Why Star Wars Andor is GREAT - Andor Season One Review

Andor's first season is complete! So let's talk about the entire story and whether or not it works. (Spoiler alert: It really, really does)
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[@mydreaminorbit9297]

The dynamic between Cassian and Jyn has been elevated exponentially because of this series, Rogue One has been elevated, the Empire has been elevated as well. This series has done exactly what I wanted it to do and more. Enhancing the universe in the best way possible. Nothing felt random or out of place. Every character felt real and had a purpose. The show is so good that any problems I have are pushed to the way side. This story was very much Star Wars. No Jedi or Sith were needed to tell a great story. Showing that Star Wars can be done in this way if in the right hands.

[@thimovijfschaft3271]

The whole dynamic between Cassian and Jyn is interesting after this because Cassian sees himself in Jyn.

[@johnmiller7682]

You're so right about it elevating the Empire. In every other iteration of Star Wars, we get the idea that the Empire is evil. But we never really see it. Starting with A New Hope, Lukes family seems to be living a relatively good life. Hell, Luke want's to join the academy. Andor shows exactly how evil and oppressive the Empire is. There is no doubt that they are the bad guys.

[@l33t9r0u93]

@@Kelpwoud which is hilarious since they blew up a planet in ep4 x) But yeah on screen oppression of 10 people will always be more powerful than a tennis ball exploding

[@irmaosmatos4026]

Saw Guerrera too as a character was made better

[@arneczool6614]

@@johnmiller7682And even better: At the same time they show us, how still absolutely normal people get to work for the empire, not especially because they are evil, but rather for mulltiple reasons, like career and so on … Andor is like a bunch of bricks that have been missing in the fundation of a building

[@Blazecap]

This is not only the best Star wars show but it’s simple one of the best Star Wars things period.

[@ryanjohnson3392]

I thought it was pretty mid. Not much happened in 12 episodes.

[@icomarv17]

@@ryanjohnson3392 post this as your own comment

[@Bad_Wolf_Media]

@@ryanjohnson3392 If you think "not much happened," you either weren't paying attention or all you care about is lasers and explosions, because there was a metric ton that happened in this series.

[@CantankerousDave]

Not even “great Star Wars” - it’s great for any genre.

[@icon517]

@@ryanjohnson3392 Give it another try. Maybe watch the three-episode arcs altogether; that might help some people who have trouble with the pacing.

[@jimw966]

Nina Gold is a casting genius. She knows talent. Also works for HBO, so some GOT alums and Chenobyl folks popped up and are fantastic. This was a great series.

[@iamunamed5800]

who was in the show from Chernobyl besides Stellan Skarsgård?

[@BigMikeMcBastard]

@@iamunamed5800 Jared Harris. Many other good actors, including the guy who plays the ISB/rebel informant and the guy who played Maester Luwin on GoT.

[@budakbaongsiah]

@@BigMikeMcBastard *Qyburn, not Luwin.

[@Zhicano]

@@BigMikeMcBastard forgot the gut who played Lord Royce

[@roughjc]

“Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. ” - Nemik

[@soondslash]

There will be times when the struggle seems impossible. I know this already. Alone, unsure, dwarfed by the scale of the enemy. Remember this. Freedom is a pure idea. It occurs spontaneously, and without instruction. Random acts of insurrection are occurring constantly throughout the galaxy; there are whole armies, battalions that have no idea that they've already enlisted in the cause. Remember that the frontier of the Rebellion is everywhere, and even the smallest act of insurrection pushes our lines forward. And then remember this: the Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks. It leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that. And know this: the day will come when all these skirmishes and battles, these moments of defiance will have flooded the banks of the Empire's authority, and then there will be one too many. One single thing will break the siege. Remember this: try.

[@mattblom3990]

Andor's brilliance in that just having good characters, lacking superpowers, in the Star Wars universe just trying to make their way in a cruel galaxy is so entertaining. It was interesting in all moments 9.5/10

[@brandonsclips7741]

This is legitimately one of the best shows I've seen in awhile, let alone star wars. It made me fall in love with the on screen characters again and made me care about Cassian to the point where he's one of my favorites. It actually breaks my heart that we're most likely never getting a physical release of this show. I want to out it up there with all the other star wars stuff that is close to my heart

[@sirrickardjameses]

It's the most I've enjoyed a show since season 3 of the Expanse

[@nevilleneville6518]

It's like the cast and script and production values of Game of Thrones seasons 1-4 had a love child with John le Carre that was born into the Star Wars universe

[@AndrewBehm]

Dear Lord I just want a steel book of this wonderful show

[@nlptrckshmn5535]

@@nevilleneville6518 I like that analogy.

