This was a difficult video to make...

[@danboyle7165]

"Most people would give an arm or a leg to join the Jedi order." Mace Windu, Anakin Skywalker, & Luke Skywalker felt that statement.

[@revan0890]

Dooku gave two arms to leave!

[@rodneylove8027]

@@revan0890Not really. He just lost them in his attempt to stay with the Sith. Same principle though.

[@rodneylove8027]

Perhaps the best or at least the most entertaining comment of the thread.

[@graywulf8284]

And a head ​@@revan0890

[@chrishealton3830]

@@rodneylove8027and then lost his head moments later as well 🤦‍♂️🤣

[@itsasquid]

You pointed out something that confirms something about how I felt about Sol. I think he would've made a pretty damn good dad. Throughout the whole series, I got the feeling that he wanted to have a family at some point just based on the way he acts around Jecki and Osha. In a another world, where he had a healthier way of managing his emotions, he would've been great.

[@Toryquinton]

I am a father and as a father. I have to teach my children. I am also l in learning and development so Teaching is my profession. But even I have to acknowledge that I cannot be the best father if i'm preoccupied in the role of a teacher to my children and I cannot be the best teacher if i'm preoccupied in my role of being a father to my children. Sometimes allowing another person to fulfill a roll his precisely what is needed.

[@GenerationTech]

Yeah I also feel like his emotions for a normal dad would be fine …. Just not for a Jedi the force is too potent

[@sash9249]

That's something that, given more episodes, would have been nice to establish. Sol's connection with children. His secret dream to be a father. Perhaps it was taken from him. Perhaps he secretly lamented being forbidden from starring a family... All great character stuff to mine in the show. I do hope some day, they can do what Andor did, and take the time to actually dig deeper into these characters lives, motivations, and wants. It really does pay off more in the future if you set this stuff up beforehand. It also (in this case) makes it more tragic.

[@RedCaio]

It kinda of feels like a man who wants to be a dad but was never diagnosed for X and then after becoming a dad his undiagnosed X goes untreated until his desire to be a great loving dad unwittingly leads him to overdo it - maybe he's overprotective, too strict, too worried etc. and it poisons the relationship with the child. Finally the child says I hate you dad and goes no contact, leaving him so confused how this could've happened when he feels like everything he's ever done was calculated to make their child feel safe and loved.

[@samuelwallace2782]

​@GenerationTech There is a massive problem with your excellent videos. That is that you have clearly put WAY more thought into this than the creators did.

[@d-resmin]

Anakins gift is immediately jumping in a risky situation to help someone. Qui-Gon recognized it but Obi-Wan didn't. Anakin just needed some guidance in not letting it go too far.

[@SpinDoc420]

@@d-resmin I could be argued he did...a bit LATE.. but he got there when he saved Luke and killed his master...

[@Toryquinton]

​@@SpinDoc420Despite everything Anakin did at the end. It was still a pretty evil thing for Obi Wan to just leave him there, mutilated and on fire, but still alive. He could have either attempted to save him even if only physically or just in him right there and put him out of his misery. I think that shows one of By one's great weaknesses , he couldn't bring himself to do the things that had to be done. At the end , when Obi Wan was in anguish saying that they were brothers. This was a true sentiment. What Anna can needed was a teacher , not a brother.

[@DarkSide_Gaming21338]

@@ToryquintonI’d say more of a father than a teacher in my opinion but you’re right in the matter of he needed someone to guide him not just play around with him. Obi wan did the over he could given the circumstances but he was just too traditionalist which doesn’t work considering anakins past and childhood.

[@jackdubs25]

@@Toryquinton Nah, Anakin assisted in committing genocide against his own order, slaughtered children, and turned his back on the people that cared about him. Anakin didn’t deserve any grace from even Obi-Wan in that situation, who was just one of the thousands of lives he ruined in his betrayal. He’s lucky Obi-Wan didn’t kill him.

[@lilfox747]

@jackdubs25 It would have been mercy for obi wan to kill him. Have you ever felt pain? That feeling is excruciating with fire and heat producing some of the most potent pain there is. Obi wan had a chance for one last mercy on anakin but chose to let him die slowly and painfully. Did he deserve that mercy? Up to interpretation. But the jedi way is to show mercy when they can. A conscious choice was made there to not

[@paintMonkey_]

Alan, keep on keeping on. Your in-universe deep dives are literally top tier essays. You examine it as a historian would read into the events of the time. Brilliant. Love it. My only comment is that I wish your videos were longer or that you had a long form pod cast. I thought Acolyte was great.

[@carlkim2577]

A great way to put it. I was trying to think of what his approach is and historian is a good take.

[@Loki_Yogi]

His "in-universe" approach constantly references real world comparisons and cop-outs. But hey, to each is own I guess.

[@carlkim2577]

@@Loki_Yogi He's talking about the analytical framework that historians use. He's treating ST has history, and bringing in current events to provide context.

[@paintMonkey_]

@@Loki_Yogi "cop-outs"? What?

[@skoalpancake]

this is the premium star wars commentary channel on youtube. please never go away, its the only quality youtube channel(that I have encountered) with genuine inquisitiveness and analysis of the content.

[@babytoshiro7014]

Yup, Him and Star Wars Explained are top tier.

[@OrionInSpace]

And what do you know it’s actually a Star Wars channel that breaks down the stuff we consume instead of ranting about it in ways that make no sense, but only in order to contrive up fake outrage to make money off KZbin videos. I know GT has issues with the Acolyte but he knows Star Wars so well and he breaks them down so well.

[@Rokkumi1]

Agreed

[@redoctober1]

Don't forget star wars theory

[@lathblade]

​@redoctober1 his content is just culture war theory now lol

[@sash9249]

It does make you wonder how Sol, a man of compassion, lived with himself while training Osha. The guilt of that act and never telling her... I now understand her rage. It's a cover up, plain and simple. And Indara going along with it... They should have removed themselves from training Osha and left it to the council to decide, instead of taking it onto their own hands. But then, they all suffered the consequences ultimately. Consequences. I think George would find this show and extension of his own critique of the Jedi from the Prequels era, and would be interested to hear his thoughts. Great episode, dude. Insightful as ever. Love your work. (Also, as a filmmaker and editor, the opening was *chef's kiss)

[@cohibia02]

This is my favorite Star Wars channel because of the original content you put into your essays as opposed to a scene by scene breakdown of each episode. The Force is strong with you!

