“I’m not easily manipulated like my sister” 4 minutes later wearing a Sith helmet lol

"My eyes are up here, Osha"

Lee Jung Jae really brings out Master Sol's character as we see his downward spiral they honestly couldn't have picked a better actor to fill this role.

Vernestra not liking to hyperspace travel is a nod to the High Republic books where she experieces the Force in a different way while in hyperspace

Him getting nude and then going swimming knowing she was there was hilarious. Seduction of the dark side!

One thing I noticed when Osha asked what happens when you put the helmet, Qimir said only what you take with you, which reminds me of The Empire Strikes Back when Luke went into the cave and Luke asked what is in there and Yoda said only what you take with you.

Anyone notice that Alan has a deep understanding of the ways of the Sith. Someone almost trained in the Dark Arts?

I see Qimir's hideout has a sensible rope fence to keep people from falling over the ledge. Can't have an obvious safety hazard there when Osha drops in, of course...

Something I think people need to note here: Qimir broke a tradition that actually needed broken with Sith aftermath scenes. He shows us he's human by just generally relaxing around his base. I know it makes people who loved Jecki and Yord angry to see him so content to have killed them but I just love the fact he didn't go to a meditation sphere or stare out at the waves and monologue while grinning psychotically. However one thing to note: we cannot verify he ever tells us any truthful thing. He has spun us a nice narrative: a man with a scar on his back who was cast away by his Jedi Master and he learned to free himself through the Darkside. It's a nice story but let's keep in mind he kidnapped Mae and twisted her mind. Even Palpatine could be charming when he neded to, hell Marka Ragnos could put on a show even with those pointy teeth. Also let us all note his helmet serves the purpose of not just blocking out thought detection but in allowing him to center himself and not be blinded by the outside world. Also was I the only one who got chills when the scriptwriters called out a scene from Empire Strikes Back? Not going to say it and leave the Anti Fans to scratch their heads on that one. Maybe some of them will watch it back and realize that while some of the actors might be new to Star Wars and don't know their material the writers have at least watched the best film in the Original Trilogy.

Qimir's scars on his back were made by the green Jedi's whip. His old master.

"Theres no action on this episode" Um, excuse me, what about the epic Bazil and Pip vs Mae fight scene

I'm most intrigued by Qmir saying he was a Jedi a very long time ago. Also, are we all thinking the scars on his back look like they're from a whip.....maybe a light whip?

You say Qimir was calm & refreshed. I say he was having a blissful day after a great victory that was killing so many Jedi and getting himself a new toy. Also, his strategy with Osha is the very opposite of the one he had with Mae, which kinda points to it being another mask, his "let's play the role of a former Jedi" mask. Sol is facing his Dark side, he's in his dark side cave moment. Will he vanquish it or he'll be vanquished?

Qimir using the cortosis helmet as a sensory deprivation tool is identical to Obi-won putting the helmet with the blast shield down on Luke's head. It is the original lore not a break. Essentially, Qimir did that whole battle in episode 5 physically blind. Let me say that again. During most of the episode 5 battle, Qimir was physically blind. He only saw what the force revealed to him.

Manny Jacinto is crushing this role. His performance gives us a view of how Palpatine seduced Annikan. Sol is slowly falling apart and the actor is eating this role up. I love this nuanced view of the Jedi.

The real question is what the hell is Bazil up to?

The island may be located on Bel’demnic. It matches the description of the Planet including down to the vein of Cortosis. Vernestra has visions of the force while in hyperspace, so it is interesting why she says it’s “unsettling” for her in the show

Interestingly when Osha picked up the saber and went into her first stance, it looked a lot like Ataru to me. Very similar to Qui-Gon in the Phantom Menace, with the emitter in the vertical close to her head. So that she defaults to that at least hints that Sol has taught her it, which is quite the aggressive stance for the time, similar to what Jacky did before. Only when Qimir approaches her she switches to what looked to me like Shii-Cho, but opening up to what looks like Ataru is quite the choice and hints by showing about her own passionate, if not aggressive, potential. Same thing we saw Jacky do, so maybe Sol as a master has a type of padawan when it comes to emotional potential, even if its subconcious?

