I almost can't believe how good this is: "Andor" Episode 8 (Spoiler Review-cap)

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[@theuntreatedspasm]

The writing has been great so far. Never thought I'd watch a Star Wars show in which I can derive so much enjoyment from just watching characters talk to one another.

[@quanganhvu6791]

Unlike other SW shows, Andor doesn't rush to move to the next big thing quickly but takes time to really make us live each of the moments on screen and this makes it feel so real and immersive. I've always wanted a show that expands on the unvierse and this show is really doing it for me. The lack of action is acceptable once you understand that these are 3-episodes arcs because the payoff in the lat 2 arcs has been great so far.

[@pablovalenzuela907]

House of cards in Star Wars universe. With more action included!

[@FernandoHernandez-jw4yy]

@@quanganhvu6791 Honestly, I don't even feel like there is a "lack of action". The build up to the shoot out on Ferrix and to the heist felt so natural and at every moment the viewer knew the action was going to come at the right moment anyway. And it did.

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

Not only that, but how can a prequel to a prequel about a lesser known character be cool and interesting (I said to myself when Andor was first announced)? But damn, I have never been so happy to be proven wrong. Great attention has been given to, not only production values, which are exceedingly high all around, but to character development (even imperial characters are three dimensional and their motivations are sensible and clear within their worldview), story and attention to detail. I can see why Disney has already ordered a season 2 which starts filming next month (12 more episodes).

[@allwalledup]

It’s such quality. They’re doing the slow burn in all the best ways possible. It doesn’t beat you over the head with the fact that it’s Star Wars, and if you take away all the Star Wars elements and set it in our world you’d still have an amazing story. They’ve proved to me that they can write phenomenally, and now It’s making me hyped for when they eventually Do get to the really Star Warsy stuff (battles with stormtroopers, more aliens, more risky missions, possible encounters with force users or sith)

[@colink5003]

Andy as Supreme Leader of Floor 5 > Andy as Supreme Leader of galaxy

[@darrengordon-hill]

YAY, EASTER EGGS!! Who needs a show when we can have cameos?!! Yay, cameos.

[@WeirwoodNet]

See what you did there colin lol

[@At_Amsterdam]

It makes me happy that competent writers can actually make stuff at Lucasfilm

[@forestfilms472]

One of the best things about Andor (besides the acting, writing, and cinematography), is that it shows how brutal the empire really is. The prison seems like it would come straight out of a dystopian novel, and the astehtic of it seems like it would belong in THX-1138. The workplace chatter of the imperials, and the mundanity of day to day life in this show shows the banality of evil perfectly, in a way no star wars yet has been able to accomplish.

[@f1jones544]

I had a relative spend 2.5 years in a US county jail. If offered the chance between the "brutality" we saw delivered last night and what this guy experienced irl, up until he died during said incarceration, and after going blind and losing the ability to walk by having insulin withheld while living in solitary with the lights on 24/7 in the dirtiest, grimiest conditions one can imagine, I'd wager he would have chosen the Empire's brand of "brutality" all day. He never even got used to the food. All the inmates in the Imperial prison looked amazingly healthy and well cared for, which I can't say about many of the inmates I saw during regular visitations. Aside from the electrocuted floor, which we know is more of a psychological tool than one that's typically deployed in anger, it's what one would typically call a proverbial "country club."

[@luiscarlosmelendez6459]

And the music goes perfectly with those scenes. I felt as if I was watching 1984.

[@MrTimotheousWard]

@@f1jones544 Makes you think about what kind of system we might be living under... I'm sorry your relative went through that.

[@Hellismary]

I stg ! I was like 😳 I never wanna go to a prison lol

[@darrengordon-hill]

@@f1jones544 SANE PERSON!!!.. It's no "Rura Pente" (Star Trek 6, Kirk/McCoy on a mining planet begging for clothes)

[@chasehedges6775]

Gotta love how they give Andy Serkis more to work with as a minor character in the nail scenes than he ever could work with as Snoke.

[@Milothemighty10]

Yeah the character of snoke had problems but Andy serkis wasn’t one of them…

[@Lord-Emperor-Vader]

One could say his performance was precious.

[@gabebartlett9680]

I actually thought what we got of Snoke wasn’t really that bad. It’s more so th direction they took him and his “arc”

[@darthtroller]

@@gabebartlett9680 agreed, his scenes were entertaining

[@Nosferatuラララララ]

@@Lord-Emperor-Vader oh you..

[@christophercarroll]

I love how every character is shown stuck in their own version of jail

[@jetblast190]

That’s a good observation!

[@davidparmly8828]

My impressions exactly. Epi 8 let us see every character and the “prison” each of them is in.

[@b.chuchlucious5471]

Yes, even the prison guards are stuck down there, despite their hubris and warm feet.

[@ertymexx]

Even Mon Mothma, in her guilded cage.

[@javiervidal366]

@@ertymexx also Syril in his bureaucratic prison with his mom as the prison guard. It was outstanding!

[@joelclifton6312]

I like the kind of subtle scene where they ask Diedra if they should remove Pak before they brought Bix in, and Diedra responds, "No, I want her to see him like this." Then when Bix is brought in and sees Pak, Diedra acts surprised and says, "What are you doing? Get him out of here!" It shows how adept she is at psychological warfare.

