The Acolyte: could [SPOILER] be Qimir's old Jedi Master?

Whether this theory is true or not, it’s a heck of a ride for the imagination.
The Stranger (Manny Jacinto) in Lucasfilm's THE ACOLYTE, season one, exclusively on Disney+. ©2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.
The Stranger (Manny Jacinto) in Lucasfilm's THE ACOLYTE, season one, exclusively on Disney+. ©2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved. /
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Did we all sleep well after the puzzling and emotionally intense sixth episode of The Acolyte? I hope so, because I've got a new Star Wars theory that's juicier than a Hutt's lunch buffet.

SPOILER WARNING - Please continue to read at your own risk (or, you know, get all caught up with The Acolyte so you can also theorize like it's your job).

Qimir is the dark, brooding villain who’s built like a walking tank with the arms of a Greek god and a backstory that has left us guessing this entire series so far. With muscles that rival a Wookiee’s and a Y-shaped scar on his muscly back that screams "epic battle," Qimir isn’t just your average baddie.

The latest episode of The Acolyte, "Teach/Corrupt", has revealed that Qimir was once a Jedi apprentice, but things took a dramatic turn, leading to a showdown that left him with that iconic scar. Now, Qimir roams the galaxy with a chip on his shoulder and a dark agenda, making him one of the most intriguing characters to watch.

But, episode six did leave us with a bit of a puzzle to solve: who was his Jedi Master? And, most importantly, what kind of Jedi Master scars their Padawan in such a violent manner?

THEORY: The enigmatic Master Venestra, the Jedi with the coolest weapon in the galaxy, was Qimir's old Jedi Master and the one who scarred our hot baddie.

THE ACOLYTE
Vernestra Rwoh (Rebecca Henderson) in Lucasfilm's THE ACOLYTE, season one, exclusively on Disney+. ©2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved. /

The mysterious Master Venestra

First, let’s talk about Master Venestra - she's no ordinary Jedi.

Master Venestra Rwoh is one of the most fascinating characters in the Star Wars universe. Born a Mirialan, Vernestra was a Jedi wunderkind, becoming one of the youngest Jedi Knights at just 15 years old. Her journey is nothing short of legendary.

Vernestra's path to Jedi greatness began early. She was trained by Master Stellan Gios, a respected and traditional Jedi. Vernestra didn’t just follow the Jedi code; she added her own flair by modifying her lightsaber into a saber whip, a unique weapon that’s as cool (and, honestly, dangerous) as it sounds. Active during the High Republic era, Vernestra’s adventures are packed with drama and heroism. She lost her beloved master during the tragic fall of the Starlight Beacon, a catastrophe that also claimed her Padawan, Imri Cantaros. This double loss deeply affected her, leading her to become a Wayseeker - a Jedi taking a sabbatical to reconnect with the Force on her own terms.

Vernestra has unique abilities, like seeing hyperspace lanes and having visions of distant events. These powers, coupled with her saber whip, make her a force to be reckoned with. In The Acolyte, her story continues to unfold in new and exciting ways. Her journey from a teenage prodigy to a wise Jedi Master is a testament to her strength and character as she's a character who embodies the spirit of adventure and the complexity of the Star Wars universe.

THE ACOLYTE
The Stranger (Manny Jacinto) in Lucasfilm's THE ACOLYTE, season one, exclusively on Disney+. ©2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved. /

Meet Qimir, the Muscular Mystery

Next up, the man of the hour: Qimir, aka Darth Teeth, Darth Swole, Arms.

This guy is built like a Wookiee on a protein diet with the most soothing voice you'll ever hear. But beyond those bulging biceps, there’s something that catches the eye – the Y-shaped scar on his back. It’s not just any scar - it’s a scar that tells a story. A story of betrayal, pain, and maybe, just maybe, a... saber whip.

So, this is where two and two must be put together: that Y-shaped scar on Qimir’s back? It looks eerily similar to the kind of mark you’d expect from a saber whip. Imagine the crackling energy, the sizzling flesh, the dramatic flair – all hallmarks of Venestra’s weapon of choice. It’s not just a scar; it’s a signature, a calling card of a past encounter that left Qimir both physically and emotionally wounded.

THE ACOLYTE
The Stranger (Manny Jacinto) in Lucasfilm's THE ACOLYTE, season one, exclusively on Disney+. ©2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved. /

A Jedi and Her Wayward Apprentice?

My theory is that Qimir wasn’t always the dark, brooding figure we know today. Once upon a time, he was an eager young padawan under the tutelage of Master Venestra. Picture a young Qimir, full of promise, learning the ways of the Force from the coolest master around. But, as all good Star Wars tales go, things took a turn for the dramatic.

What if Qimir, in a fit of youthful arrogance or misguided ambition, strayed to the dark side? Perhaps he coveted power, or maybe he believed the Jedi path wasn’t for him. Master Venestra, being the dedicated Jedi she is, tried to bring him back to the light. But Qimir, stubborn as a Gamorrean, refused. A confrontation would be inevitable.

Imagine the scene: a desolate planet, two figures standing against a stormy world. Venestra, with her saber whip, and Qimir, a mix of anger and regret in his eyes. The fight that ensued before the scar wasn’t just physical - it was a clash of ideals, a battle for Qimir’s soul. Venestra, using her whip not to kill but to subdue, could have just left him with a mark – a Y-shaped scar, a permanent reminder of his betrayal and her last attempt to save him. Of course, with Qimir being a Sith, he could very well embellish his story and pull for some kind of sympathy from Osha by "accidentally" flashing her his scar and being told he was someone who was "thrown away" by his Master. I can hear the little violins - Sith charisma at its finest.

For Venestra, the scar would be a symbol of failure, a reminder of the apprentice she lost. For Qimir, it was a badge of dishonor, a constant reminder of his fall from grace. This scar became a part of his identity, driving him deeper into the dark side, away from the Jedi and the light.

THE ACOLYTE
(L-R): Vernestra Rwoh (Rebecca Henderson) and Master Sol (Lee Jung-jae) in Lucasfilm's THE ACOLYTE, exclusively on Disney+. ©2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved. /

It makes sense for Master Venestra to be Qimir's old Jedi Master

This theory, much like my other one, is like the best kind of space opera drama.

It’s got everything: a master-apprentice relationship gone sour, a unique weapon, a dramatic showdown, and a scar with a story. It adds depth to both characters, making Venestra more than just a cool Jedi with a whip and Qimir more than just a hot, muscly bad guy. It makes perfect sense, given the nature of the scar and Venestra’s unique weapon. Some may argue it’s too neat, too convenient. But hey, that’s the fun of fan theories – they keep us guessing, keep us engaged, and keep the Star Wars universe ever-expanding.

Whether or not this theory holds water, it’s undeniable that it adds a layer of intrigue to both Venestra and Qimir. The idea of a scar being more than just a physical mark but a symbol of a deeper story is classic Star Wars. It’s the kind of lore that makes the galaxy far, far away feel rich and lived-in.

Next time you see Qimir’s scar, think about the possible story behind it. Picture the dramatic showdown, the sizzling saber whip, and the emotional turmoil. Whether it’s true or not, it’s a heck of a ride for the imagination.

Next. Leslye Headland talks The Acolyte and drops hints for what's to come. Leslye Headland talks The Acolyte and drops hints for what's to come. dark