The Politics of ‘Andor’ | The Mehdi Hasan Show

In honor of Star Wars Day, this special episode analyzes the politics of the Disney+ series ‘Andor’ and just how much this tale about the origins of the Rebellion against the Empire has to tell us about the current global fight against tyranny and oppression.
» Subscribe to MSNBC: on.msnbc.com/Su...
Follow MSNBC Show Blogs
MaddowBlog: www.msnbc.com/...
ReidOut Blog: www.msnbc.com/...
MSNBC delivers breaking news, in-depth analysis of politics headlines, as well as commentary and informed perspectives. Find video clips and segments from The Rachel Maddow Show, Morning Joe, The Beat with Ari Melber, Deadline: White House, The ReidOut, All In, Last Word, 11th Hour, and Alex Wagner who brings her breadth of reporting experience to MSNBC primetime. Watch “Alex Wagner Tonight” Tuesday through Friday at 9pm Eastern.
Connect with MSNBC Online
Visit msnbc.com: on.msnbc.com/Re...
Subscribe to the MSNBC Daily Newsletter: MSNBC.com/NewslettersKZbin
Find MSNBC on Facebook: on.msnbc.com/Li...
Follow MSNBC on Twitter: on.msnbc.com/Fo...
Follow MSNBC on Instagram: on.msnbc.com/In...
#StarWars #MayTheFourth #Andor

[@ptemcphee]

If you haven't seen Andor yet, you need to. It's a masterpiece.

[@charlesr3351]

Easily the best Star Wars show they have put out. Sorry Mandolorian fans.

[@camberiu]

Andor is not a great Star Wars show. It is an EXCELLENT show, period. Even if you hate Star Wars, you'll probably like Andor. It is that good.

[@Raygo.]

You're all quite right... but I can't shake the feeling that _Andor_ may simply be too good for _Star Wars._

[@elftax]

Its the best show and the one I personally watched 4 times. Hope they can keep it up on the next season even though its the last one.

[@Tessmage_Tessera]

@@charlesr3351 The first two seasons of Mandalorian were good, especially the series 2 finale. The third season, however, was a real disappointment for me.

[@Hoigwai]

That moment in the series was near perfection. I remember holding my breath when the elevator opened because the tension was off the charts and then he reached that monologue and I was dumbstruck by how good it was. Sometimes art can really show us what we can't see in our lives. Everyone is the hero of their own story, especially the villains.

[@travcollier]

Yeah, for folks who haven't seen it, that monologue may seem over-the-top and maybe just weird... In context it is basically brutal. There's a guy who has been passing info to the rebels who wants to stop (just had a kid and wants to just walk away and have a normal life). The guy who is talking tells him "no" and this monologue is basically explaining that he understands that it is horrible to force him to keep spying... But he's going to do it anyway. This is immediately following the spy informing him that the plan for a raid was uncovered, and being told that it won't be called off so those raiders (50 people) are just going to walk into a trap and be killed to keep from risking the spy's cover. Yeah, and these are the good guys. Also, 100% agree about everyone being the "hero of their own story", though would word it differently. Everyone is doing what they think is best/reasonable from their POV. Even the high level managers / beauracts actually make sense... They are quite good at their jobs.

[@BrianSweeney1985]

@@kennycodes Oh my god, Rogue One paints A New Hope in such a different, more dramatic and substantial light, and Andor does exactly the same for Rogue One but even more profoundly.

[@BrianSweeney1985]

@@kennycodes I heard that too. On the one hand I'm sad that's all we get. On the other hand, I'm glad they have landed on a finite story arc. You know, like they actually have a plan. And I too am excited to see how they bring us up to that point in only 10 episodes. Could be a faster pace than season one?

[@gin_mill23]

About bloody time this gets mentioned in real life politics. Thank you , Medhi!

[@JustinWillisDevil240Z]

why?

[@jazzx251]

@@JustinWillisDevil240Z Because it almost exactly mirrors the rise of fascism in most of our countries today ... and the terrifying results in terms of torture and incarceration, and enforced labour. It is a dismal view of the Star Wars universe, mirroring our own ... unchallenged fascism leads to the Death Star at worst, and widespread poverty, hunger and death at best. It's about Cassian Andor, a survivor who has stolen and cheated just to stay alive ... the bare minimum any working class person must do today to survive, in a system with no social safety net. And NO workers' rights. Extreme high rents. And low wages. Those who cross the line get put in "Narkina 5" - one of the most terrifying prisons ever seen on screen. It is out in the ocean, and the prisoners are made to walk barefoot on an electrified metal floor. Young or old, they are worked to death in 12 hour shifts every day, with only the promise of something good happening at the end of their sentence... it's almost as bad as an Amazon warehouse. [I want to put Jeff Bezos "On Program"] But the show ultimately demonstrates what you would need to do today, to even start a revolution against a fascist power - and it isn't pretty.

