The fan-favorite Sith Lord sets out to reclaim what is his in Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord.
Lucasfilm Animation’s Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord debuts this week. The two-episode premiere shows Maul making his move to rebuild his Shadow Collective.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers about the episode. Read at your own risk.
Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord Chapters 1 and 2: “The Dark Revenge” and “Sinister Schemes”
The show starts on the planet of Janix. The vibe of the whole planet screams “scum and villainy,” as it starts with a bank heist. Mandalorians and Dathomirians, who we know are very skilled in combat, run away with the credits. As the law enforcement catches up to them, a hooded figure ignites his crimson dual-bladed lightsaber. It is Maul, and he easily wipes them out.
The next scene focuses on two beggars debating on how they will eat. One suggests stealing, while the older one chooses to rely on the kindness of strangers. The younger beggar chooses to steal but faces the consequences as she faces arrest by law-enforcement droids.
Brander Lawson, his second-in-command droid Two-Boots, and the rest of the law enforcement troopers investigate the bank heist earlier. Moreover, they conclude that the heist is by a group not from their planet. Back at the precinct, they find out that Maul is a wanted man by the Empire, but Lawson wants to keep the information under wraps for now.
Into the shadows
We find out more about Maul’s approach to reclaiming his syndicate. Following the ways of the Sith, he wants to do his work discreetly. This is how first did it back in the Clone Wars, and he plans to do it again. His group infiltrates the precinct of Lawson because they are in custody of one of Maul’s former allies. We see how cunning Maul is here as he interrogates the fugitive in question.
This scene proves that Maul is not someone to be underestimated. Maul piqued the interest of the young beggar from earlier who is also in custody. He sees something in her that might be of his benefit, and they leave.
“Always two there are..”
We find out from Maul that the young beggar is a former Jedi in hiding; he senses she has a connection to the Force. Maul wants to take her as his apprentice to further solidify his syndicate, eliminating his enemies, including his former master, Darth Sidious, who is now the Emperor of the galaxy.
Maul manipulates the young beggar to be on his side, showing that not everything is black and white, especially in the state of the galaxy in this time period. Additionally, what he says may open the eyes of the young beggar to reality more:
“You’re operating under the premise that I am somehow the villain here, but it is not as simple as good and evil.”
Maul’s tactics reflect the ways of the Sith of manipulation. It is how he is swayed to the dark side by Sidious back then, and now he is doing it to this young beggar. This keeps the tradition of Star Wars storytelling of “It’s like poetry. It rhymes.” Lastly, Sith tradition always leans on just two: a master and an apprentice.
Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord Chapters 1 and 2 thoughts
Overall, a good start to the series. Maul is one of the fan favorites of Star Wars fans, and seeing him being the lead of a series is a treat. The animation style once again improves. Lucasfilm really has come a long way in terms of their animation, looking more realistic with each project they release. The tone is darker, which fits Maul’s character and motivations. We are interested to see how he and the young beggar will go from here as the series goes on.
Add Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord to one of your shows to tune in to on Disney+!
