Even before the first two episodes of Maul: Shadow Lord released, I knew this was a series I was going to like. Seeing Maul rise in the criminal underworld as he attempts to gain a new apprentice. With the release of those first two episodes, I was instantly hooked. Some great new characters in Master Daki and his apprentice Devon as they try to survive on the streets of Janix. Police Detective Lawson and his droid companion Two-Boots keeping those streets safe.

Those first two episodes set the story up well, seeing Maul instigate a war between syndicates to get revenge on them for failing to help him. Devon already tired of hiding away. Wanting to be more in a galaxy that is against the Jedi. Lawson arresting one of the gang members to keep them protected from Maul’s gang. Maul being interested in using Vario to send a message to other syndicates who failed to help him. And also having an interest in Devon, who found herself arrested and in a cell opposite Vario.

The stakes build across the episodes in a well-paced way. What starts as simply Lawson trying to stop Maul becomes a city-wide occupation by the Empire. Who have brought along an Inquisitor. Maul’s gang are now having to survive, and find a way to escape the planet. Though Maul’s interest in Devon keeps him grounded to the planet, which is almost what gets him killed. Knowing he survives in Rebels, the tension is focused to Devon, and whether she will get killed before he can convert her to his side.

That relationship is one of the cores of the season. Seeing Maul’s manipulation of her. Using the truth of her situation, showing that under him she can have a greater purpose. Pushing her anger, but knowing when to let go until another time. Even saving her from the Inquisitor, weakening her resolve to get her to trust him. He also plays on her sympathy, using the losses of his past.

The one stopping Devon from letting go of her restraint is Master Daki. A Jedi who is very cautious of Maul and what he wants. He is the rational one, holding Devon back but willing to let her make mistakes. But what he fails to see is Maul’s aim in helping Devon. Such is clear with his ponderings of why Maul is helping them. One line he says to Devon in the final two episodes really highlights his ignorance.

Lawson and his son, and especially Two-Boots, make for an interesting group dynamic. The one who knows what the Empire is like. The one who doesn’t. And the droid who believes in them. All three experience first-hand what the Empire is like, suffering through those experiences. Encountering the Inquisitors as they hunt for Maul. Along with father and son strengthening their fractured bonds through surviving the Empire.

The action and visuals continue to be stunning. Plenty of fights with lightsabers, fast and fluid. The fiery blades crackling with every movement. Shootouts between Maul’s gang and the Empire usually occur during such showdowns, showing the chaos of surviving against what feels a never-ending force. The fight choreography keeps things tight, letting both battles weave through each other in a way that is readable to a viewer.

Vehicle chase scenes found throughout the rest of the episodes are also great, with their sense of speed and danger providing tense action even if the outcome is clear. The battles of the finale are truly a case of saving the best for last. Taking place in lovely locations that let the visuals shine, ratcheting that tension to its highest degree, and delivering on all that the season has been building towards.

One particular episode I do want to highlight is the eighth. Among all the action of the episode is a lonesome Maul, hurt from his defeat and narrow escape from the Inquisitors. The viewer is treated to Maul at his most vulnerable, trying to regain his composure and carry on the fight. It’s a very powerful part of the episode. One that shows memories of his past. It’s just a shame they didn’t also include Mother Talzin’s death as part of that. Bringing a comic-only scene onto the screen.

Naturally, Maul: Shadow Lord’s first season is getting an easy recommendation from me. Plenty of great action combined with its great characters, the interactions that play out between them, and seeing the conflict within Devon widen as the season progresses. Some standout scenes and moments across the episodes, with some humour mixed among the serious, grounded tone. And as ever, making me fall in love with the droids it introduces.

With a second season already confirmed, I am very interested to see where Maul: Shadow Lord goes next. This first season has shown just the start of Maul’s rise in the criminal underworld. Confined to just one planet. Mostly. It’s a big galaxy out there, with a lot of syndicates competing for power and the Empire fully aware of Maul’s part in all that. I’m sure whatever comes next will be just as great as the start of this series.

Images Taken From:
Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord S1.03 | Disney+
Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord S1.07 | Disney+