Making Sense of Arthur Harrow and the (Not So) Evil Villain of ‘Moon Knight’
There has yet to have been an MCU series that has been as well-received as its latest, and we discuss one of its most intriguing aspects, as we make sense of Arthur Harrow and the (not so) evil villain of Moon Knight.
It is an undeniable fact, as Moon Knight has debuted to a fantastic reception that is nearly unanimous in its praise and adoration.
Source: Marvel Studios
The story of Steven Grant, and Marc Spector, has seemingly captivated Marvel fans while being explored in a creative and ambitious visual style only adding to its effectiveness.
Grant is the mild-mannered former gift store clerk who has struggled mightily in taking control of his debilitating dissociative identity disorder, as the massive gaps in memory have robbed his ability to live a normal life.
Source: Marvel Studios
It is this unraveling of his condition that propels the audience’s knowledge of Marc Spector, Khonshu, and the vigilante known as Moon Knight; yet another entity present within Grant.
Powered by the Egyptian moon god, Spector stands as the current avatar of Khonshu; the fist of vengeance does the bidding of the hulking skeletal figure that is the mystical deity in a rather abusive and manipulative relationship.
Source: Marvel Studios
One of the more intriguing aspects of the series- outside of Grant’s incredible story thus far- is the antagonist that stands opposing the series’ eponymous character.
With episode two unveiling a lot more of the character’s backstory and motivations, we attempt to make sense of Arthur Harrow and the (not so) evil villain of Moon Knight.
Source: Marvel Studios
Harrow’s plea to Grant- in the earlier moment of their encounter- is rooted in a sort of utopia that seems completely logical and dares we say enticing.
There is an optimism to a future vision for Harrow that would make even the most ardent opposers of the characters’ methods, something that makes the villainy of the central antagonist fulfill what is seemingly a primary function of the series; chaotic expression.
Source: Marvel Studios
There is an endearing quality to Steven that has truly swooned Marvel fans, but there is also adoration for the protective Marc Spector; where good and bad, hero and villain, don’t exist in the two halves, and only survival is present.
What makes Moon Knight so fantastic thus far is that fans are truly watching a character study that escapes the traditional occupancies of heroism and villainy; and, although Harrow is clearly evil by all accounts, he does so in a way that is chaotic and pessimistic goodness.
Source: Marvel Studios
The series explores these two halves of the same pursuit; and what has made Arthur Harrow, Khonshu, and Grant so intriguing and fascinating is the idea of justice and its machinations.
We are truly entering a new sphere for Marvel projects, and making sense of Arthur Harrow and the (not so) evil villain of Moon Knight is the primary example of how the series begins to shatter and manipulate that classic Marvel mold.
Source: Marvel Studios
