The Acolyte episode 6 features several exciting Easter eggs and references to the greater galaxy far, far away. Taking place in the aftermath of Qimir’s brutal Jedi massacre, Mae (Amandla Stenberg) and her twin sister Osha find themselves on connected yet separate journeys to learn the truth about each other’s masters. To that end, the ties to the movies, Legends, High Republic books, and more throughout the new Star Wars episode are all very cool to see.In The Acolyte episode 6, Mae disguises herself as her sister to leave Khofar with Master Sol (Lee Jung-jae). Meanwhile, Osha is taken by Qimir back to his home on a mysterious (yet very familiar) world. Learning new insights about each other’s masters, “Teach/Corrupt” continues the parallels between the two sisters in some very intriguing ways. To that end, here are 18 of the biggest Easter eggs and references from The Acolyte episode 6.
18 Unknown Planet
Ahch-To? Bal’demnic from Legends?
At the beginning of The Acolyte episode 6, Osha wakes up on an ocean world that’s listed only as an “Unknown Planet”. However, it very much resembles The Last Jedi’s Ahch-To, the similar ocean world first seen in Episode VIII that was filled with rocky islands and was believed to be the site of the first Jedi Temple. It’s also where Luke Skywalker went into exile after Ben Solo fell to the dark side.
However, this ocean world also fits the description of Bal’demnic from the Legends continuity. Bal’demnic is particularly notable as the site where Darth Plagueis killed his master in Legends while also holding stores of rare cortosis ore, the very same metal used to forge Qimir’s helmet. As such, this world could be teasing a connection to Plagueis himself.
17 Emergency Code Zero
Also From Legends
Once entering orbit, Master Sol reaches out to the Jedi Temple on Coruscant using “Emergency Code Zero”. This code also hails from Legends, specifically from the Empire At War video game. Essentially, “Emergency Code Zero” is a critical distress signal used for requesting immediate assistance.
16 Osha/Mae Wielding Knives
Intending To Kill Each Other’s Teachers
The Acolyte episode 6 also begins with a key parallel between Osha and Mae. Despite being worlds apart, Osha is seen wielding a knife in an attempt to sneak behind Qimir, while Mae does the same aboard the Jedi ship with Master Sol. However, neither ends up killing each other’s masters and instead learn new truths and insights as the episode progresses.
15Your Emotions Betray You
Inversion of Classic Star Wars Line
Initially, Osha fears that Qimir can read her mind. However, Qimir reveals that it’s actually her emotions he can read which betray her thoughts. As such, this is an inversion of the classic line heard multiple times in the Skywalker saga that one’s thoughts betray their emotions.
14“Senators Grasping For Power”
Republic Corruption Has Already Begun
During Master Vernestra Rwoh’s meeting with a member of the Republic Senate, it was revealed that multiple senators were requesting to conduct an external review of the Jedi Order. However, it’s also mentioned that it’s simply an act of “senators grasping for power.” As such, this is seemingly some key foreshadowing that the corruption and hidden agendas of the Republic Senate have already begun, 100 years before the events of The Phantom Menace.
13Qimir’s Past
He Was Once A Jedi
A key reveal in The Acolyte episode 6 is when Qimir confirms to Osha that he too was once a Jedi. As such, a whole new mystery has opened up as to what happened in this dark side user’s past. What led to Qimir leaving the Jedi, and how did he come to embrace the dark side, either as a Sith Lord or (more likely) something else entirely?
12 Bazil
Played By Hassan Taj
Having been featured in both The Acolyte episodes 4 and 5, the Tynnan known as Bazil gets even more time to shine in The Acolyte episode 6. Bazil is notably played by Hassan Taj who served as the operator for R2-D2 in The Rise of Skywalker. Combined with his species originating in Legends prior to this series, Bazil truly is a walking Easter egg.
11 Resetting Pip
Mirrors Threepio’s Rise of Skywalker Reset
When Mae resets Osha’s Pip droid back to his factory setting, two of his lights change from white to red. This is not unlike what happens to C-3PO and his eyes when his systems are reset to read the language of the Sith. While subtle, it does seem as though the reset is meant to mirror one of the Skywalker saga’s most classic droids.
10 Osha’s Costume Mirrors Rey’s From The Last Jedi
(Gray, Open Shoulders)
Seen wearing gray with open shoulders, Osha’s costume in The Acolyte episode 6 very much resembles what Rey Skywalker wears in The Last Jedi, particularly when she was training with Luke on Ahch-To. As such, it’s yet another parallel between this ocean world and its rocky islands and the one featured in the sequel trilogy. It may also point to Osha and Mae’s teased bond as a Force dyad, just like Rey was with Ben Solo.
9 Uncharted Environment
Expansion Region/Outer Rim
When it’s questioned whether it’s a good idea for Vernestra Rwoh to join the investigation on Khofar, the Outer Rim and “uncharted environments” are mentioned. As such, this is likely a tie to the “Expansion Region”, which is what the Outer Rim was largely referred to during the High Republic Era. This is because the Republic and its colonists were still charting vast portions of this region of the galaxy, though most of it was likely explored by the time of The Acolyte.