I thought the implication of the helmet was that it actually blocked out external stimulation like the training helmets. From the last seen all we get is Osha breathing inside the helmet and theirs no fancy tech to allow the user to see just a paper thin slot. He was basically fighting blind and def in the last episode.

I liked last nights episode. The duality, Qimir giving Osha free will, and Sol restraining Mae so he can talk is interesting.

A lot of people seem to want the Sith to be violently evil, borderline insane if not out right insane (like in the SWTOR game). But, But, Mr Lucas showed what the real power of the Sith is: corruption, slow, calculated well planned. Palpatine won, mind you. A never used his light saber until the end. Qimir seems to be cut from the same cloth. "Destroy the dream". He's now corrupting Sol's dream: Osha. He made mincemeat of the Jedi. The cruelty of using children in war. I still think the episodes would have been better if they were 45minutes or more. They failed to choose between being a character show or action show. Personally, I want a story with characters, not a regurgitation of "canon" stories that are already written and available. Just my opinion.

Are Qimirs scars on his back…whip marks…SaberWhip marks? Struck from the back? Unarmed?🤔 Vinestra whipped him?

When Qimir said he was tossed aside, I automatically went to thinking he’s Maul. I think the tie to his scars and Vernestra’s lightwhip are a false connection. My guess is that he’s more likely a Sith apprentice that was disposed of by his old master, but “somehow, he survived” and now is trying start his own rule of Two. Either way, these short episodes are great but such torture compared to the hour treatments we get from House of the Dragon. Can’t wait to see how this plays out. Also, considering there will be a season 2, I wouldn’t be surprised if it ends with us not getting to see the current Sith Lord reveal, and they save it for season 2. Would suck, but not keeping my hopes up too high for it.

So, I think you'll find that Vernestra was Qimir's Master. The scar on his back looks like he got it from her hollo-whip. That's why they showed his scar and her whip in the same episode. There is a strong chance that she is the Sith, and he was her apprentice. Or, failing that, that she knew her padawan was being tempted to the dark side, tried to kill him and covered it up. The fact she even uses a whip and that it is purple definitely indicates that she has dark leanings.

I liked the episode and the relationship between Osha and Qimir is super interesting to me. Moreover, I would say that Qimir (at least to me) became the most interesting character of the show.

Sometimes, I feel like the only guy who likes this show from beginning to end. Maybe I am not expecting what a lot of other people online are expecting... but I'm enjoying this show.

I'm pretty sure that all the "nudity" is there to inspire fanfiction. But that's just a theory, a Star Wars theory!

Am I the only one that remembers when Luke hugs Han and Leia in “return of the JEDI.”?

I don't think they necessarily altered the lore with the Cortosis helmet. Qimir explained that it's handy against lightsabers, but that the helmet itself is *designed* to be a deprivation chamber like the helmets Younglings and Luke wore so they could learn to sense through the Force and not trust their normal senses, not that the Cortosis is what makes it act as one. So it's more of a combo of form and function in that he has a lightsaber-proof noggin that allows him to focus and enhance his powers while he's wearing it. He's probably just one of the first to realize how much more powerful you get when in that state. Like how Kanan became more powerful after he was blinded.

I thought this was a strong episode. I really like the normalization of the Dark Side. I think this is what a lot of us were expecting this shiw to he about the whole time. But Im glad it's here now.

How much you wanna bet when osha takes the helmet off qimir is standing there naked again

I loved how manipulating he was to osha. I also have a feeling that the planet is the one from the darth plagueis novels.

