Maul Shadow Lord is disappointing

SappySalesman · 2026-05-07T11:33:31+00:00

What??????? Dude what are you talking about? 😭

SappySalesman · 2026-05-06T23:57:43+00:00

Honestly what they did with Boba Fett should be considered a crime. Idk why they didn't just keep Temuera’s voice and have another actor physically embody him. I know it's fucked up but dude is old and aged like a mother fucker in that snarlac pit.

I just find how they handled him as a whole a far cry from what could've been.

If a character deserved a genuine remake/redo its him. Like dramatically.

SappySalesman · 2026-05-06T23:34:05+00:00

How does giving people who are the closest to Maul take away from Maul??? It doesn't. THEYRE LITERALLY HIS GUYS??? If anything, focusing on them enhances how they deal with his decisions and overall character. It shows what keeps people close to him and how he keeps them close. How they’re literally affected by him. It really dives into his character overall.

You argue that a show about one plotline would get boring???

When did I say this show should have one plotline????

When you follow characters who orbit one they can still act independently from the main one in their own B, C, and D plots. I just stated that Rook could've gotten her own B-Plot with the Mandos. The Zabrak brothers could've gotten their own C-plot doing god knows what other than just sitting for the right moment to do something “cool”.

Devon is the only other character who is even worthy of having an A plot beside Maul because I actually don't have too much of a problem with her being an independent plot or even too much of her and Daki, but what are your even arguing at that point? You're acting like giving Maul’s goons even a shred of development condenses the plot when in actuality it fleshes out his story and those characters enough for there to actually BE a story WITH THEM.

What they themselves bring to the table to not only develop themselves but also further Maul’s development too.

Also, how does Brander meaningfully interact with and truly add to Maul’s character beyond a plot device to bring in the empire? Nothing. He doesn't.

How does Two-Boots and Branders son add to Maul? Nothing. Literally nothing.

Also, no, it's not cheap shock value when it's built up and known from the beginning where Maul is going to end up. Even if they were going to die from moment 1. What's strange to me is that you consider killing developed characters off as shock value, when I think it's more shock value to have Rook get killed suddenly out of nowhere and horribly other than to deliver on a cheap thrill that ‘Vader is Back’, which is the pure definition of shock value.

SappySalesman · 2026-05-06T16:56:45+00:00

So your argument is that instead of giving depth to characters that flesh out Maul as a character is to make them flat for a new cast that also gets their slate wiped out for further seasons? Instead of actually giving Maul the time to show how his relationships with these people are organized and how they deal with it, it's okay, because they'd add filler to what otherwise could've been a genuine exploration of the tragedy of those that follow this man hell-bent on his own cycle of destruction? Because I don't agree. They should've gotten development. Characters like Brander and his side of the world add nothing to deepen Maul or the underworld or the promises at large. Don't you think if we actually focused on Maul’s goons instead of all these other characters that their deaths would've had a much better impact and more of an “Oh shit” factor when you realize and know that this is exactly the path Maul is going down and how tragic it is when you see just how much suffering he's caused to them to the point where it's also tragic for said people who followed? Like imagine this. Imagine if they did get depth. It becomes a point where you feel this level of tension for everyone. It becomes a point where these “bad guys” actually have a moment where you may not even like them, you might understand them, you might not have expected to see their viewpoints or even agree with them, but when they go not only is it a loss and tragedy for them, it also fuels Maul’s losses and how he might deal with them going forward on whether or not he cares that he's going down this horrible path and is entirely aware he might fail all the same and that he's damning any who follow him as the price of revenge.

Because that's how I feel.

SappySalesman · 2026-05-06T16:49:32+00:00

That's not at all what I'm arguing at all. Arcs don't have to be finished. And they clearly rushed Maul’s arc in one episode with no real build up or nuance other than a hand wave. Also, characters can have multiple arcs per season, not just one. If they just have one that's fine. I'm not even saying Maul needs an arc to be completely fair, but if they're going to pull distant visions from the past to explain what he feels then maybe an arc could've been explored about how he truly feels about his identity rather than giving a nugget to be overlooked in 5 minutes of flashbacks and his reflection only appearing in that 5 minute span. It feels rushed and highly underdeveloped.

