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This review is based on episodes one through four and is without spoilers. The first episode of Moon Knight will be released on March 30th, 2022 with new episodes every week until May 4th, 2022 on Disney+.
Marvel Studios has had varied results over its history when it comes to introducing lesser-known characters to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Guardians of the Galaxy was a massive hit in 2014 despite how little the team was before the movie was released while The Eternals was less successful when it came out last year. Of Marvel’s releases coming out in 2022, Moon Knight is the riskiest project because it has no ties to any existing movies or show. It is a calculated risk and, thanks to strong performances by Oscar Isaac, Ethan Hawke, and newcomer May Calamawy, it is a successful endeavor.
The story does have a few narrative pitfalls that, depending on the personal preference of the viewer, may make the show difficult to watch. First and foremost, a lot of time is spent going over what the comic book reading audience already knows. Iron Fist had a similar issue when it launched and spent a few episodes debating whether or not the lead character was in fact Danny Rand. At that point, the audience already knew that he was Danny Rand, so spending that time debating who the character is, is a complete waste of time. Moon Knight has a similar issue, though not as egregious. Since it is pretty clear that Steven Grant has multiple personalities almost out of the gate, it works a little better here than it does in Iron Fist, however considering that the audience is watching a show called Moon Knight, spending time pretending that the lead is not the titular character feels like a waste of time.
Beyond that the show has very few issues. The decision to begin with very little explanation about who the lead is, if he has powers, where they come from, or even what he is dealing with in terms of his mental health. It adds a level of confusion to the show that will drive viewers to continue watching. It is a confusion that makes the viewer want to know more about the characters and the new mythological angle the universe is taking.
While his accent as Steven Grant will definitely be a divisive issue for the show, Oscar Isaac does an excellent job in the lead role. Over the course of the show, he has to play multiple totally different characters and that takes skill as an actor. On the other side of the conflict, Ethan Hawke plays a terrifying villain as a religious zealot with a disarmingly calm demeanor. The show opens with one of the most disturbing moments that Marvel Studios has put to screen that is sure to resonate with viewers. The philosophical conflict between the two is sure to cause debate among viewers as well and is somewhat reminiscent of a recent major event comic from Marvel Comics.
This show is absolutely worth watching, even if it does have a little bit of a slow start. The action is great and all the characters are compelling enough to carry the show. Maybe if this show does well enough, and the response to both Werewolf by Night debuting in the impending Halloween Special on Disney+ and Blade and the Black Knight meeting at the end of The Eternals is enough, there could be a spirit of vengeance blazing onto screens in the future.
Final Rating: 9/10
