Warning! This article contains SPOILERS for Star Wars: The Acolyte episode 4.
Summary
The newest episode of the latestStar WarsTV show,Star Wars: The Acolyte, features a Kel Dor Jedi, the same species as the fan-favorite Jedi Master Plo Koon. First appearing inStar Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, Plo Koon became beloved by fans following his spotlight in the animatedStar Wars: The Clone Warsseries, especially as the mentor who first found and cared for Ahsoka Tano. WithThe Acolyte’s timelinebeing set 100 years beforeThe Phantom Menace, many began to hope the Kel Dor species' unknown age span would allow this new Jedi to be Plo.
Star Wars: The Acolyte Episode Guide - Cast Members, Biggest Takeaways & Easter Eggs
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Unfortunately, however, this is not the case. As confirmed byStar Warson X (formerly Twitter),this Kel Dor Jedi is actually named Ithia Paan, and has no known relation to Plo Koon whatsoever. While this could change over the course of the series, it seems that for now, Ithia Paan will be the Jedi who represents the Kel Dor species inThe Acolyte. While this is no doubt disappointing for many fans, it’s also a good sign of all that’s still to come in the latestStar Warsshow.
Star Wars Made The Right Choice To Not Bring Plo Koon Back
Now The Acolyte Continues To Have More Freedom
While there’s no doubt that having Plo Koon inThe Acolytewould have been a thrilling addition,Star Warshas ultimately made the right decision in creating a new Kel Dor Jedi character instead. This way,Star Warscan introduce some nostalgia from the prequels without trying the two stories too close together. Even just seeing Ithia Paan reminds viewers of Plo Koon, butthe fact it’s someone different raises the stakes for this Jedi - and all the rest.
If one Jedi could get out alive, then any of the rest of them could, too.
Given the harrowing cliffhangerThe Acolyteepisode 4has left off on, viewers can now know that no Jedi on this mission is safe. If this Kel Dor Jedi was Plo Koon, viewers would know that the character would ultimately survive, which would have lessened the stakes for everyone as a whole. If one Jedi could get out alive, then any of the rest of them could, too. Now thatStar Warshas confirmed this is a new character, however, audiences can’t know for sure who will survive this ordeal.
Though this particular Jedi may not be Plo Koon,there is at least another beloved prequel Jedi who has made a return: Ki-Adi Mundi. The Cerean Jedi Master’s name is confirmed in the credits of episode 4, appearing appropriately much younger than he is in theStar Warsprequel trilogy. While Plo Koon won’t be joining his peer’s ranks during the time ofThe Acolyte, it’s still thrilling to see these familiar elements of the prequels making a return in some way, including the Kel Dor species.
The Acolyteepisode 4 is now streaming. New episodes release Tuesdays on Disney+.
The Acolyte
Cast
The Acolyte is a television series set in the Star Wars universe at the end of the High Republic Era, where both the Jedi and the Galactic Empire were at the height of their influence. This sci-fi thriller sees a former Padawan reunite with her former Jedi Master as they investigate several crimes - all leading to darkness erupting from beneath the surface and preparing to bring about the end of the High Republic.
