"Moon Knight" Episode 3: A Scenery Refresh, but Still No Real Engagement
While "Moon Knight" episode 3 might have brought us to the visually stunning landscapes of Egypt, it unfortunately didn’t do much to elevate the series’ overall engagement. While the scenery and the introduction of new characters were refreshing, the episode, titled "The Friendly Type", felt somewhat underwhelming in its pacing and plot developments. Despite this, the episode did manage to expand upon the series’ mythology, offering some critical information about the gods and their interactions with humanity. Let’s delve into the key moments that unfolded in this adventure to ancient Egypt.
A Shifting Landscape: From London to the Pyramids
The episode kicks off with Layla El-Faouly (May Calamawy) preparing to return to Egypt after a decade’s absence, her anxiety evident as she prepares her new passport. Her back story is hinted at, with her affinity for stolen antiquities indicating a life filled with both danger and excitement. Meanwhile, Arthur Harrow (Ethan Hawke) arrives in Egypt, his presence signaling the imminent threat of Ammit’s resurrection.
Marc Spector (Oscar Isaac), driven by his relentless pursuit of Arthur, is shown navigating the bustling streets of Cairo, engaging in a tense rooftop chase that highlights the psychological turmoil he faces. This action sequence is further disrupted by the intrusion of Steven Grant’s voice, suggesting a possible third personality residing within Marc’s mind. With hints of a third personality and questions about the true extent of Steven’s influence on Marc’s actions, the series subtly adds another layer of complexity to its character dynamics.
The Ennead: A Council of Gods and a Moment of Weakness
Khonshu, desperate to prevent Ammit’s resurrection, orchestrates a desperate move, summoning the Ennead, the council of nine Egyptian gods, to judge Arthur. He manipulates a solar eclipse, a remarkable display of his power, to force the avatars of the gods to appear before him. The meeting takes place within the imposing Great Pyramid of Giza, instantly recognized by Steven Grant’s knowledge of Egyptian history.
The Ennead’s avatars, including Yatzil (Diana Bermudez), representing Hathor, are summoned. This scene offers a glimpse into the gods’ power and their connection with their avatars, establishing their ability to speak through them. Khonshu, however, faces a setback as his past transgressions have left him with a strained relationship with his fellow gods. Arthur successfully casts doubt on Marc’s sanity and the reliability of Khonshu, influencing the council’s judgment.
This scene reveals a fascinating aspect of the Egyptian mythology portrayed in the series: the gods are not all-knowing and can be tricked, suggesting that their involvement in human affairs is limited.
A Shifting Alliance and a Search for Answers
Following the dismissal by the Ennead, Khonshu attempts to guide Marc towards the location of Ammit’s tomb, but his guidance is interrupted by Arthur’s arrival, further complicating the situation.
The episode introduces another key character, Anton Mogart (Gaspar Ulliel), a Cairo-based antiques dealer who owns the sarcophagus of Senfu, a medjay who possesses knowledge of Ammit’s burial place. Mogart’s role, however, is tragically cut short with the passing of the actor, Gaspar Ulliel, before the show’s release. His death casts a shadow of sadness over the episode, especially for fans of the character.
A Desperate Gamble and a Price to Pay
Driven by a growing desperation, Khonshu agrees to a dangerous gamble: he orchestrates a night sky reversal to help Layla and Marc locate Ammit’s tomb. In exchange, he willingly faces imprisonment within stone, a grim consequence for his actions. The sequence visually depicts the immense power of the moon god, but it simultaneously showcases his self-sacrificing nature.
The gods, now convinced of Khonshu’s manipulative nature, carry out his imprisonment, a dramatic climax to the episode. Arthur, who has benefited from Khonshu’s manipulations, confesses his gratitude, expressing a newfound appreciation for healing, mirroring Khonshu’s past transgressions. The final scene leaves us with a chilling reminder of the weight of Arthur’s intentions and his potential to reshape the world according to his own twisted ideology.
Final Thoughts: A Slow Build with Potential for Growth
"Moon Knight" episode 3, while visually stunning and filled with Egyptian mythology, left many viewers yearning for more impactful action and character development. This episode’s strengths lie in its exploration of the world-building aspects and its introduction of captivating characters like Layla El-Faouly. The series continues to build momentum, with the introduction of a new ally in Layla, who may become critical in Marc’s fight.
As the series progresses, viewers hope that the slow-paced narrative unfolds more quickly, building towards a fulfilling climax. The final scene leaves a critical question lingering: can Marc overcome his internal struggles and unleash the full potential of his powers, especially in the absence of Khonshu’s constant guidance? "Moon Knight" has captured our interest with its compelling premise and captivating portrayal of mental health themes. With the series venturing into Egypt, we anticipate a deeper exploration of its mythology and a thrilling escalation of the conflict between Marc Spector and Arthur Harrow. The stage is set for a captivating showdown, and we eagerly await the next episode to deliver.