[@captainmercy87]

It’s one if the best shows of last year. More people should watch this. As an Iranian, I got teary eyed at the last episode.

[@KootFloris]

Yes, sadly the US Empire are too often the baddies around the world. Rather than occupy they destabilise anyone who might become a danger, and then the new regime becomes very 'willing' to allow US corporations to take natural resources out. Sadly most Americans don't know this, but much of the world looks at the US with suspicion. US citizens get all this propaganda about being the freest country. The USA isn't, by far. And that is tragic. Only the very rich are free, the rest has to work too hard to be free, or are too long in prison for minor offences. And too many daily fear gun violence, or coming out.

[@Davao420]

As a Filipino, I felt it too

[@jazzx251]

I bet you did ... stay safe.

[@MisterBrimm]

Andor is a masterclass in storytelling. Everything works towards an overarching story perfectly with all sorts of payoffs for more patient and cerebral audiences.

[@rixx46]

Great segment! Thanks for casting a light on ANDOR - the least appreciated/successful Star Wars series - and yet by far the best. Better than the last SIX MOVIES. Mehdi his guests do a great job of nailing what makes it special.

[@Tessmage_Tessera]

Not exactly a high bar, given that the three "sequel" movies are absolute garbage. They're so bad that they shouldn't even be considered canon.

[@yvonneplant9434]

​@@Tessmage_Tessera No, they're not.

[@maazkalim]

{Only-&-only to "the OP" & those who "👍" their parent-comment till the time of successful-posting of this reply: }So ‘episodes’ are dubbed “segments”, now?

[@vlaandhael]

the last 6 movies being: rise of sky walker, solo, last jedi, rogue one, force awaken, the clone wars. yeah

[@pseudonymousbeing987]

​@@Tessmage_Tessera Well it's as good as the Empire Strikes Back. Perhaps better. Season 2 will decide if I can put it as the all time best Star Wars production.

[@rowenapascual1316]

"Andor" is so relevant! It's a Star Wars story for adults! Love it!!

[@jeremywalsh5666]

One of the best monologues in television history. Also the best thing that Star Wars has ever done. Thank you for giving this the serious weight it deserves.

[@michaelcooper1018]

The prison story arc was amazing. It was frightening and fascinating, while set against a sterile backdrop. Watching it was like having a clean and organized nightmare. So intense.

[@user-yl4lf9mh1w]

and i love how its all a nod to George Lucas's first film THX-1138

[@michaelshigetani433]

"clean and organized nightmare' That's a very good description. And if it was a movie review I'd be very curious. But the Prison arc; yeah. Very apt description.

[@Davao420]

yes, as somebody from the Philippines, it hits close home. My god, how a government can just take away someone's freedom on a whim

[@dave210yt]

I've always liked Mehdi Hasan's show but now I'm a devote fan, I'm impressed how he effortlessly mixed in lines from the movies. Also, nice shot out to the Mitchell and Webb Look "are we baddies" sketch - Can't wait for season 2 of Andor!

[@theent01]

I'm so glad this amazing show is getting the attention it deserves!

[@pcalderon00]

For me, from the time Cassian was convicted to the time he spends in the jail were a pretty good comparison of our current incarceration system. Love the show.

[@topgrain]

The prison industrial complex.

[@pcalderon00]

@@topgrain yes

[@matthewkuchinski1769]

Andor, along with The Expanse, Farscape, Defiance, Deep Space Nine, and 2004's Battle Star Galactica, should be rated as the best political sci-fi shows ever made. Each brings to the table the murky reality that evil versus good can sometimes be murky, as bad people can do good things while good people can do the bad. Just with Andor as an example, an Imperial engineering officer was willing to lay down his life to protect a child while Luthen Rael and Saw Guerrera were willing to allow an entire cell of rebel troopers be sacrificed on a suicide mission.

[@spacechampi0n]

You're forgetting Babylon 5, which really changed how storytellling in done in tv series.

[@FGP_Pro]

First to say "Firefly"!

[@SpartanNat]

Even the Clone Wars series has some good political arcs. Sure, they're surface level, but they really help show the fall of a democracy that was already corrupt leading into a death spiral to become an empire.

[@biovmr]

Rogue One has been my favorite Star Wars film since the moment I saw it. Andor is clearly superior (in every way) to the other spin-off series in the Star Wars franchise. In both cases, it's the writing and the acting that make them so good, followed closely by the directing and sets.

[@davidjones272]

Rogue One is OK, but it isn't particularly well written. Andor is phenomenal, though.

[@erichodge567]

Ultimately, it's always writing and acting that make a movie great.

