***SPOILER WARNING***
Chapter Two of Moon Knight has arrived and this week’s episode featured a quicker pace, great character interactions, and expanded on the Steven/Marc’s back story. Having transformed into Moon Knight and pulverising an Egyptian jackal in the bathroom of the art gallery he works at the end of the last episode Steven wakes up in his bed again confused as to whether or not the events that took place were real or not. Steven returns to work to look at security footage of his jackal encounter from the last episode only to see that the jackal doesn’t show up on the footage. He is let go by his employer and referred to seek mental help for his condition.
In the pilot Steven discovered a key hidden in the walls of his place. The key, as it turns out, belongs to a storage locker owned by Marc. Side note the QR codes in each episode is brilliant and I hope they continue to show up as it’s fun to be on the lookout and creates an interactive aspect to the show. The link takes you to a digital Marvel comic featuring Moon Knight.
In the storage locker Steven finds some of Marc’s possessions including the scarab, a gun, and a passport with the name Marc Spector. This kinda reminded me of when Matt Damon opens his safety deposit box in the Bourne Identity. “You, red bag, the red bag!” It’s in this storage locker that Steven and Marc begin to really interact with each other via reflective walls. Here we learn that Marc is the avatar of Khonshu, the Egyptian moon god. Marc informs Steven they protect the vulnerable and deliver Khonshu’s justice to those who hurt them. Marc really wants control of Steven’s body which causes Steven to run out of the storage locker where Khonshu is waiting in the halls. This scene was awesome. The usage of the strobing lights and shadows created a creepy moment that was done really well and I was able to imagine being in. The scene is topped off by an amazing scream from Steven. I mean no disrespect I would’ve been terrified too but the scream gave me a great laugh and brought the tension down.
On his panicky escape from Khonshu Steven runs into Layla who gives him a ride to safety. Layla turns out to be Marc’s partner and soon to be ex-wife and has no idea who the Steven persona is. I found this rather interesting as it makes me wonder exactly how much time has Mark spent inhabiting Steven‘s body? Long enough to fall in love, get married, have adventures and file for a divorce. So is Steven the alternate personality or is Marc?
Steven and Layla’s conversation is interrupted by a knock at the door from Arthur Harrow’s followers disguised as law enforcement asking Steven to answer for his destruction of the bathroom from the jackal encounter. Arthur’s followers essentially kidnap Steven and bring him to Arthur. The two proceed to walk and talk around the culty neighborhood with Arthur knowing a lot about Steven’s situation. During this conversation Arthur explains to Steven that he was once Khonshu’s avatar and possessed the same powers that he does. Ultimately, Arthur wants the scarab as it is a compass leading to the tomb of Ammit so he may resurrect her. Ammit’s methods are punish before the act is done essentially killing an innocent person. Arthur reveals that his cane possesses a sliver of Ammit’s power, as Layla arrives to help Steven, and by planting it in the ground summons another one of those damn Egyptian jackals.
The jackal, that most cannot see, pursues Steven and Layla. As Steven falls from a window due to a hit from it he summons the suit but in a different form. Mr. Knight, a version of Moon Knight in a suit and tie with Steven still in the driver seat of the body. He does manage to fend off the jackal for a minute or two but his lack of experience requires Marc’s assistance once again. Steven relinquishes control of the body to Marc and transforms into Moon Knight to defeat the jackal. This scene showcased the suit and character’s physical abilities in a rooftop pursuit and featured some amazing shots.
Khonshu looms over the entire episode harassing both Steven and Marc. Khonshu holds control over Marc by threatening to take Layla as his replacement should he not comply. After defeating the jackal Marc realizes he has lost the scarab and Arthur, of course, finds it. The episode closes with Khonshu sending Marc to Egypt.
The second chapter featured great interactions between Steven and Marc and answered a lot of questions held over from the pilot. The introduction of the Mr. Knight persona is a fun quirky addition to the character’s schizo-arsenal. Imagery in this episode will most certainly populate desktop backgrounds for years to come. I also have to comment on how visually engaging the closing credit sequence is. Artistic and expertly done. I’m really enjoying this series and eagerly awaiting the next entry.
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