Maul – Shadow Lord has concluded its first season and it’s clear why they already re-upped for a second season. Not only because the show is very good, but it would have left some stories completely untold…
Crimson Dawn
Did I like this just because I predicted Dryden Vos to show up after watching the first 2 episodes? Yes and No. Obviously it feels good to be right, but it needs to fit the show as well. Maul dispatched with Marg Krim and took over the Pykes, so why wouldn’t he do the same with Crimson Dawn? That’s a question you’d have to ask yourself when we know Dryden is alive at the beginning of Solo. They answer that question and show that he’s provided some value to Maul by saving his ass on Janix. This sets up well for season 2 where I’m hoping some of the plot revolves around the criminal underworld.
Darth Vader
This is something I was hoping for prior to the start of the series. Even though Maul faces Vader while he’s injured, it was great to see the first matchup. This also helps explain why Maul is fearful of Vader in Rebels.
Even though Vader didn’t really start to fight hard until Daki landed a blow, I did like that they used Vader to kill Eeko-Dio Daki. Not only did it show that Daki was a very competent Jedi Master having fought off the Inquisitors and only died at the hands of Vader, but it provides a much larger, stronger enemy for Devon in the future. Vader is a symbol of the Empire, not an individual Inquisitor.
Lawson Arc
I was unsure of this arc when it started because I really thought I’d dislike the kid. But this played out very well.
Brander Lawson
This was a solid character. I viewed him in a John McClane light. His wife went and got the good job, but he stayed behind to be a cop. He’s a shitty dad, but he loves his family. And when it’s all on the line, he makes the right choice and is willing to risk everything. At the end, you’re not sure he was an overall good guy (he was definitely banging Rheena, he missed a lot of his kid’s stuff, probably broke a ton of laws as a cop), but he was the hero of this story. And he did it all for his son.
Rylee Lawson
I’m pretty sure he won’t be in season 2, but I do wonder if they use him in some comics or something else. He should have a strong hatred for the Empire plus his mom works there. Seems like a good small time character to steal some info for the Rebellion. It is kinda funny to think that we’re supposed to assume he’s not in jail for the rest of his life just because his blaster was set to stun, but I’m willing to go with it. And yes, I am aware this is also because Disney was likely uncomfortable with a teenager shooting a bunch of stormtroopers dead.
Two Boots
I feel like maybe Two Boots coulda went out there and sacrificed himself instead of Brander. I wish only bad things for Two Boots. I hope he’s reprogrammed and sent to work on the Death Star.
Rheena Sul
Rheena might be done in the Maul series, but when they go back to tell the story of Lawson working with a Jedi, I assume she’ll show up. I also think they’ll find some other places to use that character. Doesn’t seem like a one and done.
Devon Arc
There is some parallel here to Iskat Akaris in Rise of the Red Blade who was a padawan during the Clone Wars, her greatest strengths were in combat, and was there for Order 66. However, I am glad they provided a distinct difference. Iskat could only choose the dark side or death. In this scenario, Devon is very much opting in. Even if her other options are bleak, it is her decision.
I really hope they don’t jump too far into the future for season 2. With what was shown in Maul’s training and his hatred for it, it will be interesting to see how he trains Devon. While Maul tells his younger self that he’ll never let Sidious do this to someone else, he’s about to inflict the same training on Devon. In Jedi Lost, we get a glimpse into Dooku training Ventress and it’s basically torture. I don’t see how Maul avoids this.
I’m also interested in how Devon reacts to all of this. The want for revenge against Vader and the Empire may be so intense that it overshadows Maul’s cruelty.
How Maul is able to further manipulate Devon and use her skills as they take control of the criminal underworld is going to be must watch in season 2.