[@nutmegriot209]

the next star wars celebration should air it in its entirety.. 6 episodes one day, and the last 6 the next day. its probly mind-blowing in a theatre. wish all cities could do that actually, just for one weekend for sw fans (like Toronto did for Kenobi)

[@StuartLugsden]

I like that we didn't see the empire at all in the first 3 episodes and preox morlana was the villain fraction. I want more of that.

[@benjaminroe311ify]

I loved it too and it certainly built the world out more. I don't know if it would be smart to keep the ACTUAL empire out of many episodes in the future of Andor or other pieces that take place during the imperial reign. It was a bit of a turn off for many. I personally think those people are simple minded in what they like but I would like the shows to have more broad appeal in aspects like this.

[@MrHereWeGoYo]

For me, the focus on and portrayal of Mon Mothma has been the most surprisingly enjoyable part of the show. She's gone from dismissed, passing character (in my mind) to I absolutely LOVE her.

[@luurchify]

I love that Palpatine is not in this because it enhances that fact that the people in this world see them as a big faceless enemy.

[@poenpotzu2865]

I like that, Palpatine wouldn't even care about these people ans it makes his cruelty and oppression worse.

[@Bad_Wolf_Media]

I think the finale did for Stormtroopers what "The Tragedy" episode of Mando did for Boba Fett. In this case, it was showing Stormtroopers as the ruthless, brutal, efficient military assets that they're supposed to be, as opposed to the cartoony, buffoonish "paper targets" that they've otherwise turned into, including in the aforementioned "The Tragedy."

[@BigMikeMcBastard]

Stormtrooper who got kicked out of the tower was a chump.

[@ritayanchaudhuri8516]

The tragedy was one of the worst episode of the mandalorian. It took the stormtroopers who have already been memed into oblivion and turned them into their literal caricature.

[@almor2445]

Something only older Brits might notice: Even bit part characters like the old man on the train are played by actors with impressive chops in the UK. That guy has starred in movies and here he is chatting to Luthan on a train for 3 short scenes. I could not love this show more. It's the Star Wars I've been waiting for all my life. I even started to write something like this in my teens about a Star Destroyer bridge crew who realised they were on the wrong team and wanted to defect. It's easily the most interesting period in SW history.

[@rogeriopenna9014]

Hmmm... Your story sounds a little like the plot of the game Tie Fighter The first time I saw Coruscant. It also shows Mon Mothma in secret missions with the defecting admiral

[@almor2445]

@@rogeriopenna9014 maybe that's where I got the idea. Who knows.

[@rogeriopenna9014]

@@almor2445 so you played Tie Fighter?

[@almor2445]

@@rogeriopenna9014 guilty as charged

[@rogeriopenna9014]

@@almor2445 well I must confess I was Cyril in that game. An Empire supporter through and through. Those rebel terrorists! Order to the Galaxy!

[@forrestpenrod2294]

Andor S1 is the best season of Star Wars period, both live action and animation. Acting, writing, cinematography, score, editing, everything fired on all cylinders. The story managed to endear us to multiple POVs that seamlessly wove together into the best cross section of the galaxy ever and culminated in one of the best finales on Television. The themes were potent and true to the heart of Star Wars, the world building was exceptional, and the characters fascinating and memorable. Andor is sublime. This is a new bar for Star Wars, not in mood but in care, talent, and ambition. Pulp does not equal bad but its too often an excuse for basic or subpar writing/acting/directing.

[@younusimam-thesalamproject6340]

Its the best live action Star Wars stuff since the OT. Ive been yearning for something with this quality of writing and depth.

[@NoahsArt93]

The thing you said about cameos I am bummed Bail Organa wasn’t in it but I have a feeling he could be in season 2 since it will be in Yavin 4! And I think Tony Gilroy wouldn’t wanna do cameos for fan service but give a reason the character returned. Bail has a reason to be included since news was heavily involved in the rebellion. Palpatine would be a fan service type but if Gilroy could show the political side of palpatine, being all polite and manipulative at the same time, it could work. I can see Tony do it well but I can see him saying no. Overall 10/10 show! Also, I loved the empire not being buffoons but feeing like a real threat!

[@benjaminroe311ify]

So I have been reading some recent Tony Gilroy interviews and apparently the 2nd season is going to be 4 arcs with time jumps until the final arc leads right into the events of Rogue One. So yeah I expect the 2nd two arcs to deal with Yavin 4. Makes sense that we would start seeing Bail there, also I am not a super Rebels geek or anything but pretty sure it would make a whole lot of sense to get Hera Syndulla references or maybe even see her in live action at the base. She's there in Rogue One after all. But also Ezra, Ahsoka and others could be referenced. It would make a whole of sense in the earlier arcs for Luthen and Cassian to be getting intel from Fulcrum etc. Should be fun to watch it altogether. I am excited for the different arcs.

