2.9 Moon Knight

Moon Knight, For this post itself, I'll be gradually detailing and updating people weekly, on the latest Moon Knight Episodes to release. This subsequently is not only the first blog post of mine following this formula, but rather also the first Marvel production I'll be reviewing. With the first Episode of Disney's latest series, being released just yesterday, it marks the sixth series to premiere of the streaming service. Based on the Marvel Comics featuring the character of the same name, Moon Knight stars Oscar Isaac, Ethan Hawke, May Calamawy and Gaspard Ulliel in this mind-bending, thrill that over the course of six weeks with unearth the next true Marvel legend. Personally over the course of Phase Four so far, I've been relatively disappointed with what Marvel has had to offer, it's seemingly clear, none of the so far feature length series, have been able to match it's biggest competitors. When in terms of both quality and intrigue, for sure both the Loki and Hawkeye series were interesting enough, but none yet so far have reached a truly acceptable level, on which I'd be glad to place them higher, than some of Netflix's headline shows. Whilst in general, aside from the upcoming Doctor Stranger and exceptional Spider Man No way Home, I think Marvel has just lost it's way slightly. In a messy and varying contrast of shows and films which feel very varied in both quality and reception. Spider Man No Way Home brilliantly brought many fans back, with the expanded scope and stakes never meaning the franchise lost sight of it's true humour and heart. Whilst most excitement around Moon Knight, appears to be surfacing due to those very reasons, with many asking if this can be such a show that truly rivals Disney's biggest competitors.

Directed by Mohamed Diab and written by Umbrella Academy creator Jeremy Slater, the first Episode of Moon Knight has much to offer in overall intrigue and suspense. It's the first I've seen especially of both there works, however so far it seems that the show will move in the right direction. I think personally Marvel fans have been waiting for such a show, that offers and combines perfectly both a great amount of character development along with high quality action. Just from the shows opening episodes, such quality seems to be on display, it certainly looks and feels Marvels most authentic, gritty and refreshingly weird show to date. Rather than just often being shot using green screen or on a small sound stage, such scenes in the presumed Alps and British Museum enhance the shows expanded, practical scope and authentic aroma. It may for sure have been more expensive, but honestly such high production quality will only ever be highly received and add to the shows appeal.

Whilst Moon Knight mainly follows Oscar Isaacs character Steven, although others often refer to him as either Scott or Moon Knight, a man severely suffering from his dissociative identity disorder. He can often seen strapping himself to his bed at night, having and missing certain time gaps, along with a whole host of terrifying reality like dreams. While Oscar Isaac's intiquing accent, was a little of putting and abnormal to begin with, but rather instead gradually only adds to the characters catatonic state and subsequent different personalities. It for certainly makes it a lot easier for audiences to differentiate later on and is something many Marvels fans alike haven't seen thus far. Whilst although Marvel is already filled with an whole host of amazing actors, I think it's Isaac's unsettling and quirky portrayal, will earn him a host of soon plaudits and subsequent acclaim. While his on screen opposite Ethan Hawke, is utterly watchable and equally as mysterious from the very beginning. With this uniquely satisfying and compelling dynamic, being something I hope only further episodes look to tap into. Whereas in the beginning there often isn't much else to offer, besides mainly both Isaac's and Hawke's portrayal, Steven's flailing and demented state is enough to keep many audiences guessing but rather is something you can see becoming too tedious if not explained further. Isaac's animated and spirited efforts create a deeply driven and complex character, that seemingly if anything is in for a grim, destructive ride. Moon Knight in the opening episode is more foreseen and treated like a subsequent virus, inhabiting and using Steven like a host, an encroaching, deviant enemy of sorts with true and destructive powers to drown Steven out from existence.

