I've found myself blocking a lot of content on youtube because it keeps recommending channels which seem intent of delivering spiteful content about any new Star Wars product. I'm happy to hear negative reviews, but most of these fellas are making an art of hate; sat in their little bedrooms with some expensive home studio equipment and all their toys displayed on IKEA shelving behind them. It's click-hate. These are the frat boys of the geek world.
The Acolyte hasn't been good so far. I don't know how much pre-production work they do with the actors with re-throughs and rehearsals, but there is zero chemistry on screen between any of them so far. Jodie Turner-Smith clearly did as much as she could with what little she had and her character was the only good thing about episode three. There's little chemistry between the main cast, the sets look cheap and the 'Rashomon' inspired story telling has so far only shown one perspective despite us being halfway through. I'm assuming everything will not be as it seems regarding the twins story, and the fire etc, but leaving it behind and trying to keep a mystery going has been detrimental when delivered in 30-40 mins segments; none of which take anything much further, or offers any glimpse of what is actually happening. It is so slow, and lacks energy, and then episode 4 ends halfways through a scene. Like a lot of modern shows, I see this rushing to tie up loose ends in the final half hour, and that won't be rewarding.
I keep watching because I keep hoping something good will happen; it nearly did, and then the episode ended; like an ad break in olde world tv shows.
The very respectful and reasonable Star Wars Meg, who loves everything Star Wars, has been less than warm about The Acolyte; that came as a suprise to me because she really does try to see the best in everything Star Wars has to offer. When Star Wars Meg gives a negative review, then I know there is something amiss.