If you ever found yourself needing a PhD in Marvel history just to keep up with the latest MCU show, you’re not alone. And then there was Moon Knight, and poof, you could just sit back, unwind, and enjoy a crazy, character-driven ride without having to dive deeply into backstory. It’s not your run-of-the-mill Marvel show, and that’s precisely what makes it so great.
Moon Knight doesn’t merely warp the MCU formula—it utterly breaks it in two with a crescent dart. Whereas most of the Marvel shows are made to set up the next big crossover, this one is self-contained. You don’t need to watch a dozen movies or shows just to know what’s going on. That isolation from the greater universe is something of a rarity in Marvel’s interconnected universe, and it allows the story some room to breathe. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just new to the MCU, the show feels simple to jump into and simple to adore.
What makes Moon Knight truly special, however, is the way it prioritizes character over spectacle. Yes, there are some nice action sequences, but the true magic occurs in the mind of its titular character. The series delves deep into the lives of Steven Grant and Marc Spector—two personas living in one body. Rather than heading toward yet another colossal battle, it dives into internal strife and personal development. Seeing Steven transform from a nervous, gangly gift shop clerk into someone who discovers his power, and Marc gradually realizing he doesn’t have to bear everything on his own, provides the show with an emotional richness that lingers.
And then there is the way the show addresses representation. Moon Knight does not simply tick boxes when it comes to mental illness—it leads with Dissociative Identity Disorder, and it handles it with respect and care. Steven and Marc are not just affectations of the same individual—they’re complex, separate characters with their narratives and conflicts. The series also incorporates Marc’s Jewish identity in a subtle but effective manner. Yes, some of the fans wanted more, but what there is comes across as real, never contrived.
There wouldn’t be any of this if it weren’t for Oscar Isaac. He doesn’t act Steven and Marc—as much as act—they become him. With a change in posture or a slight change in voice, he makes it very much known who’s boss. It’s the sort of acting that draws you in and makes you forget you’re seeing one actor juggle two (and later three) personas. It’s powerful, earthy, and one of the main reasons the show hits so emotionally.
Moon Knight is the sort of thing that makes you wonder what Marvel was waiting for. It’s not about setting up the next massive crossover or bridging the MCU timeline—it’s about crafting a compelling narrative, full of honest emotion, well-defined characters, and sincere representation. And in a franchise that sometimes feels a bit too interconnected for its own sake, Moon Knight is a welcome reminder that sometimes, the greatest stories are the ones that don’t play by the rules.