[@JackOldham-u8d]

I know! Also I love the shots of Alan with his laptop, and he is not some crusty streamer sitting in a chair with his headset on!

[@i.shuuya3231]

I found your channel and subscribed because your videos add value to the discussion. It's not just "I like it" or "I dislike it", you actually engage with the material. It's a lost art nowadays.

[@garrettwood6271]

Real. I try to have conversations weighing the good and bad in media with my friends, but it feels as if internet culture has permeated so far that most people only know how to be hyperbolic in their opinions of things, at least that’s how my friend group I game with is

[@walter274]

Sol likely could've stopped Osha from killing him, but he didn't want to.

[@GenerationTech]

Yea I thought so too

[@Silvertinge291]

I also agree with this.

[@incredible_bogart]

I am pretty sure I heard him tell Osha it was okay right before she completely ended him, even.

[@matthewcooper4248]

I think that was the point. He said "It's okay," showing he easily could have ended it had he chosen to.

[@kdusel1991]

​@@incredible_bogart well before she started force choking him he was about to tell her that he loved her.

[@SylvanasWindrunnerResurrected]

Sol died from a broken back after carrying the whole show.

[@Celestial_Reach]

Omfg this had me laughing so hard. Your so right too

[@kurenian]

Sol is the only relatable character in the show. I’m amazed that Alan can make a coherent video out of this farce of cinema that is the acolyte.

[@mania4270]

​@@kurenianQimir >>>Sol

[@alejandronieto4212]

Pretty much yes. He and the padawan girl were the best things in the show that were not fight scenes. I couldve accepted his death, not the way the shows carried on after that, with green woman defiling everything he was and stood for, and forcing Qimir and Osha into some sort of toxic relationship was a cheap shot, and I did not enjoy it.

[@ETHER3AL2205]

@@alejandronieto4212what I don’t understand is how osha just fucking forgot that qimir slaughtered her “friends” in jecki and yord. Like now she’s just whatever I saw ur dick I don’t care about them anymore😂.

[@isty4491]

Seriously? Alan says "Some fans are saying that what Sol did is irredeemable?" But people are fine with Vader being redeemed to become a Force Ghost? So we are weighing one act of uncertainty where Sol stabbed a woman who was transforming into a smoky demnonesque monster looking thing Versus Anakin willingly becoming Vader and committing acts of evil for 20 years, both personally and ordering others to do murder Once again i fail to understand some SW fans

[@gottesurteil3201]

The Acolyte proves that there truly are some fans who will accept anything and who are beyond saving. They will not be spared when Jedi master Shlurpo comes to claim their booties.

[@kerwinbrown4180]

The culture has changed since Vader repented.

[@eds1942]

Just comparing Sol being irredeemable to Attack of the Clones Anakin should be enough for a reality check. Sol messed up only by ignoring the Council’s recommendations, and deciding to stay and find out more rather than agreeing with Indara that they should leave well enough alone. Whereas Anakin was a mess.

[@Mr_Blah]

Well Vader was redeemed as a force ghost because in his final moments he rejected the Dark Side. Being a Force Ghost isn’t the same as going to heaven, its about being one with the force, which Anakin was before his death.

[@isty4491]

@@Mr_Blah I understand how some justify, especially Christians who believe in redemption Of course The Force, is largely based on an interpretation of Taoism/Daoism, and there was no universal belief in an afterlife or redemption in Taoism/Daoism They largely followed a Reincarnation bent, that often depended on how well you did in your previous life While i cant say for certain, but i would think the more or less constant genocides committed by Anakin/Vader for almost 20 years would not be outweighed by a single act of kindness towards his Son, even if he did remove a great evil and restore balance to the Force A single act of kindness would not outweigh the trillions who died either at one's hand or with one's consent, and often at one's explicit orders But that's just my interpretation, and other's are totally welcome to their own Anakin should have been reborn as some sort of parasitic tick that lives in the anus of some other animal, and gradually work his way back up towards a sentient species - and that is cutting him some slack for restoring balance built into that As i say, that's just me More on topic, i dont see what any of the Jedi of the Acolyte did as irredeemable Sure, they made some mistakes But Tobin and Kelnacca were under the influence of Witches, Indara wanted to do the right thing, but then had to choose a second "right thing" by defending her colleagues, and Sol should have listened to his head more than his heart But they never really did anything wrong, or evil The only Jedi i would condemn in the whole show is Venestra, who lied and covered things up, and even manipulated others to ensure her cover up was believable Most of the bad or stupid stuff the Jedi did were done because the plot demanded it, not because of any real character motivation or necessity At least not that we could tell, because Character development, background and understanding wasnt really written into those characters

[@GenerationTech]

I appreciate all the positive words. But for people saying I’m doing a better job than the people who created the show, realize I’m just analyzing things… all the stuff I’m talking about is in the content. If there was any depth in the characters I wouldn’t be able to make these videos. Also analyzing characters is far easier than writing them. The acolyte is rough in places but credit should go out to the actors, writers and production team.

[@corujariousa]

I very much appreciate your way of thinking, analyzing and overall approach to the subjects. Very mature, fair, open-minded and objective. Stay the route!

[@wangbot47]

You are a little too nice, man.

[@kentvesser9484]

It's easy to criticize acting, directing, and writing until one really tries to do it professionally. I think people tend to forget that.

[@Loki_Yogi]

​@@kentvesser9484 180 million should EASILY buy the talent needed to make a GREAT story. Not whatever this was. It's not HATEFUL to want and expect the best possible outcome for this deeply beloved franchise. 🙏

[@bspitler0]

"If there WAS any depth in the characters I wouldn't be able to make these videos." Not sure if this was a typo, but THIS is correct. Your entire "fatherhood" argujent was NEVER even hinted at. That credit goes to you, Alan. Not the show. And this entire video is LITERALLY just a speech you'd give to explain why Sol SHOULDN',T be promoted beyond Padawan. Let alone get to MASTER. But being a Jedi, let alone Master means nothing anymore. No good or bad guys, everyone sucks and lives their own truth right? 😂 And this Sith are just misunderstood now, with the romantic idiots headed into the sunset 😂

[@jamiebrs1]

Master Sol's story was a classic tragedy. I felt for him.

