Star Wars: The Acolyte just resurrected one of the prequel trilogy's most controversial plot points

The Acolyte loves riling up the Star Wars fandom, with its latest antics building on an already controversial plot point in the franchise.

Despite being rather popular, The Acolyte has faced swift criticism from Star Wars fans consistently from its beginning.

Although we think it an “enthralling new era”, others have taken issue with several areas; chiefly, that surprise Sith reveal.

However, as the series gears up for its finale, and fans continue to try and unmask who Qimir’s master actually is, another sticking point has appeared.

Getting your own lightsaber sounds very cool after listening to The Acolyte cast interview

But first, allow us to sound the spoiler alert: reading any further will tell you details about episode seven. Proceed with caution if you haven’t caught up yet.

In the penultimate episode, not only did we learn Sol and the Jedi’s role in the events of Brendok, but we also discovered more about Mae and Osha, specifically their “creation”.

Torbin took an M-Count reading of the twins, which revealed just how powerful they both are, but also that the twins are genetic copies of each other rather than being naturally conceived twins.

M-Counts, which measure midi-chlorians, first appeared in the Star Wars prequels, much to the dismay of many a fan. Since then, however, it hasn’t really been used as a plot device. It's been mentioned, certainly, but only ever in passing.

The Acolyte is changing that. We’d already witnessed Torbin take an M-Count in an earlier episode of the Disney show. Still, the role of midi-chlorians was minute.

Now it's come to the fore as an important part of the narrative. Controversial though it may be to bring this divisive franchise lore back, it fits nicely in given when The Acolyte is set.

Taking place during the height of the High Republic, the Jedi interacting with the Force in various archaic ways, while being (mis)guided by their imperfect principles, makes narrative sense.

Even if you don’t like midi-chlorians making a comeback, they’re a crucial part of the larger puzzle that is Mae and Osha.