[@ellicel]

Because we’ve seen how hard it was for Dedra to get here and how much she wants to prove herself, how much others want her to fail, I can see how ruthless she’s going to be. To me, that makes her so much scarier than if we had just been introduced to her in this episode. Seeing how comfortable she is with torture and manipulation is worse when I now also understand this is her only chance. For her, she can’t fail in Ferrix like she knows others did. Plus, this is her only lead to being able to prove her theory and prove the existence of “Axis.” So much on the line.

[@darrengordon-hill]

Sure.

[@darrengordon-hill]

@@ellicel Andor is jail. Karma saw to that. People call the regime "oppressive". These SAME PEOPLE then praise Dedra coz "vagina" PICK A LANE!!

[@originaldarkwater]

I also love how the show trusts the audience to be smart enough to pick up on the meaning of that little detail without explaining it explicitly.

[@NT-or9wh]

Exactly, a lesser show would keep Pak in the same room and have Diedra explicitly make some villainous comment to Bix like, “If you don’t tell us what we want we’re going to beat you like your poor friend Pak.”

[@captainvader921]

Andy Serkis being in Star Wars again was a surprise to be sure, but a welcome one

[@andyb1653]

Hopefully they don't chop him in half with a lightsaber this time.

[@Lord-Emperor-Vader]

@@andyb1653 I think he is safe from that since Tony Gilroy is not a stupid fat Hobbit.

[@daveyjoneslocker4703]

@@andyb1653 dude it wouldn’t surprise me if they chop him in half with one of those laser drills lmao

[@andyb1653]

@@daveyjoneslocker4703 I actually hope they get him in on the escape plan, I love me a good redemption arc.

[@abeautifuldayful]

I see what you did there. I'm here for it too. I hear the cheery echo of Palpatine!

[@MELODYMUNRO]

Andor is adding the layers of depth to the story of Galactic struggle that Star Wars needed. And it's doing it with artful writing, acting and world building. It is the Star Wars I always wanted.

[@ThatBigCactus]

This episode really really brought it all together. I was on the fence and about the vibe of the show, namely the crew trying to steal the payroll that was focused on so heavily. Felt kind of cheap to have so much time spent on just them in a valley. But this episode really kicked the series into gear. The snowball is going downhill now. Exactly as you say the story has tons of depth, and the time spent pushing that snowball uphill means we got a THOROUGH build of each character, their motivations, their circumstances, their constraints, their guiding philosophies. What a pleasure to watch

[@Area1313J]

And Tony Gilroy saying there would be no fan service 😂😂 he’s dropping subtle and beautiful fan service every week. I love this show I wish Obi wan was handled like this

[@jetblast190]

Fan service done well.

[@originaldarkwater]

I think in this case you call it an Easter Egg, Callback or Deep Cut. Fan Service usually implies blatant and often overdone. (I'm looking at you, Dave Filoni... I love you, but you've got to stop hitting ppl over the head with this stuff.)

[@larrote6467]

you have no idea what fan service means

[@originaldarkwater]

@@larrote6467 Technically, it's a neutral term, if that's what you mean, but in recent years, it has taken on a bit of a pejorative context, especially among mainstream audiences.

[@allwalledup]

If Tony Gilroy wrote obi wan it would have been a masterpiece. I think he’s earned his place in the holy trinity of Star Wars saviours along side filoni and favreau.

[@CaptainLore]

I liked the symbolism they used with breathing. It’s small, but in regards to the empire the man in the prison tells Cassian “you’re just taking a breather? Get back to work” (that one was paraphrased) and Cinta says “you think the empire stops to catch it’s breath?”. This contrasts the scene we see about Maarva and the rebellion where Bix says “your breathing is weak”. This shows how the empire is strong and unwavering while the rebellion is still weak and trying to get a foothold. Normally I would think it was a coincidence but with this show I am much more confident that it wasn’t. Loving the attention to detail in this show.

[@ThatBigCactus]

Wow. Fantastic observation.

[@-Truth-Is-Singular]

Very apt. Also, Luthen says something like the Empire has been slowly strangling us.

[@MedalionDS9]

Another winner of an ep. Love how the show keeps building tension and setting up the new arc. When Cassian winds up in the Imperial underwater prison, and you learn how it works... I can't help but feel the whole thing is also a metaphor for how the Empire works and what it takes to escape the grip of the Empire. Seven layers, everyone competing against one another in smaller factions for small prizes to survive and getby, than worrying about how to escape the overall prison. By the end of the episode, Cassian has focused so much on how the system works and how to thrive in that Prison than hatching a plan to escape... this is relevant to two things... 1) Cassian was once in Prison as a youth 2) The idea of Cassian carrying his prison wherever he goes as Chirrut once described of him in Rouge One. The different levels of the PRison have to come together to make an escape of the Prison... the ground is literally electrified... whereas in the Empire it's figurative. People are competing against one another, separated by power, influence, station, and distance... come together to form a Rebellion to break out of the Empire/Prison.

[@jonathanlin1000]

"It's like poetry..." But it actually is quite poetic.