[@travcollier]

@@davidjones272 Rouge One does certainly have flaws, but most of them seem to come from the Star Wars franchise managers/producers insisting on putting in elements they think will appeal to "kids". Rogue One and Andor are stories where there is absolutely no doubt "Cass shot first". Heck, he straight up murders a contact/spy in Rouge One to keep him from getting caught. I'm not saying it should be grim-dark super serious all the time, the juxtaposition between humor and drama makes both hit harder IMO... But silly and fantastical stuff, no.

[@SeArCh4DrEaMz]

absolutely agree with you, Id say rogue 1 and andor were the only decent star wars content that disney came out with since GL sold the franchize.

[@vercoda9997]

Delighted that Irish actresses played the three most prominent female roles in the first series - Fiona Shaw's finale speech about the danger of creeping authoritarianism settling in and taking over, even though everyone knew what was happening and ignored it until it was too late, is spinechilling. There are other moments of exceptional writing and dialogue scattered throughout the show too, making it very accessible to anyone.

[@bonniebreckenridge5236]

I, sadly, haven't seen the show, but if Fiona Shaw is in it, I have to see it! She out is an amazing actress! The other actors I saw in the clips are favorites, too. I watch as much Brit/Scot/Irish/Aussie movies and tv as I can get my hands on! I'll hope to see this at my library one day!

[@elainedaprano9130]

Am not a Star Wars fan, but I'm thrilled to hear ANYONE is DEPICTING and teaching about the creeping perils of authoritarianism. I sometimes watch tv shows from the 80s like Bonanza, Have Gun Will Travel, Kung Fu, as they show and teach equality, gun control (sheriff collecting strangers guns), fair treatment for Native Americans and immigrants...and I wonder,...WHAT HAPPENED ? How did we FORGET all that? Seriously, ANYONE KNOW? 😒

[@rossanderson5815]

I will simply say. One way out.

[@vercoda9997]

@@bonniebreckenridge5236 She's not in it much, but her character is absolutely *crucial* to the show, and there are a number of moments when her delivery is exceptionally natural, leading up to a spinetingling piece in the series finale which is one of the most mesmerising bits of TV I've ever seen, in my 50-plus years. Great stuff. The other two Irish actresses are also superb; one as the driven, determined face of authoritarianism and order, the other as a multifaceted, hidden Rebel. Anyway, watch Andor - whatever the next series will be like, the first was one of the best TV series I've ever seen, with several outstanding moments of dialogue, setpieces and emotional resonance.

[@binder38us]

The reaction of the Empire to her speech from the dead tells you everything about Authoritarian governments: words of freedom scares them. See the current book banning by Republicans

[@YourTamedLion]

My favorite american news anchor+ my favorite Star wars series. Quality Crossover ❤

[@theveteransergeant]

I had a feeling Andor would be good after seeing who was involved (the production crew is a slew of Emmy and Oscar winners). I was surprised that not only was it good, it was prestige television on par with the best stuff offered on HBO and other networks. Absolutely stellar writing and acting. Really set a bar and made a statement that Star Wars could be something more than just kids shows and SFX spectacles.

[@jondunmore4268]

Which means it's going to be cancelled soon.

[@noelwym123]

@@jondunmore4268 It was always planned to be two seasons, with the final season ending where Rogue One begins, so no chances of cancellation.

[@HEARTS-OF-SPACE]

​@@noelwym123 ​​True, but there's still plenty of time for Disney to reach into that cookie jar without permission. Seems Disney can't help the urge these days... I hope they let the creative talents from season one continue to work their magic for season 2. Leave Andor alone!!

[@Quotenwagnerianer]

I'd say if a "Star Wars" show can be discussed in this way on a political show, it is really a badge of honor for the writing team. What I liked about it the most is how clearly the Empire and its apparatus is shown on this show to be the worst kind of fascists. You can always hide behind the cool designs and a certain allure of the uniforms and people had a tendency to romanticise the Empire over the years. This show says: Let's stop this, there is nothing romantic about fascist pigs.

[@maazkalim]

That depends.

[@maazkalim]

Both shows released earlier than the one being talked about here, for starters - Mr @@kennycodes?

[@neryskkiran1820]

BSG 2004 was one of the first shows to mess with the good/evil dichotomy -- survive v sacrifice. A show like this can change perspectives.

[@neryskkiran1820]

@@kennycodes It's hard to start, but once you get through the beginning, it's hard to stop. The first thing is, that some people have found the pilot to be a slog: it's long, and it's heavy on exposition. But after you get through that, S1E1, titled: "33" , is one of the best episodes of anything I've ever seen. That episode won the 2005 Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form. The other thing that's a little confusing in the beginning, is that what I'm calling the pilot here, is officially called the miniseries (two-part, 2003), and what I call S1E1 here, they call the series pilot (2004). The miniseries (pilot; 2003) has the building blocks of the story; you can't miss it, or nothing will make sense later.

