Based on current real world examples it seems like these people were always there and when the wrong kind of people take power they are free to be the worst they can be. But clearly there are others who just don't know what they are getting into, something recent Star Wars has shown a lot of.
There is also a corrupting influence that goes along with it, in identifying different values, like a desire for peace or security, or order, and then ramping up what is needed in order to maintain those values. As you say, some probably didn't know what they were getting in to but their desire to maintain that order, or security, became a part of them. Sadly, it doesn't take long, as I recall a story about a man who survived a concentration camp and was liberated. When he got home he discovered it was his own son who had turned him in.
Well, none of the main characters, but Darth Maul did show up briefly as a hologram crime boss at the end.
He used the force to pull his saber to him.
Loved that. There was a sinister look to Maul that I felt was well done. Also, interestingly, I felt it gave the hint that Qi'ra might be trained in the ways of the Force.
Just like everything related to the prequels, blame George.
I would generally agree, but then I got the give the Twin Suns duel the highest marks. So, his resurrection was worth it for the scene. His ongoing beef with Sidious in TCW was...annoying. But, Sam Witwer's performance elevated otherwise less than interesting material.
It was absurdly brief, but as such it recalls stuff from Japanese cinema so I guess it's fine.
It's briefness makes it more appealing to me. Yes, Star Wars is fiction but certain facets like sword fighting had become too fantastical in the prequels. So, that fight was storytelling in one beautiful scene.
