ANDOR is JAW-DROPPINGLY AMAZING - Review and Discussion

Episode 118 (27.11.22): Tom and John discuss Andor, the Star Wars show that has blown all expectations out of the water, proving that the franchise still has a bright future, despite some bumpy titles recently, with a series that could very well be the greatest on-screen piece of Star Wars media since the Original Trilogy! We hope you enjoy!
!FULL SPOILERS AHEAD!
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TV Show Discussed:
- Star Wars: Andor Season 1
- 2022
- Directed by Toby Haynes, Benjamin Caron, Susanna White
- Starring Diego Luna, Stellan Skargård, Genevieve O’Reilly, Kyle Soller, Denise Gough, Fiona Shaw
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#podcast #andor #starwars #disneyplus #lucasfilm #tv #tvshow #tvseries #tvpodcast #season1 #scifi #sciencefiction #spacefantasy #action #cassianandor #rogueone #tvreview #tvcriticisms #listenable

[@TheOutatimeFilmPodcast]

What are your thoughts about Andor? Is it the best live-action Star Wars show, or is it being overhyped by the critics? Comment below!

[@Shuulleecho]

You got one thing wrong - Tony Gilroy is an SW fan, but not in a stupid way. You can find an interview with him on Andor where he speaks about using lore guys and even reading wookipedia to make all of this make sense, because he cares about the world in a more mature way than most previous writers for SW.

[@TheOutatimeFilmPodcast]

Yeah, apologies for not being clear there, I knew that he was still a fan, I just meant not in such a big way like other creatives who are working in Star Wars at the moment, like Dave Filoni. One thing we didn't mention in the video is the small ways that this show deals with the larger world, and I really loved things like the Ghormans being mentioned (which is why Mon Mothma eventually speaks out against Palpatine, because of the Ghorman Massacre) and the way they retcon Cassian's home planet by still using Fest as an in-universe alibi. But my overall point was that Gilroy thinks about the story first-and-foremost, and I do think SW writers can sometimes lose focus on the story in-favour of fan service, which I definitely think is an ongoing problem with MCU shows on Disney+ as well as SW shows (Book of Boba Fett especially). There's nothing wrong with fan service, especially when toned down, but this was a real breath of fresh air writing-wise.

[@craiggallagher4461]

Tony Gilroy is how I am and how I expect other fans to be. Not these people that cry themselves stupid at Star Wars conventions and eat anything up that simply happens to have a SW logo on it.

[@deanthemachine8879]

Little moment that I noticed on rewatch that says SO much: in episode 11, Brasso is walking through the Andor house after Maarva’s death and stops in Cassian’s room and they show that Maarva had cleaned up his room after it got tossed fully expecting him to return. It wasn’t Cassian that cleaned it (he was showed sleeping in that ship in the junkyard during the series), but his mother in her declining mobility and health that cared enough to do it possibly with the full knowledge that she might soon be gone.

[@TheOutatimeFilmPodcast]

That's really cool! I love all the small details that links this show to wider Star Wars, and like what you've said, ways it deepens the story in small ways! I'm sure season 2 will continue to make the whole story across Andor and Rogue One even more tragic and amazing!

[@LADY_JEMIMA_FORTESCUE]

this single show has changed my view of the star wars franchise for the good. bravo & thank goodness for decent scripts for a change.

[@TheOutatimeFilmPodcast]

It's so great seeing everyone being so happy with this show, and I hope it's a good omen for different kinds of storytelling to come! There were some leaked set pics for The Acolyte yesterday, and I'm already looking at it with so much more hope, because Andor has proved that Star Wars TV can be different! It's a shame so many had already given up because of Book of Boba Fett and Kenobi, but hopefully the word-of-mouth spreads before season 2

[@mdd4296]

It's a good show but an exception. Hold your judgement until more thing similarly good come out

[@TheOutatimeFilmPodcast]

Yeah, I definitely hope this is a sign of more Star Wars stories of similar quality to come, but I do agree that it doesn’t signal an overall shift in quality or Lucasfilm’s priorities if they continue to make things more along the lines of Kenobi and Book of Boba Fett

[@daniaaal]

@@TheOutatimeFilmPodcast unfortunately, 10 months on, and Disney-Lucas Film have yet to come up with another show close to Andor. I'm hoping Acolyte does something similar before Andor Season 2.