[@artboymoy]

Andor is the type of Star Wars I'm looking for as a fan who got to see all the movies in the theater growing up. I'm over the Jedi and Sith and Rogue One shown a light on all the people that were fighting the Empire, without Jedi in a war movie. What was also great was that we got to see people that were working for the Empire be people that we were rooting for until they began abusing their authority or tortured people for information. Can't wait for season 2.

[@sclogse1]

"The Banality Of Evil." Some of you might remember David Sylvian singing about that.

[@jenisedai]

Deep cut! Few people remember him, or Japan.

[@LCTesla]

originally part of the title of a book by Hannah Arendt on the trial of Adolf Eichmann

[@michaelshigetani433]

"the banality of evil" andor shows this well. The very FIRST episode; the "boss' is just so; bored. He's literally counting down to retirement. but that's hardly the only incident. Andor does a great job showing how people just; accept evil. Corosaunt especially

[@al28854]

Fun fact: George Lucas is a diabetic. It was discovered when he reported for military conscription(draft of Vietnam War), and as a result, he was classified 4F "unfit for military service," due to physical reasons. Had the US army failed to diagnosed his medical condition, his asperations as a filmmaker may have taken a different trajectory or not come to form at all.

[@mckenzie.latham91]

You can't serve in the military if you're diabetic?

[@rupenupe1]

The ability to self reflect and ask if I’m on the “good side” is by itself the answer.

[@CoreyANeal2000]

Look to your friends and see what they're cheering and saying, and you shall know whom side you have been placed upon.

[@DeltaTango2024]

@@CoreyANeal2000 some people (like adults) can have friends with different political views

[@CoreyANeal2000]

@@DeltaTango2024 That's true, but depending on the context what I'm saying applies.

[@DeltaTango2024]

@@strangeworldmasterjack143 no I'm conservative...I have friends that are liberal

[@lottaapples8635]

Andor has hit it outta the park.

[@topgrain]

Yes. And it's slow, organic, water-cooler, spread is making it even greater.

[@binder38us]

Rogue One bred Andor. That movie was different than other Star War Movies because the "good rebellion" does horrible things.

[@kamsolusar8529]

And Clone Wars bred Rogue One.

[@travcollier]

Even Han Solo's plot arc in the original trilogy. All stories centered on non-magical people in very difficult situations doing what is reasonable from their POVs. Funny how that tends to actually be more compelling that super powerful characters doing inexplicably stupid things ;) Heck, I tend to even like stories of super powerful characters doing what is reasonable from their POV. It is stupidity which really turns me off.

[@maazkalim]

You meant to say.. Spirituality is "stupidity​," Mr "@@travcollier"?

[@binder38us]

@@kamsolusar8529 The final Seasons. Especially the last two episodes that literally gave the Revenge of the Sith even more weight with Ashoka feeling her Master becoming Darth Vader

[@kamsolusar8529]

@@travcollier Han Solo's character arc is literally him going from non-believer to believer...

[@Mark_zist_Anonoymous]

Another reason why mehdi hassan is a real principled reporter that actually cares about highlighting stories & news about the working people and not holding up the rich/elites as the ideal, and breaking down and questioning the mythology of the rich and powerful.

[@patgrindol536]

I appreciate the Andor series because it's a series about people and societies without the deus ex machina of The Force.

[@stardust6840]

Why watching anything Star Wars then?

[@pglanville]

​@@stardust6840 because it's entertaining.

[@HEARTS-OF-SPACE]

​@@stardust6840 Star Wars is so much more than the force, the Jedi, the Sith, lightsabers, Skywalkers, and Palpatines. The vast majority of citizens in the Star Wars universe are just regular people. They have stories to tell as well! If you can't see that, or if you prefer the flashy action and camp, that's fine. Of course, we all love that aspect of Star Wars, but sometimes it's nice to examine what's going on "behind the scenes", so to speak. Star Wars has always been about fighting oppression. The force and the Jedi/Sith is essentially just a religion. Seeing the formation of the rebellion is incredibly interesting, and the show is just so well made! Have you watched it?

[@stardust6840]

​@@HEARTS-OF-SPACE yes, I have, and my problem is that this show gave birth to a movement of pseudo-intellectuals talking down every other SW content and every traditional aspect of it. There is a ton of sci-fi with a message, this show is not groundbreaking, nor it anywhere near to being perfect, as claimed by the fans. Nobody here seems to have a problem with the show having pretty much no non-human characters' presence, and Gilroy's explanation regarding it is just wack. The main character has zero memorable lines, all those belong to white characters surrounding him, with some of them "teaching" him. (A large part of his storyline, also, is a recycled story of Jyn Erso from the supplementary materials and books, and this newly invented storyline also pretty much assassinates his character in Rogue One, but that's not important - nobody cares about him among this show's following, really.) His adoptive white savior mother drugged and kidnapped him (him being coded as an indigenous kid) - nobody seems to have a problem with that too. Clem? No problem. I can go on and on, the problem is not in the lack of Force, lightsabers, and other stuff. The problem is this reformed part of audience who seems to think that they acquired a refined taste, stepped on a higher ground, and now have to actively put down traditional elements of a space opera that is SW.