[@ajzeg01]

I believe there was a scheduling conflict that prevented Jimmy Smits from playing Bail in this series. He was filming Obi-Wan Kenobi at the time.

[@peterbui3733]

I like how this show adapted the various themes from The Last Jedi. Andor went from fighting for himself and not joining any sides to fighting to save what he loved (and those who fought to save him because they loved him). They contrast with some characters who stand against this ideal by fighting to destroy what they hate. Add to that the various sparks that ignite resistance and there were different points of view on how to do that (via manifesto, via action, or via making the oppressors oppress more).

[@pardox28]

I think this review epitomizes what I have come to love about this channel. You can love a series and can accept that others might not like it. I personally love some SW films that others hate. And I'm fine w/ ppl hating it. What I'm not fine with is ppl who hate a movie not allowing others to love it. The prequels were not for me, but I'm completely fine with ppl adoring them. We must as a fanbase step away from the gatekeeping that naturally seems to happen with all fanbases. Alex & Mollie are so good at not becoming gatekeepers. A certain SW reactor is rightfully getting a lot of heat for their gatekeeping & this channel is a refreshing break from that sort of toxicity. I just recently binged all of The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels so I could be more away of Ahsoka's history. Your older videos on TCW & SWR have been a joy to check out. I look forward to catching more of your videos as I look to watch S1 of the Bad Batch. Enjoy your vacation; you definitely have earned it.

[@AnnaBSexton]

I love how much of what went off screen left us the viewer the time to figure things out ourselves, even if we don't always get the full answers. I liked this around the main character deaths of Marvaa and Salman Pak

[@yagxr]

the quality of the show was just stunning. so why can’t we get this kind of writing and directing from shows the majority of star wars fans want to see? i would love to see tony gilroy have a show based on jedi and sith. i genuinely think he’s one of the best to have touched star wars and he deserves creative freedom, if he desires more after season 2.

[@CarterElkins]

With the incredible reception this show is getting, I'm pretty sure you'll get your wish, in time. I agree with your assessment of Gilroy. This was prime Star Wars content.

[@carsonbowles4567]

I agree, but I don't expect to see Tony Gilroy do much with Star Wars for a while after season 2 unless Disney just gives him a blank check. A lot of his interviews he talks about how consuming and intense making this show was

[@Fidelio116]

It’s a ridiculous show for children. It’s beyond boring.

[@yagxr]

@@Fidelio116 maybe that’s because it’s not made for children? idk. just a thought.

[@marvicty]

Deserves an Emmy nomination in my honest opinion

[@Dynnen]

On re-watch I've noticed that areas where the Empire has influence has less aliens and places where it doesn't has more aliens. I think this is to point out the xenophobia of the Empire. If y'all make a deep dive video exploring that Imma watch the hell out of it ❤️ Thanks for all the videos/interviews/streams during Andor, they have been fantastic!

[@spitfirez89]

Just watched the entire series over the weekend. Best things Disney's done with Star wars.

[@kirank287]

I loved this show so much. Can't wait for season 2

[@andymac4883]

Speaking as somebody who loved Andor from start to finish, I too was hesitant about a show about Cassian, not simply because he was a character who died, but one who died in his first appearance. Darth Vader gets to pop up over and over despite dying in RotJ because he was such a big character in three films already. He's a pop-culture icon, whereas Cassian most certainly wasn't. This isn't to say Cassian is a bad character in any way, but if you show a random person on the street a picture of him I'd bet big money that they wouldn't be able to recognise him nearly as easily as they would a picture of Vader. I agree that we could use more alien _characters_ rather than simply having alien set dressing. It doesn't quite follow to me that aliens have to equal pulpy, I really think that this team could pull off strange alien characters in a serious way. And ultimately, I wholeheartedly agree that Andor is great, and Mando is also great in different ways. It's frustrating to see people start ripping on Mando, as if quality in Star Wars is some bizarre zero-sum game, and a show can only be good at the expense of every other show. The two shows are doing different things, neither one is an inherently better idea than the other IMO, and it's perfectly fine to like both. Or to like one and not the other, whichever way around that goes. I just wish some people didn't seem to think that it's _required_ to like only one.

[@LevMass]

If you guys haven’t been listening to Tony’s interview on “The Watch” podcast with Andy Greenwald and Chris Ryan, you definitely should. It’s great to hear Gilroy’s thoughts and some of the inside baseball talk on making the series. It also kinda helps cleanse the pallet of just “Star Wars Slog” and allows you to appreciate this as just good television regardless of its connection to a greater universe and lore.

