‘Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord’ Episodes 1 and 2 Review - Maul’s Underworld Rise

The series opens with a bold remembrance of galaxy Order 66, with the main focus on Maul as he continues to find his way through the crime-ridden underworld. What makes this series different is the fact that it focuses on Maul, a villain, and not on some of the most popular central characters. The first episode sets the tone right with the underworld setting on Janix, a planet where Maul’s Shadow Collective organizes a daring heist to neutralize a local crime lord. While all this is happening, we see Devon Izara, a fairly young Twi’lek Jedi survivor, also finding her way out of the Empire’s oppression. Looking at her, one cannot help but feel sad over how the events turned out for her and the consequences that the Empire’s rise has had. In the first episode, we are also introduced to Mual’s other people, such as Rook Kast, Brander Lawson, etc., all of which add layers to the danger and the tension that the plot will be entertaining. The first episode ends on a haunting note: Maul ends up discovering Devon’s Force sensitivity, which sets the stage for further conflict. Can Maul use this for his own benefit?

Following this, the second episode continues based on what we saw in the first one. Devon’s escape from prison in Janix creates a frenzy. Supporting him in the great escape was Maul. A touch of humanity is also added as we are shown Brander Lawson’s investigations. The second episode also ends with a cliffhanger as Devon showcases her Force abilities in a way that shows that Maul’s manipulation won.

The first and the second episodes are without a doubt gripping. Maul, being the central character, gets coverage, but only to the extent that it shows how others are around him. The storytelling adopted is very intriguing. So much so that you will be eager to watch the remaining episodes. There is an immaculate connection between the two episodes as they pick up where the previous one left off.

What is even more striking is how well the animation has been developed. A show that depends heavily on animation has to have a great one, and thankfully, we do get animation, which is nice and eye-pleasing. Additionally, the character development is great. It feels as if the makers spent a good deal of time creating characters that are interdependent and nuanced.  That area is where Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord wins in pleasing us.

The plot so far is filled with tension, action, and drama. All the ingredients that make any plot worth watching. What also works best is the fact that they give cliffhangers, which end up creating a lot of suspense about what actually might or might not happen as the show progresses. The pacing is fast, which supports the overall drama and action that we get to see in the plot. So all in all, Star Wars lovers, get ready for a great watch. This show will blow your mind.

Final Score- [7/10]