8 Master Vernestra’s Issues With Hyperspace
From High Republic Books
In The Acolyte episode 6, it’s confirmed that Vernesta’s problems from hyperspace do not come from sickness. Instead, she counters that hyperspace is unsettling. This is a reference to the visions Vernestra would receive during hyperspace, a reference first made in the various High Republic novels and comics that depict Vernestra in her younger years.
7 New Jedi Shuttle
An Early Version of Ahsoka’s T-6?
Departing from the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, Vernestra and her Jedi team board a new kind of Jedi shuttle. However, it does look quite familiar, appearing to be an early model from the same ship series as the T-6. The T-6 shuttle was prominently used by the Jedi during the Clone Wars, as well as by Ahsoka Tano during the New Republic Era.
6 Qimir’s Scar
Perhaps From Force Lightning?
It’s not confirmed whether Qimir got his scar from his Jedi Master, as he refuses to answer Osha’s questions about it. However, the scar itself is rather jagged and doesn’t appear to have come from a straight cut from the lightsaber. Instead, it could perhaps come from Force lightning, supporting the idea that Qimir is perhaps the ex-apprentice of a Sith Lord.
5Qimir Confirms Cortosis Abilities
Including A New One
Qimir does confirm in The Acolyte episode 6 that his helmet is indeed made from cortosis, the rare metal in the Star Wars galaxy capable of temporarily deactivating lightsabers. However, he also confirms its second power to block thoughts while also serving as a sensory deprivation headpiece. This means that the one who wears it can attain an even stronger focus and connection to the Force due to limited distractions.
4“What You Bring With You”
The Cave of Evil
However, Qimir also tells Osha that the helmet takes away everything so that “it’s just you and the Force…and what you bring with you.” This ties with Dagobah’s Cave of Evil when Yoda is training Luke, telling the young Skywalker that the only thing within the vergence beyond the Force is what he brings with him, a classic concept that often precedes key visions in the Force. As such, Osha will likely reconnect with the Force, having put on the helmet at the very end of the episode.
3The Jedi’s Investigation On Khofar
Force Echoes?
Seemingly hearing the battle that recently took place on Khofar, it seems as though Master Vernesta can sense the echoes of the brutal conflict. Sensing echoes through the Force is a rare ability known only to a few powerful Jedi, many of whom can fully access moments from the past simply by touching objects (known as psychometry). Notable Jedi with this power include Quinlan Vos, Cal Kestis, Rey Skywalker, and Ahsoka Tano.
2 Vernestra’s Lightsaber Whip
First Introduced in High Republic Books
Vernestra’s impressive lightwhip finally makes its live-action debut in The Acolyte episode 6. Having been teased in trailers, Vernestra’s purple lightsaber has an alternate whip function, a modification she made when she was still a Padawan. To that end, her impressive and unique lightsaber made its first appearance in the canonical High Republic novels and comics.
1 Kylo’s Ren’s Theme Plays Again
This Time In The Credits
Having first played at the end of The Acolyte episode 5 during a scene with Qimir, Kylo Ren’s theme from the sequels can be heard once more during the credits of The Acolyte episode 6. This suggests a key connection between Kylo and Qimir, perhaps teasing that Qimir will be revealed as an early Knight of Ren. In any case, there does seem to be an intentional reason behind the auditory Easter egg.
New episodes of The Acolyte release on Tuesdays at 9 PM EST/6 PM PST on Disney+.
The Acolyte
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.
Cast Amandla Stenberg , Lee Jung-jae , Joonas Suotamo , Charlie Barnett , Dafne Keen , Leah Brady , Manny Jacinto , Rebecca Henderson , Carrie-Anne Moss , Jodie Turner-Smith , Dean-Charles Chapman , Lauren Brady , Anthony J. Abraham , Thara Shöön , Danielle Xin Yao Waterman , Sienna Khiroya , Jeramiah Evans , Dan Milne , Thomas Coombes , Archie Singh Swali , Nick Court , Ed Kear , Jumayn Hunter , Scroobius Pip , Abigail Thorn , Margarita Levieva , Amy Tsang , Saskia Allen , Deborah Rosan , Tabitha Alege , Paul Bullion , Indra Ové , Derek Arnold , Lewis Young
Character(s)Mae , Master Sol , Kelnacca , Yord Fandar , Jecki Lon , Little Mae , Qimir , Master Vernestra Rwoh , Master Indara , Mother Aniseya , Master Torbin , Padawan Torbin , Little Osha , Fillik , Tasi Lowa , Youngling , Restrained Convict , Convict , Olega Urchin , Olega Master , Olega Padawan , Scavenger , Ensign Eurus , Mother Koril , Ensign Rane , Scout Sarria , Ensign Shima , Elder Jaalyn , Master Lakshay , Master Holden , Master Ki-Adi-Mundi , Jedi Knight
Seasons1
Streaming Service(s)Disney+
Franchise(s)Star Wars
WritersLeslye Headland , Charmaine De Grate , Kor Adana
DirectorsLeslye Headland , Alex Garcia Lopez
Showrunner Leslye Headland