While the Series' also perfect execution and compelling understanding of it's character is just as refreshing as it is astonishing, as it was personally riveting how we were told Steven wasn't in apparent control of his body after all. During such truck chases, as we're introduced to such plot devices during the particular time gap and jump in time. As were only ever able to ever seemingly see the aftermath, making us feel a lot more comfortable and sympathetic towards Steven himself. Whilst what's equally as refreshing as the show itself, is the overall creepy and disturbing aesthetic that populates the show through out. It's mystifying and messy setting, if anything just better match's and resonates with the person Steven's gradually becoming. It's often always, executed brilliantly whilst towards the end we're fed some much thankful and needed exposition, which eventually leads to the first siting of Moon Knight himself. It's shots many are probably use to seeing, but it rather feels like a much needed and justifiable reward. In context the idea the of having such a big vicious beast defeated by Moon Knight himself, feels a subtle nod to what fans can expect to come. The costume itself seems and feels very practical, with the sure use of some enhancements only ever elevating it further. Its execution and great design is beautifully handled and seemingly is yet another very unique thing the show has in it's favour. Although again I'm probably like many who aren't entirely familiar with the Moon Knight comics, this great transition into the real world feels both genuine and extremely authentic to it's roots.

For the most part though, we're left truly alone and in the dark here, when it comes to both Stevens true character arc and situation. It's a truly fascinating and captivating opening episode, has some truly riveting potential. It's solid confidence in it's two main leads, is equally as thrilling, infusing an severe amount in the expected confusion that's to follow. If anything, it's debuting episode brings an enjoyable unpredictability to a series, that certainly isn't afraid to keep audiences and fans alike in the dark. It's simulating freshness, narrative and acting is rather also a complimentary sign that might help Marvel eventually overcome the often overwhelming feeling it induces. It somehow feels like a series that might frankly become enticing for even those outside of the fandom, expanding upon and outside their often normal and predictable conventions. Although Moon Knight's seemingly biggest surprise is how it perfectly feels genuinely different from any other corner, Marvel has explored thus far.

Upon viewing of Moon Knights second episode, what Marvel has seemingly improved is it's understanding of gradually hooking viewers, as Moon Knight is never afraid to give its audiences any answers. Episode Two gives us some much needed insight into Marc Spector and Steven, as well as how such people are combined, whilst simultaneously introducing Layla to the frame and her subsequent relationship. She seems to be a character not as ease within the confines of London, with it clear her protagonist and story, clearly lies somewhere else. She's a welcomed addition once we come to realise that we'll be accompanying Marc and seeing Steven through the Mirror, during the next episode. With Marc now back in Egypt, where myself and many alike will hope to get some much needed backstory into such events. Hopefully such an episode will push Layla and Marks relationship further, with it heavily hinted that there has been some previous tension between the pair.

Moon Knight feels as far, a series totally disconnected from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which in terms does somehow feel very refreshing. Not once yet has it mentioned such Avengers or the Blip, which grounds such a story in a more naturalistic, gritty and authentic tone. It's something new to Marvel which keeps on feeling just as invigorating throughout. Whilst alongside Mark himself, we got some intriguing action sequences, that use all such masterful cinematography techniques to full advantage. With such elements all on display for everyone to see. Such action sequences feel re-imagined and refreshingly crisp, as we accompany Moon Knight jumping from building to building like a scatter of birds. While battle and action scenes between Steven himself feel just as energized, with us not only getting a sneak peek at his new suit. But rather also such scenes that still utilise and are subsequently filled with such slap stick, exaggerated action, permitting to his character. Although such action sequences are a great and very captivating watch, Moon Knight still holds it ground, when in terms of it's Narrative structure thus far. With all the puzzle pieces not all there for audiences to see and figure out, as such answers become gradually clearer, but seemingly only fall into place when the story warrants it. Questions continue to build up fast throughout, as we're told just enough to keep us engaged and immersed. But rather also still not enough to keep us guessing.

If anything like Episode one, which gradually gave us more to know about Moon Knight, it's second episode focus shifted to allow us to gradually know a little more about Mark. While audiences can then subsequently later on, expect to be driven and explored further. With such disillusions and complexities surrounding Steven being pushed to there very limit. As myself and many more are keen to get some much needed screen with Mark, whilst the story hopefully warrants such an approach that continues to dive deep into the story and Egyptian gods at play. Furthermore the introduction to Layla was an expected yet also suspiring one, as she fitted perfectly in such action scenes, whilst it still remains clear that her and Mark have some unfinished business. Once we get a further look behind the vail, I honestly believe that a much deeper and bigger backstory lye's in store for them both. With it somewhat clear that a divorce isn't what Mark truly wants, with him keen to distant himself to keep her safe from the very torment he's currently experiencing. Although what Moon Knight continues to do, with resounding success is perfectly draw out such characters and narrative storylines, whilst simultaneously raising the stakes that feel equally as important and intriguing. It's a show which feels refreshing new and unique, as it's never truly afraid to keep audiences in the dark, guessing and pondering what's next.