[@ertymexx]

Sadly not just in the empire. What do you think this extreme individualism is for? The idea that we are all competing for success? The successful get a bit of flavor (luxuries), the failures get punished (with homlesness, lack of health care etc). It is a perfect metaphor for modern society. 😕

[@MedalionDS9]

@@ertymexx Despite what some people of certain political leanings say, we are not living under Imperial Fascist rule but I get your point. We don't get to win things like flavor in our food if we get our work productivity up.

[@Kevin_Street]

The economics of the prison don't make sense in a galaxy where droids can do repetitive work, so I think it's more a psychological experiment. Someone in a cubicle somewhere is testing new methods of social organization to exert control over large numbers of people in the least expensive way.

[@MedalionDS9]

@@Kevin_Street Droids are expensive and people hate them. Nothing replaces living labor because there's always more to making people do the work than just getting shit made... it is about controlling more about them than that.

[@scottcarver7393]

It’s a shame Disney and Lucasfilm destroyed their credibility leading up to this show, losing most of the audience that would’ve watched it. This really is the type of show I was waiting for.

[@jeremyfields9009]

They still should’ve released 3 episodes a week though

[@joebloggs6841]

@@jeremyfields9009 casual

[@Hellismary]

If it’s good and it is they’ll be back. If not 🤷🏾‍♂️ at least we all know and will carry the torch

[@originaldarkwater]

To be fair, I don't know that this would appeal to ALL fans, given that it is not traditional Star Wars at all. It IS an excellent example of how you can make a completely different genre (this is primarily suspense rather than action-adventure) work in the Star Wars universe, but it isn't necessarily for everyone. I think Star Wars needs this for it's future longevity, but I wish it had been against of background of resounding success rather than the relative failure of the two preceding series.

[@originaldarkwater]

@James Arnold I think he's talking about credibility with Star Wars fans, specifically, not the credibility of the service as a whole.

[@prestonkinsey2346]

Commenting and adding to the discussion in this tight-knit community is easily one of my favorite things to do week in and week out. I really admire the atmosphere you’ve fostered for the channel-being one that promotes intelligent, analytical thinking, intriguing discourse, and humble open mindedness. Keep up the awesome work and always stick to your unique, authentic perspective!

[@bowenhorne0616]

I was happy to have a surprise appearance from Andy Serkis, it’s always good when he shows up. I love how Serkis’s character is obsessively chasing those production scores because he’s so close to his sentence being up and doesn’t want to jeopardize that. It kinda serves as an example of what Cassian could become if he is stuck in there for that long. This is everything a good character study should be.

[@Kevin_Street]

Did Serkis's character have his sentence doubled as well? I think he said it was two hundred and some days, maybe it was just over a hundred days before Aldhani. No wonder he's so focused on obeying the rules and getting out!

[@shevisloane6535]

Serkis’ Kino will have his sentence lengthened again and this will be a catalyst to him wanting to break out and rebel along with the rest of the block.

[@sirmarshall9521]

Andor is what Star Wars can be when someone with real vision and something to say is given the freedom to make something within the universe. More of this Lucasfilm.

[@andyb1653]

Cassian's greatest strength is his attention to detail. Nothing gets past that dude. It even works against him sometimes: His inability to ignore the commotion on Niamos is sort of what got him arrested.

[@darrengordon-hill]

You: "attention to detail" Him: wandering around looking suspicious You shills will say anything

[@andyb1653]

@@darrengordon-hill And you cynics will label someone a "shill" at the drop of a hat. Lighten up, I just like the show man.

[@darrengordon-hill]

@@andyb1653 And you Easter egg junkies will label someone "undereducated unsophisticated action junkie" at the drop of a hat Lighten up, it's just a show, man.

[@andyb1653]

@@darrengordon-hill You're the one who seems to have a chip on their shoulder over this, man. You came in with the attitude, you came in with the namecalling. I didn't call you shit. All I did was like a TV show, and had the nerve to say something positive about it. Go bother someone else, and grow the f*ck up. "Go touch grass", as my nephew would say.

[@quiqsilver5612]

@Darren Gordon-Hill someone had a bad day 😭😭

[@marconeves1979]

Excellent analysis, Thor! This is BY FAR the best planned, written, acted, cast, edited.... everything really. Maybe John Williams music is missing, but I even like the Blade Runner/Mass Effect-sounding score. I adore this show. This is high level Star Wars. Hopefully we can get this kind of writing and acting for Mando and legacy character cameos one day. Could you imagine a Luke Skywalker New Jedi Order adventures series made by Tony Gilroy and this team? Ah.... but I dream....

[@weezyslob]

It’s fantastic. As soon as it ends I have a smile on my face and can’t wait for the next one. For me personally this is the best Star Wars show to date. It was clearly made by people great at their craft, and with some much care for detail and storytelling. Not all Star Wars needs to be like this, but all Star Wars SHOULD be handled with this much care and respect for its audience.

[@ThatBigCactus]

Easily the best show and it's not even worth comparing. The madalorian ones felt like a comic book adapted to TV, very unserious. Obi Wan sucked. This is outstanding amongst any TV show not just Star Wars ones

[@brianomdahl8377]

Imagine for a moment - if even 1/10th of the amount of care and attention to writing that has been shown so far on Andor had been applied to the Sequel Trilogy. The Sequel Trilogy might almost have become palatable.

