Set one year after “Revenge of the Sith,” Emperor Palpatine’s former Sith apprentice, Darth Maul rebuilds his criminal organization on the planet Janix and seek revenge on Palpatine who left him for dead in Naboo and avenge his brother, Savage Oppress. Maul relocates in a city planet similar to Coruscant recruiting old and new members of his syndicate, the Shadow Collective. During his activities, Maul encounters the law and a Padawan girl. He attempts to manipulate her as his sidekick.
All ten episodes of Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord‘s first season are now streaming exclusively on Disney Plus. It received huge praise from critics, fans and streamers alike. Anyway, a second season will stream in 2027. One more thing, Sam Witwer himself will attend Fan Expo Dallas 2026 along with General Grievous himself, Matthew Wood. The aforementioned three-day event will commence on September 11-13. I got plans to attend. Better save up some dough.
Today’s review contains no SPOILERS.
Powerful & Weak Qualities
Powerful: Sam Witwer did an excellent job for his voiceover performance as the titular character.
Other Cast Members such as Denis Haysbert, Gideon Adlon, Wagner Moira, Chris Diamantopoulos, Richard Ayoade, Charlie Bushnell, Vanessa Marshall & Steve Blum all did a decent job for their respective voiceover performances.
Dave Filoni mapped out all ten episodes.
Animation retains the exact same animation style from The Clone Wars.
Action Sequences display Maul’s combat skills. I dig it.
Kevin Kiner (Titans, Doom Patrol, Peacemaker) orchestrated the soundtrack.
Sound Effects from previous movies and shows are retained.
Pacing felt natural. I was hooked since the first episode.
Dave and his fellow writers stated Shadow Lord’s influenced by epic crime dramas including “The Godfather,” “The Dark Knight Trilogy” & “Heat.”
Maul’s chemistry with his crew serves as the main highlight. Some of the members like Vario were interesting.
Police detective, Lawson, Devon & Eeko-Dio were memorable. They don’t overshadow the titular villain. A good balance between good and evil characters.
Maul’s main goal is to manipulate Devon into becoming his apprentice so he can initiate his revenge towards Palpatine.
A few twist and turns change the status quo within the Star Wars timeline. In a good way.
Weak: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving Mr. Filoni and his crew an Extra Point for making a flawless villain based show as possible.
Chapter 1 – The Dark Revenge
An Opening Chase and Maul’s first scene, indicates it’s gonna be one heck of an awesome show.
Maul and his crew pull of a heist. He later recruits Vario.
Meanwhile, a Padawan girl named, Devon and her Jedi master, Eeko-Dio evade the Empire. You know, Order 66?
Chapter 2- Sinister Scheme
Lawson investigates Maul’s activities.
Maul takes two focal characters hostage in his hideout.
Chapter 3 – Whispers in the Unknown
Maul attempts to persuade Devon into becoming his apprentice. A stand-off between the two felt unique. a psychological approach rather than clashing lightsabers.
Maul’s crew organize a plan to steal from rival syndicate, the Pikes.
Chapter 4 – Pride and Vengeance
Devon & Eeko-Dio square off with Maul.
Lawson and the po-po search Maul’s whereabouts.
Near the end of this episode things become harder.
Chapter 5 – Inquisition
The Galactic Empire arrive at Janix to eliminate Maul.
Devon, Eeko-Dio & Lawson flee from the Empire. To quote Sheriff Bart from “Blazing Saddles,” “This is my impression of Jesse Owens.”
Chapter 6 – Night of the Hunted
Pick up where the previous episode left off, the chase continues. Devon & Eeko-Dio must find a way to escape Jannix.
A legit train fight with a Sith Inquisitor.
Chapter 6’s title is a play-on-word of “Night of the Hunter.”
Chapter 7 – Call to Oblivion
The Empire gain on Maul’s trail. The latter and his posse intend to evacuate Janix via starship.
A battle on a bridge ensues.
Somebody gets annihilated.
Chapter 8 – The Creeping Factor
Wounded in battle, Maul experiences unpleasant flashbacks.
Lawson embarks on a rescue mission.
Clancy Brown & Ewan McGregor have voiceover cameos reprising their roles as Savage Oppress & Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Chapter 9 – Strange Allies
As they runaway to a starship, Maul and the others battle Sith Inquisitiors.
Maul makes Lawson an offer he can’t refuse.
A shocking twist will make you grin. Like something out of a horror flick.
Chapter 10 – The Dark Lord
Maul has an awesome duel with a familiar face. That battle earns Bonus Points.
In a point of no return, everybody endures an intense battle.
Somebody shouted “NOOOOOOO!” A recurring motif in other entries. Most notably, Luke Skywalker in “The Empire Strikes Back.”
Last scene sets up Season 2.
I consider the Season Finale as my favorite episode. If you know, you know.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
I finally got my wish to see a Darth Maul spin-off in either a film or TV show come true. You done did good Disney, LucasFilm & Dave Filoni. I’m so thrilled for Season 2. I gotta wait til 2027. If you’re planning on going to Fan Expo Dallas 2026, are you gonna take a pic with Sam Witwer or have him sign anything with his signature? Please leave a comment.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 