[@denverbax6329]

My only criticism is that there are only 2 seasons of this show with so many great character arcs, it rarely occurs that ALL characters of a series are great and acted phenomenally. Probs to this heavily underrated show

[@ugoeze7360]

Q/A for the people: Now that season one is finished and Catalyst and Rebel Rising is in the books (pun intended) Would you do a rewatch and do a review of Rogue One and reinterpret the movie in a different light, or would it be better would be better to wait until season two to get the complete Rogue One experience?

[@litphaniusmcmelloy4275]

I'll definitely wait for season 2 and rewatch the whole story

[@patrickrogers9689]

I rewatched Rogue One after ruminating a bit on season 1 and it already feels better and more fleshed out. Probably will do it again after season 2 and see if it changes some more.

[@amdi8966]

It’s a movie. Watch it when you want

[@TraceguyRune]

What do you mean different light? Nearly everyone I know likes Rogue One.

[@TraceguyRune]

@@litphaniusmcmelloy4275 I've already seen each Andor episode 3 or more times.

[@darthmaul8941]

But what about the bricks and screws Alex? That has no place in a galaxy filled with hundreds of planets!

[@BillyJr68]

I loved the show. I agree that every episode really built upon the previous ones to the point that episode 12 just knocked it out of the park. I really hope that more people come around to it's greatness.

[@elrobbio1]

Great slow burn. Doctor Zhivago meets Cold War type spy thriller. How did the rebellion start with regular ppl? How did the spies become spies. How did the Empire’s spies work against the growing dissent? So well done. Don’t even get me started on Andy’s Kino. His end was crushing and poetic. This really brought a lot of Star Wars home. No Jedi and no force powers. Regular people oppressed, unhappy and fighting back. Watching Cassian grow, seeing Mothma working and struggling. Luthen, what a great, new character. A good man who will sacrifice it all for the cause. It’s not straight good vs evil, but those horrible shades of grey. What trade offs and sacrifices need to happen for success. This is the great writing Star Wars needs. I can’t wait for season 2.

[@pilotdawn1661]

(00:43) "It felt more like an HBO drama..." And THAT is exactly why this show was exceptionally good. Best SW TV series, and better than ALL of the Disney Star Wars movies. Am re-watching this show...which did not even happen with GoT: House of the Dragon, as good as it was.

[@dansokulski4039]

Imo Mon Mothma and her acting was the hidden powerhouse and pleasant surprise of this series (among many…like, I knew Skarsgaard would be good … if THAT good?!?). How she rises to the top of the military chain in the rebellion will be fascinating. Took a vanilla character before and made her come alive!

[@benjaminroe311ify]

I agree. Andor is personally my favorite installment in Star Wars EVER! But I also love the Mandalorian and I don't want ALL shows made in the mode of Andor. I do wish that shows like Obi Wan and Book of Boba had a much "care of story" as Andor. But I am fine with the tone being different and the style being different. But lets get good writing, story and scene design in ALL the live action shows. Then if you want them to episodial, campy, funny, what have you... so be it. There is a place for that. Andor has just showed what care and attention looks like. Hope Disney takes notice.

[@davido.1233]

I find it hilarious that some people don't like that we get backstories of characters we see once or not very often in a media source. I was on the fence about seeing Captain Pike in Discovery season 2, but I quickly lost those feelings when I saw how awesome Anson Mount was in the role. I wasn't too thrilled about the Fantastic Beasts movies but I really did a 180-degree flip after watching the first movie three or four times. Just because we don't get much info of a character when we first meet them doesn't mean we can't get more info and like the character more as the lore progressively increases! Just look how much the fan-base exploded after getting the Mandalorian Wars comics or the Revan novel after Kotor finished.

[@aarontalksculture4946]

I agree. No gatekeeping in Star Wars. I personally feel that Andor is the best thing Star Wars has ever done. It's like they literally made the show for me personally. 🤣

[@fernandosanchezm]

this was so well crafted!! Tony Gilroy is a true professional

[@steveelshoff3353]

As someone who long ago gave up on the franchise, Andor was a very pleasant surprise. I loved it in a way I haven't enjoyed anything Star Wars related since Empire. That said, I agree that its more mature, darker and deliberative storytelling won't and probably shouldn't become the new norm. I only hope they keep this tone and high level of quality for the duration of the series.

[@calw.9373]

Probably the best thing to ever come out of Disney Star Wars only rivaled by The Siege of Mandalore.

[@richardwaldron1684]

It's been a great show, but I've also really enjoyed your insights into every episode. You've provided excellent analysis, commentary and opinions. I'm new to your channel but look forward to seeing what content you do between now and season 2, and of course taking us through S2. Thanks

[@jordanday8076]

In terms of Andor’s more grounded feel, I think the next series to get that treatment will be the Acolyte. I don’t think it’ll be a fun romp, it’ll have nuance and detail similar to what we saw here. The future of Star Wars is looking great with this much variety!