[@trevorlloyd9202]

really enjoying how confident the writers are in letting things just get quiet and allowing the characters interact and develop

[@tj3603]

I absolutely love this series. After disaster of Kenoby and Boba Fet's shows it surprised me in a good way. Everything makes sense. Every character have flaws and advantages, everyone acting according to their values. Yes, Empire throwing people out of their homes and sending random bystanders to prison to work them to death, but they doing all of this not because they mustache twirling EVIL, but out of very pragmatic and understandable reasoning, which is more terrifying in "banality of evil" sort of way. Good guys aren't jumping into action without plan and walk out under shared oversized coat, as bloody cartoon characters. No they build careful strategies, counting risks, vetting their people, trying to pull in more supporters by aligning their interests to one purpose, and it's not easy, people die because enemy is smart and ruthless. We need more of that in SW.

[@xlrouge]

The dialogue is excellent, very well written and very intelligent

[@musichere3287]

I thought it was really interesting how closely Cassian observed his surroundings when he was brought to the prison and the working room. He was basically planning his escape already there. He knew that was likely his only chance to see all the possible escape routes and weaknesses of the prison. As Luthen said in Episode 3: "Rule number two, build your exit on your way in"

[@kenward1310]

I had no idea what Tony Gilroy had up his sleeve for this show, and I'm blown away. He's assembled a writing all-star team for this project. His own track record speaks for itself, but his brother Dan wrote the Jake Gyllenhaal film Nightcrawler which is fantastic. Then I see in the end credits Beau Willimon wrote an episode, and he co-wrote a lot of the early House of Cards episodes with David Fincher. Andor has been a storytelling masterclass. Disney should be thanking their lucky stars Gilroy agreed to sign on for this project.

[@pau259]

Quick note: the numbers on Cassian's cell do change, they go from 2189 to 2159

[@elliejf]

one theory is maybe the prison switches each prisoners cell so they can’t keep anything and they don’t have a “home” to break them even furthee

[@benjaminroe311ify]

This show is a masterpiece so far! The writing and the character and world development is so realistic I have rarely felt like this world was so real as I do now. Before Star Wars inspired me, amazed me. This show is making me feel REAL feelings. It's quite amazing. Example. The realistic nature of the procedures in the prison. Crazy how it gives the vibes of actual prisons and tactics from Earth. Feels like it REALLY could have happened.

[@Sone01TheFirst]

Its a solid show, not a masterpiece, please don't be one of those people who dilute the meaning of masterpiece by applying it to literally anything you like.

[@NovelPhoinix]

"Lets agree, it was a masterpiece!"

[@RampidWarthogStudios]

I know not everyone loves it. But I’m just glad to have a show I can sit back and relax knowing I’m going to enjoy each weeks episode

[@ellis6939]

When you speak about the lack of aliens you have seen, that is talked about in the conversation between Saul and Luthen. The different secs in the rebellion and humanity. There are many (which is known now) that don't accept aliens. This is the 1st time Star Wars (television) has been this detailed. Really loving this show.

[@darrengordon-hill]

Yay, throwaway lines of dialogue

[@megalord2598]

That dosent explain extras like ho watch rebels it has bunch of aliens as not imperials nor rebels

[@ellis6939]

@@megalord2598 your point is exactly what they are talking about. There are different secs in the galaxy. That have their own way of doing things.

[@megalord2598]

@@ellis6939 still lazy

[@ellis6939]

@@megalord2598 if that's how you feel, cool. Simple solution is if you don't like the show don't watch it. If you do like it enjoy it. And for those saying there aren't aliens in the show or enough aliens, they are at least in the show (episode 1,2,3,5, 6 and 7). They're just not the main focus.

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

It's a shame that some people have equated "slow pace" with "boring". Slow? At times, yes. Boring? Absolutely not. There are so many levels of nuance going on here and always something interesting to look at, listen to or think about. And as you say, the writing, acting and directing (and cinematography, effects, etc) are all top-notch. For anyone sitting on the fence about whether they should invest their time in this show, I'd say watch the first 3 or 4 episodes and see how it grabs you.

[@bjrmagic1]

Yea I been pushing it to everyone , and some people have been saying it’s boring . I tell them to give it time , invest with the characters . This is a great start to fixing SW.

[@christophernuzzi2780]

I'm loving Andor as well. I wish this series was getting more attention - fans are missing out!

[@andyb1653]

I agree, but at the same time I get why fewer ppl are watching Andor. Most Star Wars shows are designed to be for all ages, where Andor is clearly made for more mature viewers. That's going to result in fewer views, but better reception from the people who DO watch, which is exactly what we're seeing.

[@jonathanfilson6399]

Ya know what I love about this episode? Cassian barely spoke in the entire episode, and yet Diego’s acting is so brilliant that it feels like we really experienced all the emotions he was feeling from shock to acceptance to starting to observe to eventually form a long term plan to get out. Also agree that the lack of aliens bothers me a bit, but the rest of the show is so well done I’m absolutely fine with it. Oh and the design of that prison and their motivations to work are cruelly genius. Such amazing writing.

