Part 7/13:
Many critics argue that for a significant portion of the industry and fandom, The Acolyte has become a symbol of identity. It is perceived as a manifestation of ideological values that others are insulting or undermining—equating criticism with personal attack. This phenomenon fuels emotional reactions, making objective critique difficult and often leading to defensive posturing.
The debate also involves perceptions of representation: critics claim some characters and themes are designed primarily as symbols rather than genuine storytelling devices. This has led to accusations that the show's groundwork is rooted more in ideological signaling than narrative coherence or artistic merit.