Review of Season 1, Episodes 7 and 8 of Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord

      Ricky Church reviews Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord episodes 7 ‘Call to Oblivion’ and 8 ‘The Creeping Fear’...

      This week's episodes of Maul – Shadow Lord were both thrilling and thought-provoking, focusing on character development amidst numerous action sequences. Once again, they highlight the potential of experiencing Maul’s journey during the early days of the Empire as he navigates obstacles to his plans and confronts his traumatic past.

      The series has deepened the portrayal of Maul, making him a more compelling character than he was after The Clone Wars and in his later appearances in Rebels, as the setting during the Empire's formative years adds significant depth. He is not merely engaged in battles against Jedi or seeking vengeance. While ‘Call to Oblivion’ featured an impressive duel between Maul and two Inquisitors, ‘The Creeping Fear’ delved into his character on a more personal level, challenging him in a dark side cave where he relived his most devastating defeats. The brief scenes showcasing his training with Darth Sidious were a welcome addition, as such moments haven’t been adequately represented in Star Wars media before. Although Palpatine's cruel behavior is expected, it’s Maul’s response that provides insights into his current state of mind.

      Sam Witwer consistently delivers excellent performances as Maul, but it’s in these moments that he truly shines, effectively portraying Maul’s inner turmoil. He accomplishes something rare within the Star Wars franchise: eliciting sympathy for one of its most notorious villains. The moment when Maul comes to terms with the perceived weaknesses of his younger self and the abuse he endured was poignant, thanks to Witwer's vocal performance and the exquisite animation of his expressions. This combination effectively conveyed Maul’s internal struggle. Notably, Maul’s pledge to end Sidious isn't driven merely by a desire for revenge; it stems from a need to prevent Sidious from inflicting similar suffering on others, as he did to Maul, Dooku, Anakin, and countless others through his manipulations and malevolence. This evolution in Maul's character is evident since the Clone Wars.

      Beyond Maul, many secondary characters had standout moments. Notably, Maul's Nightbrothers, Scorn and Icarus, played significant roles in the action. Scorn's attempt to assist Maul against the Inquisitors and Icarus’ sorrow over Scorn’s demise highlighted the loyalty of the Dathomir Nightbrothers, even affecting Maul. Rook Kast demonstrated empathy towards Icarus and showcased her dedication to Maul by respectfully challenging him, while the scenes with the loyal Spybot added depth to his quirky character.

      Regarding the main characters, the chemistry between Lawson, Eeko-Dio Daki, Devon, and Riley continued to impress, particularly the interaction between Lawson and Daki. Both characters exhibit rationality in tense situations and an understanding of the broader context, which is a commendable trait for Daki. Although some of his faith in people’s kindness is somewhat misplaced, he remains aware of the realities he faces and does not adhere rigidly to Jedi principles or the Force’s will to the point of inaction when necessary. Dennis Haysbert and Wagner Moura deliver strong performances, while Gideon Adlon provides Devon with a multifaceted portrayal. Devon recognizes the Empire’s threat while acknowledging some truths in Maul's perspective. Their relationship is developing intriguingly, adding uncertainty about whether Devon will side with Maul and what incident might lead her to do so. The fact that this question remains challenging to answer as the season progresses enhances the suspense.

      One particularly impressive element of Shadow Lord is the animation, which consistently improves. The battle between Maul and the Inquisitors was well-executed and elaborate, showcasing smooth movements, body language, and facial expressions from Maul and his companions. Marrok and the 11th Brother made for a strong fighting duo, demonstrating effective teamwork against Maul, unlike other Inquisitors who often treated each other as mere pawns. It's amusing to see how Maul's treatment has made these characters more engaging, especially since we know their fates in other media, including their eventual confrontations with Ahsoka. The car chase in ‘The Creeping Fear’ was stunningly animated, but the highlight was Maul’s surreal glimpse of his past. This series undoubtedly features some of the finest animation Lucasfilm has produced to date.

      The penultimate episodes of Maul – Shadow Lord were thrilling, character-driven, and visually stunning. Maul’s development during this timeframe has been fascinating, with ‘The Creeping Fear’ exemplifying why. The supporting characters shine due to strong writing and performances. With the season finale set to premiere on Star Wars Day, anticipation is high regarding how the first season will conclude and the multiple narrative directions it could take with Maul.

      Rating: 9/