– Spoiler Review –
To paraphrase an earworm of a 90’s tune, he gets knocked down again but you can never quite keep him down. Maul is back and ready to enact his revenge on the Shadow Collective who betrayed him and moved on without him, setting up for the seedy and intriguing new show, Maul: Shadow Lord. The two-episode premiere, “Chapter 1 – The Dark Revenge” & “Chapter 2 – Sinister Schemes”, sets a luscious, neo-noir stage for Maul’s return to the underworld, pulling in a cast of characters that are just taking form as the second episode ends, all through some of the most gorgeous animation, moody soundtrack, and layered vocal performances in Star Wars animation to date!
After Maul’s unforgettable return in The Clone Wars and his sinister intentions during Star Wars Rebels, we’re sort of doing the classic Star Wars release structure and going back a little to explore the journey from one to another. Yet Maul: Shadow Lord doesn’t leave new viewers feeling lost in the Outer Rim. Will your viewing experience be a touch richer having seen other portions of Maul’s story? Sure, but Shadow Lord ensures it’s not going to be much richer than fans jumping in for the first time. A lot comes from the opening two episodes’ nearly relentless pace, as it starts with a bank robbery and the resulting story doesn’t let up, from criminals making and breaking peace offerings to a prison break which spills out onto the streets. This pace has its ups and downs. We still have plenty of season left, even if it’s releasing two at a time, but at this point we only have a cookie cutter take on these new and familiar characters. The caf-drinking officer with a troubled family home. A wayward kid looking to be what she felt she should be. A Master struggling to adjust to the times. Crime lords crime lording. But what is here leaves me eager to see Shadow Lord expand and build on the characters, as these familiar trappings offer a quick way to understand the newer players and seem to promise the show won’t let us down on giving them more to be. And where the pace keeps eyes glued to the screen, the teams behind the scenes ensure every second is worth watching, be it the simply gorgeous painted backdrops oozing in neo-noir style and panache, the little inflections on a person’s face, to shots where a deeper meaning or motifs seems ready to spring forth. The Kiner family adjusts and adapts their musical stylings to match the new mood, from the bass-y and jarring theme to the complex accompaniments of Padawan Devon Izara’s big and small moments, making them one of the most versatile and important musical parts of the continuing world of Star Wars. Beyond all this, new and returning voices alike have never sounded better, from the silly and raspy Spydroid (David Collins), the world-weary yet optimistic Brander Lawson (Wagner Moura), the guarded Devon (Gideon Adlon) dealing with new influences, to Maul’s (Sam Witwer) scheming teetering on insanity, the depth of the animation gives even more levels to their performances.
Maul: Shadow Lord announces it’s both more of what we’ve come to expect with Star Wars animation, but also how it’s something different, new, and evolving. Will it live up to those changes and promises? Many who received press screenings of the first 8 episodes certainly believe so, and I certainly hope so, but if it doesn’t take a chance to really dig too much deeper into these characters in the rest of the season, if the slow-burn of character building doesn’t quite land, it would still leave me eager for more and hoping season two (already announced) will finish the job. For now, let’s dive a little more into the opening two chapters of the show!
Chapter 1 – The Dark Revenge
I think what sums up my feelings about “Chapter 1 – The Dark Revenge” best has to do with its final moment. Devon Izara, a Padawan with a stickler of an old Jedi Master doing their best to survive and stay under the radar in a post-Order 66 galaxy, comes face to face with Maul, uttering the episode’s final word: “Maul.” It wasn’t until that moment I realized this was the first time his name was mentioned in the entire episode* and it felt like a mic drop to everything we’d seen so far. Confident in their impressive upgraded animation, styling, story, and pace, the creatives decided this final moment was the time to hear his name, allowing the rest of the episode to show his actions spoke far louder than his words often could. It felt like a way of establishing him as a name not to be uttered, a boogeyman almost, least one say his name and he actually appear, unwanted and unexpected. Given the character’s trajectory at this point, the eventual silent and unseen overlord of Crimson Dawn, we get the first sense of how effective his tactics of staying in the shadows, lording over them if you’ll pardon the pun, are in establishing and building up his criminal empire once again. While I was hoping the pace might slow down a little to get to know some of the newer characters, Devon saying “Maul” washed those concerns mostly away, telling me to enjoy the ride first and foremost as well.