[@HEARTS-OF-SPACE]

@@stardust6840 Well, I didn't say or imply any of the things you just said, so thanks for the all inclusive broad stroke, but I don't really want to be in your painting. You're free to think what you want about the show and its fans, but why are you so bitter about it? Of course it's not perfect, but I don't recall hearing anyone claiming it was. You mentioned a few "problems", and I respect your views on many of them, but I see them as positives. I don't have the will or the time to debate each one with someone as passionately opposed to the show as you are, and I know that you'll interpret that as a concession, and that's fine. I'll just touch on a couple of them. Did you know that 80% of the Star Wars universe is made up of humans? I'm not sure if you knew that. Andor's alien representation was completely appropriate, especially when you consider the fact that the Galactic Empire is a xenophobic, human centric organization. Also, did you miss the line where Maarva said young Cassian would die if she left him on his planet? That site was about to be torched, hence their urgency. It's very likely that his sister died on that day, but his search for her as an adult illustrated his resolve, even if misplaced. Yeah, Maarva's white. So what? Not everything is so symbolic or suggestive, some people are white, get over it. Why do you believe Andor fans to be "pseudo-intellectuals"? How dare they enjoy a Star Wars story! A movement?! Did you see Andor's viewership? I just don't understand gatekeepers like you who seem to think Star Wars was specifically written for them. I've been a fan since I was a kid in the 80s, and if you want my honest opinion, Andor is leagues better than any other live action Star Wars show at this point. You don't have to like it, but don't disparage those who do. I can't get further into this because neither of us are likely to listen to the other and I haven't got the time. Im out. Take care.

[@Davao420]

Andor is one of the best series I've seen. And the dialogue, omg!

[@Skeloric]

I tuned out of Star Wars after seeing the prequels. Then a friend told me I had to see Andor. Andor is the salvation of Star Wars as far as I can see after seeing the entire first season. Now... I might have to see Rogue One. I might return to Star Wars.

[@Raygo.]

Watch and appreciate _Rogue One_ by all means, it turned out to be a good movie in the end. But if you didn't like the prequels, I wouldn't recommend a "return to Star Wars" generally, you'll only be disappointed.

[@scatteredstones]

I felt the same way (especially after having grown up with the originals). Andor is spectacular full stop. What saved Star Wars for me after the prequels, however, was The Clone Wars animated series. Rough first season, though it improves gradually over the season. After that, it gets really good. The animation is really solid by the end. The last four episodes (Siege of Mandalore) is up there with Andor for the best Star Wars story-telling of all time. The only catch (?) is you really have to watch all (or at least a good bit) of the Clone Wars series. Personally, I think it's worth it. It's not a "cartoon for children."

[@AngeloBarovierSD]

Wait for S2 of Andor for chronological fidelity, I say! May have greater impact for you.

[@kirkdarling4120]

@@scatteredstones Some of the scenes and stories of The Clone Wars are definitely 'way too dark for children.

[@paul46403]

I used to tell people SW was how I gained a better understanding of politics and religion. I see that there are people who explain it way better.

[@shanibimtiyaz3853]

I am from kashmir, idk why but I related to maarva. Like she says she's sick of seeing a barracks down the road it hit me. There is like an army bunker every two minutes down the road and I hate to see it

[@suninmoon4601]

May have to reconsider Disney in order to watch this program and to support their fight against tyranny in Florida :D

[@Dokushin1989]

It’s great, best StarWars show I watched

[@mat3714]

It's actually the only Disney sw worth your time and probably the best sw as been since empire.

[@rebeccakesner9840]

I'm A Huge Fan Of Andor And Star Wars And I'm With The Rebellion 100 Percent!

[@persimmonpuddin]

The genius of Tony & Gary Gilroy is blinding. Can't wait for Season 2.

[@bryedtan]

Andor like the Rogue One film also shows that in the Star Wars Universe the Rebellion is not as clean or pure as some like to paint it. The Rebellion also did questionable sometimes nearing to what some call criminal or terroristic. Thus it pursues some notion of the ends justifies the means. I guess that is why this streaming show is much more popular than the sequel films. I just watched the first season it is actually pretty good.

[@binder38us]

The issue with the sequels will always be who made them. Put those projects in the hands of Dave Feloni or Tony Gilroy this would be a different conversation. JJ Abrams...then you have the mess those films were.