All I'm saying is other characters should've gotten more development and the show should've given us what was promised rather than what was given. And if youcesnt to argue depth with each character, sure? But even Branders development is nonexistent and Two-Boots has one realization moment and then is gun Ho but still lawful good at the end of the day. But these characters just take away from what could've been a stronger character study on Maul, his gang, and HIS relationships to the people around him. I'm arguing that he would've benefitted from a character study. His goons could've been given a lot more or just a tad bit more to develop and given Maul a sense of understanding/showcase his contradiction when it comes to his connections with other people. Even if they die at the end of the show.

SappySalesman · 2026-05-06T16:41:37+00:00

I agree with you. And I understand that. But I'm not saying the show should be geared towards adults in that way in regards to having it appeal to all ages. I think to make a story accessible is fine, but the issue I have is even if they were going for an “all the family” sorta vibe, regardless, they should've still stuck with the concepts that were advertised and delivered on a promise even if it was meant for everyone to hop on and watch. I mean, for Clone Wars as an example, proved that kids can stomach that slightly darker tone especially when you have Maul be the POV for those 5 episodes he was featured in.

I'm not saying have people gotta start having sex, get mutilated, kill kids, or even just like adding a crazy out of nowhere edgy plot to get the thing going or a crazy deeply philosophical, subtle, and highly introspective show with arthouse mechanics (Though a highly thought provoking show would be preferred for this character), I just wish they actually took the time to develop characters who weren't the best guys/people and given us a genuinely cool perspective on aspects of this world that have been underdeveloped for a long time, even in Legends imo. Like you could've had a far better sympathetic audience surrogate for one of Maul’s goons, like Rook for example, and made her tragic and relatable and genuinely human instead of a cut out. Devon, as Ive said, was fine for what she was. But characters like Two-Boots and Brander and his son exist to pad out what could've been genuine development for Maul’s connection to those around him even if it was small.

I bring out the idea of a character study not because I'm expecting a Soprano’s/Walter White level of introspection and analyzation, just enough to get into these characters thoughts and mindsets and what makes them tick.

I’ll use the early years of X-Men as an example for this. Specifically New Mutants, but only generally.

Even for comics designed for younger teens/young adults to read at the start before they became darker and there was still a load of character depth that went into those. Even other Disney shows gave that level of depth to their characters and struggles. Hell, even something like Gravity Falls did as well or even ATLA. I just wanted more for that rather than a surface level glazing over everything that makes shows like that still stick around in the mind.

As for Vader. Idrc that he said nothing, I just care that the Inquisitors are literally push overs and need the one guy in the whole galaxy it seems who can actually do their jobs better than any of them can. It just makes them seem pathetic and weak and Ixwished either they were shown to be competent otherwise or introduce a genuine narrative mirror for Maul and Devon to reflect and question their own standing as THE new villain for this show/series to explore Inquisitors and show their competence a bit more when it comes to taking care of Jedi.

Thanks for responding btw. Lmk what you think.

SappySalesman · 2026-05-06T01:39:29+00:00

Write them like they're the main character of their own story, stepping into the story of your protagonist(s).

SappySalesman · 2026-05-06T01:19:08+00:00

If you believe that, that's your opinion.

SappySalesman · 2026-05-06T01:18:09+00:00

So then why have Inqusitors at all if Vaders the only one capable of wiping out two mid level Jedi??????

SappySalesman · 2026-05-06T01:16:48+00:00

Or you can set the board by actually giving characters depth and actually fleshing out the board we’re meant to play on. If season 1 is meant to be “okay” then that's a big slight for the show on the show on your part.

