We are introduced to Koril and a powerful coven of witches led by Mother Aniseya, portrayed by Jodie Turner-Smith. The witches believe in the Thread, a mystical force that connects all living things and guides their destinies. Due to widespread fear and misunderstanding of their powers, the coven has faced severe persecution and has been forced into hiding.

The story centers on two young witches, Osha and Mae, as they approach the pivotal Ascension ceremony, which marks their commitment to the coven's legacy. Osha, however, harbors dreams of becoming a Jedi, diverging from her witch heritage, while Mae is devoted to their traditional path.

The ceremony is dramatically interrupted by the arrival of Jedi, enforcing a Republic law against witches training children. This sparks a conflict that tests the twins' loyalties and beliefs, with Mother Aniseya offering guidance to navigate this delicate situation.

The episode masterfully builds tension, culminating in a dramatic and fiery climax that leaves the future of both Osha and Mae uncertain. The aftermath sets Osha on a new path, training as a Jedi padawan on Coruscant, while raising questions about the fate of her sister Mae and the challenges that lie ahead.

In the pilot episode of "The Acolyte," written and directed by Leslye Headland, the series kicks off with a tantalizing mystery hinted at by the ominous line from the trailer, “Someone is killing Jedi.” However, it quickly becomes apparent that this isn’t a traditional whodunit. Instead, the central enigma revolves around the identity and motives of a Sith assassin.

The episode sets a dark tone with its opening scene on the planet Ueda, featuring a dramatic bar fight where the Jedi Master Indara (played by Carrie-Anne Moss) is unexpectedly and swiftly killed by an assassin, raising questions about the killer's identity and motives.

We are introduced to the main character, Osha Aniseya (Amandla Stenberg), a former Jedi turned mechanic. Osha's life is abruptly upended when she is accused of Master Indara's murder by her old friend, Jedi Knight Yord (Charlie Barnett), and his Padawan. Despite a witness identifying her as the murderer, Osha's involvement remains dubious.

During a transport back to face justice, convicts on the ship stage an escape, leaving Osha stranded as the ship crash-lands on the planet Carlacc. Here, Osha experiences a dream in which her presumed dead twin sister, Mae, confesses to the murder. This revelation propels the narrative forward, suggesting that Mae is alive and entangled in a deeper conspiracy.

The plot thickens as we meet new characters such as Master Sol (Lee Jung-Jae), Osha's former mentor, and Jecki (Dafne Keen), a Padawan. Sol and Yord eventually find Osha on Carlacc, but a climactic chase leads her to a precarious position reminiscent of "The Fugitive."

Mae emerges as a central figure, seemingly allied with a con-artist named Qimir (Manny Jacinto). She seeks a weapon to carry out her mission to eliminate four Jedi, a plan that includes infiltrating a local Jedi Temple on the planet Olega twice. Her interactions with Master Torbin lead to his cryptic last words and subsequent suicide by poison.

The narrative is interspersed with nods to classic "Star Wars" lines and themes, notably the iconic “I have a bad feeling about this.” As the Jedi devise a plan to trap Mae, the writing wavers with some inconsistencies and clichéd lines.

Mae's mission remains shrouded in mystery, particularly her motivations and the significance of an event called Brendok from sixteen years ago. Despite believing her sister dead, Osha seems to have an uncanny insight into Mae's intentions, raising suspicions about their possible collusion.

The episode concludes with Osha allowing Mae to escape during a confrontation, suggesting a complex relationship between the sisters. The next episode teases further intrigue as the story moves to the forest retreat of Kelnacca, a Wookiee Jedi and Mae's next target. The narrative leaves viewers questioning alliances and the true nature of the characters' intentions.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace’s release and we are honored to have a big fan of this movie as our guest. Silver Ciprian, who you know better as Star Wars Thrifting, saw the Phantom Menace when she was 10 years old and is now an avid collector of Star Wars memorabilia. She finds collectibles at flea markets, antique malls, and thrift stores. As Silver puts it so well, “There is nothing like the ‘Thrill of the Hunt’ and you never know what gem you come across that day. I hope to inspire others by sharing what brings me joy.”