[@TheOutatimeFilmPodcast]

@@daniaaal Yeah I've enjoyed the shows we've had since Andor, but it is true that they're not even close to the same calibre. Having seen the trailers for Andor season 2 and The Acolyte at Star Wars Celebration, you're right to put your faith in them, they both look excellent and I can't wait to see where they go next year!

[@soakedbearrd]

Definitely must watch, even if you aren’t a huge SW fan. That’s the thing it has just enough SW elements to make it familiar and just enough for a person that isn’t familiar with SW to enjoy. A good thought of story with fleshed out characters taken with care and heart makes a good show. Definitely the best show, SW or not that I’ve seen in a long time.

[@TheOutatimeFilmPodcast]

Agreed, I love how this show operates on its own. I love when SW is super connected to the wider galaxy and story, but I don't want SW to be that all the time. The best thing any franchise can do, and arguably what they need to do to survive, is keep things fresh and mix stuff up. I'm so happy that this show has done so well critically, even if the viewing figures haven't been quite as high as something like The Mandalorian, because it shows Lucasfilm that they can try new things! I love Mando, I loved Kenobi, I can't wait for more Bad Batch, but things like Andor and The Acolyte are just as exciting for different reasons, and their differences are what make them so amazing!

[@soakedbearrd]

@@TheOutatimeFilmPodcast agreed. As far as viewing numbers are concerned, that’s actually a great thing and I’ll tell you why. When something gets overviewed, people get burned out quickly and a series usually goes out with a bang. Writers stop catering to the story and instead focus on the next “Luke” moment. Studios see the reaction and ratings because of that and pressure to have more like them. But when a show like Andor happens, it’s all about the story, and what usually happens is through word of mouth, the show picks up huge numbers organically. That has a more lasting effect and writers still keep their creativity and direction. Instead of people looking for a quick dopamine hit, they instead stay on the feet wondering how the writer will continue the adventure. Mark my words, once this picks up steam, people like you and me are going to feel proud because we saw this gem for what it was before it became a phenomenon.

[@TheOutatimeFilmPodcast]

You’re right on that one! I’m really happy that this show looks to be sticking with the story over what will get it more views. I’d love 5 seasons, but going down to 2 and sticking with that is a great idea, and will avoid those “Luke” moments, as you call them. I love stories like that, and love it when Star Wars connects to the wider universe, but I don’t want Star Wars to always be that, and I’m glad we have something like this that can buck the trend and be different. Hopefully there’ll be more to come! I’m definitely counting on The Acolyte to be a similar story-focused show, and I hope Andor season 2 is as good as season 1 was

[@Seacai150]

I LOVED every second of this show. It’s a Star Wars masterpiece. Fan since 77, I was super disappointed with the sequels, boba fett, and obi wan was a disgrace. I was nearly checked out until andor, and I was not excited for it one bit. But ‘WOW’. Rogue one is soooo much better now too!

[@TheOutatimeFilmPodcast]

YES! I think we're all gonna look back on Rogue One so differently once this show is over, and that's something I love so much about Star Wars, the way it can recontextualise things, and add more texture to the universe, and this show does it in the best possible way! It's a shame you haven't been a fan these days, but it's great to see people loving Andor so much! It's great for Star Wars to have something for everyone!

[@Seacai150]

@@TheOutatimeFilmPodcast I really enjoyed mando, and I love most of the animated stuff. I just got a feeling they are gonna convolute the Mando story too, but I hope I’m very wrong on that. I’m pretty excited for Ashoka and acolyte, bad batch s2, tales s2. So I definately have excitement for Star Wars 2023. I’m really really excited for andor s2. There were parts of boba fett I enjoyed but on the whole I think they dropped the ball. The obi wan show though, I don’t even know where to start how disappointing that was. All they needed was a writer that actually cared about the characters, that’s what happened with the sequels too. As an old fan, I just want the story to make sense and not disconnect from the original story. Gilroy nailed it here.

[@TheOutatimeFilmPodcast]

It’s a shame that these shows haven’t really hit for you, but here’s hoping 2023 will be a great one for Star Wars media! I’m also looking forward to it, and can’t wait to talk about all the shows, and Jedi Survivor, right here on the podcast!

[@Seacai150]

@@TheOutatimeFilmPodcast hell yes! I’m restarting fallen order today, I’m pretty stoked for the survivor game as well. I appreciate the content and your opinions!

