The third episode of Moon Knight arrived on Disney+ earlier today, and with that, we're already halfway through this six-episode limited series. With the action shifting to Egypt, the story has been moved along in ways that set the stage for the next half of this show in a very exciting way.
While this instalment, titled "The Friendly Type," felt very much like the middle chapter it is, there were still plenty of reveals and big moments that we need to take a closer look at here.
From references to the comic books that further expand this world to hints and teases about how Marc Spector's story will continue to play out, we're taking a deep dive into all the biggest reveals to better explore what they mean and what they could be leading to. That includes The Ennead, the introduction of a surprise villain, and a strong hint at the emergence of a third personality.
To take a look through this breakdown, all you guys need to do is click on the "Next" button below!
5. 10 Years Later...
At this point, it's safe to assume that Layla El-Faouly is the MCU's take on Marlene Alraune. Marvel Studios rightly decided to create a new love interest in Marc Spector's life rather than whitewashing a role for a character who, for all intents and purposes, should probably be Egyptian.
In this episode's opening scene, we learn a little more about Layla's past and the fact that her father died a decade ago. Comments from Arthur Harrow later insinuate that Marc was somehow involved with whatever happened to him. As he was seemingly an archaeologist, common sense says that Layla's father was the man killed when Marc, a mercenary at the time, teamed up with Bushman.
That villain would, of course, leave Marc for dead when he tried to protect the innocents and it seems the hero fell in love with the daughter of the man whose death he was partly responsible for. Most interesting, however, is that all of this happened ten years ago. That means Moon Knight has been part of the MCU since at least around 2014 (we just haven't had a chance to meet him before).
4. The Ennead
In the Marvel Universe, members of The Ennead hail from Celestial Heliopolis, a small pocket dimension adjacent to Earth similar to Ta Lo in Shang-Chi. They have a history with the Eternals, Celestials, and even Thor and Odin. Throw in the fact that Bast is the God worshipped by Wakandans, and we were half expecting her avatar, the new Black Panther, to make an appearance.
A few changes have been made during the transition from page to screen, including each member of this mysterious group now having a human avatar. Unlike Khonshu, they choose to remain in the shadows, influencing Earth in less flashy ways (they clearly don't approve of his caped crusader).
For those of you wondering, the Overvoid and Celestial Heliopolis are one and the same, and it's very much an Asgard-like realm. However, another key change that's seemingly been made is that these Gods can go to and from their realm with no problem. Typically, they're trapped there, hence why they have avatars, but Khonshu suggests they could return to Earth to help save it. If that's the case, we're not sure why he needs Moon Knight, but perhaps it's an all or none situation?
3. Midnight Man
Just like in the comic books, Moon Knight's Anton Mogart is a thief and art collector, but aside from a cute Easter Egg, there's nothing here to suggest he's also the costumed villain known as Midnight Man. His dress sense is certainly a little eclectic, and he's clearly pretty tough, but the character looks set to make a singular appearance in this show rather than being a secondary antagonist.
On the page, Midnight Man targeted Marc when a battle between the two ended with the villain being horribly scarred. Here, he gets a Crescent dart in the back (right as the clock strikes midnight), and while the door is left open to a villainous return, it doesn't feel like a logical next step.
Of course, we'd be remiss not to mention that actor Gaspard Ulliel tragically died shortly after wrapping work on the series. While Marvel Studios could certainly recast Midnight Man for a possible future appearance in the MCU, something tells us this episode is where his story begins and ends.
2. Khonshu Imprisoned
The big hook at the end of this week's episode is the imprisonment of Khonshu after the Moon God uses his immense abilities to turn back the night's sky to help Marc/Steven and Layla find Ammit's tomb. The Ennead can't forgive that showy display and agree to trap him within a small stone statue.
While Khonshu tells Steven to let Marc know that he must come and free him, this could solve the problems both men are facing. Steven can go back to his normal life and Marc no longer has to worry about the God choosing Layla as his next avatar. However, this development has also left the hero powerless, so something tells us they'll be reunited in the not too distant future.
It's definitely a little odd to see how trusting The Ennead is of Arthur Harrow, but it seems Khonshu has a bad habit of leaving his avatars with lasting damage. It's possible this could lead to a change in Marc's dynamic with the Moon God, but it's now clear he's not simply in the deranged hero's head.
1. Jake Lockley
Near the start of this episode, Steven manages to wrest control of his body back and attempts to flee Egypt before Marc can do any further damage. However, the ex-mercenary soon blacks out again, before waking up to find himself in totally different surroundings...stabbing someone in the chest!
The series has established that Moon Knight doesn't kill unless he's in a "kill or be killed" situation, and the sheer level of brutality in this instance was definitely a little surprising. Steven claims it wasn't him and Marc has no memory of the massacre, so we have to assume this is the third personality.
If you're familiar with the comic books, you'll know him as Jake Lockley, a New York cabbie who kept his ear to the ground on the streets and someone who has a penchant for violence. In the MCU, it's looking a lot like Jake is a totally unhinged, violent side to Moon Knight, and we can't wait to see where that leads. Perhaps his costume will be more akin to the hero's Batman-like vigilante outfit?