Here’s my breakdown of the series debut of Maul: Shadow Lord. I’ve got TONS to say!
Chapter 1: The Dark Revenge
The opening heist that’s being led by Rook Kast had me on the edge of my seat. We know that it’s Maul who’s the brains behind this brazen heist, especially when we learn that it’s a bank that belongs to Nico Deemis. This immediately gave me throwbacks to Heath Ledger’s Joker heist of the mob bank in the Dark Knight.
We’re not only reintroduced to Rook Kast and the Mandalorians, but also introduced to Scorn and Icarus, two Nightbrothers from Dathomir, and undoubtedly had been part of the Shadow Collective since Mother Talzin dispatched Brother Viscus and his Nightbrothers to aid Maul and the Collective during the Battle of Ord Mantell in the Son of Dathomir comic.
We also meet Spybot, Maul’s new droid companion, and one who reminds me of the Decepticon, Frenzy from Bayverse Transformers, movie 1. Everything from his frantic speech, murderous programming, and his maniacal cackling had me cracking up.
The visuals, and animation is PHENOMENAL. You can see the improvement in animation and see the brushstrokes of color in the sky, lightsabers, and blaster fire; it’s unique, new, and beautiful all at the same time. Not only that, but the music has you fully immersed in the galaxy of Star Wars, and every scene made you feel tense, taking in the new world that is Janix, and the action taking place makes you sit in the edge of your seat.
Meeting Brander Lawson and Two-Boots has been fun. If you got to read issue 1 of the Shadow of Maul comic, it introduces both Lawson and Two-Boots and gives us a general idea what to expect within the police force on Janix. There’s a few dirty cops within the department’s ranks, which is why I’m guessing most of the officers are droids. Maybe not, but I’d say that’s a pretty good guess. Lawson is also a single father trying to make time for his son, Rylee Lawson, who appears to play space lacrosse. According to the new Shadow of Maul comic, Brander is a former bounty hunter, so I wonder if that part of his past will come into play in the show or not. So far he seems to have a good head on his shoulders, and he doesn’t want the Empire trampling over the delicate ecosystem of Janix between civilians, law enforcement, and crime.
Seeing the differences between Devon and her master, Eeko-Dio Daki, as Jedi reminded me a lot of Obi-Wan and Anakin. You have one Jedi who is older and follows the teachings of the Order strictly, applying it to every aspect of your life. And then you have the Jedi who is younger, and will bend the rules to get quick results, which will often lead to painful or even fatal consequences. This is a side of Jedi survivors living in a post Order 66 era that I love to see. We know these Jedi survivors have to worry about threats like Darth Vader and the Inquisitors hunting them down, but the need for basic necessities of physiological needs (survival): water, food, shelter, sleep plays a huge role in whether or not it’s worth the risk of exposure or not. You may have to go several days without these necessities, but at the end of the day, what are you going to do to ensure your survival? Stay true to your morals and faith? Or waver and become someone unrecognizable?
I feel as though Devon is dangerously close to crossing the line to the dark side, not for the sake of turning evil, but doing what’s needed to survive.
So far, this is the most calm I think we’ve ever seen Maul. If this were Clone Wars Maul, he would either be having a fit or rage or have a hair trigger temper. I think because of all the losses he’s suffered from both Obi-Wan and especially Darth Sidious, he’s learned to temper himself and think more clearly, especially now that the Empire is in control of the galaxy; Maul can no longer afford to act with haste or be led by his base impulses. Of course, we all know the Empire is on its way eventually, but I love seeing Maul being more calculating and patient, especially since he’s a man driven by his desire for revenge.
One thing that both surprised and confused me was how Nico Deemis and Looti Vario were part of the Shadow Collective. But then I thought back towards the end of the Son of Dathomir comic, when Black Sun and the Pykes withdraw their support after being attacked by the Separatists droid armies, maybe Maul had to make deals with smaller syndicates to recoup his losses. After all, Maul said this concerning Deemis after Rook and her team completed their heist: “He thought he could take what was mine. He was mistaken.” So most likely these guys, although smaller gangsters, they still have resources Maul could utilize. And now that Maul is targeting Marg Krim next, I wonder if he and the Pykes hold the majority of Maul’s former assets and resources.
Regardless, I’m looking forward to seeing Krim and his Pykes being taught a lesson why it’s not smart to steal from someone like Maul.
Maul’s attack on the police headquarters alongside Scorn and Icarus was dark, gritty, and brutal. I loved every second of it, and I loved seeing Lawson, despite facing three horned, devilish men, he isn’t afraid to try and protect Vario from being assassinated. But the moment Maul makes eye contact with Devon was the big moment in this episode; after having visions of her, it would seem that fate has allowed the two of them to cross paths, and I’m excited to see what their dynamic will be as a duo. By now, we know Maul is manipulating her and will use her, having said as much to Rook Kast, but I hope something genuine blooms between the two of them. I read on one of the interviews online concerning Maul’s emotional state its that he’s still reeling after the deaths of his brother, Savage Opress, and Mother Talzin, the only family he’s had, and both of whom were snatched away from him by Darth Sidious.
I really hope Maul doesn’t relive that trauma by watching Devon die before his eyes. That man better count his blessings that he has someone to teach and protect!
But that’s my take on the first episode. The series is off to a solid start so far!