[@anthonymorris4211]

@@jamiebrs1 it is a classic tragedy. Sol was an awesomely flawed character.

[@jamiebrs1]

@@anthonymorris4211 100%

[@anthonymorris4211]

@@jamiebrs1 I failed to mention that Sol was a bad MF, who could really throw down. He kicked Qimir's butt twice. Best Jedi swordsman, best hand to hand combat.

[@jamiebrs1]

@@anthonymorris4211 the fights in this series were great, Sol was aweseome. Jeki was a badass too, Qimir was dope too. I hope it gets a 2nd season.

[@anthonymorris4211]

@@jamiebrs1 Yup they both were outstanding. Season two would be awesome 👍

[@reecosuavey420]

The rooftop my God man you pulling these backdrops out for us.

[@sdqsdq6274]

lol dont like it , still prefer those in the room with windows to look like in SW world

[@stephanieparker5049]

@@reecosuavey420 💯

[@apapodnac]

hands down the best content creator for the acolyte, someone with actual media literacy and discusses the show properly. cheers.

[@jasonjordan8376]

I feel like part of the reason you like this show so much is because it, and the videos you’ve made about it, are in a way cathartic for you. I’ve learned more about you from these videos than from all the others I’ve watched. Your videos are some of the most well thought out commentary I’ve seen.

[@Sc0ts]

Sol dying is the most sad part of the show, he was such a good character

[@clark85]

what after the first few eps he was written so badly lmao. He became a plot device and nothing more

[@roboliver623]

Could he come back as a force ghost?

[@BrandanLee]

Jae was also the only actor in the show that genuinely held my full attention when he spoke -- and the dude learned English 6 weeks ago.

[@kdusel1991]

​@@BrandanLee Manny Jacinto was good too though!

[@KristopherPrime]

@@roboliver623 HELL NO! no connections from this show in other media, please!

[@stephanieparker5049]

Master Sol was a very complex character and well played by the actor Lee Jung-Jae thanks Alan👊✌️

[@flightkimulator9612]

I love Sol so much. I often think of who the top 5 Jedi masters Id have would be, he’s in the top 5. Actor learned English for the ROLE iirc.

[@kdusel1991]

Lee Jung Jae was so good! His English was pretty great too! The way he speaks makes it sound like he grew up on a planet that speaks basic with an accent. He and Manny Jacinto carried the show for me.

[@otavongryf1379]

you set a pretty low standard

[@rosscalhoun3389]

I loved the emphasis on unarmed combat. It made his lightsaber fighting more unique, and it was really cool how Qimir was either equal or better than him when the sabers were out, but clearly couldn't keep up with Sol when neither had one drawn.

[@Dergo666]

The scene where he talked to Indara in the forest (shown in this video) was such a crazy good potrayal of someone who is actually having a conversation. His body moves, he touches his face, he looks away for a second. It felt almost too real. Go back and look at it. His body language adds so much to his acting there.

[@TF-vb9us]

Acting was great no doubt. But he was incredibly annoying, self indulgent and erratic in a way that I had little respect for him.!

[@corujariousa]

Thanks for the video! One thought: Compassion does not mean being soft and understanding all the time. It means managing each case with an open mind, good intent, without blaming and giving what is needed as needed. Sometimes it means being more serious and firm.

[@thimovijfschaft3271]

I do think however that him telling Mae that he didn't regret stabbing mother Aneseya, and then trying to justify it was reakly what dug his own grave here.

[@han__cholo]

Although I overall still dislike the Acolyte, I've been watching all your videos on the show, and you actually make me appreciate it, if only just a fraction. You just do a great job actually communicating the themes and character motivations. Sometimes I still disagree with why you like the show but I can understand the show way better because of the knowledge you bring. Great job.

[@estherabrams7274]

Sol’s biggest mistake was to continue to justify his actions to Osha once the truth came out. He did feel guilt and regret, but Indara’s actions pushed all that to the back. He continued to suppress that guilt for 16 years, and that led to leading with justification instead of regret and apology when Osha finds out he killed Anasaya.

[@SpinDoc420]

@@estherabrams7274 Sol, he lived, could have very easily turned to the Dark Side completely, I think . His guilt, shame and fears were already bleeding through and we saw it towards the end of the series... I really thought he was going to turn and was here for it. Overall,this one of my favorite SW series to date as they attempted to look at it through a different lenses and it rubbed many wrong. Myself, I think it's decades overdue

[@bradboss0378]

I think Sol should have told Osha the truth as soon as it was discovered Mei was alive. Osha finding out from someone else is what ultimately pushed her to the dark.

[@bspitler0]

Sols biggest mistake was being promoted to the rank of Master 😂 What on earth was this man doing, acting like a foolish over emotional child doing as a JEDI MASTER 😂

[@s0515033]

@@bspitler0 mace windu was pretty emotional. He was like "screw the legal process!"

[@gabnel1000]

@@s0515033 but Windu had control of his emotions and was able to use it enough to not get overwhelmed by it

[@Tyrone-Ward]

I just realized that youngling that was see fire was seeing inside of Sol.

[@GenerationTech]

Yeah I feel like that has to be it the show has a lot of cool little details and foreshadowing hidden in it. There’s clearly a lot of thought put into it.

[@jh6031]

This channel takes Star Wars to such an interesting, heady level. Thanks Allen! I appreciate the thought-provoking POV.

[@dillonkoestler3065]

Sol was a wonderfully written character with great depth and relatability. He has easily become one of my favorites.

[@redred1952]

Yeah no

[@gymleadercole615]

@@redred1952 dont cry tho

[@StinkyBinou]

suuuuuuure😂

[@markgrehan3726]

I'm still not sure why he became so quickly emotionally attached to the twins, going so far as to feel that he needed to take one of the kids away for its own safety.

[@DarthJarJar10]

@@markgrehan3726, this is a good question that is objective, logical and valid criticism! Thanks for not just being negative but actually thinking... I reckon this is the point of the show in a sense. A lot of the conclusions Sol jumped to, though emotional, were logical. But when you comp re Sol's approach to Indara's, it's clear why she lead the mission on Brendok. The same could be asked of Obi-Wan in A New Hope and after Order 66 if you think about it.