With episode three, marking the subsequent half way point of the Moon Knight series so far. We're finally whisked away on a teeming and mystery filled adventure from the busy streets of London, to the vast deserts of Cairo, Egypt. With Marc Spector now mostly in full control, we're given some much needed and as equally welcome insight into his story so far, while Steven himself is within the mirror. Episode three seemingly is the most action-packed and illuminating of the series so far, while Layla's involvement is gradually becoming just as important and intriguing. She's such a participant who feels somewhat better connected to Steven than Marc, which is an intriguing dynamic, whilst simultaneously the couples backstory is explored even more.

As Mark was much in mercenary mode this week, It gave audiences a much welcomed and driven insight into the man himself, with many expected that there would be much to see and hidden behind the vail itself. It's a little unsure and difficult to accurately say if he's a good type of mercenary, as such the effects conflicted upon him by Khonshu, are becoming more apparent and equally devasting. Those exact battles scenes feel somewhat refreshing, although such time skipped would feel a lot fleshed out, if we were later able to see such devasting effects between symptoms. While such symptoms and devasting effects, are seemingly working and developing well for the pair, as if they've come to realise there somewhat stronger together. As so very often in scenes alongside Layla and wealthy artifact hoarder Anton Mogart, the pair conflict once again, using the nagging and demanding reflection of Steve to his advantage. Who like Mark once was, is able to take over and brutally steel the reigns of his body, during seemingly pivotal moments of action. As rather Steve acts as the good, wholesome conscious peacemaker from within, during such sequences of violence, while he seemingly feel as equally guilty. Although he wishes and earns for control, you can't help but feel that Mark is such the character and protagonist meaning more to the story. As your left pondering what Steven might be able to actually bring.

Having Steven seemingly trapped and confiscated inside, allows for some more open and honest portrayals from both characters alike. Allowing the story to exhibit some much desired forward momentum, that sets this third episode apart, from the very opening two. While old bird Khonshu, took some much associated and daring risks this week, that only helped in fleshing out his stakes even further, extending the boundaries of what's truly at stake for both him and Mark alike. At times he plays and acts as a truly brutal and daring villain, subtly and expertly turning such emotions and inner conflicts into useful leverage. Forcing our characters down an unlikely and often sceptical path. He's a protagonist that also is seemingly loitering along the edge of reason, never afraid to push to see how far the boundaries will truly extend too. Altogether it's a very ends justify the means methodology, that is seemingly and sorely focused on preventing Ahmad from being resurrected. While Isaac continues to be the hallmark and unique precedent for the show, extending his absolute weird and often wild persona, even further during each following episode. Such an achievement and quality is even better justified when often he's acting against nothing or not much at all. As audiences were further treated to some superbly, satisfying and dazzling visual sequences during the episodes climatic sequences, for all what Khonshu inevitably paid the price for. Whilst it also sets and lays the foundation for a wider conflict that rather sets up some rather interesting narratives and seemingly hopeless situations to come. As our protagonists seem to become more vulnerable as the episodes continue to develop. With this episode mostly belonging to Layla, as we're honestly welcome to such intriguing development, since we saw her able to handle herself brilliantly well in difficult spots. Whilst she seems to have her own inner conflicts, that she's destined and desiring to solve. With all the new facets of Layla on display for all of us to see.

While Moon Knight has gradually up the stakes and seemingly also developed it's character that equally feels justified and relatable. Such stakes feel often heightened and subsequently potent, whilst Moon Knight continues to handle such mystery expertly well. Putting Steven in the back seat, opened up a uniquely and deeply intiquing dynamic for our new central character, as well as the plot itself. With Moon Knight seemingly gradually becoming more openly apparent and appreciative as episodes continue. Creating some equally intricate and intriguing themes as episodes continue onwards.