I'm enjoying this flip between light Jedi and dark Jedi. I think what's consistent in star wars is that having power is corrupting. Berucracy corrupts. We've seen a lot of goodness in the Jedi, but not the flaws. I think the show is doing alright... not a favorite show or anything, but not as bad as people are always claiming. Thanks for your input because other channels are bashing anything Disney puts out and it's nice to see another perspective 😁

I haaaaate that Osha seemed to accept Jecki and Yord’s BRUTAL deaths so quickly from the mouth of their killer. Yord DIED to protect her and Sol, and only went to his death per Osha’s urging to return. She has known him since they were younglings- like 🤯 I mean, Manny is 🔥, but damn. Harsh.

The same Skywalker lore fanboys who say Luke can do not wrong are likely the same ones who say Jedi do not hug. Odd. Luke hugged, laughed, got angry, and - do not forget - used a Dark Side Force Choke on a Gamorrean when he entered Jabbas palace. Hypocrisy is alive and well on the alleged Light Side.

Qimir's actions make sense for a Sith. They are ALL about free will and choice (all be it as a manipulation but still). The fact that he just relaxes after killing several Jedi makes perfect sense too. His demeanor reminds me more of Count Dooku than Darth Maul. Fierce combatant but calm when not in direct conflict. Now that I think of it, Qimir reminds me more of Darth Sidious. The way he played the bumbling shop owner "afraid" of Mae's power similar to Sidious pretending to be weaker than he was when petitioning Anankin for help against Mace Windu.

Regarding Amandla's portrayal of the twins, she seems kinda wooden as Osha; and with Mae she's more intense, menacing and mistrustful of others. It appears that Stenberg connected better with the Mae personality than with Osha.

Alan, you are probably the most level headed and fair reviewer I've listened to, and I give you mad props for that

“Mark, your typical assistant to the regional Jedi manager type” 😂

I love how some other channels literally play into the clickbait style and call the episode a literal waste of time, despite it working to build character arcs

Thank you Allen! You are renewing my faith in Star Wars content creators! There are some who have the opinion (which is acceptable) that the Jedi are perfect and infallible (especially Luke Skywalker) and they are not (my opinion). Also, they expect that the Jedi Order’s rules to never change over time, but if you look at such a society, you will see that they will evolve, sometimes for the better and some times for the worst. For example, take celibacy for Roman Catholic priest, that was a rule which was adopted long after the founding of the Catholic Church. Keep up the good work and thanks again!

Qimir emerges as a complex character who challenges traditional views of the Force. Unlike the typical Sith we’ve seen in movies and television (Darth Sidious, Darth Maul, Darth Vader), Qimir lives in exile on an island, someone who was “thrown away” by his master. His interactions with Osha reveal a perspective that emotions like anger and fear do not inherently lead to the Dark Side. It’s “semantics.” Qimir critiques the Jedi’s one-sided teachings and offers an alternative path, emphasizing the importance of understanding and embracing deeper emotions. Through his dialogues, he presents himself as a wise, albeit unconventional, mentor, aiming to teach Osha that there is more to the Force than the Jedi’s rigid doctrines. Qimir is the one who teaches in this episode, but it’s also possible to say that he corrupts. Teach and corrupt being two sides of the same coin, from a certain point of view.

I do find it weird how angry people get about minor lore details. the lore is there in service of the plot and telling a good story not the other way around.

This perspective allows you to almost sympathize with antagonist. Its wo great to see the dark side and its seduction

The stuff in this episode with regards to what they hint at with Sol and Vernestra has peaked my interest to where I am like, “Oooooooh ok I see so that’s where this show is going with this whole idea.”🤔 This episode was just ok but I think it laid the groundwork for what could be a good or great finale with the next two episodes. We are getting some more light saber action soon and I can’t wait!

What I liked most about this episode was that it was basically the dark side version of a training arc

I liked the Episode, especially the toughts of Master Sol. Seems like his past is so Dark, that even the Jedi`s first thought was that it`s Sol and that would explain the Stuff Ki Adi Mundi said in Episode 1 and would show us how corrupt the Jedi truley are.