[@jonathanward8967]

Hands down, the BEST episode you have made since covering the Acolyte series. Thank you for this

[@TheWarmachine375]

*thumbnail* Alan realizing that the dolphins must have taken out Sol.

[@kdusel1991]

Maybe the dolphins are in league with Plagueis and the Sith. Qimir and Osha must also be involved somehow.

[@GenerationTech]

@roblox_professional_gamer😂😅

[@kodyshaw6991]

This channels weird hatred for dolphins has always made me uneasy

[@ModernTyrannosaurus]

@@kodyshaw6991 It's not legitimate hatred, it's a joke. Also, dolphins do some real fucked up shit.

[@francisjsaundersiii2604]

At least he recognizes how delicious Ewoks are.

[@PlanetLinuxChannel]

Thank you for having such amazing discussions! Your ability to understand and elaborate on the characters and stories of Star Wars and how they relate to our own world and struggles is truly inspiring. It has helped me to look at things in my own life differently and with a more open mind and compassionate heart. Your content has had such a positive impact on my life and I will forever be thankful for it. Please keep it up! And May The Force Be With You!

[@GenerationTech]

:) I’m glad yeah making this video about sol made me really also take a look at things a bit differently. Interesting characters are supposed to do that.

[@Calvin.of.Martin.Street]

I've only recently begun following your videos and I really just want to say thank you. I'm 60 years old and I learn something new from you, and myself in nearly every video of yours I watch. It's clear how much you love the SW franchise and through it, you share insights and wisdom that people my age don't always, even rarely possess. May the Force be with you.

[@Flynn01979]

RIP Sol, I really wish we had got to know you better. You were my favorite character from this series.

[@fumarc4501]

I had hoped Acolyte would show the flaws of the Jedi Order at their height. And, because I don’t see the world as black and white, I got exactly what I was looking for. RIP Master Sol, you very flawed but good person.

[@1000Titles]

Wait did you actually like the show, I couldn’t even get my gf to watch it with me, there was too much nothing going on

[@richardbuckley1232]

This is a fantastic critique of Sol, Alan. I too let my care and empathy as a teacher get the better of me and I paid a dreadful price for it because I never, for one minute, thought through situations logically. I had much to learn about my shadow self through therapy. Sol is the broken protagonist at the heart of this story. Ironically we love him all the more for it.

[@BlueSideUp77]

The character development and character driven story is why I really enjoy The Acolyte. I don't understand the naysayers. Great characters, great acting, great fight scenes. Your thoughts are deep, and thank you for sharing.

[@anthonymorris4211]

There are those for whom Disney represents an existential threat. Wait until they graduate middle school...

[@DanyTheMe]

Agreed, the show was a blast, the characters were cool and the EU got more love than it had gotten all decade!

[@anthonymorris4211]

@@DanyTheMe What's the EU? Empirical Universe? I was never big on Star wars stuff but the acolyte was amazing and the fighting was top notch, not clumsy and stupid looking like most star wars fights.

[@DanyTheMe]

@@anthonymorris4211 EU stands for "Extended Universe" basically means all the stuff from books and games that wasn't in the original movies or the Canon TV shows. Atleast that was what fans called it back in the day. The official term for that stuff under Disney is "Legends"

[@anthonymorris4211]

@@DanyTheMe I keep hearing references to "legends", but now I know what it means. 👍👍👍👍 Thanks

[@wolfieisubercool]

Also, to be fair to Master Sol, while he was investigating he did see the Witches doing something over a big pit, and the twins weren’t able to actually give the Jedi any details about the resolution of the ceremony or the plans for their future. I think he wasn’t just acting off of the fear he sensed, but also had some evidence that the witches were going to sacrifice the girls in the big pit. While that probably wasn’t the case, from a quick outside perspective, especially involving what he saw as a cult, you can see how he would come to that conclusion

[@F0XD1E]

He could have asked the adults. They hardly had any actual honest conversation with them.

[@richardcastillos2896]

​​@@F0XD1EThe witches lie one of the first things they asked to to the witches is if they have childrens with them and they said no

[@Jjj-zz7bz]

His concern was understandable but the way he handled it just wasn’t it. He acted out of fear

[@wolfieisubercool]

Yeah, what he did was wrong, and that’s the tragedy of it. He made the wrong choice, but I don’t think he was wrong for making it. Someone turns into a shadow demon next to you and you have a split second to react. But in the end it was the wrong call

[@richardcastillos2896]

@@wolfieisubercool I agree, but Aniseya didn't do the right choice either like all persons saying Soul had his heart in the right place but his mind was not (i am 99.99%everyone would have thought the same about the witches situation)

[@AZTLANSOLDIER13]

This was a well thought out and good hearted review of the show. Thank you brother

[@RWCRD]

The opening edit was incredible. Great job

[@kaygee2121]

for real!

[@mrchiefbs]

Better than the show..

[@Fedaygin]

@@mrchiefbs "Better than the show.." Incorrect ⛔💯%

[@Geek0ftheWeek]

Give me a breeding pair of Ewoks -Alan 2024

[@Stop_Gooning]

*4-H Club intensifies*

[@Chew_bacca1138]

Unlimited Ewok Jerky?

[@fallenphoenixiv]

I was concerned for the reasoning for that

[@kentvesser9484]

Now we know Alan's kink...lol.

[@budbutterson9577]

​@@Chew_bacca1138Ewok pet store? Ewok army?

[@twhydollarsign4199]

The two tons of spice and two breeding ewoks is such a power move.

[@Drutron73]

Sir, I really enjoy hearing how you experience this ongoing story. The connections and references you make, the way you relate it to our times… it almost makes me think of Star Wars as science fiction instead of fantasy. At any rate, your video essays are always interesting and informative but this one I found to be sublime. Beautifully done, and I thank you for sharing this with us. If I were the sort of person who had and kept friends I would very much consider myself lucky if I knew someone as thoughtful as you. Thanks for being a presence and voice for myself and everyone who is fortunate enough to have access to this platform. Be well, and ever better tomorrows.