[@video4newt]

You notice that anytime a movie or show is written in a way to reflect our stories that is currently happening that it seems to connect with us better and more personal. Battlestar Galactica did that for me and the issues regarding the Gulf Wars snf the issues and political at that time. Also, the good guys were not portrayed as saints or clean as we think. Also, that series was so well written. It is highly recommended. I can't wait for Season 2 of Andor. One of the best shows on TV now.

[@mckenzie.latham91]

The ends do not justify the means, the means are dictated by the circumstances, In a fascist regime all and any resistance is terrorism

[@zedwolf1589]

We're definitely closer to be living through a Star Wars scenario than a Star Trek one, which is a bummer.

[@HEARTS-OF-SPACE]

Well... I mean, we could be dealing with the Borg, so maybe we should count our blessings? 😆

[@maypanah5880]

Mehdie, you are just wonderful.

[@Steventrafford]

Mehdi, you are a legend ❤, from a Brit that hates that your in America and not on our news channels, we need you

[@Pou1gie1]

He probably gets paid way more in the US.

[@mustafadiriye7703]

perfect segment to start the conversation! thanks, Mehdi

[@ac1888]

As a Star Wars fan, I love your references. Nice going Mehdi👍👍

[@marksoliva2332]

Best thing I've seen today that I never knew I needed. Tying the political intrigue of "Andor" with what is going on in real life. Fantastic job :)

[@h2amster328]

like i need another reason to love medhi

[@davidatkinson5858]

Lol yeah it was so adorable when he pretended not a understand how per capita average crime statistics work in conjunction with population demographic percentages as opposed to net figures.....my heart nearly melted 😐

[@cindypomerleau950]

@@davidatkinson5858 You do what you can to penetrate the iron curtain of the MAGA mind. Unfortunately I don't view Al Jazeera where I found Medhi nearly as much since his MSNBC move. He's always interesting. Love him.

[@davidatkinson5858]

@@cindypomerleau950 what does that have to do with my point about him being a lying race grifter? Of course you love him because he will say anything to support your own biased narratives 👍

[@ezrasprenger2253]

Great segment. Rogue One is my second favorite Star Wars film and Andor is an interesting prequel to the movie. Never thought I would say yay to Disney but good job.

[@louisholt18]

Thank you for this one, Mehdi. Thank you.

[@Stax2High]

Glad serious people appreciated the show. The manifesto that one of the characters left really hits home too. Especially for Ukraine.

[@solar4planeta923]

Seeing Star Wars in the theatre, opening weekend, was a huge event in my young life. I've been a fan for that long, but Rogue One quickly became my favorite Star Wars movie. No Skywalkers charging forward with a pseudo divine right to be the hero, just a hardscrabble group of rebels that can't agree on much other than their opposition to fascism. Andor, as a prequel to that movie, is brilliant.

[@jessikabat6200]

I think one of the main reasons why Sci-fi can be so effective at helping us see ourselves more clearly is by taking humans (and human nature) and putting us into a completely new context, it clears away so much of what obscures our clarity by removing so many of our frames of reference and biases and let’s us dive into these very real and omnipresent dynamics without the current political discourse predisposing us to overvalue or undervalue the underlying message based off of political convenience. If that makes sense? It’s one reason why I’ve always loved the genre 💗 Always loved reading in general, frankly. And good movies. And good film adaptations of good books ^-^

[@buffalosoldier7360]

This is who should have gotten Rachael’s prime time spot.

[@TheDiamond2009]

Yet another security state stenographer, it makes sense.

[@jaynook4980]

Mehdi would fill Rachel’s spot better than most, always has a broader perspective on the news & is great with interviews.

[@mlight7402]

Mehdi, the Force is with you.

[@anthonyholton2886]

I need to admit that I love looking at the nerd toys and books on the bookcases and walls behind the speakers on news broadcasts

[@davidcohen7106]

Children in K-12 education are often indoctrinated against patriotism.

[@claretoland3362]

👍Yip, I zoom in to see what is behind the guests etc. It gives an understanding of the person.👍

[@janiekcarney5482]

I agree. It’s interesting.

[@juliak6086]

Mise en scene is French for all the parts of a movie you see but are not acted -- all those things are parts of the story too

[@vaderbaby]

Thank you for this. Andor is a wonderful show and does indeed highlight all you have covered here. I noticed the political aspects of Star Wars way back in 77, when I was 10. Of course, kids noticed things like that in those days,as well as learning about real journalism. I was very excited to see Andor, and I was pleased with it immensely.

[@Kk44887]

Great work! Thanks for mentioning the Palestinian struggle for self determination

[@s.patterson5698]

It was a GLORIOUS first season!

[@darc8221]

Funny how people don't seem to know that art imitates life and life turns around and imitates the imitation.