I think everyone gave top notch performances this episode. The duality of the episode and setting was great. Our "heroes' in the dark cold space. "Villains" on the sunny coast.

This was a good episode, I loved Quimir and Osha's interactions. He is seducing her to the dark side, by getting her to open her mind to his point of view. Sol is unraveling. I think he finally realized it was Mae by the way she treated the PIP droid. Osha always spoke to it, Mae treated it like a tool. I didn't understand why he didn't know it was Mae right away, but I think he is so conflicted it affected his judgement. I am interested to see how the show resolves everything. Predictions: Quimir and Osha and Sol and Mae all end up back on Brendok for a final flashback and confrontation. Vernestra was Quimir's Jedi master, those scars on his back look like they were made by a whip! I enjoy and respect your reviews.

Lot of people are saying Vernestra used her whip on Qmir as punishment or torture. It could also be he turned on her and she got a strike in during a battle.

I agree. The grifters and lore lords are really crapping on this show, without even seeing the whole thing. I feel its the stigma with Star Wars, especially after Mando season 3, Boba Fett, and the Sequel Trilogy. This show needs to be watched from start to finish, not nitpicked as it slowly releases.

Amandala did a stellar job in the 1st few episodes letting you know which twin was which but I agree that that has degraded as time goes on.

I enjoyed this episode, as I have all the others. It's a great series. I find it sad that some people only see it in a negative light.

I got a bad feeling about Sol after this episode. We might end up with Vernestra fighting and potentially killing Sol.

I think Sol is not "falling" so much as he is discarding his fake good guy persona. I love how it appears that he knew it was Mae all along. Like he waited for her and then shut the ship down to distract her, same thing with the hug, it's like he knew she was thinking murder so hugging her threw her off again, and then he gained the upper hand and tied her down. I think he still wants Mae. She's the one with the mark, and so maybe more powerful than Osha in his mind. And that's why he discarded Osha as a Padawan so long ago. She said it was her choice to leave but you saw her eyes light up when he asked her to go with him to apprehend Mae. He's had bad intentions all along and for so many years he thought he'd lost his opportunity with Mae. Now that she's alive he's been SUPER desperate to get her back. You can feel that when he talks to Vernestra. Loving the show.

I thought this was the first episode that wasn’t nonsensical. Qmir was great. I’ve liked him the whole way.

I heard that Vanestra finds hyperspace unsettling because she has a history of experiencing force visions while in hyperspace.

Im beginning to think that he is going to corrupt osha and sol will break completely proving how you kill a jedi without a weapon. Edit: plus he already tricked the some of other jedi into suspecting sol already. And if he breaks? Who's to say sol won't fall to the darkside?

I liked the episode because - as in real life - it blurs the boundaries between good and evil into shades of grey. In addition, the portrayal of Qimir and Sol is really well done (unfortunately not that of the twins). It almost seemed to me as if Qimir's silence in response to Osha's question about his scars insinuated that he had first been expelled from the Jedi Order and then later betrayed, rejected and/or sacrificed by his Sith Master. Perhaps Qimir left himself because he doesn't want to be subordinate to anyone. He has already made his love of freedom and individualism clear. In any case, I believe that the severe scars and burn scars have a Sith rather than a Jedi origin. I still believe that Qimir is a reinterpretation and canonisation of Darth Venamis (an illigitimate apprentice of Darth Tenebrous) from the Legends. His ability to levitate, his Force healing abilities and his knowledge of cortosis and expertise in poison mixing (Venomous/Venamis) are realative clear clues. In episode 8 there will be a big showdown between Sol, Qimir, Osha and Mae, that much is clear. And in episode 7 we'll find out what really happened on Brendok. I suspect that we will see Qimir's former Sith Master in episode 7 and not in episode 8 because he was probably present on Brendak and colluded with the witches or one of the witches (e.g. Koril) was a Sith herself.