[@dreadrath]

Sol would have fit in with Legends Grandmaster Luke's jedi order fairly well. He was certainly not a good fit for the High Republic and Prequel era jedi order.

[@GenerationTech]

ah yes agreed

[@gamedude412]

@@GenerationTechbut if sol is that emotional he would have never been raised to a knight. This isn’t war time there zero need to cut corners like in the clone wars. Where there a need for bodies over over training. This is the golden age this is where emotional immaturity would get you regressed or thrown out. Indara was in the procedure to throw Osha out of order.

[@thesleepingpower]

@@gamedude412 Sol learned to mask but not control, which is how a lot of people who don't quite fit the mold negotiate restrictive systems.

[@kentvesser9484]

@@thesleepingpower Yep, it's a bit like some people with serious depression manage to hold it together wearing a mask at work or in front of friends, but one day something upsets their routine (A layoff, a divorce, a health problem, a long-time friend ghosting them, etc.) and that puts them over an edge into suicide as they just can't hold it together anymore with a leg kicked out of the stool they have been precariously balanced on. Sol in some ways was balancing on a stool as well, and Mae and Osha upset his routine somehow. Perhaps part of it was simply the way that world had been touched by the force. It exerted an influence on him as well because he wasn't sure of himself. Probably why the padawan struggled as well. Andara was perhaps grounded enough she didn't sense how that world was exerting influence on them.

[@GenerationTech]

@@gamedude412the main thing with Njo is it allowed its members to have families

[@azura2674]

Thank you for making great content. Your perspective is always thought provoking and your delivery is always exceptional.

[@Brickzie]

Star Wars character: _breathes_ Allen: What is that? What does it mean? Is this the meaning of Life?! Is the Force going through your nose, into your body, every cell and channelling your energy, and You, out to the universe when you exhale, giving life to the universe? Is the Force part of you and me? A part of us? Are we the Force? Force is love? I remember I feel loved when the aroma of freshly roasted beans enter my nose, my cells, perking up my senses every morning, and I simply give back to the universe. I give my love back out to the universe from every parts of my body. I give myself to the universe and the Force, and the Force enters me and be part of me. People tend to love peace. Peace is the Force. But the Force is a balance. Balance of peace and chaos. I am chaos, and I am peace. Peace is a lie, but truth is chaotic. Chaos necessitates lies in the pursuit of peace. Peace keeps chaos in check, and life is worth living if we lie a lot to keep it from being chaotic. Is this the embodiment of the Force? A balance of the mind? What are we in this vast universe? Am I real? Is this a simulation? Do we have a soul?

[@Loki_Yogi]

I'm taking this as a dig. And I dig it.

[@kdusel1991]

😂😂😂 that's a great joke!

[@GenerationTech]

😂

[@Maverickeast]

I've followed your vids through the entire season. You've reviled meaning beyond the surface level that I would have easily dismissed. Thank you and subscribed.

[@jaxsonlambert9750]

Sol became one of my new favorite Star Wars characters and I’m really going miss him. I wonder if we will have flashbacks with him training Osha if we get a season 2.

[@johnnyscifi]

Anakin, the hand model...jeez, totally burst out laughing

[@zackkeesey3367]

Alan for supreme chancellor

[@dm9856]

You had me at “breeding pair of Ewoks”. You really get your subs man. True man of the people

[@boyjezus8893]

What an amazing video. I have so many mixed feelings about Acolyte but this video is making me realize i need to give it another watch through with all the context we've been given. On top of all that, its incredibly refreshing to have a SW content creator not fueling the hate fire surrounding this show. My man, you and Eckhartsladder are my go-to channels at this point. Excellent work

[@hoos3014]

All of this stuff is baked into the text of the show. It's wild that the majority of Star Wars "content creators" either never gave it a chance or don't have the tools to analyze at this level. Thank God for this channel.

[@johnfoster7823]

I really like the way you did the edit in the opening. In less than a minute you gave Sol more impact than the show did. I have heard that the original Star Wars was saved in the edit. I wonder now what an alternative treatment to the Acolyte would look like if you had done it. You are a gifted storyteller.

[@MrRjstruve]

“With great power comes great responsibility…”

[@jerryoluwatobi7016]

Wrong franchise bro

[@JimTempleman]

The problem with Alan’s interpretation, and with the portrayal of Jedi in the Acolyte, it that they've got it backward! In order to access the Force, one must have a calm, open mind; one must be enlightened, or very close to it. The Jedi’s depicted in the Acolyte simply are not Jedi. They could not use the Force under pressure because they are both emotional, and mentally incompetent (they exhibit no Prajna-paramita which means "Perfection of Wisdom"). I realize that Alan has good intentions. The basis of this problem stems from Western psychology that does not understand or take enlightenment (i.e., no-self, or the truly selfless self) into account. Buddhism addresses all of these topics in their own ‘technical’ framework. The thing that’s missing is: Can an enlightened being participate in violent activity against another being, even in self-defense or to protect the innocent? Historically there were many Buddhist samurai. Miyamoto Musashi was taught Buddhism later in his life, and wrote his “Dokkōdō” a largely Buddhist treatise. But I would not take Musashi as representative of a Jedi. For that I would choose Yamaoka Tesshū (1836 -1888): “In 1868, he was appointed chief of the Seieitai, an elite bodyguard for the 15th Shōgun Tokugawa Yoshinobu. He went to Sunpu to negotiate with Saigō Takamori, and brought about Saigō's meeting with Katsu Kaishū, thereby contributing to the surrender of Edo Castle to imperial forces.” So Tesshu served as a negotiator, who’s diplomacy saved many lives on both sides of the conflict. And he was known as an excellent swordsman who perfected his skill at the moment of reaching (a certain level of) enlightenment. If that was possible back then, think of what might be possible within an intergalactic civilization. Stop treating Jedi as street cops. It’s just ridiculous!

[@worldwanderer91]

Spiderman would make a terrible Jedi. He's too similar to Sol

[@Charles-yd1os]

Great analysis! One of your best videos. Keep up the good work.

[@tiosino]

You had me at... "Give me a Starship, maybe a few tons of spice and detonators, a bredding pair of Ewoks, and I'm Gucci." 😀 Cool!