If Moon Knight had already set a new precedent and standard for what Marvels shows and films alike could depict, well episode four has seemingly pushed and extended that boundary ever further. Unsure after waking up in a mental hospital, to if he'd just imagined everything, Moon Knights often courageous innovative and visionary design has become something of the norm for viewers over the last several weeks. Until however we were surprised even more and our expectations diverted when coming to terms with the fact all might not be as first perceived.

In contrast to such other episodes, without such the inclusion of God Khonshu and relevant character switches between both Marc and Steven. Episode Four felt kind of invigorating and revolutionary, when in comparison to the series so far. As focus shifted and became much less diluted and involved, with such focus shifting to Layla's tomb raider like abilities, the haunted and ghastly ghouls that lye within and the subsequent and apparent love triangle between our protagonists. Making for one of the best installments yet, although it personally continued to feel very confusing and puzzling at times, episode four certainly shifted focus and engaged with our inner perspectives towards the end. Although we're led to believe such a life as a superhero was all but a subsequent lie, it's never depicted that us as viewers should ever entirely trust or let alone truly think that Marc's been this unwell and delusional for the entire time. Instead the shows intelligent and honest enough to trust audiences, realising that such a scenario was never going to be truly believed. Allowing for some great creative and visionary control, when it came to a whole host of elements, including both set design and narrative. Although the ending left me completely baffled, it felt somewhat and surprisingly welcomed, as if such a shift where we both get to see both Marc and Steven is an all around accompanying experience. It's a hallmark to not only Oscar Isaac's acting talent but rather also to Marvel's visuals, as after several unique suit summoning's and duel's we're left waiting eagerly in anticipation for there likely alliance.

Whilst such character dynamics and backstory are pushed even further this week, as Layla can be seen gradually and subtly falling in love. With her seemingly seeing in Steven what she lacks and earns for from Marc, as such a dynamic forces such emotions to only ever feel more rampant and enthralling. Adding another interesting dynamic, but rather also a complex hurdle, when it's discovered Marc was there at Layla's fathers death. With viewers expecting more problems to arise soon enough, once they become caught up in such strong and potent emotional feelings once again. With our protagonists subsequent failings derailing such plots and allowing for mistakes to be made, in the benefit for drama. As Layla's revelations cut and become even deeper, when she gradually comes to quick terms that she never truly knew the man she married. While such movement between humour to horror and to drama felt beautifully crafted and expertly devised, as such tension seemingly flowed and was threaded throughout seamlessly. As such horror, within a Marvel show felt refreshingly invigorating and when in contrast to other shows, worked effectively. Although such gruesome violence never seemingly felt out of place and rather suited the piece's tone and subsequent setting.

While it was the continued and consistent, stellar acting of Oscar Isaac that continued to set and pushed not only Moon Knight's narrative but rather also it's quality. As Isaac never ceases to amaze and rather can instead be seen setting the precedent for how best he portrays two seemingly opposite minds. It's a welcomed and truly invigorating performance, that stands as one of Marvels best. Personally if it wasn't for him, I might of began feeling quite underwhelmed and possibly even stopped watching. However such a style also continues to push audiences minds and accompanying expectations alike, as Moon Knight has continued to divert expectations, instead of offering any such reasonable explanations.

For a show that's seemingly kept us waiting upon and in the dark, about it's true significant meaning. Moon Knight has finally uncovered and revealed some sed secrets and details, that have left fans, myself alike emotionally potent and astonished. Such an episode carried such emotional potency that it became some what refreshing to see such exaggerated and heartfelt moments, play out across the screen. Aside from offering and revealing so much received backstory into both Marc and Steven's past, such techniques and narratives went beyond just telling and filling us in on such events, that we'd missed. Instead Moon Knight pushed the boundaries and offered us some truly moving and deeply inquisitive explanations for how such actions and morals can be explained and justified. Such harrowing details of Steven's story came to light, as we learn that Marc was rather just a way for Steven to cope and block out such emotional pain and turmoil from is mother. Following the death of his fellow, little brother, something for which his mother has subsequently blamed him for since.

