evolves into the Rebel Alliance’s symbol.

While using a computer akin to Darth Vader’s in “A New Hope,” Sol finds himself assuming the role he once sought to shield Mae and Osha from. The imagery is striking; Sol transforms into the oppressive force, while Mae emerges as a defiant figure against the rigid Jedi order.

The power to create life

Sol explains to Mae that the Jedi believe they are the same person, as they were both created using the Force’s convergence by Mother Aniseya’s coven. In the Star Wars universe, Plagueis also explored similar Force abilities. The Jedi aren’t supposed to know he is a Sith, but it’s plausible that they suspect Force-sensitive individuals can delve into these aspects only through the Dark Side of the Force.

The journey will be complete

As I stand before Mae, triumphant after disarming her adversary Sol, I sense Qimir’s voice echoing in my ears. He urges me to tap into my rage, to let it consume me and channel it against Sol. Only by unleashing this fury can I truly finish what I’ve started on this journey of mine. It reminds me of the pivotal moment in Return of the Jedi when Darth Sidious, or the Emperor as he was then known, urged Luke Skywalker to give in to his anger and strike down the seemingly defenseless Palpatine. But unlike that instance where Sidious manipulated the situation for his own gain, Qimir’s words are a call to action, a testament to my own inner strength.

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2024-07-17 13:13