[@nickallen2288]

This has made me so excited to eventually go back and re-watch rouge one. Will be a treat for real.

[@jetblast190]

Agreed. I think Andor is doing for Rogue One what TCW did for the PT.

[@nickallen2288]

@@jetblast190 yup. And just like TCW, rogue one was VERY well done. Now I will just enjoy it that much more

[@joseangelhernandez5274]

The level of care and well thought out story arcs has been phenomenal so far. Forrest Whitaker brought an oscar (or is it emmy?) worthy performance.

[@johnosullivan1480]

The show is so tense...there is a palpable growing tension in every scene...in every interaction...in every episode...in every arc. There are surprises that aren’t just put in for shock value. There is mystery and intrigue that is well though out and not just co fusion in writing dressed up as psuedo-intrigue...

[@jayplay8140]

Andor is so good, best thing since Rouge One, love it

[@dozyproductionss]

not saying much.

[@jonathanhallberg3009]

One character they introduced in the show that I didn't really expect was Melshi, one of the rebels who joined Andor and Jyn to Scarif. And I loved seeing him again! But overall, great episode as always. And as a swede I love seeing a swedish actor (of course Stellan Skarsgård) have such a prominent role in the show.

[@johnnyrockets6667]

Yeah I just heard he name Melshni and I’m like ohhh it’s that guy!

[@kylekatarn5964]

Stellan is a fantastic actor.

[@UpshiftUnlimited]

This show is fantastic! We do actually see his day count down, the 8 changes into a 5 as the scene shifts to daylight! Great breakdown as always.

[@WTFG78]

Yeah, it's very subtle- the 8 and the 5 look almost identical. I had to rewind it a couple times to see it.

[@RoboticDrift]

Yep, was going to comment the same.

[@nixneato]

Now, it's so nice to see so much positivity towards such a high-quality show. Goes to show we don't want to complain for the sake of complaining, all we want is quality content. I totally agree, this show really is like a good book, with various chapters/substories per episode, which take their time to develop before they finally all collide. Characters are flushed out in a way we have rarely seen, both in terms of personality and motivations, and I just love how they take the TV format and use it for the benefit of character development. I also agree with the fact that it's so good that even the minor stuff we could get nitpicky for, justv doesn't matter when compared to the rest. Let's hope it lasts...

[@JohnSheppard1]

This is an Episode 8 to be proud of. Oh, hey Rian. Didn't see you there. What? No. We're not talking about your Episode 8.

[@axelpurcell9030]

As iffy as george could be with the writing, the politics of the Star Wars Universe was always so interesting to me and is what made me such a superfan of Star wars. Seeing the incredible groundwork George laid be expanded upon by such a talented show-runner is pretty much all i could want out of Star Wars to be honest. Star Wars went from black and white good and evil in the OT, to now one of the greatest allegories for the rise and fall of authoritarianism in modern fiction and the fact that this is supplemented with all the fun stuff as well just makes this franchise so incredible to me.

[@ellicel]

I am so curious to know if he’s watching and what he thinks. In terms of the mechanics and politics of the prequels, this is the closest live action SW has gotten to his vision, imo.

[@charlessomerset9754]

Andor is phenomenal. It reminds me of when they got Lawrence Kasdan to write Empire, and you ended up with a very mature film that became a critical darling. No one is talking Emmy yet, but I would be surprised if it wasn't at least nominated. Not just for the writing, but for the acting as well.

[@L33Reacts]

This is adult Star Wars. Time to grow up boys, we can enjoy art too.

[@darrengordon-hill]

"OMG, a strip club" "OMG, murder" OMG, they mentioned "separatist" and "neo Republican""

[@fl1tz4r]

I'm glad you brought up the usage of "Earth terms." I did a double-take when they called the refresher a toilet It's a minor nitpick, but the timer does actually go down during the transition, from 2189 to 2159, signifying the 30 shifts

[@dereklopez9060]

When one of the inmates step off his cell and literally dies, kinda reminds me of Squid Game.

[@thorskywalker]

I got a little bit of those vibes too.

[@sieg11ful]

I'm always looking forward to your Andor review, your comments are well articulate and thoughtful, not like bigger channels where some hosts struggle to keep their attention and put their brains to work

[@darktower0603]

Theory completely lost me with his 1/10 filler BS. Sick of the negativity.

[@gator7082]

@@AdjustingLight That is true, and they get mad when you call them out on their B.S.

[@darrengordon-hill]

TRANSLATION: "My niche clique is too cool for mainstream" You guys suck

[@johnfritzjerald4535]

Show has been fantastic!

[@chasehedges6775]

Same here. It’s awesome even if it’s a bit slow at points

[@toneymitchell1032]

This show is a breath of fresh air. I’m so impressed with the quality in writing, acting, cinematography, music, my God it’s so good. 😊

[@BBDragon66]

I have been enjoying Andor in a way I did not expect. Really good all around story and atmosphere.

[@BladeValant546]

IMHO this is what star wars needed.

[@banthafodder1408]

I’m glad you appreciate this show as much as I do. The dumpster fires lately have been a drag.