[@Samael456devilizer]

I discovered your channel only recently but I absolutely love your content. You have such balanced takes and they are so thought-through while being such a great food for thought.

[@sea_triscuit7980]

Anakin, the hand model...

[@TianmaoMa-rd1rn]

That fire growing larger, the youngling was referring to in the beginning, was also a force vision of Osha's dark side emergence.

[@jodyf8443]

I disagree with everything you said but I do appreciate you being very humble and honest with your analysis. You're a real one.

[@jonathananderson2406]

I appreciate how deep in thought and philosophy you take these subjects and even expound upon it in our own lives and current situations. I feel like I am learning more than just Star Wars with your channel and thank you for that.

[@jeditear1]

You are one of the few Star Wars KZbinrs who I enjoy hearing from while at the same time disagreeing with your conclusions on philosophy and politics more often than not. I would LOVE to chat about Star Wars over a pint with ya. Thank you for your thoughtfulness. I say “May the force be with you”, but since you don’t like the force… I’ll just say take care.

[@D_Pellagrino]

Man, this was a beautiful video. Super thought provoking and considerate. A wonderful commentary on easily the strongest character of the series. I respectfully was not an overall fan of the show and it’s glaring issues/retcons; but I sincerely appreciate a few things. Sol being one of them. Frigging amazing job, dude!

[@nickymo]

Came for Star Wars lore, stayed for Allen lore

[@Dragonmaster3315]

Master Sol didn't obtain balance within himself, which caused him to make the mistakes that he did. Also, because he was in a way trying to fix that mistake by convincing the green skinned woman to let him lead the investigation, he compounds the earlier mistake he made on Brandok. At best, he should've served only in an advisory position and not as the lead. Or once they found out that Mae was alive, then another master should've been called in to take over the investigation and bring her in. I also feel that Master Sol was more haunted by Brendok events than anyone else on that mission. Lastly I loved the warning or curse (depending upon your point of view) that Osha's mother gave to SOl and his fellow Jedi in regards to both Sidious, Anakin/Vader, and Order 66 if they were to fail victim to their own prideful can do no wrong hubris. If they had been smart, Senator Rampart suggestion of some sort of oversight should've been enacted as well as embraced by the Jedi which in my point of view might have prevented Sideous's rise to power and order 66 all together.

[@philjohnson1744]

Let's see we've got hyperspace, Lazer swords, bacta tanks, and magic, but no fire extinguisher?

[@Fedaygin]

Osha used one in Beautiful S01E01 🤔

[@fredbyoutubing]

Magic witch fire and forteresse built of flammable rocks... probably

[@DanyTheMe]

It was an abandoned mine they were squatting in. Besides, even if there were fire extinguishers who was gonna use it? All the witches were knocked out.

[@warrencm]

Ideally season two will clear Sol's name and feature him in flashbacks.

[@jeff4926]

Come for the nerd culture essays, stay for the digital nomad backdrops

[@OldmanSk8ing]

You looked deep into this show and have the wisdom to learn from it. Instead of hating on it because it doesn’t live up to your expectations of what a Star Wars story should be. Sure there was some really goofy stuff. But Sol was a tragic character. I think your assessment of him just wanting to be a father figure is spot on. It somehow drove him to madness.

[@Speedranman]

Im so glad you post daily

[@jlreed009]

You ARE my favorite SW content creator! Thank you so much for your work and effort!

[@bluestarorion]

"...a breeding pair of Ewoks, and I'm Gucci" This is the content I subscribed for!

[@SylverQrow]

I love how i watch these vids for star wars i come out with real life stories and advise lol I appreciate you man.

[@mreszotnik]

The problem with the portrayal of the Jedi in the show, is that for some reason, in spite of being space monks, the Jedi do not understand the concept of integrating their shadow, even though this is what Yoda tries to teach Luke with the cave on Dagobah. Integrating shadow, does not mean succumbing to your dark side. Rather, it means using mindfulness and other techniques to become supremely aware of your dark side and of the urges it tries to manifest, and using this knowledge to view the world. For example hatred is a form of anger, and anger arises in response to perceived injustice. A good person who integrated their dark side, can understand their feelings, judge if the anger is justified (e.g. seeing someone hurting children; or being offended at a party) and can act with measured response adequate to the situation they are in. A person who integrated their dark side, does not commit evil acts, but is still able to understand evildoers - for example, what drives them and how to apprehend them. Such person is almost impossible to manipulate, can see through most forms of lies, is able to think for themselves, and understands the dangers of groupthink. The sacrifice such person makes, is that they lose their childlike naivety, although they still can manifest kindness and good cheer. But they will do that with purpose and awareness. That the Jedi in the prequels and in the Acolyte lack this kind of discerning is something I am baffled by, because it fits their creed so much.

[@kentvesser9484]

Perhaps that is something that Yoda learned too late or that free of the order he could teach. With a large organization like the Jedi, even the Grandmaster can only reform things so far and so fast as there is a council that is dogmatic and has been used to doing things a certain way for a very long time. It can be hard to overcome that. Alone on Dagobah who could perhaps teach things that in the temple might have been viewed by some or many as heretical.

[@mreszotnik]

@@kentvesser9484 Actually, this is subject of one of Yoda episode in Clone Wars cartoon. In season 6, I believe, when Yoda faces his dark side.

[@Loki_Yogi]

I agree that the Jedi in The Acolyte don't have these characteristics, but in the prequels?? Qui-Gon, Yoda, Obi-Wan to a degree, and others I'm not remembering right now.

[@mreszotnik]

​@@Loki_Yogi Qui-gon is the worst of them. He acts entitled, uses mind-tricks on multiple occasions as the first resorts, acts on impulse, cheats when he feels like it and he justifies everything with mysticism. He is epitome of "ends justifies the means mentality" - which is pretty much what the Sith do. Qui-gon in the novels and Tales of the Jedi is awesome. But Qui-gon in the Phantom Menace is absolutely the worst Jedi ever. Yoda is actually pretty great. Obi is also great... until he ignores obvious signs Anakin broke the Jedi code (e.g. he knew Anakin was romantically involved with Padme), and later when he leaves Anakin to die on that lava bank. Either take responsibility and finish him off, or save him. He chose the worst way out.

