Moon Knight is roaring along to its halfway point this week as the six-episode series perfectly establishes its rules and hero in the first two episodes. Episode three changes gear a bit as it sends our hero to Egypt while also establishing Layla (May Calamawy) as a key player. This episode also begins to reveal a more Indiana Jones vibe that fans should enjoy mixing things up even more as it blends genres.
Opening with Layla, viewers gets a bit more info about who she is and why Khonshu would want her as the next Moon Knight. That wrinkle also adds a bit to what Marc Spector (Oscar Isaac) is trying to do to keep her safe. They have a complex relationship and it’s on the viewer to figure things out as the story barrels ahead.
The biggest win for this episode is the new dynamic between Marc Spector and Steven Grant. The dynamic between Marc and Steven is reversed in this episode making for a tantalizing different experience. Instead of Marc screaming at Steven to give him control so he can kick ass we have Steven speaking to Marc through mirrors to not kill anyone. The conflict between these characters builds and the super effect smash cuts add to the thriller aspect of the show.
It’s also worth noting that Khonshu — voiced by F. Murray Abraham — looks fabulous. They did not skimp on CGI for this character, which is good since his wildly different look would look horrid if not done well. The booming voice of Abraham suits the character as well as he’s not the most perfect of gods. The dude needs to work some stuff out.
Courtesy Disney+
This episode takes a surprising turn as it fleshes out our understanding of the Egyptian gods. I’ll say no more to avoid spoilers, but a key trial takes place revealing a lot of world-building elements. It’ll be interesting to see if any of these god elements enter other MCU projects going forward. Either way, seeing this approach is exciting as a longtime MCU fan since we have yet to really enter the god realm of the Marvel universe.
Customary of the show, an explosive action sequence closes out the episode. This action scene involves not only Marc’s Moon Knight in his cape and robes but Steven’s Moon Knight in the gentleman’s suit aka Mr. Knight. Fans of Moon Knight comics will adore the features of his fight abilities as well as the violence he can endure. Up until this point, Moon Knight as a superhero seemed low-level and more of a street fighter, but given what he does here he could easily stand amongst Iron Man or Hulk.
It’s starting to appear as if Ethan Hawke, who plays Arthur Harrow, is contractually getting one speech per episode. I have nothing against Hawke, I love him in most things, but he continues to be the least interesting thing in this show. The very end of the episode gives him another chance to reveal himself through a speech that borderlines on evil. Clearly, Harrow has a bone to pick with Khonshu and at a midway point episode, the stakes are ever more clear the heroes are in a bad spot.
All in all, another strong episode in a series that may have many wishing it was longer. It’s hard to believe we’re only getting six episodes, but it’s nice knowing the show doesn’t skimp on effects, action, or tons of filler content like so many shows have had before it. Here’s to seeing where this show goes from here with the heroes’ backs to the wall.
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