[@rocksedge2000]

Fine. Let's make our peace with there not being a third season of Andor, but now I want a Mon Mothma spin-off!

[@migueltaboadagonzalez3809]

This series definitely deserves 5 seasons. Such a flawless show goddamn

[@charbelsayegh16]

5 seasons is too much, 2 seasons is enough since Cassian died in Scarif and it happened 5 years after the season 1

[@themaskateer1025]

Have the same writers work on other parts of Star Wars

[@gordongraham7]

I do love the original plan for 5 seasons-one for every year before Scariff, but I also don't think I would be patient enough to wait that long to see his story play out.

[@isaiahvilla6691]

Five seasons would've been crowded Two 2 Season Is Good Enough

[@Lr.Laecro.Lirus3445]

Two are enough honestly. I didn't really got out much of only one.

[@BiserAngelov1]

Andor series is the Star Wars, we didn't realize we needed so much. And yes, deep stories are not by everyone's taste, but it is what the history remembers.

[@Frost4Real]

Whether u love Andor or hate it, u have to admit using real world locations and sets was SO MUCH BETTER than always using the volume or vfx. Just visually, this show blew Obi-Wan outta the water, although I'd argue it also did overall too

[@ObiClon]

At first I was on the fence about watching this show as I was rather indifferent towards Andor as a character after seeing Rogue One. But thanks to this series, I have changed my thoughts on him now which will make the moment I re-watch Rogue One have more impact.

[@Stablemable2]

Andor reminded me of both Blade Runner and Dark Knight stylistic. Its human, grounded and immersive. Star Wars critics always sound like Star Wars is a catered affair where all consumption is made special for them. You suppose to view Star Wars a little bit of prep and with fresh eyes to enjoy the series and movies.

[@ArkoriusGhaul]

Arguably the greatest Star Wars content, EVER. Better than Mandalorian, better than the movies, better than all the shows. Every episode, every actor, the dialogues, and choreography, it was all phenomenal.

[@DapperManDan]

I very much agree that in general, any type of genre can be utilized under the Star Wars umbrella if the story and characters are well thought out... Andor and The Mandalorian have proven that you can play in the sandbox (as cliche' as that saying is) and continue to build out the world while still adhering to what came before it. Even the crazier one off episodes and story arcs of The Clone Wars proved that. And though I have yet to delve into any of them, the Doctor Aphra comics and the recent trilogy of comic stories centering around Qi'ra seemed to have proven that too. People championing Andor (and The Mandalorian) saying "this is how you do Star Wars right" while hating on Book of Boba Fett and Obi-Wan Kenobi at the same time just seems the wrong avenue to go. Not saying people can't criticize or dislike shows (or aspects of those shows) or like certain shows better than others, just that the Star Wars world is an open world and not everything is going to appeal to everyone. I personally can't seem to get into Star Wars: Visions, I like the idea behind it and I really liked The Duel episode quite a bit, but some of the other episodes are just ok or so-so too me and I am not itching to watch them again... but I'm not going to tell someone else who enjoys that series more than me that their opinion or enjoyment is wrong or proves they aren't "real" fans because of it. I just like that we are getting more Star Wars on a regular basis.

[@nealeTH]

I don’t think you’ll find fans of Andor are saying ‘This is the only thing Star Wars should be…’ but there are plenty of toxic comments saying it isn’t Star Wars. It is a false equivalence. I love all of Star Wars in all it’s forms and they all amplify each other. Fans know this. Andor has made all the classic films better by telling us what life under the empire was really like.

[@ebransc09]

Luthen is the spymaster, Mothma the politician & Bor Gullet the brains behind the Alliance

[@artboymoy]

This is the Star Wars that I'm looking for nowadays. They can keep making that other stuff but I'm not really interested in it anymore. I'm a long time anime fan and I've drifted away from stuff that I found really cute and goofy and fun and have gravitated towards series that have more interesting and unique storytelling and characters. But not to say I don't have some new series that are cool and cute now. Andor just really hit it off for me because it's a side of the universe that really didn't get attention. And that's the plight of the citizens who were oppressed by the Empire and have risen up to fight it.

[@OiDivision]

Andor perfectly demonstrated that a Star Wars series can be a great piece of television in its own right, and not just a trailer for upcoming projects, hundreds of Easter eggs, obligatory fan service, and shoehorned cameos.

[@thrindalsgameroom6550]

I am with you on Star Killer Base. It was by far the worst part of The Force Awakens which unfortunately was the best of the Sequel Trilogy, flawed as it is.