[@TheOutatimeFilmPodcast]

That’s so kind of you to say! Hopefully we continue to bring enjoyable content! I’m also starting my replay of Fallen Order soon, it’s one of my favourite Star Wars stories, and I really hope Survivor is as great as the trailers look!

[@almor2445]

Couldn't agree more. Andor is the star wars I've been waiting for since rotj

[@TheOutatimeFilmPodcast]

Yeah! There's a lot to like in so many aspects of the universe, but this is truly something special, and I'm really happy that it's giving something completely different!

[@zenderzagato8174]

Well said all around. Happy the algorithm brought me here.

[@TheOutatimeFilmPodcast]

We're happy to have you! We hope you enjoy everything the channel has to offer, past, present, and future :)

[@colleybri8912]

I wasn’t even a Star Wars fan but the reviews got me interested and… wow! Such an incredibly excellent depiction of revolution, clearly inspired by history. Even the minor and non-speaking parts were brilliantly acted. And the writing and acting are just phenomenally nuanced. More people need to be watching this masterpiece… it’s a shame some people see the Star Wars label and dismiss it as lightweight entertainment.

[@kimrasmussen7188]

"lightweight" build a multi bio$ empire. and i already own both bladerunner movies, if i want something darker but lets see how much they can make with the new fans intead of the old ones.

[@MustafaAlmosawi]

After the disastrous Sequels, I had written off Star Wars until everyone started raving about the Mandalorian. But after the rather meh Book of Boba Fet and the return to horrendously laughable diversity-checking in lieu of storytelling in Obi Wan, and the contagion of Marvel’s cavalcade of garbage, I was close to writing off Star Wars except for Mando 3. I’m so glad I took a chance on this show, it was so fresh and enjoyable. Well written, well directed, brilliantly acted - a real work of craft.

[@TheOutatimeFilmPodcast]

That's a shame you didn’t like the recent stuff. I personally have loved most of it, despite having my issues with various aspects, but I can agree that Andor is on another level, and it’s so great to see Star Wars do a more adult show like this. It makes me excited for hopefully more different kinds of storytelling going forward

[@arneczool6614]

For me, Andor is 12/10. Its more then I ever could have hoped for … apart from … we will only get 2 seasons 💔 …. but GREAT SEASONS ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@TheOutatimeFilmPodcast]

Yeah I'm so excited for the next season, even though we now have to wait until 2025, but I just can't wait to see what they cook up, because season 1 is something truly special!

[@playgroundchooser]

"Never more than 12."

[@tl214amos4]

Thank you for this video! Love Andor!

[@craiggallagher4461]

Definitely one of the best post credit scenes in a long time. This show is just so awesome on so many levels and every time you look closer it continues to surprise and reveal new layers that not only deepen the show but also the movies directly tied to it and the franchise in general. Sure a sign of a legendary show

[@jujuboohoo]

This would have been perfect if it were five seasons where each season is a story of each main character from Rogue One. We truly need to know more about Jyn, Bodhi, Baze and Chirut. Man, even Tivik, the dude Cassian killed at the start of Rogue should show up in S2. I think a lot of people who love Rogue would be all over this. Great discussion, guys.

[@TheOutatimeFilmPodcast]

We’re glad you liked it! I agree with you, I know Tony Gilroy and Diego Luna don’t wanna do 5 seasons, but I do selfishly want them to do it lol. However, with 2 seasons, they have less of a likelihood to mess it up, I guess. I have faith it’ll be brilliant, and I’m sure and hope we’ll see other Rogue One characters like Tivek and Draven

[@Schmuni]

Maybe 3 would've been the sweet spot. The thing is that TG already said that he is barely making it through this with it being just 2 seasons. We dont want him to burn out. While i would have loved 5 seasons of THIS Andor, i doubt it would be able to uphold its quality. Let us be happy that they are gonna put out banger second season. Afterwards, maaaaaybe make Tony Gilroy do more SW stuff tho xD (i too am egoistic and just want this godlike content to continue).

