The Acolyte" has arrived on Disney Plus, and based on the two-episode premiere, it promises to be one of the most thrilling new chapters in the Star Wars saga.

Disney's recent Star Wars series have been a mixed bag for me; aside from "Andor" and the first season of "The Mandalorian," none have truly captured my heart. "Ahsoka" and "Obi-Wan Kenobi" had their moments, but "The Acolyte" has me genuinely excited to see where it goes. Here's why I'll be eagerly awaiting each new episode.

I've been a lifelong Star Wars fan, but my interest in the Skywalker saga has waned. I've longed for fresh stories and new characters not tied to Luke or Darth Vader. Enter "The Acolyte," a mystery series set at the end of the High Republic era, a period of peace and prosperity for the Jedi and the Galactic Republic. This is the first live-action exploration of this timeline, and it offers a promising new direction.

Set 100 years before "The Phantom Menace," "The Acolyte" introduces Mae (Amandla Stenberg), who starts hunting Jedi, prompting Jedi Master Sol (Lee Jung-jae of "Squid Game") to investigate. The series, like "Andor," focuses on character-driven storytelling, creating a well-realized new corner of the Star Wars universe. With its new characters and a familiar face from High Republic media, it immediately draws you in.

The action in the first two episodes feels fresh, featuring Force-powered hand-to-hand combat instead of typical lightsaber duels. The stakes are high because the Jedi are facing an unknown threat.

The mystery element of the series is compelling, with intriguing questions about Mae's motives and the true nature of the Jedi. The premiere sets up these questions effectively, leaving me eager for more.

Critics are also impressed. "The Acolyte" holds an 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviews praising its fresh take on Star Wars lore and stylistic approach. While "Andor" is still considered a high point, "The Acolyte" shows that Star Wars can still take exciting risks.

Terry Terrones from Paste Magazine calls "The Acolyte" 'compelling and unique,' praising the cast and creator Leslye Headland. Dais Johnston from Inverse highlights it as a new benchmark for Star Wars TV, and Manuel Betancourt from The AV Club commends its exploration of the Jedi Order.

So, should you stream "The Acolyte" on Disney Plus? Absolutely. It introduces a new era in the Star Wars timeline and offers a story accessible to newcomers without requiring extensive Star Wars knowledge. The first two episodes set up a captivating mystery that explores familiar themes in new ways, free from the constraints of the Skywalker saga.

Broadening the Star Wars universe with fresh tales is a positive step. If I've convinced you, make sure to stream "The Acolyte" online ASAP.