The juxtaposition for the characters in those final moments is something to love as well, and we get it again in “Chapter 2 – Sinister Schemes”, where Devon is behind bars, locked in a cage of her own making, and Maul is the one free, making his own destiny. This gets another nod in the haunting visual of his spiked head’s shadow creeping up over her, taking her over, both of which are employed again in the second episode, potentially hinting at her future. It’s an interesting dynamic, as from what we know of Devon at this point, she’s growing frustrated with the path of caution and lurking in the shadows her Jedi Master Eeko-Dio Daki (Dennis Haysberth) has put them on. She’s still a Padawan, one who likely didn’t have much time to make a difference as a Jedi before the Sith hit the fan, and now can’t do anything, can’t protect others, can’t try to serve justice. Her impatience gets the best of her, stealing food from a street vendor, a small choice with big consequences when she bumps into a droid and drops the goods, the vendor seeing what she’s done and alerting the police. She’s not quite ready to break free from their path just yet, still listening to her Master in the end, who tells her to go along with the police droids who catch her, anything to avoid calling unwanted attention to them. As much as her choice says a lot about her, her Master’s actions say something about him too. Considering Daki didn’t even considering mind tricking the vendor to ask the droids to not to arrest her, and thinks somehow working one’s way through the local police system is a better way to avoid detection, it’s an almost baffling choice. Yet it makes one think…did he know more than he was letting on? Why did he bring them to Janix? And why does he sit outside the station, looking up, his face more resigned than disappointed or happy, as if he knows this was what had to happen. Could he maybe have had a vision, much like Maul did about finding an apprentice on Janix? Either way, Devon’s defiance and desire to carry on the ideals of the Order hint at a character with plenty of depth and someone that will give Maul a run for his credits. I hope we’ll get to learn more about Devon, as well as her Master and their relationship and history as well, before the season is out.
Through the criminal factions, Janix itself, and Captain Brander Lawson’s investigation into Maul and his crew’s actions, Shadow Lord doesn’t let its neo-noir sensibilities hide in any shadows. Maul attacking one of the syndicates’ credits transfer and keeping his and his team’s presence quiet, sets up a confrontation between two rival syndicates who have found understanding via a truce. Nico Deemis (John Carroll Lynch) and Looti Vario (Chris Diamantopoulos) make for an interesting pair, with Deemis quick to accuse and Vario thinking much further ahead, comfortable in knowing he didn’t do what Deemis thinks, yet Maul throws in one last variable that makes a fight inevitable. If you didn’t know Vario was an Aleena and using a suit, there’s a fun way of revealing it here, while Maul’s group’s pursuit of taking Vario out leads to our first good chase of the season. The way the crime bosses interact, from the chicken parm dinner to how quickly things deteriorate, and how Lawson and Vario are buddies, to a point, is one of my favorite ways the show touches neo-noir sensibilities. Lawson, chugging caf (aka coffee aka should’ve been Folklore Coffee, our partner in crime for a Star Wars coffee drink menu in 2025) like it’s going scarce, feels like the typical galaxy-weary detective, eager to keep a larger influence from messing with his investigation, knowing full well it’ll only get in his way, not help him. Lawson got a better preview in the first issue of Shadow of Maul, a prequel comic miniseries, as it held more teases of the character’s layered background, but his commitment to the force, and dispensing justice, while also including the capacity to offer forgiveness to Devon if she just gave them something, shows enough layers to viewers. Lawson might come off as any other noir detective, but it’s Moura’s delivery which begins to elevate the character, while it’s clear the animation team centers their work around it. And lastly, Janix itself looks gorgeous and bright from a distance, like all its establishing shots of lovely cityscapes, but the deeper one gets, the seediness wiggles its way in and, by the end of the first episode, it’s not a surprise Maul picked such a location to begin his rise and revenge tour.