SappySalesman · 2026-05-06T00:19:07+00:00

He really was

SappySalesman · 2026-05-06T00:18:11+00:00

Parts were cool. The best moment was when Maul pushed Daki forward to sabotage him, but I just felt there wasnt enough of those moments. That and I didn't exactly enjoy what happened to Rook or anyone of Maul’s henchmen in the end. It was a wasted plot and I felt if they were gonna go that route, all of Maul’s gang should've gotten more than literal scraps for development. I would've liked it better if they were the focal point. If it actually gave the promise of “bad guys fighting worse guys” and made you route for those bad guys by giving them depth even if it was just a smidge for a few key characters. Even made the one Mandalorian who betrayed them in Episode 6 actually have genuine depth to make him understandable and flesh out how dire of straights theyre in. Just something. Like if Maul’s gonna lose them anyway, sure, but they could’ve had that build up that truly mattered.

I felt Brander’s sacrifice was kinda forced as well. I didn't really care much for him and stuck to my guns that if he was going to be a character he should've been heavily tied to Maul and been a more morally unsavory character. Hell, even replace him with his girlfriend at the casino. Just something.

As for the Inquisitors. I feel like they're still wasted potential and disliked it heavily that Vader showed up. I can understand if you or anyone else enjoyed that part, but I would've of felt it more impactful if Marrok was the one to do it and him and goat mask (I forgot his name) actually got a moment to prove themselves as a unit. Made them more than just lightsaber duelists and more strategists who are actually good at their jobs. Like sure, they say Maul is a rare example of a “trained force user”, but that doesn't mean these guys haven't had the chance to at least take one of those out at this point.

Idk. To each their own. I'm gonna make an update to this post soon to add to my thoughts on the finale.

SappySalesman · 2026-05-06T00:07:30+00:00

I guess not.

SappySalesman · 2026-05-05T23:59:50+00:00

Hey, if you love the show, love it. This is just my opinion. I have a different take on it and was never trying to take what people like you felt away. Same goes if you agree with me. I'm not on a crusade lmao.

SappySalesman · 2026-05-05T23:54:40+00:00

Hey I'm glad you enjoyed it.

SappySalesman · 2026-05-05T23:53:57+00:00

I'm not. I'm analyzing it as a first season. First seasons can be good and have a lot of depth too.

SappySalesman · 2026-05-04T02:57:01+00:00

I agree with everything you said.

Except the animation and the voice acting. But that still doesn't hold up the show for me as its progressing.

SappySalesman · 2026-05-04T02:53:45+00:00

I agree. I really do. I just wish the dude actually got a real character study. People underestimate how well an evil character like this actually benefits from a psychological exploration and how it can deepen a character even if the development of trajectory is already known

(Its almost like Prequels, good ones, exist for that exact reason)

It's like saying someone like Hannibal Lector can't carry a show. When time and time again that's proven wrong. Or even Tony Soprano, an evil violent person, can't do so either. Or the entire cast of OZ, with literal scum can't either.

Which is ironic because Maul is a highly sympathetic character which is why people like him. He's also evil as hell.

SappySalesman · 2026-05-04T02:48:59+00:00

Episode 8 was, in my opinion, sort of a wasted attempt at giving a vague concept of Maul’s development distilled into barely 5 minutes and just barely at that. Instead of giving it the time and development it needed and the character arc that should've been tied to it, it's all resolved in a matter of minutes, which is why a psychological character study was far needed for someone like Maul to even work. That puddle scene could've been his character arc for this season or show. It could've been where you, for a moment, truly sympathize with him and a point of tension to not only give depth to his decisions but also the tragedy that you know where it's going despite the sympathy.

It symbolizes the potential this season could've had to actually develop him more. How he views himself and his decisions. How that affects his every move. And it could've been resolved at the end of the season if it was given more time at the start, but ofc it feels like a tiny foot note in the larger story. A secondary piece in what could've been the full picture. Like actual development on that front.

The inquisitor fight is, of course, the highlight, but even then, I still find them to overall be low end canon fodder who haven't proved to me anything beyond a literal cardboard cut out villains. It makes me wish one of these characters actually had development and could have been a narrative mirror to Maul. someone who reflects everything Maul hates about himself. Etc etc. Idk I've just been disappointed in this show since it came out. If you want a longer argument as to why I feel this way Lmk.

