Fans are screaming that The Acolyte’s fandom fallout means Disney’s failing at the Force. I dunno, is it? One thing you should know is that review bombing is not a new concept when it comes to online criticism. It’s been a go-to tactic for entitled fanboys (yes, mostly boys) who can’t handle any changes or challenges to their beloved franchises. And let’s not forget, these are the same people who probably still use “your mom” jokes as insults.
But is The Acolyte’s poor reception *really* just review bombing? There’s no denying that it’s a polarizing show – with strong opinions for and against. Take a look at these two YouTube videos as Exhibit’s A and B:
The debate continues. But, an interesting thing about this is that despite the overwhelming backlash, these new Star Wars shows are still bringing in millions of viewers and making Disney a boatload of money. So maybe it’s time to accept that the franchise is evolving and not everything will cater to your specific preferences.
The thing that gets me about this is that these fans claim to be the ultimate authority on all things Star Wars, yet they can’t handle a little diversity and fresh perspectives in storytelling. It’s like they’ve been living under a rock for the past 40 years and are just now realizing that women and people of color exist in this galaxy far, far away.
Does that mean The Acolyte fandom fallout equals Disney Force fail? I’m still reserving judgement. I *do* think we deserve better science and technology focus in our media, not just rehashed stories and characters. Good enough isn’t good enough anymore. Quit dumbing things down to make everyone happy. Take a risk and trust that your audience can handle it.
And let’s not forget, these shows are not just for the hardcore fans. They’re also meant to introduce new viewers to the franchise. So maybe instead of whining about every little detail, try to approach it with an open mind and see how the story unfolds.
In the end, whether you love or hate these new Star Wars shows, just remember that it’s just a TV show. It’s not worth getting so worked up over and certainly not worth harassing and bullying others online. Let’s all just enjoy the ride and remember that Baby Yoda will always be there to comfort us.