[@robertfourt7096]

Really, you nailed it again with a truly terrific analysis of the series and it’s context within Star Wars. Thank you so much for your weekly insights and thoughts, which for me added greatly to my watching and understanding of Andor….

[@jerryp2790]

such a great show! Watching this after watching RRR (saw it 3x in a week, it’s available on Netflix) was so fantastic because they both are about the oppressed fighting back against imperialism, in both different and similar ways. Maarva’s strong speech in ep 12 inciting the big skirmish reminded me of Bheem’s beautifully poetic and emotional song doing the same in RRR. Two of the best things I’ve seen in ages.

[@deanthemachine8879]

Andor did the grim and gritty seriousness that Star Wars fans always felt was possible to do well in the setting perfectly. For “pulp”, Mandalorian season 1 was great. I think the key value between both was a feeling of doing something grounded and new; the sequels didn’t feel new and relied on so much nostalgia for appeal and the prequels didn’t feel grounded as the writing and acting made the characters’ struggles and arcs feel very wooden and without a sense of humanity. Both Mandalorian and Andor nailed their themes perfectly and were well written

[@mr.blackdeath8176]

This show is some next level SW content

[@cassianandor5795]

One single thing will break the siege. Remember this. Try. - Nemik

[@ricitizen]

We all know about Force ghosts in Star Wars. Mostly those ghosts are heard by Force users like Luke, Leia, Ezra, Yoda, and Obi-wan. But remember, everyone is part of the living Force. And in this last episode, Cassian hears Force ghost of his father, Clem, as remembers his words at the wall. He hears the Force ghost of Nemik thru the manifesto and, finally, the Force ghost of Maarva. Cassian is now ready to fight and become one of the leaders of the rebellion. In a way, Cassian is now one with the Force. In a way, if Luthen is a kind of Jedi Master, Cassian has become a Knight of the Jedi.

[@amdi8966]

That’s certainly a way of looking at it

[@aitornavarro6597]

I agree. Andor is the best story after the original trilogy if not on par. Finally some good character writing. Honestly, I know Diego Luna's a good actor but he's killin' it this series. Love Cassian's arc so far. I hope season 2 is not a let down and obly keeps building on season 1 success. And the senator wow I love her character.

[@chrisorr3919]

I think the most important part of andor was the writing. It was so well done. The production quality has always been high fo star wars but the writing has not. I don't want everything to be like andor going forwards but good writing is absolutely essential

[@gridcoregilry666]

brilliant insights, love your style, really sticks out!

[@myriadmediamusings]

Oh come on Alex, Andor is not great. Andor is OUTSTANDING.

[@Drrck11]

My honest and frank opinion: Andor is the best thing to happen to the Star Wars franchise in many years. No disrespect to the Mando series, but Andor is on another level. It's a different flavor of Star Wars that some people may not be use to. And I like it that way. Just as Rogue One, the Andor series takes us out-way out of the Skywalker family saga and shows the true brutality of this galactic war. It's not a simple plotline of good guys vs bad guys. It goes deeper and causes viewers to think in order to understand why Andor and the other characters are they way they are as well as why they do what they do. The galactic war itself isn't about jedi vs sith and lightsable duels, and laser blaster shootouts. If that's what you're looking to see every 5 minutes, this show is not for you. Andor is for fans who desire to see this saga from a much more realistic perspective which mirrors our own real world today.

[@Enzo-kb4oj]

The star wars show that we would not have imagined even in our most ambitious dreams. When a cinephile friend asks you which series to watch, you can recommend Andor, even if the space monks seem too simplistic. Because Andor has everything that's good about an HBO drama, with the beauty of Star Wars aesthetics and philosophy. Andor > Ambrosia ♥

[@justcast1429]

My personal favorite Disney Star Wars show

[@frankieseaman6614]

What I find interesting is it seems to me that the hyper efficient writing came about due to budget. Throughout the series, it felt like the show was really pushing on the budget, and it felt like they knew it and designed the show around it. We should have felt exasperated seeing the same Ferrix sets over and over, but insteaf they made Ferrix feel like a community, and rix Road felt like a high street, so of course we see the same stuff a lot. They made the cuts in the right places, cutting unnecessary scenes, like the dinner party and Anto Kreygers attack, but hopefully disney is motivated by the positive reaction of s1 to allow s2 to stretch its wings a bit more.

[@yhctower]

I loved all the Mon Mothma in the series but my only complaint is the last couple episodes her storyline seemed to apart from the rest of the storyline. To be fair I think her storyline will tie in better once we get season 2. Honestly the Mothma content we got has me wanting a Mothma solo series

[@Designsecrets]

Endor feels like a slow burn......where they take their time on the characters and the story instead of rushing everything. Your right about the first 3 stories though, they almost put my off the whole series Cassian kept me coming back to see what was going to happen. It's almost like watching on of those german / jewish movies , ie the piano.....where the lead's world falls apart around him.

