Darth Maul was an utterly wasted character.

Imagine if the Council had ordered Obi wan and Anakin not to kill him - because to do so would mean they might never discover the identity of the Sith master, if the apprentice were killed.

No imagine Palpatine is in the Jedi council and know one knows who he is. He senses the potential of the dark side in Anakin and influences him where he can. He and Obiwan set out to find this man and Palpatine sets a trap for Anakin, giving Maul orders to kill his family back on Tatooine, where he grew up.

He had a chance to save them but it would have meant killing Maul , however Obiwan stops him. Anakin is enraged but to Palpatine's disappointment doesn't turn.

Later the same exact situation is repeated when a secret love affair between Anakin and Princess Amidala is revealed to the council (and Palpatine). The same trap, the same situation only this time Anakin is determined to save her life. Again, under strict orders from the council not to kill Maul, Obiwan stops Anakin. Amidala dies (but her unborn children are saved and restored in bacta tanks). Anakin completely loses control over himself and delves deep into the darkside, Anakin and the council have cost him everything and Palpatine exposes his true self to Anakin, twists him, turns him utterly.

Imagine that last battle between Anakin and Obiwan. Imagine the white hot burning hatred he would have for him. Imagine watching that friendship turn from wonderful broship, to regretful sorrow after Anakin's family dies to full on abysmal hatred after Anakin seemingly loses everything because of Obiwan putting the councils wishes ahead of his friendship.

But no.