^{Credit: Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord (Disney+, Lucasfilm)} 

When The Phantom Menace was rereleased in 2012, Darth Maul dominated much of the marketing. Despite his limited screen time, chances are your fondest memory of that film is the “Duel of the Fates” sequence, showcasing Maul’s iconic double-bladed lightsaber. While Maul has always been a cool character, it wasn’t until The Clone Wars animated series that he emerged as a Shakespearean villain. Part of what makes Maul such a tragic character is that his life becomes defined by revenge, which he ultimately doesn’t achieve, as seen in Star Wars Rebels. Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord fills in the gap between The Clone Wars and Rebels, finding the former Sith Lord at his highest and lowest. It’s the rise of Maul, but also the beginning of his fall. 

With the Galactic Empire in full swing, Maul and his allies aren’t the only ones living in the shadows. The series introduces us to young Jedi Devon Izara (Gideon Adlon) and her master Eeko-Dio-Daki (Dennis Haysbert), who are keeping a low profile following Order 66. They find themselves on the crime-riddled planet Janix. Detective Brander Lawson (Wagner Moura) attempts to maintain order, although he too finds himself in the looming shadow of the Empire. As a Jedi, Devon is eager to bring peace where she sees injustice, but Eeko-Dio-Daki insists that they focus on survival. Devon is lost, but perhaps she’ll find herself in the shadows. 

Maul has adapted to the shadows, resurfacing to take down the crime syndicates who betrayed him. His former master, Darth Sidious, is his true target, however. Since we know how Maul’s story ends in Rebels, there’s an element of suspense missing from his arc. Devon is another story, however. Although she resists Maul as he tries to recruit her as an apprentice, he appeals to her frustrations with the Jedi. The Jedi failed, and it’ll be several years until a new hope arises. If Devon isn’t a keeper of the peace, what is she? While loyal to her master, one could see Devon being swayed to Maul’s side in pursuit of purpose. 

^{Credit: Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord (Disney+, Lucasfilm)} 

Maul almost emerges as a Magneto-like figure. You know that his methods are morally wrong, but he makes a compelling argument for why the ways of the Jedi are deeply flawed. Just as Maul operates between the Empire and Jedi, Devon is at a crossroads, even if she’s still more drawn to the light than the dark. These first eight episodes could’ve dedicated more time to Maul and Devon’s dynamic. The show seems to be playing the long game with which side Devon will ultimately choose. That said, I've yet to see the season's final two episodes. With a second season reportedly in development, I am interested to see where exactly her journey takes her. 

Beyond revenge, parenthood is the overarching theme of Maul. Lawson attempts to shield his son Rylee (Charlie Bushnell) from the Empire, but with Jedi and Maul’s crew roaming the city, a clash seems inevitable. Eeko-Dio-Daki attempts to steer Devon in the right direction, although wisdom can only get them so far. Maul remains hellbent on finding an apprentice, all while overlooking his second-in-command, Rook Kast (Vanessa Marshall). You can sense that Rook views Maul as a mentor figure of sorts. Since she isn’t Force-sensitive, though, she can never be his apprentice. This adds to the tragedy of Maul, who has a potential successor by his side, yet he’s fixated on someone who might be beyond reach. 

For much of this season, Maul seems like an unstoppable force, like the Terminator. As the episodes progress, though, we do see the chinks in his armor. He’s haunted by his past, unable to let go of the death, betrayals, and physical/mental scars that led him to this point. As self-assured as Maul seems, he’s just as lost as anyone else. Maul is incapable of change. Yet, Shadow Lord still brings new layers to the fan-favorite character. 

^{Credit: Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord (Disney+, Lucasfilm)} 

From a visual standpoint, the animated Star Wars shows have come a long way from the wooden aesthetic established in the 2008 Clone Wars movie. Returning to the tradition of matte paintings, the backgrounds find a balance between the original Star Wars trilogy and the franchise’s animated library. The neon-lit Janix injects a film noir ambiance, at times channeling a Blade Runner film. For a show where even the sun-lit scenes are draped in shadows, you can still make out every image in what might be the best-looking animated Star Wars series to date. Unlike The Phantom Menace, though, Shadow Lord isn’t eye candy over substance.

Yes, Maul has his fair share of cool lightsaber duels. Between Sam Witwer’s lead performance and the sophisticated writing, though, I’m more emotionally invested in Maul than ever before. The supporting players are just as gripping in what's truly a sci-fi crime drama. It's appropriately the darkest animated show produced under the Disney regime, as well as the best first season for a Star Wars show since Andor. Shadow Lord's future seems bright, even if the same can't be said about Maul's fate. 

The first two episodes of Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord are available on Disney+ now. Two episodes will be released each week until May the Fourth.

Nick Spake is the Author of Bright & Shiny: A History of Animation at Award Shows Volumes 1, 2, and 3. Available Now!