11:57. To paraphrase; He says that his Cortosis helmet “is useful against lightsabers, and works as a sensory deprivation device, like the helmets we used while first training with a lightsaber. It drowns out all distractions. Leaving only you and the Force to guide your moves.”

new rage: naked "sith" (you only see his nipples, but yes very immoral from disney). especially those in house of dragon where everyone is practicing celibacy

Its so nice to see a balanced and fair reviewer and commenter on the Disney Star Wars Content. While far from perfect, I have my fair share of gripes, I have found the show enjoyable. I do agree that the twins have been the weakest element of the show so far. I would have liked it better if they had been paternal twins played by different actresses, so that one actress could truly embody each role. I'm curious to see what we learn really happened 16 years ago next week!

I think people are looking too far into the quote about Qimir's helmet being sensory depriving. Thats not an element of the ore, its a property of the helmet. Its not a magic Force buffer; limiting your senses in any fashion is the buffer.

Love your balanced reviews. Appreciate your time making them despite your physical discomfort!

I do kind of understand why people greatly dislike this show but I am LOVING it. The story has me on the edge of my seat and I want to know how this unfolds. I appreciate your positive ‘review’ Mr. Allen! Keep it up!!!

I think the brief showing of the lightwhip was to hint that she may have been the one that attacked Qimir, given the odd shape of his scar.

Yay, Generation Tech!!!🧡💛

My brother is one of those people who, while he doesn't watch the ragebait Yotubers, is concerned about 'wokeness'. I told him two things: representation matters - the space witches being lesbians doesn't affect the plot (them having twins is no different than how Anakin was created); and two, all I want from Star Wars any more is to get away from the Skywalkers and show me things I've never seen before like the cortosis or force dyads, etc.

Star Wars is the only franchise I've seen where people are so anti small retcon/lore additions. I'm a big fan of Xenoblade Chronicles and also Ninjago, both franchises have done this relentlessly for the better. Xenoblade 2 entirely recontextualizes Xenoblade 1. The new Dragons Rising Ninjago show has, once again, recontextualized the creation of the world, all being written by a new team of writers. Both fanbases have virtually no issue with this. Most of us don't care and are far more focused on the exciting new additions because they give us more questions and they expand our knowledge and wonder about the fantastical worlds these franchises give us. It's just a damn shame to see so many not being able to accept this with Star Wars. I've always loved when additions happen that allow us to see older content in a new light.

The haters are missing out! This show has layers and I live it. I still think there may be another level of subversion here where we think Sol is breaking and Qimir is in control but we may find later that Sol is learning lessons the Jedi no longer teach and Qimir may find he isnt as free as he feels. Or this going a tragic route and we'll all be crying by the end, lol. I'm glad that I can't be sure what to expect now that most of the more obvious twists have played out.

I think the sensory deprivation thing has nothing to do with Cortosis. Like, in ANH, Luke was just wearing a random pilot's helmet with the blast shield down. The only thing necessary is blocking one's vision.

Hi Allen, I agree this is probably one of the better Disney shows. Not saying much considering the quality of the other shows hasn't been very impressive. I have no issues btw with showing the dark side of the Jedi, or the human side of the Jedi and Sith. Honestly though, other than the original trilogy, when have they ever been portrayed as anything but flawed. Guess I was always hoping for a little of that Obi Wan Propaganda from the New Hope. I also think a lot of people would have a better time accepting these takes of the Jedi if they actually gave you a little background on why. It would also be nice if there a little more exploration of motivations of characters, why they act the way they do. I could probably write a book talking to you about this, would really enjoy a long discussion with you about Star Wars. Take care Allen, much respect and May the Force be With you. and as always stay strong against the dolphin threat.