[@umbraemilitos]

"The road to hell is paved with good intentions." I think it is valuable to see the issues the Jedi have, and not always put them on a pedestal.

[@mickabyrneyo]

Hey, Love your channel. Its really enriched my experience of watching the Acolyte (and Andor). And I think it’s a super productive, excellent thing that you are doing thru the channel in the current cultural and political context - thinking deeply about stories and exploring impact of characters’ motives is great way to promote empathy, and empathy is one of humanity’s most powerful and productive superpowers. Empathy is a muscle and if you don’t use you lose it. This latest video made me actually go back and read some theory about storytelling and critique that I haven’t thought about for about 20 years. I wanted to read some of this stuff again so I could comment on the storytelling you’ve been commenting on in your videos. I wanted to participate in and contribute the critique with some ideas that have been sparked watching your videos. I love how you’ve pointed out the unreliable narrator mechanic you’ve been talking about and I actually think the pairing of this mechanic with the type of critique you do in these videos are so complimentary to each other. In a previous video you said that Headland botched the use of this story mechanic. But i wonder of the botchiness could be actually found somewhere in the difference between a good Star wars movie..., and a good star wars tv show… the start stop of watching a story like this in the tv format. The episodic nature of a 30min tv show lends itself to this unreliable narrator mechanic…but it will make the season as a whole feel lumpy. Packing the details of the characters - their backgrounds and motivations, fleshing out the details and political context of the high republic for the first time on screen and delivering all plot points that drive the story is an incredible accomplishment in 8x 30mins. These people really earn their money. Its not perfect piece of art, but there are so many tough decisions for the creative team to make when deciding what makes it into a show like this. So you gotta forgive some of the clunkiness. I can imagine Headland deciding “if I have to tell this story in 8x30minute episodes the most interesting way to do it, is to explore the story thru differently obscured viewpoints of a range of the protagonists involved”. I agree that the story could have benefited from some info that grounded Torban’s erratic decision making in a little more detail or a more provided amore textured portrayal of the twins, but where you gunna put it? The storytelling theory I had to go back and read was about the forensic approach to storytelling that Brecht advocated for. In one of his writings* he talks about different assessments a variety of spectators will give for the cause of a traffic accident based on their own baggage. Its kinda not important who is write or wrong about what caused the accident… whats important is that we have the conversation. In the Acolyte, Disney, Headland and the rest of the creative team presented a presented a series of character portraits, weaved around a story, that give an audience opportunity to consider how a combination of institutions, failed human beings and bad timing can add up to shitty results for a range of people. I’d say that almost all characters in the Acolyte had goodish intentions, but were let down by the baggage of their personal histories and their relationship with institutions. When you mix this with some REALY bad timing!!! (Something I think you could look at in a future video) you get a tragedy for each and every character that had skin in the game. Noone comes out unscathed - absolutely everyone is fully scathed in some way. On top of this, your critique videos have opened up a secondary space for your audiences to dig deeper and think about how stories like this can help us look around at society and practice what Brecht (and I assume his girlfriends*) a “Non Aristotelian Spectatorship”. Brecht would say its good, nay absolutely essential, for spect-actors and or consumers of entertainment like the Acolyte to exercise a little emotional objectivity, to stand back and look at how a tragedy like this could be prevented. I think Brecht would definitely find Sol a culpable contributor to the outcome this jedi traffic accident and would point to Sol’s over emotional lack of objectivity he exercised in his official role as a representative of the republic. *acknowledging that its suggested that Bertolt stole some or all of his ideas from his girlfriends - full disclosure Lefty Theatre major here!

[@richardfarley]

I'm really starting to appreciate the scenes with CAM and LJJ. To the extent that's possible, they're really closing the gaps in the dialog. When I watched these episodes the first time, I was more focused on where the show runner took the story, but on rewatch, I'm really latching onto these actors' talents.

[@annjeffery425]

I absolutely love your thoughts and perspectives! It made me think of the scene in Ben-Hur where Judah was talking about the horse team. He says that one is steady and should be on the inside to steady the team. Another is placed on the outside because they have the energy to run all day. I love that it's not about having or not having emotions, it's about the team that is built to help them work together. When in the right team, the passion of Sol and the steadiness of Indara could have worked to accomplish great things. Instead, they were pulling in different directions and it ended up clashing and creating problems. The Torbin hot-headed spark set things off like a firecracker and things spiraled out of control quickly. Thanks for your insights! It has triggered a lot of new connections and realizations in my mind.

[@GenerationTech]

Nicely said

[@hoos3014]

Great analogy!

[@sreyangovender3404]

Fantastic and fascinating commentary 👌

[@orokusaki1243]

Sol was a Knight when the incident happened, so he was still working through a kind of probationary period on the journey to becoming a Master Jedi. Enlightenment is a growth-over-time effort. One needs experiences in order to facilitate that growth, making comparisons between right and wrong thoughts and behaviors. However, decay is also a possibility as weaknesses and cracks may form that can bring one to ruin, which could bring ruin to others as well.

[@murple14]

How has he moved again!!! I miss the garden swing

[@justinnelson1483]

When Darth Bazel was stalking his garden yesterday a guys got to stay mobile.

[@thatman666]

I thought it was a hammock.

[@DennisRivera-sf9ry]

You are the best Star Wars you tubers, you cover it better then that man baby theory

[@daruphir]

No @GenerationTech You don't get a breeding pair of ewoks! Instead your punishment for having sold so many appropriated Jedi lightsabers from Order 66 instead you get a breeding pod of Dolphins!

[@MrRjstruve]

@@daruphir swimming with the fishes…😭

[@jamesbellefeuille2926]

"So long and thanks for all the fish!"

[@jrokur551]

Idk if you’re a preacher or a pastor but thank you for those words of encouragement. I really needed to hear this video.

[@Brickmovestudio]

Our favorite lightsaber dealer has found another hiding spot.

[@OrionInSpace]

If that’s a hiding spot, then I fear for him😅

[@davionstallworth1162]

This my first subscription to a channel in years 😩🤝🏾 you did that.

[@GrimbolTheDruid]

Action is faster than reaction. Sometimes law enforcement/military has less than a second to make a more critical decision than some folks make in their entire lives. If you think that Sol’s reaction makes him “unredeemable”, you are naive and the acolyte was just for you.

