Qimir/the Stranger proved to be one of the best aspects of The Acolyte because of the fresh take on the Sith he brings to Star Wars. The most powerful Sith have long been fan favorites in Star Wars movies and TV shows. Indeed, the villains, the Sith in particular, are among Star Wars’ best characters, in part because of their complex story arcs, but also because of their raw power.
Qimir is similar, in that his story in The Acolyte was one of the most compelling and because he made it clear with the gruesome Jedi deaths in The Acolyte episode 5 that he was plenty powerful. However, the Stranger also brings something brand-new to the franchise. Specifically, Qimir’s motivations are quite different from the Sith seen throughout the Star Wars timeline, and that change in focus translated to some very unique behaviors on-screen.
The Stranger Is Seeking More Than Just Power
Qimir seems very concerned with the Jedi inhibiting his way of life (specifically as a dark side Force-user), which could be due to his history with his former Jedi master, Vernestra Rwoh. Although the exact details haven’t been revealed, it’s clear that Qimir fell to the dark side and left the Jedi Order at some point. Moreover, his scar suggests they had a pretty nasty confrontation before he left.
Qimir heavily implied that it was his Jedi master who had given him the gruesome scar all across his back.
In episode 6, Qimir heavily implied that it was his Jedi master who had given him the gruesome scar all across his back, and Vern’s lightwhip would certainly fit with an injury in that shape. In light of this, his desire for freedom becomes all the more interesting. Presumably, something transpired that made him believe the Jedi wouldn’t allow him to live as a dark side Force-user. Could it have been an attack by Vernestra when she discovered his fall?
After all, Vernestra said, “You’re alive?” in The Acolyte’s finale when she sensed Qimir on Brendok, suggesting their encounter was so brutal that she assumed he had died in the battle. Qimir’s sudden need to pull his helmet on, and the fear on his face before he did so, also suggests that Vern may have actively tried to kill him because he turned to the dark side. If that’s the case, it could explain why Qimir is so convinced the Jedi would kill him—of course, he isn’t wrong.
This also made Qimir willing to massacre Jedi indiscriminately, so he is far from innocent in this matter. The Sith are just as unwilling, if not more, to allow the Jedi to live as the Jedi are the Sith, so while Qimir can position it as the Jedi being antagonistic to him, he would no doubt be just as large a threat to them. Nevertheless, for now, his motivations seem quite different from the typical Sith.
Rather than a desire for raw power, Qimir does seem interested in his own survival and in his ability to pass on his teachings. He desperately wanted a pupil, likely to fulfill the Sith Rule of Two and become a true Sith master. However, there was something very lonely about Qimir, so perhaps his motivations truly are different. In fact, Qimir’s clear interest in a romantic relationship with Osha, in addition to a desire to be her Sith master (which is sure to make things extremely complicated) also suggests he isn’t following the typical Sith desires.
This Sith Breaks The Mold Of Masculinity
The Stranger proved particularly interesting because of his treatment of Osha following The Acolyte episode 5. Although that episode was arguably the show’s bloodiest, even in light of the witches of Brendok, Qimir’s behavior changed entirely by episode 6. In fact, this transformation began even before that when he happened upon Osha unconscious in the woods and draped his cape over her like a blanket and rubbed her arm.
Already, this was odd, but episode 6 saw Qimir being fully gentle with Osha, not even reacting when she had a lightsaber to his throat. In part, this was surely to manipulate her to the dark side, as he pointed out that she was armed and he wasn’t, reiterating the logic he’d used about the Jedi attacking him when he was unarmed. However, at least part of this gentleness was genuine, as he continued this behavior even after she had turned to the dark side in the finale, placing his thumb over hers and even holding her hand.
This is quite a reversal from the Sith of the past, who showed no softer side. Clearly, Palpatine was nothing but cold and cruel, but even Anakin/Darth Vader was aggressive, full of anger, and ready to lash out and Force choke someone at a moment’s notice. Kylo Ren, while not quite a Sith, was perhaps the worst of them, having full-blown tantrums and destroying things when he was displeased. Qimir, by contrast, isn’t as brutal when he’s not in battle—at least, not with Osha.
Star Wars Needs More Sith Like The Stranger
In truth, Qimir is a wonderful change of pace in Star Wars. While not all Sith have been exactly the same, they have followed a general pattern of an obsession with power
and being fueled by hatred and rage. Qimir/the Stranger really is different in that regard. Yes, he didn’t hesitate to wipe out numerous Jedi, but he also really does seem to be after something other than ultimate power.
What Qimir is truly seeking remains to be seen to a certain extent, and without season 2 confirmed, that sadly may never be revealed. Although he says he wants a pupil, he does also seem to want a romantic relationship with Osha. Moreover, it’s clear he does want to kill Jedi, which suggests there may be more typical Sith intentions buried beneath what was shown in the show. Even if season 2 of The Acolyte isn’t in the cards, though, it’s clear that Qimir is a different kind of Sith in Star Wars, and it certainly is a welcome change.