[@Kiki-en9vm]

This is awesome Mehdi, like the times we are living in.

[@KGR8]

It is a political show, but its not a left or right that fits into American politics today. Does the empire worship the idol of the free market? I dunno. Do the rebels believe in the sanctity of life from the moment of conception? Doesn’t come up. The political theme of the show is “what are you going to do about it when you realize that you (and yours) are being oppressed.”

[@maazkalim]

Yep, anybody level-headed oughta comprehend that the definition of ’politics’ encompasses far more much more electoral-front. And therefore.. A neurotypical person cannot be truly ‘apolitical’ and/or ‘centrist’ beyond the realm of theory - while continuing to exist without a single-hitch.

[@denillefleming2942]

Wonderful conceptual discussion!

[@CreightonBrown]

Loving all the nerd paraphernalia on the guests’ shelves! Happy to see Avatar Korra getting some love on Tracy Brown’s shelf!

[@briester510]

Wonderful. Thank you.

[@mare2543]

Thank you guys for all your Great insight.. Thank You. You give me a little hope for our future.

[@ADavid42]

I'm crying. Thank you Mehdi, for bridging the gap between real world politics, and the mythos and symbolism of our stories. Stories have been used since before history to tell tales of Unreachable Gods, and how to defeat them. Of wars fought and lost. Of Empires rising and falling, and how simple people (often hidden princes) manage to break the chains of oppression. The holy books are full of these stories. New stories are being written about WWII - hoping people are learning its lessons. And Stories - with monsters and unicorns and magical powers - that share those hard won truths and wisdom under cover of jests and witches, so as to not offend the powers that be. SW Andor is almost brutal in its almost direct warning to us. Urgent. Many reject it yet. But some of us _do_ understand its messages. Like LeGuin says about the seemingly inescapable Divine Rule of Kings, Empire is unnatural. We must fight it.

[@jj-yi1ne]

bro preach stop preaching religion. your god is killing so many people

[@JamesBrophy]

Opening with "Hello There" made you a lot of new fans I suspect. Tony Gilroys writing based in the anti-fascist movements of our history is a tremendous achievement in a landscape of fiction not suppose to radicalised us but explicitly to pacify us.

[@elinannestad5320]

When I was a new Dr, working in a small town, I took a patient, a paraplegic boy about 10 years old, to the first Star Wars movie. My friend came out as Luke Skywalker.

[@tigertiger1699]

Rogue one reminds me of the US Marines / the Aussies on the Kokoda trail.. fighting .. making the stand for the sth pacific..🌹

[@user-se6rv5rr6i]

Caution, for Brutus is an honourable man.

[@TheGordeaux]

probably the best segment ive ever seen from msnbc. kudos

[@MrDavidseth]

Great job Medhi!! Politcal analysis through pop culture... Especially Star Wars.... NEED MORE OF THIS Mr. Hasan!

[@user-yl4lf9mh1w]

Watch this show! You’ll love it.

[@rickjones8005]

May the Fourth be with you mainstream news dudes and dudettes. Thanks for the free public relations and marketing for Star Wars. Modern Disney era tries to reflect modern problems and historical cycles that permiate our collective unconscious. Andor is the best of that new voice. Peace! ✌️

[@margaretadams-oj6fw]

Medhi is the best. Demanding answers.

[@julioreija8052]

11:35 - «Very rarely you ask yourself “Am I the bad guy?”»… 🤭🙄 It is always very sad to see how neurotypical people never have in their radar all the people who aren’t, who think and feel in more complicated ways. There are hundreds of millions of traumatised people in the world who ask themselves every day if they are the bad guys, the guilty ones… with the terror of causing pain to anybody else, while the normies run around, unjustifiedly sure that the world is as they see it, and they are it’s main character 😂😢

[@UnopinionatedBystander2393]

This is profound! Thank you for putting my feelings into words. Good to know that it's normal for people like me.

[@PaulGuy]

Quality sci-fi has always been about reflecting current social and political issues through the lens of the future. There's people crying about how Star Trek has "gone woke", somehow being entirely ignorant to the series' entire history. Star Wars has always been about fascism, and the rise and fall of it.

[@feistyfan2344]

Great segment! Glad this show is getting more attention. HOPE!

[@KarenParkerArtist]

I watched this. Am now making my husband watch it with me again. Acting: Fantastic. Story: Great. Set Design/Costume: Also great. It's great to see the working class represented in the Star Wars Universe.

[@Qui_Gon_Ben]

my allegiance is to the Republic, to democracy!

[@YTpajamas]

I really like Mehdi more and more.

[@LumenMichaelOne]

0:04... Well "Hello" to you too... 🙂 Andor??? Good Political Relevance coming from Andor. How do You NOT just Luv'dat!... 🥰

[@filmcrew3531]

Love this Mehdi! WOW!!!! Off too play SWBF2!