Likewise this penultimate episode continued to dazzle with Isaac's stellar acting capabilities in both an extremely intricate and challenging dynamic, as both different characters and personalities combine to the best of there abilities. Such events that Marc was witnessing, audiences were already well aware of, however through Isaac's revolutionary and frantically masterful acting, such scenes never feel dull or repetitive, as instead we're more drawn to see the subsequent emotional reactions and effects. As like the pendulum itself the episode often politely conflicts and swings back and forth between both sense and nonsense, allowing for such an episode to extend the boundaries of both narrative and visual capabilities. While such concepts surrounding the subsequent worlds we create, to protect us from harm, feel somewhat rather comprehensive and astonishing refreshing for Marvel. As such style's have become rather the hallmark for the Moon Knight series, offering us some much need emotional turmoil and comprehensive guidance, for what such a show can become and depict. Although such potent sequences and portrayals wouldn't of worked without Isaac's triumphant performance, so often such deep and dramatic moments were only ever heightened and further strengthened due to the severe emotional weight often added to both. With both Mark and Steven often having to confront there shared and seemingly strenuous past, as Steven was subsequently created to shield Mark from such potent abuse form their mother. Who's harsh journey led them to eventually combining, while the effects of Khonshu only ever furthered this sense and capability, as the death of their mother gradually began the subsequent merging of there two separate beings.

Whilst the Egyptology, afterlife aspects of the narrative seemingly were only ever overshadowed by Marc and Steven's backstory. As such a childhood, tainted by abuse became the stories central pivot and rather controlled much of the audiences minds and hearts. Although for it's zany and eccentric beginnings, the show has seemingly morphed into more humble and honest verities, as the episode titled 'Asylum' gave us a handful of heavy emotional beats and harrowing scenes that were steeped in sorrow and regret. While it feels somewhat too early to mourn Steven, as such his personality feels somewhat something that could return and be brought back. As Steven was gifted with a deserved hero's exit, by saving Mark and eventually being the cause to balance the scales. Implying such a separate being was the thing holding Marc back and being the main reason for such emotional insensibility. Although if such an end is to be believed, is was very much earned. While the episode seemingly expertly handled and covered such emotional and deeply routed backstory masterfully. Such an example was evident in the yet bizarre hospital duet setting, that seemingly continued to feel befitting to the shows style as a whole, while it often beautifully portrayed the conflicted and embattled minds of both our protagonists. As we continued to learn both are seeking similar goals, both shelter and relief. While although audiences are seeking something similar in there form of answers. With the absurd guide allowing for an exposition that offered some much received counterbalance that helped only befit the piece further. As the shows dream-like state was delightfully covered in appropriate shades, befitting to the piece as a whole. With the most surprising flashback of all, really falling as we see depicted, Steven's first meeting with Khonshu, as we learn Steven was rather about to take his own life. Although it might appear that Khonshu rather saved Steven, it's for more advanced audiences that it's revealed that Khonshu prayed upon and used such a tortured and scarred man vulnerabilities, for his own, personal gain.

As the penultimate episode set's up and unnerving and fresh awaiting for audiences, who are further intrigued to see what lies in store next for Steven. As we were whisked away on a pleasurable yet deeply routed journey covering the stories truthful founding's. That offered us some much eagerly anticipated answers to Marks subsequent history, as such emotional beats of turmoil were only ever further strengthened throughout by Isaac's continued and equally masterful performance. The subsequent result being Moon Knight expertly crafts deeply skillfully and inquisitive moments that feel somewhat satisfying and complimentary to and for audiences a whole. With Isaac able to continue commanding the screen with such potency, even when tasked with acting against himself or often in this case nothing. As Moon Knight sets up an intiquing finale that feels refreshing new to Marvel. As if such a show was something fans had been earning for.

