Star Wars animation always delivers a different energy into the beloved universe. In its short history, the animated side of Star Wars has delivered some of the most impactful and memorable stories to fans. Expectations have risen with each new project Lucasfilm announces, especially given the success of The Bad Batch and Visions. Now the animation team returns with a story led by the notorious Star Wars lord of chaos, Maul. The Sith Lord takes charge against the galaxy’s biggest crime syndicates, all while antagonizing the Empire and looking for a new apprentice in the exciting new series, Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord.
Since his introduction, Maul has captured audiences’ hearts simply with his one-of-a-kind presence. I would know because I was one of them. Watching The Phantom Menace in theaters and being introduced to Maul legitimately changed my life. My love of film, fantastical stories, and action was all awakened after witnessing the epic Duel of the Fates. George Lucas knew of the immense impact Maul had on audience members like me and decided to bring him into the animated format with The Clone Wars. The animated series expertly developed the character and crafted a compelling antagonist, motivated by revenge against all who wronged him, including both the Jedi and the Sith. His story expanded in Rebels, and his influence was felt for years. The idea of continuing his story was universally accepted, with fans from all eras excited to see more of Maul.
In Maul – Shadow Lord, we follow Maul a few years after the fall of the Jedi, where he is once again motivated by revenge, this time against all the crime syndicates who betrayed him. Maul’s motivation still lies in his own selfish goals; however, he is eager to share his victories and philosophy with an apprentice. He meets a young Jedi, Devon Izara, who is trying to survive by remaining hidden with her Master Daki. Her frustration with the Empire gives Maul the perfect opportunity to try to sway her to his side. This dynamic, plus a passionate police detective named Lawson (Wagner Moura) pursuing Maul, creates the canvas for a truly exciting story.
Maul – Shadow Lord hits! It’s a heart-pounding, thrilling series that dives into Maul’s perspective during a time when his views make much more sense. Maul’s connection to the Force is unique, and it’s felt in every episode. He is able to connect his personal passions to the Force in a way that feels perfectly dark side, yet there is always a glimmer of balance, especially when set against the Empire. Maul’s anger against the Empire is understandable and appropriate, yet the way he places that anger into personal gains limits his impact.
His dynamic with the Young Jedi, Devon, is phenomenal. We see how the Empire’s injustices ignite Devon and make her question the Jedi’s passive ways. This opens the door for Maul to try to lure her into his philosophy. This push and pull into the dark side, and what that actually means during the time of the Empire, is fascinating. We feel this dynamic energy in every episode, with each story showing how the Empire’s evil invites a more aggressive response to its rule.
Maul’s vengeance mission against the crime syndicates is an absolute blast! Maul’s power and his small crew are able to take on the crime lords in creative and compelling ways. The side deals, countermeasures, and strategies involved in gang warfare are made all the more enthralling when set in the Star Wars universe and featuring one of its best characters. Maul’s brutal approach is so much fun to watch, especially when pitted against other “bad guys.”
The bad guy versus worse guys trope is expertly explored in Maul – Shadow Lord, with ruthless crime syndicates and evil Imperial Lieutenants serving as ideal opponents for an agent of chaos like Maul to enact his personal justice. The addition of Wagner Moura as Detective Lawson is another superb addition to the series. Lawson’s frustration with the Empire makes for a more honourable authority figure, representing order in contrast to Maul’s disorder.
Maul – Shadow Lord is one of the best Star Wars stories! An action-packed, Neo-noir crime story, set in the dangerous underworld of the Star Wars universe. Following a character like Maul works flawlessly. Maul’s personal exploration of the Force creates a unique dynamic between him and his desired apprentice, Devon. Maul’s complexities and perspectives stand out when pitted against the more straightforward villainy of the Empire and the crime syndicates. His passions and motivations make him an appealing and distinct protagonist.
It’s truly a blast to have a Star Wars lead who doesn’t follow the usual straight and narrow path that fans are accustomed to. Every decision and every action feels original to Maul and his perspective in a riveting, unpredictable manner. The character of Maul creates an opportunity for the creators to explore different sides of the galaxy during a time when nothing feels right. The crime story and revenge-mission premise ramp up the action and allow Maul to let loose, delivering some of the most electrifying lightsaber sequences.
The desire for more is my only frustration with the series as the story flies by! It is one of the most original and exciting Star Wars stories. Maul – Shadow Lord is what fans were hoping for, a non-stop thrill ride, with one of our favourite Star Wars characters causing a ruckus only in a way he can. This is a series every fan should tune in to.
Rating: 9/10