WARNING! This article contains SPOILERS for The Acolyte episode 8.
Summary
The Acolyteseason 1 finale featured a cameo from one beloved Arrowverse actor, and it’s possible he’ll be a major player ifThe Acolyteis renewed for a season 2.The Acolytefeatured minor plot points that showedJedi Master Vernestra Rwohgrappling with both her role as a Jedi and her job of reporting to the Galactic Senate. There were undertones throughoutThe Acolytethat the Jedi could not lose the faith of the Senate, as it would cause political tensions.
While dealing with the Senate is nothing new inStar Wars, this is the first time audiences have seen the Jedi conspiring to avoid Senatorial scrutiny. DuringThe Clone Warsand the prequels, the Jedi worked hand-in-hand with the Senate to prevent or end war. It’s interesting to see how galactic politics have changed in the hundred years betweenThe AcolyteandStar Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace. IfThe Acolyteseason 2 is greenlit, audiences will likely see more of the dynamic between the Jedi and the Senate at the end of theHigh Republic Era.
The Acolyte Ending Explained: The Shadow Of Darth Vader Descends In The High Republic Era
The Acolyte episode 8 wraps up season 1 of the High Republic show by casting the shadow of the dark side, and Darth Vader, over the Jedi Order.
David Harewood Plays Senator Rayencourt In The Acolyte
His Character Was Officially Introduced in Episode 8
InThe Acolyteepisode 6, Master Vernestra can be seen speaking with Senator Chuwant about how Senator Rayencourt has been calling for an external review of the Jedi Order. However, Senator Rayencourt is not seen untilThe Acolyteseason 1 finale.Senator Rayencourt is played by Arrowverse alumni David Harewood, who played Martian Manhunter/J’onn J’onzz in all six seasons ofSupergirl.It was amazing to see Harewood back onscreen in such a commanding role. While Rayencourt was only featured in two scenes, he stole both of them.
It’s an interesting choice to see a character who is likely being set up as an antagonist ofThe Acolyteseason 2 introduced so late in the season.Rayencourt is obviously opposed to the Jedi and points out that they claim to control the uncontrollable: their emotions. He says that while other members of the Senate see the Jedi as heroes, he can tell that they are just one rogue Jedi away from crumbling. In a sense, Rayencourt is correct, as just over a hundred years from when that scene takes place, Anakin Skywalker will leadOrder 66.
Vernestra Rwoh
A prodigy among the Jedi of the High Republic, Vernestra “Vern” Rwoh was one of the youngest Jedi ever to achieve the rank of Knight. She served at a time of crisis for the Republic, battling on the front lines against the Nihil, the Nameless, and the Drengir, and proving herself wise beyond her years. Vern will appear in live-action in The Acolyte, set over a hundred years after she became a Master, at the tail end of the High Republic Era.
Could Rayencourt Be A Senatorial Plant By Darth Plagueis?
Legends Tells Us He’s Done It Before
In a surprising appearance,Darth Plagueiswas seen on the unknown planet as Qimir and Osha left to confront Master Sol and Mae on Brendok. Much of the Muun Sith Lord’s story has been detailed in James Luceno’s novelDarth Plagueis, though the story is no longer considered canon because it is part of theStar WarsExpanded Universe (also known as Legends). However,The Acolyte’s creator and showrunner Leslye Headland has brought many aspects of Legends back into canon, andshe might be eyeing Senator Rayencourt to fulfill a role from theDarth Plagueisnovel.
Plagueis’ appearance, coupled with Rayencourt’s in the same episode, may indicate that there is a connection between the two.
In theDarth Plagueisnovel, Plagueis’ alter ego, Hego Damask, ran a powerful company that manipulated other planets to further his Sith agenda, often without these people knowing. Plagueis’ appearance, coupled with Rayencourt’s in the same episode, may indicate that there is a connection between the two. With Plagueis, known for manipulating senators to his will, and a very anti-Jedi senator both appearing in the same episode, it feels a little too perfect. The other big reveals inThe Acolytefinale prove that Headland is likely to continue this trend for season 2.
It’s not clear what aspects of theDarth Plagueisnovel will be making the jump from Legends to canon, but withPlagueis appearing as a Muun inThe Acolyte, it seems Headland has already sought to bring back aspects of the book. This meansit’s entirely possible that Plagueis’ alter ego could still be the co-chairman of Damask Holdings and operate within the InterGalactic Banking Clan. If this is true, Damask Holdings would have dealings with many worlds trying to gain seats within the Galactic Senate.
Multiple references in canon indicate that Darth Plagueis was trained by Darth Tenebrous, just as he was in Legends.
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Rayencourt Could Inspire Plagueis To Find An Apprentice in Palpatine
In theDarth Plagueisnovel, one of Plagueis’ goals is to break theSith Rule of Two, and to have a Sith take control of the Senate while Plagueis controls everything from the shadows. Seeing the success of his senatorial plan, Senator Rayencourt could help form this idea for Plagueis. Considering it would be well over 50 years until Plagueis recruits and trains Palpatine,Plagueis may gain a taste for absolute control over the senate from having Rayencourt in his back pocket.
With a senator who has obvious disdain and distrust of the Jedi, Rayencourt would be the perfect pupil for Plagueis to use, even if he isn’t a Sith. If one of Plagueis’ goals is for the galaxy to lose faith and turn on the Jedi, Senator Rayencourt would be perfect to have on his side. IfThe Acolyteseason 2 is greenlit, Senator Rayencourt will likely have a larger role to play and will continue to be a thorn in the side of the Jedi, but making him an unknown tool of the dark side makes him infinitely more interesting.
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.
