That's probably the best episode that the show has ever done and my favourite episode of anything from 2020 so far. WOW. What a rollercoaster. We've reached the part where we've caught up with Revenge of the Sith and that can only mean that bad stuff is going to happen. I like how Obi-Wan has been able to keep Ahsoka up to date of where we are in it - he's off to Utapau, Anakin's spying on the Chancellor and they can't learn about Sidious from Dooku because Anakin killed Dooku.. on Palpatine's orders. Obi-Wan admitting that the Council aren't always right and getting Ahsoka to speak to Anakin on his behalf was a nice touch too, even if it hasn't happened yet.
This whole arc was building up to the Maul/Ashoka fight and it was as every bit as epic as I was hoping it would be, the animation is legendary and the fact that Maul knows what's going to happen and baits Ahsoka with Anakin turning to the Dark Side was handled really well. These little touches throughout the episode of showing Ahsoka caring for the Clones and them respecting her in return is only going to make the next two episodes all the more emotional, because it's going to get to Order 66. And I'm NOT READY. The idea of a Maul and Ahsoka team-up to stop Order 66 was fascinating - and might still happen - two former apprentices working together. Maul technically tried to save the galaxy too by wanting to bring Anakin to Mandalore to kill him before he could turn to Sidious really worked too - even if it was only Maul acting as the bitter ex and in his own self-interests - after all, Anakin would be the second apprentice that Sidious had since him.
Maul screaming that he would rather die than witness what was coming next and begging for The Clones to kill him rather than take him prisoner was, certainly a morbid end. I love what the show has done with his character too - I groaned when they brought him back the first time but Maul's arc has been as good over the course of the series as Ahsoka has, and as absolutely vital to the show. Revenge of the Sith is going to hit a little differently after this.
Currently halfway through and I just want to tell everybody already: Go check this out!!!
Edit: Just finished it. It's truly a remarkable series!
Beautiful CGI images, although the keen eye might occasionally spot some glitches and errors, it was truly eye candy most of the time. The story ending feels like the show might be going for some kind of super/genius heroes team, but in a way that really makes you enthusiastic to see what more they are gonna do, after this epic first season story. Looking at the detective arc of the story, I incidentally saw Sherlock-genius schemes forming and was delighted to see this - although I missed much more than I could have thought - all came together in a marvelous way!
Also for the lovers of a good love story there is more than enough to enjoy. Containing numerous twists, brought in throughout the whole storyline. Giving you plenty enough of satisfaction, excitement and anticipation on this area...
There is plenty of more to find out than the above teasers, but then I would be actually spoiling a lot. Those are just some of the many reasons why you should watch it! ;-)
All concluded: A great new sci-fi hero story, with much more up its sleeve than you would expect!
I've been waiting for this show with a lot of excitement. The Netflix shows are probably my favorite part of the MCU. DD and JJ were simply excellent, with compelling stories, great cast and a dark tone, although each of the two had its own unique atmosphere. DD played out like a crime procedural/legal drama with phenomenal fight scenes, while JJ was a gritty psychological thriller with incredible depth mixed with some neo-noir detective stuff. And I loved them both. Luke Cage was more of a mixed bag for me, but the first half of it was great and it had some of the best music I've heard on any show in a long while, so I still liked it. And Iron Fist... I mean, I didn't hate it? It was just kind of meh. But still, seeing these four characters together was something I've been looking forward to for months.
This episode is your typical introducing-our-heroes-and-setting-up-the-overarching-plot pilot. Except we already know the heroes, so instead, we catch up on what they've been doing. Matt's given up on the vigilante business and his relationship with Karen is visibly strained, he's also having trouble moving on from Elektra. Jessica drinks hard as ever and doesn't want to be anyone's hero, thank you very much (although she can't help but follow the mystery that quite literally knocks on her door), Luke has a delightful reunion with Claire (I love them!) and is determined to continue his mission of fighting crime in Harlem, and Danny... spends most of the episode on a plane. Doing nothing. Oh well. There's a reason Iron Fist was the weakest show of the four.
We're also introduced to our main villain. Sigourney Weaver is one of those people who just radiate elegance and steal any scene with their presence. That's the kind of person I strive to be. She's so... regal, I guess. They couldn't have chosen a better actress.
We see Foggy (who is rocking the hell out of his new haircut) for a second as well and Elektra, The Actual Love Of My Life, makes a short appearance at the end. I forgot how beautiful she is. Elodie can kick my ass anytime.
I love how they used colors in this episode. Matt's apartment was bathed in red, Jessica's scenes were sort of pale blue with hints of purple, Luke was surrounded by different shades of yellow, and Alexandra's signature hue seems to be white, from the sterile hospital rooms to her coat to the pidgeons in the park. I also love the way the show fluidly moves from one character to the next with some really neat editing. The older I get, the more I find myself paying attention to those more technical aspects of shows and movies - cinematography, editing, sound design. The opening episode of The Defenders is incredibly aesthetically pleasing and it seems a lot of thought went into the visuals, which I appreciate.
