Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord "Episode 2" Review: As Darth Maul Plans Unfold A Bigger Play Is At Hand!

 by Evan L. Jackson

With episode 1 of Star Wars: Maul you almost certain that Darth Maul is on a war path. Against the Jedi? Against the Sith? He reveals that he has beef with Darth Sidious. And implies he isn't the villain here! He coaxes his audience which is the Devon Izara, Twi'lek Jedi Padawan into seeing the "empire for what it truly is". Could we as the audience watching be convinced of his master plan or whatever it leads to? 

Devon Izara is a fearless Jedi Padawan who finds her self imprisoned by Maul. She is instantly resistant but Maul insists she gets medical attention. What I find interesting as the series progresses is that Darth Maul's manipulation tactics get stronger. At some point Devon threatens to leave but Maul seems indifferent and even offering her a choice. Offering her the way of the Sith as an option to her journey through being a Jedi. Doing it through convincing tactics he almost makes it seem inviting. A very appealing way to go about it rather by sure force, no pun intended. 

What is so great about this series is that the characters they introduce is how layered they are and instantly you recognize their voice! As both episodes progress I knew it was Oscar nominated actor Wagner Moura behind the character of Brander Lawson, the investigator looking into the shadowy ways of Darth Maul. The gumshoe approach how they handle this Brander is interesting. Following the clues and doing real detective work adds the element of a whodunnit that is seldom seen in the Star Wars universe. The mystery continues to unfold and I can't wait to see episode 3.