Maul’s plans for the Shadow Collective, Devon, and Janix finally start to take shape in an action-packed fourth episode. The arcs of Maul, Devon, her master Daki, and Officer Brander Lawson converge brilliantly, and the ramifications will echo throughout the rest of the season. Maul -Shadow Lord is gaining momentum at the right moment, ensuring that every episode is worth sitting down and paying attention to.

Spoilers ahead.

The Pykes Return to the Fold

Another compliment for Vario is in order, because the Pykes aren’t the only ones he’s fooling. The audience goes in assuming that Maul would go after the Pyke leader, Marg Krim, but this plan provides an added twist that proves even more impressive than the first. Maul arrives and cuts his way through the guards, and Vario seemingly takes the opportunity to stun him, making sure the rest of the Syndicate knows he was the one who did it.

However, as they stand before Marg Krim and “Maul’s” hood is lifted, the next phase of the plan kicks in. It was actually one of Maul’s henchmen using his blade. Krim realizes too late what is happening as the real Maul makes his entrance, dispatching the leader and several of his men before the rest surrender. Showcasing his diplomatic side, Maul offers Krim’s captain his old spot as leader of the Syndicate, firmly placing it under his thumb once again.

Devon Reunites with Her Master

Devon’s reunion with Daki was heartfelt, but even in Daki’s relief at seeing her again, he still uses rigid and cold dialogue. Devon has to parse through the stiffness to get to the kernel of what he is actually saying: “I’m glad to see you again.”

Daki is an interesting Jedi. He is having trouble navigating this new era of the galaxy, and his characterization spotlights the fundamental issues that plagued the Jedi in the final years of their time as peacekeepers: a failure to adapt and a defiance against the idea of bending the rules even to feed or protect themselves. Maul’s words have already left an impression on Devon. She convinces Daki that they can help, and a tip on Maul’s location is provided to Officer Brander Lawson in hopes that it will lead to Maul’s capture.

Lawson’s Last-Ditch Effort

Lawson is a combination of every “outside the box” police detective to ever appear on TV. He decides to put everything he has into a last-ditch effort to capture Maul and his top lieutenants before things get too out of hand and lead to Imperial occupation.

Two-Boots, who had already been wary of keeping Maul a local matter, is now determined to alert Imperial authorities. Unwilling to give up the operation to the Empire because of what it could mean for Janix, Lawson quietly deactivates the droid and keeps him away from other officers so he isn’t awoken. It is a significant betrayal, and while Two-Boots may eventually forgive him, it is a dynamic to watch going forward.

A Truce, A Duel, and the Empire

Maul unexpectedly offers Lawson a truce between the Shadow Collective and Janix’s civilians and law enforcement. Like Lawson, Maul is not eager to invite the attention of the Empire. Lawson refuses, and a massive firefight breaks out.

At the same time, Devon and Daki engage Maul in battle, making for a beautifully animated sequence. Devon and Daki survive their encounter, but Maul’s words continue to slowly eat away at Devon. With the Shadow Collective growing stronger, Maul continuing to sow doubt in Devon, and an Imperial Star Destroyer arriving in the final moments of the episode, Janix is becoming a true powder keg—a perfect environment for Maul to create chaos. As action-packed as it was, Episode 4 feels like the calm before the storm, beautifully building up the inevitable arrival of the Empire, Devon’s internal conflict, and Maul’s grand ambition.

You can catch two episodes premiering each week on Disney+, with the final two airing on the ultimate Star Wars holiday, May the 4th.