For a show which has seemingly continued to leave it's fans and audiences alike in the dark, for what may truly lye in store. Moon Knight's finale leaves much more to be admired rather than desired, as it captivates a stunning and compelling audience into the stories true and final depths. Such backstory and routed narrative in its penultimate episode, later saw it's finale only ever reaped such tremendous rewards. As both Marc and Steven team up from the dead, balancing such potent scales, while beyond reckoning they seemingly work alongside a new and invigorated Layla to prevent harrow and Ammit. Whilst such an endless pursuit for vengeance, begins the intricate and enthralling showdowns between both gods and protagonists alike. With it becoming quite the norm for such Marvel shows, from phase four to dive deep into such patinated styles of emotional turmoil. Although such heavy emotional introspective are welcome, you feel only such rewards are redeemed following the rolling credits.

Whereas in the finale, although such potent emotional weight is still evident, you can't help but feel such power is nullified slightly in contrast to the shows action, set-pieces. Turning all such heavy drama into spectacular action that derives such established emotional turmoil. With such structuring paying off, when noting and paying homage to the deeply intricate and intuitive episode five, as such character arcs and development is expertly crafted, so such emotional potency previously established pays off perfectly. Combine this with some thrilling action and a whole crescendo of visual spectacles, Moon Knight delivers a noteworthy and earned conclusion. As such characters, we've come to adore receive equally satisfactory conclusions that only invigorate and push such boundaries even further, spawning an whole host of endless possibilities. While such achievements are even more potent when considering the now multiple personalities on show, as such arcs aren't left at all nullified or lingering. With Steven returning to create a mouth watering and inquisitive dynamic between both once conflicting personalities. As such a dynamic has rather become the hallmark and most inquisitive part of the show, rather than instead of Moon Knight himself. As eventually it pays such a deep understanding and honesty to such roles, as the action never feels too out of place, instead often you feel very much so grounded and relaxed, within such frantic and hectic scenes of violence. While such character development feels somewhat earned when in contrast to most other Marvel franchise shows, as if Moon Knight has set aside a new, profound standard for some truly meaningful and honest character development, for which you can't help but admire.

With Mark and Steven a fully formed crusader and Layla getting an action suit of her own, the show finally has the opportunity to reap such patience rewards, previously seen and established in it's opening episodes. No stone is subsequently left unturned, as the show only ever sets up new and intriguing prospects, soon to follow. With such a format fitting a show with such a set of intricate and diverse characters. While the continued inclusion of Khonshu adds yet another intricate layer to the shows already deep understanding, as such contrasting honestly, honourability and craftiness feels somewhat befitting to the shows storyline. While the inclusion of such a much violent persona in the form of Jake Lockley sets up a new and intriguing dynamic, to be both desired and later developed on. As the reveal and introduction for this much more shadowy character, during the shows climatic moments, might for some have felt slightly cheap, however such an introduction left some equally potent questions. Making it vastly feel more invigorating to lease such an inclusion of a third persona, rather than simply in an post credit scene. As such potency and violence feels somewhat complimentary when in contrast to both Steven and Mark alike, as if the show will continue to push such boundaries when it inevitably returns.

With the season finale not losing such emotional potency, humanity or fun, as it's enthralling and true spectacle was above all entertaining and thrilling to watch. Whilst it expertly and simultaneously sets up some intriguing new secrets, alongside a whole host of new potential hero's and villains. With such elements only ever enhanced by the equally great portrayals and striking dynamics between both leads Oscar Isaac and Ethan Hawke, as the pair seemingly continued to elevate at times mediocre writing into something totally palpable. As through the shows six episode runtime, Isaac expertly spawns an intriguing dynamic between two seemingly opposing personalities. That somehow feels equally developed and necessarily grounded, befitting to the shows unique style. Although such negative aspects begin to arise when understanding Marvel's inability to commit to otherwise less family-friendly ideals, as for a show centred around mass-genocide, murderous cults and enslavement-tendencies, it begins to feel more than a loss, to what could of been. As the show at times felt tame and sanitized in it's presentation, which is more interesting when considering some elements that were still included. With it as if Marvel isn't fully prepared to dive deep into some particular and certain intricacies. Although the subsequent end result is a show which feels somewhat uniquely stylish and satisfying, when in direct competition to it's competitors. With some particular episodes a noteworthy stand out, as some of Marvels best work to date, Moon Knight establishes the true boundaries and potential for what a Marvel show can achieve. 4/5 Stars