[@johnnyjet3.1412]

and not one mention of American Vets stating they realized during occupation duty in Iraq that America is the empire!

[@nurlindafsihotang49]

Took them long enough. Asia already see USA as the imperial force.

[@Tessmage_Tessera]

Just finished binge-watching the Obi Wan Kenobi series and I loved the final two episodes. So if Andor is on par with that, then I'm sure I'll enjoy it. Really liked Rogue One, and I liked the characters from that film, so I have high hopes.

[@Miguel.Angel.Galvez]

"Andor" is miles better than "Kenobi". This is a true work of art, not a simple piece of entertainment. It's closer to "Game of Thrones" than to any of the other Disney shows.

[@hoos3014]

Andor is many times better than Obi Want Kenobi. They don't even appear to be from the same franchise.

[@AngeloBarovierSD]

I'm not in the like=good, dislike=bad crowd, so all I'll say is that I prefer Andor because it's in my wheelhouse but the two series are very different in tone.

[@davidwalker3783]

Andor blows obi wan out of the water

[@pantherpopel551]

Kenobi feels directionless. Andor is well written and has amazing actors. Just a bit of a alow start. About 3 eps till its on.

[@nickfeder]

I had a client that i used to babysit for and she said something that went viral in a video but essentially we all think we're luke skywalker. doesn't matter what side we're actually on, we all see ourselves as the hero of our own story. like when palpatine says "once more the sith will rule the galaxy- and. we. shall. have. peace." He's doing good work in his own eyes.

[@romyman9]

I looove how both the guests are Lego fans 💞

[@MuadMouse]

“Corporate Tactical Forces are the Empire’s first line of defense.” Sergeant Mosk may be despicable, but he isn't wrong about where the loyalties of corporations lie.

[@lukasandisaaktime9147]

That was fun! Thanks Medhi!

[@moribnd]

This segment tells us that cable TV sometimes has worthwhile moments. Excellent comments from Wajahat. Andor quickly became my favorite Star Wars story -and it’s not even close.

[@mikemichaeld2259]

Great story great camera work Awesome acting the best

[@wendyweaver8749]

Mike MichaelD - And absolutely great writing delivered by great - and believable - actors.

[@mikemichaeld2259]

@@wendyweaver8749 even the music I really loved it watch it many times, its a work of art

[@wendyweaver8749]

@@mikemichaeld2259 - If you listen to the soundtracks of each episode, you realize how little music is used. There was music only where it was just right for that scene. We can actually hear conversations, instead of noise. But when a scene must soar - e.g. There's One Way Out - boy does the music do its job and heighten what the characters are experiencing and we were viewing. Did you notice that the Andor theme differed as each episode opens? As if to give a hint about the episode? When I re-watched the last episode, I realized the theme was being played by the instruments of the funeral procession! One music ctitic doing such modifications for every episode is unheard-of. The critc also said a lot of time and effort is expended doing so. Sometimes when I re-watch the series, I view every minute. Other times, I skip parts to concentrate on Cassian, Ferris and the ISB. In the Star Wars universe, only Rogue One comes close to what the Andor series explored because both focused on everyday people trying to survive under the Empire and then, as Cassian said in the movie how they "try to do something about it." Plus both showed the grey actions of rebels and their moral ambiguity.

[@mikemichaeld2259]

@@wendyweaver8749 Yes yes yes yes to all of the above. Even all the bad guys reasoning was perfect. Everything was choreographed masterfully the time and pace of the episodes continued to a beautiful crescendo the edit was divine.

[@doug2496]

I had to double check that this was MSNBC talking about star wars

[@jisyang8781]

May the force be with you.

[@ValentinaTheCreator]

This series was legit PERFECT. it was so good and didn't go full disney. just perfect

[@OnyxLee]

I just realized this video was posted on May 4th! May the force be with you all! 🎉

[@hoos3014]

Great job!

[@directormbj]

Awesome analysis

[@spameranne]

hello there! so excited to see the Andor love move beyond KZbin.

[@whatskrakalaken1940]

The Phantom Menace is the best one, sorry to burst anyone’s bubble!

[@gabsah2466]

this! right here how this bleeds over into reality without being a on the nose allegory for kids THIS is good writing! this is inspiring, interesting and what we need more of.

[@Mogwai786]

Tony Gilroy mentioned, along with other historical conflicts, the Israeli occupation of Palestine as one of the major influences to Andor.

[@MartinNyberg]

Great job!!!

[@Articolate]

What is going on - Andor isn't new; it's from last year. Did MSNBC delay putting this spot up on KZbin? So confusing.

[@StacySalles55]

Medhi, I have not watched Andor, but you and those you interviewed… all I can say is, this was so good and on point. You always give us great journalism.