[@persephone342]

This is so true. You have to protect the man to you right and the man to your left.

[@kreigguardsman3355]

I think about that scene and I do think no one tried to desecrate the situation. The Jedi could if been better. But the witches were being actively hostile, yes they broke in but I think it was very clear that they were never going to give osha up. No matter what the mother said she didn’t help calm the situation, then when she sees Mae come what does she do she uses a potentially Darkside technique that ti the untrained eye tries to absorb her. Anyone would probably think the worst. It was a horrible situation and both sides could of done something to deescalate the situation

[@mrchiefbs]

And yet that one scene makes sol irredeemable... politics that are popular right now in America.

[@staple_boi]

He kept justifying his murder throughout the show. That's definitely not good bruh. If you think saying "nah it was ok" to you murdering someone I think prison is made just for you.

[@DanyTheMe]

I keep seeing this take, but you guys seem to ignore that he lied about it for years and let Osha believe Mae had killed her whole family. It's not about sol being irredeemable as a person but irredeemable to Osha from Osha's pov. Not because of a snap judgment made in a tense situation, but because of the years of lying. His entire relationship to her as a teacher/guardian was built on lies.

[@marvelerful1]

What a beautiful poignant thought to finish the video with, Alan! One of your best videos yet tbh. Really left me in the same thoughtful headspace you were in when writing this video script. Incredible stuff.

[@ravenniwolvarious8801]

It was a beautiful episode, I really enjoyed the Acolyte and it's a shame it's gotten so much hate.

[@anthonymorris4211]

Awesome show. Loved Sol. He had the best of intentions, but his reach exceeded his grasp. He couldn't undo the past. The realization of his betrayal sent Osha into an emotional tailspin. She had the utmost faith in him.

[@oldcur]

The Jedi order reminds me of the priesthood in Magister Lundi: the Glass Bead Game Player by Thomas Mann. Except they had outlets for emotions.

[@Cwibacca]

Seeing the scene with the youngling saying she sees fire and it consumes everything is kind of chilling now that we know the context and can see why Sol had such a concerned look on his face.

[@babytoshiro7014]

I wonder was that kid reading him or the Force was opening the past to her?

[@hoos3014]

@@babytoshiro7014 That kid was reading Sol like a book. Even if the "fire" was just a representation of Sol's lingering guilt.

[@KevinTheID]

Excellent use of music toward the end there. Really added to the reflective nature of who Sol was born to be (a father), not what he was born as (a Jedi).

[@yurikendal4868]

I think you gave this series unmerited praise and worth. That is why this video is so hard to make.

[@GeroniMomartinezMG]

Honestly the hardest part for me is trying to make peace with friends of mine who hated the heck out of the show due to preconcieved prejudices. Here i am excitedly talking about the show and they're like "oh you mean how it breaks canon?" And I'm like..."oh"

[@sdqsdq6274]

clouded by hate , i see him

[@anthonymorris4211]

@@GeroniMomartinezMG If it does break canon Idc. It's a good show in a franchise known for laughable fight scenes. It's a great mystery with awesome fights.

[@GeroniMomartinezMG]

@anthonymorris4211 it was a pretty good show with some execution problems. It's just i was really sad when some friends dunked on the show just after watching shadiversity's fight breakdown of ep 5

[@seanholmes3658]

Sol was a good character, my problem with the show is that the Jedi knights/masters often acted like they were still padawans. Also at least one of the witches was trying to teach the kids to use the dark side by saying to tap into anger. The witches very much seemed like they were training the kids to be dark side users.

[@josepineda7987]

This is what makes star wars beautiful. Even in it's clunkiest story telling there is something deep to dive into and explore. A moment to consider our own lives and society. This is a beautiful retrospective of Sol. Excellent Video.

[@A_Certain_Point_of_View]

Allan my guy! Back at it again with ANNNOTHERR banger of a video! VICTORRRYYYYYY!!!!!!!

[@umbraemilitos]

I really liked Acolyte. I hope we get a season 2.

[@kdusel1991]

I hope we get a second season. Thought the finale was one of the better episodes this season.

[@jenniferwilson2217]

I did too…. I wasn’t watching to critique it. I watched because I love SW and the lore/history.

[@Princesspandapop]

Sol is just not a like-able character in this. Especially after you find out he and Torbin were acting out on their selfish intentions and interest. He seems to be a deeper way of showing how individuals misinterpreted so much.

[@kdusel1991]

RIP Sol

[@rifter0x0000]

Allen just wants to trade Ewok cheek nuggets across the galaxy.

[@MegaSlomoe]

This video is the best version of conversations about the story of The Acolyte and Disney Star Wars, and I think that is why a lot of fans of George Lucas Star Wars hate the Acolyte so much. Star Wars was once about the Monomyth, under Disney it has become more and more about Moral Relativism. That is not to say that complex morality and stories reflecting a darker view on the world we live in are bad, it just feels out of place for a lot of Star Wars fans.

[@bspitler0]

It isn't out of place, it's antithetical to Star Wars. Bring a Jedi meant you were a good, selfless being who actually busted ass to follow the Jedi code. Sith ARE nothing but evil, literally killing loved ones and betrayal and selfishness and hate are their thing. That is why Disney Star Wars has been so poorly received. They ignored the most basic world building of Star Wars 😂

[@archaelia]

Open question for you and those who consider themselves specifically "George Lucas Star Wars" fans, does this include the Prequels? Clone Wars? Objectively pre-Disney, post OT stuff. Just curious about the lines people draw in the sand

[@MegaSlomoe]

I think the lines in the sand have to do with how old you were when the media came out. I got into the special addition/prequels group. We had a lot of EU stuff to dig in to as well. Never got in to the Filoni stuff. The Lucas era of Star Wars was all structured around the monomyth. That is why all of George Lucas stories “rhyme.”

[@DanyTheMe]

​@@MegaSlomoe monomyth refers to stories using the heroes journey. George Lucas's prequels don't fit that story structure perfectly and they certainly deal with moral relativity and depict the jedi as a flawed organization. And even the original movies depict the jedi as being forced into hiding after failing to protect the galaxy.

[@CloneScavengerVulpin8389]

No one is a perfect person, we all make mistakes.