[@ArgentWolf95]

This prison section is some of the best I've seen depicting the horrors of the Empire, you can tell that the writers and director knew what he's doing. This looks exactly like a sci fi take on a Gulag, which is brilliantly done. They keep the workers demoralized, feed them enough to keep them good enough to work, sow distrust. It's brilliant.

[@dianesinger9729]

Well done I really enjoyed the breakdown especially the scenes with Saw and Luthan.

[@bsmithhammer]

After seeing the scene with Vel & Cinta in Ep 8, and the things that Cinta says, I no longer have any doubt that she killed that family at the conclusion of the Aldhani raid. She's a stone cold operator, no doubt due in no small part to having her entire family killed by stormtroopers.

[@BRONZALiVE]

The reason I love this ep is cause at this point the story is moving around to multiple places, like in ep 1-4 we were o oh focused on single groups for one ep, this ep we go from character to character showing how the pieces are moving, very good

[@mattmobily1975]

It is a good show but I'm afraid the burn is so slow that it will be extinguished before catching fire.

[@chasehedges6775]

Same. Still, slow burn is better than rushed pacing.

[@benjaminroe311ify]

It's a valid concern... But I would say... they have done well with this so far. It certainly caught fire in episodes 3 and 6. I enough so that I trust it is going to flame up each time. If any arc falls flat they would be in trouble. But I feel we will have two wonderful bursts in episodes 10 and 12. If they execute it well I will pay it the respect it probably deserves as the BEST STAR WARS content post original trilogy. Right now it's on the right track.

[@L33Reacts]

Just hold on bud. We’re almost there.

[@positiverebirth]

For shows that stand the test of time, this is not an issue.

[@mattmobily1975]

@@positiverebirth Only if the show is given the time to which it can stand and be tested.

[@nightmare_1337]

By far my favorite so far. I loved how this episode constantly throws questions at you. Like, why are the prisoners not allowed to wear shows, how do they make them work or what's the reward for winning the day. But what I loved even more was how these questions were answered. Another great thing was the display of how "evil" the empire actually is: Perfectly organized enslavement of half of the galaxy. But hey, as long as you don't do anything bad you don't have to worry, right? Overall so many great moments, especially Andor finally realizing the rammifications of his actions on Aldhani. Ngl I have been waiting for this video to come out just to share some of my thoughts. That alone should tell you how good that was. Can't wait to see how Andor gets out of the prison. Considering everything we've seen so far there is no way there will just be a bs deus-ex-machina.

[@ellicel]

You’re so right! Even when you know where the show is headed they still manage to surprise you. Like, we all knew that Syril and Dedra were going to meet…I did not expect that it would go as badly as it did. But in retrospect, I can see how it totally fits both characters in the way it was handled. So, yes, even though we know Cassian escapes, I completely agree with you that they’ve earned our trust that however they do it will have elements of surprise and (most important) will make sense. They won’t take a shortcut and just have Andor overpower one guard, put on his boots, and run outside! 😂

[@shamanpj]

I loved episode 8. I have seen it 3 times already, and appreciate it more and more each time. It is perfectly intertwining multiple stories all at once: Casian, Luthen, Cyril, Mon Mothma, Marva / Ferrix, ISB. The prison scene is so well thought out, the desperation and hopelessness of their situation shines through. I feel sorry for all incarcerated there. There is lots of irony throughout. Casian did not do anything to be there, yet he did escalate the situation with his part in the bank robbery heist. The ISB is looking for him, despite the fact he is already in their penal system. Just like with Jyn Erso in Rouge One.

[@Drave_Jr.]

The one thing about the competition, you aren't actively made to distrust your teammates, but look out for them, since the punishment and rewards are shared between them, and if one breaks, the team suffers. Teams are encouraged to help each other, trust that they'll do what they need to do. It's kinda hinted at since one of the Scarif rebels is with Andor in prison right now, that trust will develop in the team.

[@cyberdan42]

I'm very much noticing a different attitude in Mon Mothma's daughter; in the early episodes, she appeared as a sullen daughter, but in this episode, she seemed more tense and nervous, and I feel something is happening. Also, I did love the apathy on display in the party, entitled, wealthy elite with no connection to the people they are supposed to represent.

[@otakubullfrog1665]

I really hope that Cassian is largely the architect of his own escape. It's fine if he gets some help (which I'm sure he'll need), but it would be disappointing if somebody just rescues him from the outside. I can't wait to see whatever shifts him from playing along with the prison to playing against it and I'm sure that some of his fellow inmates will get in his way as much as the guards do.

[@StraightOtohGunga]

The series has been super interesting and has kept me on the edge of my seat, I really am not sure where all the boring comments come from. I will take this over mando and boba standing in the middle of the street deflecting dozens of blaster bolts. Quality writing here

[@Dynnen]

Their advisor they have for how intelligence groups works is spot on. I once gave a briefing to a 1 star general who seemed to be napping or reading other things while I gave a brief to him and a packed room. At the end of nearly half an hour of anxiety inducing talking I asked if he had any questions. He has about twenty or so very pertinent questions. He and Col Yularen were doing this to test the briefer and their confidence. Col Yularen was listening and just needed as much convincing as the Major needed. This also happens, having to prove your case over and over again. It keeps fresh eyes on your analysis.