[@jujuboohoo]

@@Schmuni It occurred to me that 5 season might be pushing it but I think they're serious about their work and creative enough to pull it off. Also, like you, I'll take whatever SW content Tony G and his crew give me. Disney, pls throw money at the man. 😁

[@DewNotDisturb]

I hope we see Krennic, jyn, bohdi, chirrut or baze

[@Schmuni]

@@DewNotDisturb We might, but imo thats not the point. Just let them do their thing, if they have usable tie-ins, awesome, but first and foremost they need to keep up the quality of what they have been doing so far.

[@DoremiFasolatido1979]

Nope...Andor is better than the originals. By far.

[@TheOutatimeFilmPodcast]

Wow, high praise! Yeah, it really is that good, and I could 100% get behind the idea that it's even better, although I still prefer IV and V ;)

[@Schmuni]

Agreed. People dont wanna say it because it is seen as sacrilage. But ive watched the first 6 movies again this week ans BOOOOOOY do the originals not stand the test of time. That shit is beyond goofy. Design was always top notch and the message and ideas were awesome, but consitency, acting, writing were all really not that good at all. George did graet and built up a wonderful universe, but boy waws he in way over his head at the time... Andor is by far the best entry in the franchise.

[@leadzeppbelly]

@@Schmuni Andor is on a par with Empire Strikes Back. There you go meeting you halfway

[@daniaaal]

@@leadzeppbelly yupp I agree. I think Andor actually elevates the original trilogy. We still like the fantasy aspects of the OG Star Wars, but Andor complements the politics of Star Wars especially the formation of the Rebellion

[@gtorresval]

Cliiiiiiiimmmmmb!!!!! ❤

[@craiggallagher4461]

Sorry but…Andor is phenomenal and Mando S1-2 are enjoyable but I don’t know who you enjoyed S3 and certainly not BoBF or Kenobi which both have abysmal writing.

[@voiceofraisin3778]

I did enjoy bits of Mando 3 but it has the same problem as Kenobi. There are great scenes, great characters but its not knitted together into a better series. Compare any scene that Lizzo and Jack black appear in against Din and Bo questioning the droids. The droid bar is amazing, the lines about the droids owing it to the humans to work is pure trash. Or anything filoni made on Mandalore, that trap cyborg is astonishingly good. Thats the worst thing, thaeres pisodes and scenes that are amazig, its let down by not bewing consistent.

[@bijibadness]

it is merely a good show with a good story, well told. that's it, that's all. and so just for that I put it many miles and parsecs above and apart from all else I've seen Disney has done with Star Wars, period. putting it next to the other Star Wars shows on display is surreal. it doesn't gel at all. to its benefit, sure, but still. I think they overshot it with this one. people don't know what to think. all the other Star Wars junk is so empty and crap. and this is a real story. with real characters, both heroes and villains. how is this Disney Star Wars?

[@juicedgoose]

It was an interesting squishing together of the last 60 years of television drama styles. Such a shame the last episode was like a Ken Loach film, excruciatingly terrible.

[@mudcrab3420]

Nope. This was a generic political thriller that could have be copy pasted into any franchise. Great big plot holes (what happened to the credits the stole) padded out by slapping some references stolen out of Wikipedia and dropped in without context. One eyed man.

[@wisdommanari6701]

Lol Omg you have to actually pay attention to the show. Put your phone down

[@fundhund62]

The worst of the Disney Star Wars shows so far. It's essentially Star Wars for people who don't like Star Wars.

[@TheOutatimeFilmPodcast]

That's not necessarily a bad thing, but I understand. It's a very different type of Star Wars story, and that's not for everyone. I hope you can find more to enjoy in other sides of Star Wars, and I hope the video maybe made you think of the show in a different way :)

[@fundhund62]

@@TheOutatimeFilmPodcast It is a bad thing if you love Lucas' Star Wars movies. If you don't, sure, let's make something different. And yeah, I appreciate different opinions.

[@chewiewins]

Most of us Star Wars fans love Andor and is fully Star Wars

[@Schmuni]

I love the universe George has built, but boy was he in way over his head at the time. The original and the prequel series hat soo much goofy and inconsitent stuff in it, the writing just wasnt there. The themes, design and messages were there, but boy was it lacking in some aspects.

[@brachiator1]

Star Wars has been around for 45 years. It doesn't have to be just one thing, or be defined as "only this or that should be Star Wars." And for me, Andor deepens and enriches the best Star Wars movies and TV shows. It creates new possibilities for story telling, and I look forward to see how other writers and directors realize these opportunities.