Star Wars is often at its best when we are dealing with non-force users and the grimy, crime-ridden underbelly of the Galaxy. While Maul is a force wielder, he has shifted into something more as the Republic has fallen, and he was left on the run and in hiding. Maul Shadow Lord brings us the former Sith Lord, building his crime empire from the shadows. The series is set in the year after the fall of the Republic and before his appearance in Solo: A Star Wars Story. Spoilers ahead, you have been warned!
Chapter 1: The Dark Revenge
We kick off this adventure with Maul pitting two crime lords against one another as he steals from Deemis and tricks him into believing it was Vario who had done it. His goal is to get back at those who had betrayed him by waging war against them and one another. The opening scene delivers intense action as a Mandalorian and a crew of Zabraks are exchanging blaster fire. The ramp to their ship drops, and down comes Maul, igniting the familiar double-sided lightsaber.
The Duel of the Fates kicks in as Maul appears on the ramp, and instantly, I had goosebumps! Seeing him return brings such a smile to my face, as he may be by far one of the most interesting and lethal characters in this universe. Maul and his crew capture the attention of Officer Lawson, who decides not to alert the Empire and chase this down himself, setting up an intriguing cat-and-mouse game to come. Despite accomplishing more than he set out for, Maul discovers Devon Izara, a Jedi in hiding, and has thoughts of once more taking on an apprentice.
Chapter 2: Sinister Schemes
Maul and his crew are escaping from the police compound in a high-speed escape as Jedi Master Daki is after his Padawan Devon. Maul can escape with Devon as Daki and those in pursuit stop to help save innocent bystanders from collateral damage. This episode is spent with Maul testing Devon and their loyalty to the Jedi code. He implores that this is not a simple game of good and evil; they are on the same side. A familiar tone and game that we have seen Maul play countless times with Ezra and Ahsoka to no avail.
Maul’s attacks on various syndicates continues to capture the attention of Officer Lawson who has taken a special interest in what his end game is. What has begun to stand out to me is how this show has a bit of a noir-style vibe to it. The animation is beautiful and fits in with The Clone Wars’ feeling when we left it with Season 7. While the focus is not on force wielders, don’t worry, Maul takes down an entire crew of Pykes in absolute glory. The episode ends with us unsure of where Devon is leaning and with Lawson slowly becoming more consumed with Maul.
Star Wars At Its Peak
Sam Witwer and his ever-so-cunning and smooth voice are back, and the writers are giving him so much to work with at the same time. Maul feels familiar, and yet there is something different about him all at the same time. The scenes and animation feel truly cinematic, and the musical tones are perfectly fitting every moment, sending chills down my spine. This world feels hopeless and dark, as it should, because the Empire is ruling and not yet at its peak. I am more than ready to follow Maul into whatever he tells me to after these first two episodes and cannot wait to get more!
What did you think of the first two episodes? Let us know below and find more reviews from our Editor in Chief, Matt!
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