The Following Recap/Review Contains Spoilers for Episode 6 of ‘Moon Knight’. For a review of Episode 5, click here.
Moon Knight ended last week’s episode with an emotionally hefty conclusion. With Marc’s emotional support anchor, Steven, left to the sands of the afterlife, Marc returns to the world of the living seemingly all alone. Determined and with a sense of purpose, Marc seeks to stop Harrow.
Oscar Isaac, after his incredible turn in episode 5, continues to deliver a phenomenal performance. Throughout the series, Isaac as Marc has solidified himself as a new cornerstone for the “weird” part of the MCU. Picking up where episode 4 ended in the real world, Harrow finally obtains what he was seeking. After claiming it from Marc’s dead body, Harrow achieves the full power of Ammit.
Harrow’s power greatly increases, at the cost of being cheesy and typical Marvel third act special effects. Harrow’s new power seemingly kills all it deems guilty, sparing very few in its wake of destruction. Layla is given time to shine as well after being sidelined in the past two episodes. While her role is still relatively small, her scenes provide great tension and even a great scene with Khonshu. Meanwhile, Harrow finally releases Ammit, a beautifully and terrifyingly designed creature making Khonshu look tame in comparison.
READ: ‘Pompo the Cinéphile’ Review: “A Cutting Ode To Movies”
Speaking of, Ethan Hawke as Harrow also gives an incredible final turn. After his performance in the previous two episodes as more of a mental image in Marc’s head, the menacing version of Harrow returns. However, his motivations are a little too familiar (I’m looking at you, Alexander Pierce). Thankfully, Harrow’s cliched motivations are kept afloat thanks to Hawke’s committed work. Harrow has a sickening dedication to Ammit, and their interactions feel cathartic and terrifying. Harrow, seeks death because of his imbalance.
Instead, Ammit makes him her avatar, while Khonshu seeks to make Layla his. The character dynamics between gods and man is an interesting angle Moon Knight presents, and something that isn’t explored nearly enough. Meanwhile, Marc in the spiritual realm attempts to save Steven from the Duat. Choosing to forsake his peaceful afterlife for a future with Steven. The scene is emotional as Isaac acts incredibly well opposite himself.
Khonshu, almost destroyed by Ammit, senses Marc and Stevens return to the mortal plane. With a whole new dynamic, Steven and Marc strike a new deal with Khonshu. Seeing an entirely new status quo for Marc and Steven, now working in tandem, head out to stop Ammit. Meanwhile, Layla becomes the (temporary) avatar of Tawarwet. It’s a plot point that seemingly comes out of nowhere, no doubt a result of the typical rushed MCU Disney+ finale.
Moon Knight and Harrow finally come to blows, while Khonshu and Ammit do the same in one of the most CGI-heavy battles the Disney+ shows have seen thus far. While the Harrow vs Moon Knight fight boasts some impressive choreography, Khonshu vs Ammit is a Kaiju fight that lacks any sort of real punch. Layla joins in showcasing her abilities as well, and the whole thing feels like a personal affair.
However, just when the battle seems lost, Marc fades out just as Steven did in the first episode. However, neither Marc nor Steven are responsible for the carnage that follows. The tease of the third personality of Moon Knight, Jake Lockley, continues to show more ominous parts of Moon Knight not yet explored in this series. There’s always a tease of something bigger. However, the detriment it also serves as somewhat of a plot hole in the final episode of the season makes it work not so well.
Harrow is eventually merged with Ammit, now leaving the goddess vulnerable. Khonshu orders the execution of Harrow/Ammit, but Marc, coming to terms with his darkness, for once chooses the path of mercy instead of violence and vengeance. Marc becomes “free” of Khonshu, going back to his mental facility reality. It’s an odd transition scene that ends with Dr. Hrrow in that reality not knowing what’s real either.
Marc wakes up in Stevens’s room from the first episode, with the two conversing with each other as if nothing ever happened. An acceptable ending for a series that never really gave a discernable explanation about Marc’s life in the first place. An ominous post-credits scene featuring Harrow wraps the season up well. Khonshu, dressed rather spiffy, finally introduces Harrow and the audience to Jake Lockley, who puts down Harrow without hesitation. Khonshu still has Marc in his grasp, still manipulating him and his troubled personality.
Overall, Moon Knight ends its first season in a similar fashion to the other Disney+ shows. The introduction of Marc Spector and his personas had a bumpy beginning. However, the development of Marc and Oscar Isaac’s performances help elevate the material. The finale, unfortunately, is a mixed bag that teases more than it delivers, and while it has some exciting action and impressive effects, the lore teases hold the series back from being something truly special. – Ernesto Valenzuela
Rating: 7/10
Moon Knight Season One Is Now Streaming on Disney+.
Trending Now
SXSW 2023: 'Tetris' Review: "Game Over"
You may also like