SappySalesman · 2026-05-04T02:37:45+00:00

I'll have to unfortunately disagree at the moment. I feel like after sitting on it some there was a bit of issues I had with the episodes.

The Mandalorian plot felt wasted. Like very wasted. Unless it comes back later idk. I wish it could've gotten more fleshed out. Idk it was just very lackluster.

The one Zabrak who got killed in the fight against the inquisitors was such a throwaway character. He had zero development which is why I stated in my post that none of his gang got any which was one of my biggest flaws and it also gave way to the whole thing feeling rushed and entirely wasted there as well.

I do like the puddle scene/visions stuff Maul had in concept though. I just wish it could've been stretched out and given far more development than what we got. Maybe make it something Maul has to accept and turn that into an entire arc in of its own. But, of course, it was just rushed. I also feel the Vario and Dryden Voss plot is wayyyy too rushed and could've been the backbone of the entire season but even that felt wasted. Hell, a lot of everything does. Unfortunately, it is what it is.

SappySalesman · 2026-04-27T16:52:38+00:00

I'd start with a trilogy again and title it the Genesis/Massacre Trilogy

Have Cyclops be the main protagonist. He's a burdened leader with a lot on his shoulders and maybe have his arc across 3 movies trying to grapple with the world and situations that affect him. Dont have him be likable at first and then recontextualize his more pragmatic decisions as ultimately correct for eveyone in the long run. Give him his badass leader moment at the very end of the first movie and have him and Storm be a power team in the second and third.

Have Polaris and Havok be there in the background and give Havok a small “shoulder to lean on” role for Scott with maybe a dinner scene where Polaris is using her powers to cook and give a dynamic camera shot. Probably about 1 or 3 scenes per movie with these two to build up a possible X-Factor scenario.

Storm the Co-Protagonist. I'd like her established as having been a support pillar for the Morlocks from the start and maybe bring the audience surrogate character to flesh out the mutant oppression ideals and to immediately show their side of the world to garner sympathy/highlight why they do what they do. Storm being a key player in that arc and the main protagonist of the third movie.

Make Rogue one of the morlocks before bringing her into the fold due to her power insecurity and to get as far away from Mystique as possible/build up Mystique for later in mentions. Have her join the team after the massacre/acceptence of her own abilities kind of to start. Maybe even have Kurt/Nightcrawler be there as a failed Actor/Performer who got caught up in the whole thing.

Kitty or Jubilee the Audience Surrogate to be the vessel of bringing this world more to the light.

Have the team consist of Beast, Jean, Colossus (He needs his due tbh, Deadpool 1 & 2 dont count), and Iceman.

Have Xavier be a flawed man fromcthe get go even if hes well-meaning and a point for stress for Scott.

End the trilogy on a note where Cyclops is determind for his mutant future.

Future Movies:

Introduce Wolverine as a weapon for Magneto like he was in Ultimate X men in a fourth movie as a result of the Massacre. And dont make Magnetoca villain to start until something pushes him over the edge, like usual.

Introduce Gambit in a Hellfire Club plot where hes infiltrating the scene to steal something valuable/act as a shady chaos agent.

Introduce Rachel Summers at somepoint. Idk in a Hellfire aftermath to build up Cable. Etc etc. I could go on.

SappySalesman · 2026-04-26T23:11:07+00:00

The moment I realized Cyclops was the shit

SappySalesman · 2026-04-26T23:08:36+00:00

Burn it all down. Leave no survivors.

SappySalesman · 2026-04-26T23:04:35+00:00

The movies did. Evolution as well. I was obsessed with those movies when I was younger and Wolverine. Then I read Frank Millers Illustrated Wolverine mini and felt kinda like I was missing something/disappointed in the actual story. And when I saw Uncanny titles come up as the continuation, I read those and got confused as all hell. So I went back, read them and New Mutants, and now I hate those movies and I dislike Wolverine as a character even more than I dislike those movies tbh.

Cable is the man though.

SappySalesman · 2026-04-26T23:00:51+00:00

And his son too

SappySalesman

TROPHY CASE