[@istari0]

It's such a joy to be able to watch this show each week and go in confident that it will be well done. This time, Cassian is already stuck in a bad place while the walls close in (and in a couple of places) catch up with the other characters in the show. I suspect that when Cassian gets out of prison (and that should be a treat in and of itself), that Vel and Cintra will catch up to him at his mother's house and that either Vel or Cintra (or possibly both) will die there. There's so many possibilities at this point and they all look interesting.

[@Bellomancer]

I love that the show gives so much meat in it's run-time too, that you can talk about it at length!

[@joshfournier9390]

Im not even close to burning out on this show. I dont get the complaints

[@dallasclark5533]

I think the people calling it boring just have short attention spans.

[@D.Records]

I'm really enjoying this series so far, first couple of episodes didnt really hook me in but I gave it a chance and glad that I did because each episode has gotten better and better and it's a breath of fresh air for star wars.

[@Hino707]

At 25:06 I feel like this sequence in the show really emphasizes why he joins the rebellion full throttle because he sees what the empire does to people they deem to be unworthy innocent or otherwise.

[@DJFrankeeTNT]

I need to respond. I enjoy your videos a lot. We’re on the same page with Andor. As much as I like the Mandalorian, not one episode of that had be begging to speed time to next weeks episode like Andor has. Truly the best written show “for me” since GoT seasons 1-5, Deep Space Nine and The Sopranos. I’ll write again soon. Be well :)

[@jacobp249]

One extra thing not mentioned in the vid was that one inmate that seemingly took his life in despair of his situation. I mean, damn...

[@sbentsen2714]

Was going to watch this video but I'm only on episode 3, just started this evening, I wish I didn't waste my time with rings of power, wish I had started this instead. The show is blowing me away at the quality of production and writing and story 💯💪🏼 I hope we can get more of this type of storytelling

[@sammixon6715]

This was yet another amazing episode. This show never disappoints. It continues to give us more glimpses into the galaxy and inner workings of the empire, through showing us the prison and how it functions. It’s doing so much to make you feel the threat of the empire, and why the rebellion needed to form. I can’t think of another piece of Star Wars media that’s made me feel the actual war more than Andor. I honestly don’t get people that call it boring. I mean, you’re obviously entitled to your own opinion, but this show functions as a purposeful slow burn to build characters, and story. Not everything needs to be constant blasters and space battles. A payoff is only as good as it’s setup, and Andor is a textbook example of this. Also, the Andy Serkis reveal was brilliant.

[@QuestionMan]

I came up with those exact same two potential justifications for the facility being human only: specist empire and logistics.

[@theRealTyanStrategy]

His sentence does actually reduce by 30 days. It is a quick moment, but it was a nice detail.

[@chileanyways196]

Star Wars theory really gave this episode a 1 out of 10 lol

[@EpicTrailRides]

This show goes right over his head. His "review" was painful to watch

[@ellicel]

It’s not that I don’t want to be open minded and understand another person’s perspective…it’s just that I’m so tired of the negativity surrounding SW that when there’s a show that is objectively firing on all cylinders when it comes to the production values and the acting. And for once not breaking canon or destroying the legacy characters, then even if the story isn’t to your liking, it should still get a pass for at least doing SOME things right. I started that review and couldn’t finish it 😂

[@EpicTrailRides]

@@ellicel yes it would be nice if he could just acknowledge that its a HUGE step in the right direction in terms of creative effort (and maybe he has), even if it isn't his thing. But no he constantly takes digs at the show and acts as though it's bad for Star Wars.

[@sandwhich1172]

I agree, after seeing how he treats a show of this quality I’m inclined to watch his content less. This show is the best Starwars I’ve seen since Rogue One

[@vijaydizzle]

@@sandwhich1172 agree 100 pct!

[@ryang8040]

Actually we do see the time change on the screen from 2189 to 2159. I remember that specifically. It was somewhat subtle.

[@beezysbeatz4924]

Having aliens up close and interacting with the cast is much more expensive especially CGI characters.

[@cheneymoss6402]

I am also really enjoying Andor. It is pretty much everything I had hoped it would be. Yes, it may be a lot slower than the typical Star Wars content, but the writing and story has more than made up for that. I love how they are putting a lot of time and effort into all the various characters (including those with the Empire), it adds a lot to the story.

[@YegRon]

I’m ready to say it. For myself, this is the best Star Wars since Empire. I like much of the prequels, I like parts of the sequels. I’ve really enjoyed the Mandalorian. But this story that Gilroy has weaved together is just so immersive. I can get lost in it. I hope we get more like this.

[@jeremymnemonic5226]

I agreed 100%

[@jamesgravil9162]

"In the Clone Wars he [Yularen] seemed like a pretty good guy, but here he is leading the ISB." Darth Vader: "Welcome to my world."

[@johnnyrockets6667]

It just feels so real, Almost like it actually happened. I came out of that episode just feeling great because the quality is just so good.