Speaking of Maul, his usage here is just about right. He deserves and needs more time on-screen than Vader ever does, as his scheming revenge emitting from the menacingly dulcet tones of Witwer’s performance, which needs as much, if not most, of the credit for the character’s revival after all these years. And there’s such a physicality to him, as he might menacingly hold a droid at lightsaber point and be willing to stay in the shadows if the situation calls for it, but he’ll come out and sack the civil defense force’s jails to go after what he wants if the situation demands it. “The Dark Revenge” does its best to showcase these things but keep him mysterious, frightening even, and further highlight his scheming ways. It’s also appreciated Rook Kast (Vanessa Marshall), a loyal Maul supporter since the Clone Wars first seen in the Son of Dathomir comic (and later TCW‘s 7th and final season), calls him out for his actions so far. Why is he so focused on low-level threats like these gangsters, when there are bigger, more grandiose targets? Maul’s reasoning for the low-level focus confirms what the episode’s final moments hint at his trajectory from here: creating ripples in the underworld, instilling fear in all those who betrayed him, rather than be a visible threat, will do more good for him in the long-run than anything else. Plus, if Maul goes big, if he threatens to upset the new Empire-created balance, he risks the wrath of his old Master, who already laid him down, twice, and he’s not nearly as powerful or supported enough to try dealing with Darth Sidious again at this point. It’s ironic then, Maul might wish to cultivate a culture of fear, but he’s just as motivated by it as those he hopes to subdue with it. With Devon in his sights, how will he go about trying to turn her to his cause? And how else does he plan on upsetting the balance of Janix? With Maul, it always seems like a journey worth exploring and Shadow Lord‘s opening episode alone held enough promise for what we’d experience.
Bonus thoughts:
- Vanessa Marshall as Kast was neat in the final few episodes of TCW, but her expanded time on the show is a nice touch especially since you can hear more of the veteran vocal work she bringing to the role and how she sounds so much different than when playing Hera, but I’m hoping for a little more with her character before the season’s through.
- Spybot is a wild delight, as it edges both the sillier, younger side of animation past, but tip-toes into the darker, older side Shadow Lord seems to be channeling. Glad to know there’s always room for a cute, weird, demonic cat-like droid to invade a series!
- *Especially in the second episode, but really both, I wish more characters had their names mentioned on screen rather than having to wait for the Databank entries or credits page. This is most concerning marginalized characters, as it’s wild how little the female characters have their names brought up at all.
- Shadow of Maul #2 came out 4/8/2026 and I should have a review before the weekend is done/the next batch of Shadow Lord episodes drop.
- Richard Ayoade, who voices Two-Boots, Lawson’s droid partner, and has voiced another droid in The Mandalorian, has some concerning anti-trans actions in his history and this Medium post breaks it down really well. Hopefully one day he’ll make his endorsements and statements a little more clear.
Chapter 2 – Sinister Schemes
The opening of “Chapter 2 – Sinister Schemes” is a thrill ride of a time, but don’t let that fool you, as it slows down enough to start developing key players and open up even more promising avenues for the rest of the season to explore. Yet it really is a great opening! Maul and his crew are doing their best to flee the Janix Civil Defense Force building, having taken Vario and Devon. The defense force is pretty hapless against the retreat, unable to really slow them down, so it was refreshing to see Daki, Devon’s Master, step up and take a risk, covertly exposing himself to bring them to a halt and save his Padawan. It’s almost like a dare to Maul, as neither side wants to step out of shadows at this moment, least the Empire hear of their existence. Of course Maul knows how best to call Daki’s bluff, tearing down a walkway full of civilians, forcing the Jedi to give up pursuit in interest of saving the most lives, just not his Padawan. Twice now he’s been more willing to hide who he is, to let her go, than come to her aid, and while it’s commendable and makes sense, I’ll be curious to see how Devon feels about it and any other instances of this as the series continues.
