The Acolyte Episode 7’s Twist Ending and Its Impact on Star Wars Explained

For much of “The Acolyte,” Master Sol has been portrayed as a figure of wisdom and calm. While other Jedi seem rigid and dogmatic, Sol appears genuine and trustworthy, at least to Osha. Many viewers initially believed it was Master Indara who decided to interfere with the witches and take the children away. However, it was revealed that Indara had actually advised Sol to leave them alone. It was Sol who couldn’t let things be, insisting on disrupting an independent community to abduct a girl to whom he felt an unexpected connection.

Sol’s storyline in Episode 7 offers a darker take on Qui-Gon Jinn’s decision to remove Anakin Skywalker from his home in “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.” In the film, taking Anakin from his life of slavery is depicted as a heroic act. But like Sol, Qui-Gon makes this decision without consulting the Jedi Council, leading to significant consequences for the Order. This is foreshadowed in “The Acolyte” by Mother Aniseya, played by Jodie Turner-Smith, who tells Sol, “Someday, those noble intentions you all have will destroy every Jedi in the galaxy.”

Sol’s conviction ultimately drags him down a dark path. He is so certain that Osha is destined to come with him that he dismisses Indara’s warnings. When Aniseya begins casting a spell, seemingly to protect her daughters, Sol preemptively kills her, fearing an attack. Later, when both Mae and Osha are in danger, he opts to save Osha, allowing Mae to fall to what seems like her death. To add to the deceit, he lies to Osha when she awakens, falsely claiming that Mae caused the death of her family.

Source: Lucasfilm