Part 8/9:
Summarizing the critique, The Acolyte is considered a quintessential example of failed storytelling—marked by convoluted plots, inconsistent tone, unlikable characters, superficial themes, and self-indulgence. The reviewer suggests that these are not isolated flaws but recurring issues across Hedland’s body of work, illustrating a pattern of poor writing and direction.
An Ironic Tribute and a Cautionary Tale
In a sardonic tone, the critic thanks Leslie Hedland for her contributions, asserting that her work inadvertently serves as a masterclass in what to avoid in filmmaking and television. The critique extends to broader frustrations, such as the decline of the Star Wars franchise under Disney, implying that Hedland’s The Acolyte represents the nadir of this decline.