Besides all the caf, and a belief he can take care of this all best without Imperial influence, “Sinister Schemes” delves into Lawson more than the first episode did. We meet his son, first glimpsed in a holo-photo on his desk, who makes for a stark reminder what Lawson’s job and choices have wrought. A son neglected, proud of his father’s work yet disappointed it takes him away so swiftly. Could Maul or any of the various criminals use this connection against him? And why doesn’t he let his son go away to his mom, without him? Their scenes together were a little too brief, but it was a good reminder Lawson’s more than just his name in this show, something we hadn’t gotten a hint of yet no matter how good Moura’s performance has been. But also, another case of daddy issues in Star Wars? Who would’ve guessed! Given an ultimatum to clean this situation all up as quickly as possible from the Civil Defense Force’s Chief, more of Lawson’s questionable and unknown past appears when he visits Rheena Sul (Pamela Adlon), an information broker. When Vario was in his custody, whom he locked up thinking they could protect, he mentioned Maul’s Shadow Collective, and it’s through Rheena Lawson gets a few small details, adding up to how Maul is going to be very bad news for Janix. Rheena might be my favorite underworld denizen we’ve met so far, as she comes with many questions about her past, like how was she ever in a position to maybe make a deal with Maul and how has she risen to the level she has on Janix? I imagine we’ll see her again, but I hope it’s sooner than later. As for Lawson, he’s then tailed by Master Daki, who is either trying to see if Lawson’s worth working with or he’s just following his trail to get back to Devon…or both, remains to be seen.
Digging back into my favorite aspects of the opening episode, “Sinister Schemes” takes it all to eleven. Where it was less explicit before, the imagery of Devon in a cage of her own making is hard to miss now, especially as Maul uses their situation to begin manipulating her in what he hopes will lead her to his side. Yet manipulation might be too strong a word, as what Maul has to say isn’t terribly wrong or, as he points out, villainous. Whereas Daki has insisted they stay in the shadows and not use their abilities to help themselves or others, Maul suggests she has to learn to change with the times, not cling to what once was, and of course only he can show her what can be. Devon’s obstinate as ever about Maul’s suggestions, thinking she can take care of herself and still believes in the principles of the Order, refusing to listen to him or join him. While we’ve not seen much of Devon so far, I’d say she’d truly be able to look after herself, no Maul needed, but I’m sure Maul might find a way to wiggle himself under her skin. Maul’s tactics are some of his most intriguing to date, as he’s not quite as overly obsessive and manipulative as he was to Ezra Bridger in Rebels, instead he’s calm, as much as Maul can be, and what he says makes a lot of sense. Here he’s letting Devon make the choices, not taking them from her, telling her she can do what she wants, and if she views herself as prisoner, then that’s all she’ll be. And Maul’s not wrong Devon needs to change with the times, as look what Jedi like Kanan Jarrus can eventually become when they do, but his overall goals and actions aren’t exactly the ideals Devon believes she still cherishes. What will change? Or will it? There’s certainly been enough hints it will, so we’ll see, but by the end of “Sinister Schemes”, Devon breaking free of the cage of her own making by the sheer will and smarts of her own shows she’s already seeing some truth in Maul’s words.
Bonus Thoughts:
- Maul’s infiltration of the Pyke ship towards the episode’s end? Phew, this guy can real slice and dice ’em!
- Given Qi’ra ends up carrying on Maul’s plans to take out Sidious, as seen in the big crossover era of Star Wars comics, I do appreciate at least Maul was on the right path! Here’s hoping a season two might make a little time jump and give us a chance to see Qi’ra at some point.
- Yes, Pamela Adlon, who voices Rheena, is Gideon Adlon’s, who voices Devon, real-life mother! While it’s not been for me, most people will know Pamela from King of the Hill.
- If you’re wondering how big Devon’s future might be, remember they released the character’s lightsaber hilt as a high-end collector’s item, something they’ve never just done for funsies.
- I don’t know if we’re getting traditional episode guides, but the official Star Wars blog does have a trivia post that looks like it’ll be updated throughout the season.
- There’s also a cool post with little short interviews with the cast so far…maybe this will also be updated as new characters are revealed?!
- And they released a two and half minute BTS featurette that gets into some potential spoilers, so view at your own risk!
Maul: Shadow Lord‘s series premiere episodes “Chapter 1 – The Dark Revenge” & “Chapter 2 – Sinister Schemes” might leave one wanting more from its characters, but with plenty of show left, some insanely impressive visuals/voice acting/score, and enough promise to fit a gundark, fans will want to come back for more regardless.
+ The visual around Maul and Devon’s scenes
+ Lots of promise in what its characters could become…
+ Good pacing so far
+ Eyes and ears will be hella pleased with what these teams have put together
– …but not enough about them yet.
Ryan is Mynock Manor’s Head Butler. You can follow him and the website on Bluesky and Instagram @mynockmanor.