[@zasli5118]

Imo. I like it. Its "mature" gritty. Based in a sense of logic and realism. Dosen't try to feed down anyone's throats some particular bias. Has continuity and reasoning making the universe more than believable.

[@craigcraigster5605]

I find this is for a more mature star wars audience. The younger fan boys are the ones that seem giving it shade. I'm personally not into the animated star wars stuff and how its finding its way into the live action stories. That's why I like Andor as it keeps all star wars fans engaged.

[@GameTavern2224]

Appreciate Alex pointing out the huge super weapon issues in Legends

[@lorcazoid5474]

I've been saying the same thing about it being like an HBO series! Can't wait for season 2 and of course Mando next Feb

[@kalvinravn8431]

Now we can enjoy Variety in Star Wars storytelling 🎉

[@Frost4Real]

It was so weird but also cool to see a SW show that felt a lot more like an 80s dystopian film than SW. The fashion, sets, themes, dialogue, all very different. Also love how it made the Empire terrifying again and not the butt of every joke

[@PureSolace]

Dr. Aphra is my comic book guilty pleasure! Good times.

[@CarterElkins]

I can't express how surprised and impressed I am with this show. This is a breath of fresh air for Star Wars, at a time it needed it most. The way it slowly, confidently builds in the first half is bold, and had me concerned, but the payoff in the later episodes is moviemaking genius. It's difficult to fairly compare with other Star Wars shows, because it's so different in style and tone, but I would place it at least alongside Mando s2 in terms of quality (which in my book is high praise indeed). Personally, it's my favorite Star Wars show.

[@javiernicolasbustamantecor9382]

Crazy how this series came pretty much out of nowhere and yet it became one of the best Star Wars sotries in recent years, just like Rogue One

[@plisskenetic]

Truly excellent show with shockingly first rate dialogue+action for a SW series. My only really complaint is that Syrill and Motha don't do anything at all. Their progression is overall like very small baby steps forward. It looked as if Syrill was gonna progress or had more stuff to do like Dedra after episode 3 but instead he just sits around, while Motha talks around. Pretty sure more than half of those dull scenes with Syrill's mom at home could've been cut. Same with Motha having way too many talky scenes in all those white halls. Great dialogue no doubt at all but man her 'arc' moves really slow. Andor and Luthen are the main highlights of the show as far as I'm concerned. Kino of cos was the absolute best 'guest' character of the season!

[@rowegardner9673]

One of the best shows of all time - Star Wars or not. I agree that not every Star Wars story needs to be like Andor now, BUT I would like it if they all strived to reach this level of quality and care. There’s something about the way Andor trusts the audience and handles world building that makes it so enthralling.

[@celia1888]

I thank whoever cast Nemik 'cause he moves me. And not just because he's adorable. His speech gave me goosebumps. The only Cameos/Crossover characters that could be interesting are the ones present in Rebels. Especially Hera Syndulla. Bc s2 of Rebels was about going from a small group of rebels to belonging to the big rebellion and the finale of the show was similar to that of the finale. As for the alien's presence, since we follow the empire's streak it makes sense not to have many of them.

[@Charles-Darwin]

Are you a Respawn Dev? And Andor is not slow, it's intricate. Breaking Bad was intricate with interweaving plots and a lot of flushed out characters - all while maintaining the human element throughout.... that's why it's the best show to ever be. Andor implements A LOT of the same features. That's why it's so good. Those that didn't like it are the ones that prefer the Marvel type of story -overblown moments of expression being centralized. I do say that if Starwars were to evolve, Andor is the ideal way. There's no mistaking that it has that lasting effect on you after you've seen it. Just like the OGs. The music, the theming, characters, their interwoven fates, it's all golden.

[@MCLegoboy]

I think the first three episodes are the roughest, and not just because there is that shift in tone and getting your bearings, I'm not sure it was too well conveyed that a corporate entity also had the power to act as police, it just didn't really make sense to me, so when we finally get the Empire in the fourth episode, it was a relief that things were just that much simpler. Also it kind of really just is those first two episodes that suffer the most from just kind of ending, they didn't really feel like episodes, just a movie length story chopped into parts whereas the other episodes at least have some measure of finality when they do end despite still being part of a larger story arc. If people can make it to episode 4, I think they'll have a good time. Episode 3 is good in order to cap the first story arc, but 4 is really when you get an idea of what the show is actually all about, but you still need those first three episodes to enjoy the rest of the series, especially the last two episodes because it does provide so much groundwork for the details that are sprinkled in each episode leading up to those final two. 1-3, 4-6, 7, 8-10, 11-12 is still probably the best way to watch the series though. I've rewatched each arc once we get all the episodes to it, and that's where the show really shines, and that's what anyone new to it should also probably do.