[@MasterTim1127]

First off, I'm really enjoying all of the different stories playing out. It shows many different sides of the galaxy as they fight this war. The rich politicians bicker about overreach while the normal folk suffer under the hand of imperial garrisons. Pulling from that same thread you have Cassian in prison because of that same overreach, while ISB continues to close its fist. Beautiful storytelling. My favorite thread is Deadre and the ISB. I was hoping to see more of the inner workings of the empire in this show and I am pleased to get it.

[@2Schway4u]

Gotta admit, those prison guards do have some sick kicks.

[@papabull8993]

I love this show, and wish more people were actually watching it. Thanks for the review.

[@tedarcher9120]

Also look at the guards boots. They have some locking mechanism so even if inmates overpower one or several guards, they can't take their shoes off in time

[@cyberdan42]

Not since Darth Vader's initial appearance has the Empire scared me; in Andor, it does. In film, the Empire has never horrified me (it has in written fiction); now, in Andor, it has. Amazing show thus far.

[@ellicel]

I think in trying to show how “heroic” the protagonists are, they forgot to make the threat real. Like how they tried to make Riva scary by showing how she’s ready to kill indiscriminately but then in the next breath (almost) they have a 10-year old dressing her down without consequence. Why would I fear that? In Andor, we see how legitimately afraid they are of even a single tie-fighter or a couple of stormtroopers and you can’t help but be afraid on their behalf. I think that actually makes them even braver when they do act.

[@ArgentWolf95]

@@ellicel also the writing has gottten childish in the recent outings, too much Marvel style quips, more telling and less showing. Stormtroopers being turned into jokes as opposed to elite military/ marines. Andor has been a great, refreshing take on it, it's the kind of stuff that the old expanded universe did.

[@samm1926]

I am really loving the pacing of this. There's a build up to everything, and nothing feels rushed at this point. It has a weight to it

[@positiverebirth]

This was the best episode of this show to me by far.

[@MrTimotheousWard]

I really love that scene with Saw. I really want someone to speculate about what each of those political ideologies are that saw mentions.

[@kylekatarn5964]

Notice how he bristled at the mention of name Krieger (a known Separatist). The death of his sister still hurts deep for Saw.

[@audience2]

I didn't know who the leader of floor 5 was but I was aware I was looking at a good actor.

[@Timeculture]

I was just impressed by that prison and the black militia leader. It’s all so well done that you wouldn’t know it’s Thesame movie at all. The prison is so very well crafted and strange to the sensory understanding of we the viewers. And that is fully captured in andor’s confusion in that facility. The black warlord (an ode to African warlords) is a character that was well written. A very very skeptical warlord and stubborn too, immersed in his conviction and very intelligent

[@betitovader]

Totally agree with the lack of aliens … ok maybe the prison is human segregated only but like I expect a lot more aliens in coruscant

[@ellicel]

By adding realistic and weighty consequences we experience a real sense of worry for the well-being of all the characters to whom we’ve been introduced as well as for Cassian himself, even though we know his ultimate fate. Now that we’ve empathized with people like Dedra and Luthen, we get how ruthless they can be…not merely because of the choices they make but because we grew to understand their point of view. This adds layers to the tension we feel as we observe their interactions with others.

[@shadowsentry2112]

Looks like we’re finally getting some answers as to who Snoke was

[@m.r.clutter2959]

Any One notice if u read LUTHEN RAEL'S NAME BACKWARDS & jumble it a bit it + 1st letter o his assistant LEARN THE CLU is what it reads Aint seen nobody mention it yet, but little details like that is just more proof of all the thought they point into the series. TRULY SHOWS WHATS POSSIBLE WHEN PEPPLE CARE ABOUT THE STORY THEIR CRAFTING

[@andreborba5009]

As a starwars fan that listens to your videos for about 4 years by now, it is refreshing to see you finally really enjoying something lol It makes me a little optimistic, idk.

[@rogeriopenna9014]

About how logical and tight the writing is (compared to the thousands of Star Destroyers built in the middle of nowhere from Force Awakens) At episode 4, the ISB supervisor commends Dedra Meero for her far above the quota DETENTION NUMBERS at a sector. This is long before the Prison arc of the story. They explain at episode 4, WHY such detentions are happening. The ISB has quotas to fill, and the competition between ISB officers lead to bullshit detentions like that of Andor.

[@JonZiegler6]

Real life historical note: Soviet Gulags and Nazi concentration camps used prisoners as mini-managers as played by Andy Serkis. They tended to be rather nasty as we see (not all though).

[@buckeyeguy458]

Star Wars Theory literally gave this episode a 1/10 lol😂

[@brownfox8784]

Syril vs Dedra. The reason Syril smiles is because the Dedra tells him exactly what to do. She wants him to initiate another inquiry so that it comes to the attention her superiors. Initially, it may seem she has abandoned him, but no, she wants him to continue on this path, but cannot say it openly, so she tells him what will happen if he continues on this path, which is he will speak to someone above her, which is what they both want, and thats why he smiles because he realizes she wants him to push on.

[@ProdCritic]

Andor has completely spoiled me, it's the first Star Wars show I've recommended to people as a top tier TV drama as opposed to just another pop culture show. I literally have to consciously adjust my expectations when I watch other Star Wars content now because it's not as well written as Andor.

[@lfrizzlyl2244]

so happy kathleen kennedy is not here to ruin it❤️