I loved that the cortosis (bad spelling sorry) serves as a sensory deprivation mask of sorts… idk why, but that adds such a cool element to Qimir, imagining him, basically blind, kinda like kanan, just embracing every angry, dark, brooding emotion he has in total pitch black. Idk, cool change imo

I dont think that he says it blocks out everything including the force. He says it blocks your senses, like when they were younglings, and that all you have is you AND the force when wearing the helmet.

This episode stands out above the others by far. The parity of the two sides was great. Qmir learning from his mistakes with May and taking an open approach with seducing Osha to the dark side was fascinating. Hope it keeps this pace after the dumpster fire of a first four episodes

11:09 While the individual can get lost in the institution, without the institution the individual is lost. The point is balance.

This was such a good episode. Yes, it wasn’t flashy but the intensity of the acting was amazing

I liked the Sith teachings he fed Osha in this episode. It was a good calm down after the fight. Other than Basil stuff it was well done for what it was. Qi’mir is secretly the 20x grandchild of Darth Zannah and a male witch that was off-screen in the witch coven. That’s the level of insanity people are getting with how “deep” they are making this show in their head.

Even though there wasn't much in plot progression there was a lot in character development definitely one of the best episodes so far

Loved this episode, very interesting dive into under the tropes.

I just saw part of a Leslye Headland interview where she said that Qimir was originally going to go back in hiding until Season 2 but then she saw Manny Jacinto's performance and rewrote the last 3 episodes.

The success of this how was doomed from the start really by the fact people just hate Disney a poster actually showing blood should have got fans excited for a brutal Star wars show which it is doing in part fairly well but fans are just picking it apart for stupid reasons

Thanks for being level in a time of imbalance

Your back drops are PERFECT! I often have to remind myself you're not REALLY on Coruscant!!

I didn't really take it as the Cortosis was directly blocking out the Force. More that the helmet simply served a dual purpose of dulling normal senses like sight and hearing, and the external plating was for use in fighting Jedi... But I can also see how the way he said it could be interpreted the way you did. As you say, the specific details of the lore aren't as important as the story itself.

I really enjoyed this episode. I knew Sol knew it was Mae but I chuckled every time she got her come up its the whole episode

Qimir is just looking for a concubine, the rule 2 for him, and his old , like vampire old...

Great episode and great video breaking it down. Thank you for your service to democracy and the Republic!

This episode was surprising and I liked seeing the two masters and comparing them. I also like how emotions in Master Sol ‘s face show such a range.

You have the most thoughtful analysis of this show out of every other content creator!!💪

they teased the whip because they revealed that Qimir has whip scars on his back.

Honestly, this is one of my favorites. in my opinion, the dialogue is also far better overall in this one than the others. The "you tell me" line still hits the hardest of all though.

I do like the change with Qimir's outfit after his dip - from full black to white robe, almost like he's cleansing himself in his mind of the things he did. Not lingering on his past actions.

"Unknown Planet" = Bal'demnic... the rocky ocean world with the cortosis mine where Plagueis killed Tenebrous

Venestra not liking hyperspace is more to with the fact that she has visions when travelling faster than light. - from the HR books

I really enjoyed the episode. You can see what theyre going for and I hope they can stick the landing. I did want to mention. Qimir said he is a sith in ep 5, former jedi in ep 6. But also eludes to being very old in the admission of being a jedi. Might he be deceiving Osha here too and be discarded by his former sith master, seeking an acolyte to kill the sith master and become one himself?

Anyone else notice his scar looks very much like a whip?

was Vernestra's hesitation to hyperspace not a reference to the great hyperspace disaster? I really appreciated that line, actually felt like they were acknowledging obscure Legends material. The Acolyte isn't a great show, but it's not as bad as some fans seem to view it. I liked that line as it showed they're not completely blind to the intricate details of star wars

Alan visited Alderaan's copy planet or maybe that view is from Coruscant, but not same area what we've always seen 🧐 Yes. Culpepper done good work 🙂

I enjoy your reviews 🎉