Star Wars: The Acolyte’s Brain Parasite Exposes Something Scary About Jedi
Introduction:
Osha notices the afflicted prisoner soon after being locked up on the ship. Two other supposed crooks explain that the parasite is used to subdue “violent criminals” by doing “weird stuff to your brain.” Whatever that means, it doesn’t look like a terribly pleasant experience based on the prisoner’s unnerving contortions.
Exploration of the “Dybbuk” Parasite:
The name that the prisoner calls the parasite sounds like “dybbuk,” which is also the word for a kind of parasitic spirit in Jewish folklore. That would make some sense as an allusion, given the nature of the creature. When Osha pries the parasite off of the prisoner later in the episode, it flies away quickly, exhibiting a frightening amount of speed.
Comparison to Previous “Star Wars” Creatures:
This is the first time that this creature has appeared in “Star Wars,” but there have been several similar beasties in the past. In “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” Season 2, for instance, there’s a series of episodes involving a unique species of Geonosian brain worm that can take over the minds of its hosts. You’d think that in a world where starships and laser guns are a dime a dozen, you could just administer a sedative to particularly violent or dangerous prisoners. Using such a visceral method of subjugation feels unnecessary, but it also isn’t that out of character for the Jedi, unfortunately.