Summary
The Acolytehas introduced two key characters, and with them two key weapons, that have perfectly primedStar Warsfor its greatest lightsaber battle ever to be shown on screen, and I couldn’t be more excited. Ofall the lightsaber duels inStar Wars, certain ones clearly stand out as the very best. In fact, although they were initially considered some ofStar Wars’worst movies, the prequels have since gained significantly more popularity, and two of their duels are especially hailed as among the best.
The Duel of the Fates battle between Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Darth Maul inStar Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menaceand the epic fight between Obi-Wan and Anakin Skywalker inStar Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sithare incredibly beloved. In particular, the innovative double-bladed lightsaber of Darth Maul and the raw emotion between Anakin and Obi-Wan make these two fights as epic as they are. Now,The Acolyteseems to be taking a page from each of these battles' books, setting up the best lightsaber duel thus far inStar Warsmovies and TV shows.
How Star Wars' Lightsaber Duels Have Changed (& Improved) Since George Lucas
Lightsaber duels have always been a staple of Star Wars, yet modern productions prove the fights have changed - and even improved - from Lucas’ films.
Vernestra Rwoh
As revealed inThe Acolytealready,Jedi Master Vernestra Rwoh will have her iconic purple lightwhip; in fact, she has already brandished it in the show. This revelation is particularly meaningful when it comes to the Stranger for one key reason. Justina Ireland’s novelStar Wars: The High Republic: A Test of Couragerevealed that the lightwhip is a weapon especially well-equipped to combat Forbidden Forms of lightsaber fighting. Specifically, inA Test of Courage, Vernestra herself explained:
“Have you read the testimonies of Cervil the Uncanny? She states that the whip was sometimes used to defend against the Sith Lords who used the Forbidden Forms.”
The Stranger’s lightsaber form, Juyo, is likely one of these very Forbidden Forms.
PURCHASE STAR WARS: THE HIGH REPUBLIC: A TEST OF COURAGE
The Jedi disliked (and even banned) Juyo because it encouraged the user to tap into their emotions during battle, most notably anger. Clearly, this form would contradict the Jedi way, which warns that anger can lead one to the dark side and teaches the importance of controlling one’s emotions. However, this is precisely why Juyo is an ideal lightsaber form for a Sith.
This is precisely why Juyo is an ideal lightsaber form for a Sith.
Moreover,this isn’t the only lightsaber technique Qimir/the Stranger uses inThe Acolytethat is likely one of the Forbidden Forms. Rather, Qimir also utilizes Trakata, a technique wherein the user turns their lightsaber on and off to confuse their opponent, giving them an advantage. Again, this would go against the Jedi way, as it’s a deceptive technique.
Qimir used this strategy to great effect inThe Acolyteepisode 5. In fact, it was in part his combination of Juyo and Trakata—along with his unique lightsaber design—that sadly allowed him to kill Jedi Padawan Jecki Lon and Jedi Knight Yord Fandar along with the otherepisode 5 Jedi deaths. Despite how terrifying Qimir’s capabilities are, it’s clear that Vernestra Rwoh has the exact weapon that might be able to stop him.
In Legends, Qimir’s Lightsaber Design Is Similar To Those Created To Counter A Lightwhip
Along with Qimir’s combination of lightsaber forms, he has an incredibly unique and lethal lightsaber design. Specifically, his lightsaber contains within it a smaller ‘dagger’ blade, allowing him to have the element of surprise in battle. He is also then able to wield two lightsabers at once. Interestingly,this lightsaber design is very similar to one Legends blade that proved essential against a lightwhip.
In Legends, none other than Luke Skywalker created a shoto saber specifically to defeat Dark Lady Lumiya and her lightwhip. Ultimately, with this shoto blade in addition to his lightsaber, Luke did win the day against Lumiya, using one blade to block and the other to attack. Although the lightwhip is a formidable weapon to duel against, the benefits of the lightwhip, including its flexible tendrils, were no match for Luke wielding two sabers at once.
Luke Skywalker created a shoto saber specifically to defeat Dark Lady Lumiya and her lightwhip.
Presumably, this is exactly the approach the Stranger will attempt to use if he comes face-to-face with Vernestra Rwoh, andThe Acolyteis hinting he will. Qimir may even have a greater advantage than Luke Skywalker did, as his second blade can be kept entirely concealed until the ideal moment. This means that,just as Vernestra Rwoh has the perfect weapon to combat Qimir’s lightsaber forms, Qimir has the perfect lightsaber design to combat Master Rwoh’s weapon.
Star Wars Has Set Up The Ultimate Jedi-Sith Battle
With Vernestra Rwoh’s lightwhip and Qimir’s use of Forbidden Forms and a second dagger saber,The Acolyteis primed to reveal one of the most epic lightsaber battles in all ofStar Wars, and I am confident it will deliver. In fact, not only do these weapons and forms suggest an incredible battle in which both adversaries are evenly matched, but also,The Acolytehas already proven how incredible its lightsaber battles are. The lightsaber duels in episode 5 reflected some of the best choreography since the prequel trilogy—and I say that as a massive supporter of the prequels.
The Acolytehas just a few episodes left in season 1, meaning this epic confrontation will almost certainly happen sooner rather than later. It will be absolutely thrilling to see these two come together, as the show is heavily suggesting they will. With Vern’s lightwhip and Qimir’s deadly forms and lightsaber design,The Acolytehas set the bar high for an upcoming iconic duel, and I am hopeful it will truly be one ofStar Wars’very best.
New episodes of The Acolyte release on Tuesdays at 9 PM EST/6 PM PST on Disney+.
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.
