Is Moon Knight the closest thing we’ll ever get to a good remake of The Mummy? If Episode 3 is any indication, the answer is yes.
Now that Marc and Harrow are in Egypt, it’s time to dig deep into the mythology stuff. But the fun can’t begin without Layla, who steals the episode from the beginning when she’s sitting to have her photo taken for a new fake passport and complaining about Marc.
Not only does this scene establish she has a history in Cairo and may have made some enemies being the Robin Hood of ancient antiquities, we get to see her bold personality shine here and later in the episode.
She’s so much fun to watch, and only three episodes in I can’t imagine a future Moon Knight story without May Calamawy returning in some capacity.
There’s a reversal of the pilot scene in the Alps, this time with Marc having to fight off Steven for control as he tracks down some of Harrow’s men. The action isn’t quite as novel this time around but still works.
Unlike so many films and television shows that perpetuate the terrible yellow filter used when shooting locations that are unfairly perceived to be “dangerous” or “polluted,” director Mohamed Diab shoots his native country in rich, natural colors.
Harrow having the jump on them leads to one of the coolest mythology moments yet in the series. The avatars of the Gods gather in the Overvoid when Khonshu calls for a trial on Arthur Harrow.
Despite how vast the mythology the show is working with is, this is the first time we’re seeing it outside of Khonshu’s relationship with Marc and Harrow. It’s a wonderful spectacle that adds to the uniqueness of the series.
The trial is also a good way to reexamine the complexities of Marc’s mental illness. As he admits himself he is not well, but that doesn’t change the fact Harrow is conspiring to bring back Ammit.
Hawke excels once again at portraying a master manipulator, whereas Isaac gets to show the depths of Marc’s inner turmoil.
The scene comments both on how mentally ill people are unfairly treated as unreliable but also on the fact that Khonshu is using Marc. In the battle of the Gods, there isn’t a “good guy,” just a lesser evil.
When Marc and Layla go on a search to find a map to lead them to Ammit’s tomb thanks to a tip from a fellow avatar with a soft spot for Marc, the show transitions back into more traditional action and humor.
Unfortunately, the character of Anton (Gaspard Ulliel) comes off as a generic albeit charming rich villain. He and Layla clearly have a history but it’s not explored enough to lead to anything truly compelling.
Having Steven get to show off his knowledge to help them read the map is a nice win for him and a reminder he’s not just a bumbling character getting in the way. Even after Harrow attempts to destroy the map it’s still a step in the right direction.
For those feeling like the show doesn’t have enough action, there is a pretty great fight sequence when Moon Knight has to fight off Anton’s thugs and we get to see the cape in its full moon-shaped glory.
The emotional core of the episode comes in the painful exchanges between Layla and Marc who alternate reminiscing on the good times and on the choices that drove them apart. You can’t help but root for the couple knowing that they still care for each other.
The trial of the Gods isn’t the only big set-piece though. Khonshu and Mr. Knight team up to literally turn back time in the night sky so they can use the ancient map to locate coordinates. It’s truly a beautiful, transportive example of special effects work.
It’s out of character for Khonshu to make such a sacrifice, knowing the Gods will imprison him for it, but I guess he’s pretty confident Marc will free him.
Will he though? It seems like he would be better off if Khonshu stayed gone.
Additional Thoughts:
- Steven insists to Marc he didn’t do something, adding further support to the theory there is a third alter.
- In the comics, Anton Mogart works under the alter ego “Midnight Man.”
- Who recreates the Louvre in their backyard? Respect.
- “You’re getting desperate old bird.” Does Khonshu want some ice for that burn?
- That Madripoor name drop is exciting.
Moon Knight airs Wednesdays on Disney+.