Moon Knight
Episodes 1-4
review by Bobby Blakey
Marvel had already kicked major ass in the cinematic universe and since gone on to dominate Disney+ as well with their series WandaVision, Falcon and The Winter Soldier, LOKI, and Hawkeye. Their latest is easily the one I have been waiting for more than any, Moon Knight with Oscar Isaac in the title role. Could this series do the character justice or will it get lost in its own confusion?
For those that don’t know Moon Knight follows a former U.S. marine, struggling with dissociative identity disorder, who is granted the powers of an Egyptian moon god. But he soon finds out that these newfound powers can be both a blessing and a curse to his troubled life.
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I am a massive fan of this character, having read every series and variation that has been done with him and I can honestly say I loved this show so far. I had the privilege to watch the first four episodes in the 6 episode mini-series and I am going to go out of my way to keep this pretty vague as I want everyone to be able to experience this fresh. I can say that while there are some changes that will only affect the anything for the hardcore fans it still works really well.
While there was mention of Moon Knight in the shortlived Blade series with plans to introduce him in the never happened season 2, I honestly thought it was never going to happen. Getting to see him in all his live action glory is awesome. They have handled the character perfectly with the focus being on the mental struggles that are very prominent in the comics. This is who he is and what he struggles with outside of being the hero of sorts and Oscar Isaac embodies it to perfection.
I was surprised that it is a lot more lighthearted at times than I had expected just given the character and direction, but it still works. Ethan Hawke is subtly creepy here in the surprise use of a lesser known character, but one
firmly planted in Moon Knight lore. I am going to stay away from the much else regarding the show so not to spoil anything other than I love it, but do want to touch base on the look and feel of Moon Knight himself.
From the trailers and posters we all knew what he was going to look like as both Moon Knight and Mr. Knight. I must admit I am not a fan of the Mr. Knight persona, but he has grown on me more recently. The way he is handled here is way more interesting to me and has me more interested to where they are heading if anywhere with him. Moon Knight himself is all kinds of badass in both look and action. I really dig the mummy like wrappings instead of the usual spandex look as it not only fits the mythos of the characters back story, but helps him stand out as something more than just your average hero.
I was happy they kept his violent nature intact, while still keeping it firmly planted in the MCU stylings. Much like the previous Disney+ Marvel series this stands all its own as something new and different to the MCU and I love it. Maybe it’s my deep love for this character, but outside of one major thing that I will argue about with other fans that know the history another time, this is perfectly handled and already shaping up to be my favorite thing Marvel has done. The only complaint I truly have at this point is now having to wait until the end of April to see the last couple of episodes, but rest assured I will be watching these four all over again anticipation.
Moon Knight is officially here in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and I cannot wait to not only finish this series, but see how he is utilized in the future. Could he show back up in the planned Werewolf By Night Halloween Special coming to Disney+? It was the comic that offered up the first appearance of the character so I am crossing my fingers for more Moon Knight greatness to come.
Check out Moon Knight when it begins streaming March 30th exclusively on Disney+