[@DaringDan]

The thing that other Star Wars shows need to take away from Andor is how consistent it was in terms of quality. Fett, Bad Batch, Mando, have always at times been inconsistent. The Leia/Flea chase, the space vespa chase, the spin move, Luke's CG. Andor's quality was flawless.

[@amdi8966]

What was wrong with Luke? 😂

[@saurabhtantry5550]

I don’t fully understand Syril’s characterisation. I felt like that his plotline barely went anywhere, like, there was so much screen time with him, and we followed him from the start of the season, but I felt he didn’t really do much in the entire season, and didn’t have a significant impact on the plot. For anyone who didn’t think of this as a criticism, what did u think of Syril Karn?

[@HumbleAshe]

Really appreciate your positivity and perspective Alex! While Andor isn’t my personal cup of tea with its style or pace (I just resonate more with some of the other shows and movies), I appreciate what it does offer when it comes to something unique, as well as some strong arcs in the second half that actually hooked me back in the series. And I will always note how the visuals and the soundtrack, especially the later synthwave stuff, really helps seal the deal and make things look immersive. Also, I definitely appreciate that you went against some of the elitism that’s popping up (putting Andor on a pedestal as you said) that it should be the only way Star Wars should be and how some are putting down others for not liking it. There’s been a rise in that online sentiment of only wanting Star Wars to be like Andor, or insulting or belittling those who don’t resonate with it. I get if someone really wants something of that style or writing, but turning Star Wars into just slow dramas would be a big turnoff for some, including me, since it would stray a lot from the fun action and adventure we associate with the universe. And we don’t need more gatekeeping against people who just don’t like it personally; we’ve already had way too much of that for everything else.

[@bdr113080]

Honestly this is by far my favorite live action Star Wars series, honestly to go one step further this is my favorite Disney+ original series. I can’t say I like it better than The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels, those two animated series are still my favorite Star Wars series of all time but Andor by far is the best live action one. And I’ll be honest I wasn’t really very excited for this show, I knew I was going to watch it but I didn’t have the excitement that I had for Obi-Wan Kenobi or the Boba Fett series. And of course there are people out there in the fandom who I wish if they had already made up their mind that they’re just going to hate everything under the Disney umbrella that they would just leave the fandom then. Not saying anyone must like everything Star Wars, there have been hits and misses both when George Lucas was running it and under the Disney umbrella I think but I think the people that pick one error and see that’s a perfect error of Star Wars and nothing was done wrong and the other era is just a dumpster fire, I can’t take they are criticism seriously because they have an agenda. But this show blew me away and took me by surprise I forgot a couple of times this was a Star Wars show because it got so good. And honestly it’s going back to really what made the original trilogy great and that is focused on storytelling first and then put the Star Wars stuff around it. I think that’s where other series like Obi-Wan Kenobi failed to live up to the expectations, not saying I didn’t like that show, I love the first episode and I love the last episode and I like some of the in between episodes but that Siri should’ve been epic and it didn’t feel that way because they were just thinking Obi-Wan Kenobi, Darth Vader, light saber fights, and it feels like the story was an afterthought. When you just start with a story first like imagine the movie tombstone tell that story kind of but then move that story into the Star Wars universe. Instead of horses and carriages they’re starships, instead of pistols there’s blasters, instead of a small western town it’s a planet out on the edge of the galaxy, and that is exactly what this series did they just told a great spy story and then they put the Star Wars around it and that’s exactly what George Lucas did with the original trilogy. This is the formula I want Lucasfilm to use going forward

[@beyondparadisegaming]

It's just a great story. Best thing since Mando season 1. Wish more ppl were watching it.

[@Jason-iz6ob]

I did not like the first 2 episodes. They could’ve been 1 I think. Even though the first 3 dropped on the same day it took me a couple of weeks to watch # 3. 3 was decent. Every one after that though has been outstanding. Can’t wait for season 2.

[@markmatthews7202]

I hope we get more Saw Guerrera next season tbh. Forest Whittaker is awesome and I'd love for Star Wars to explore a more violent, morally grey guerilla group.

[@sbroggie]

Excellent review 👍🏻

[@nikkothegoblin]

What's fun about your criticisms is they're more nitpicks and personal desires than anything and don’t really take away from the product on screen. Andor has done something truly good

[@alphaminers]

I like starwars being a universe. If they out a romcom starswars that would be fine. I just like stuff in the starwars universe

[@bdr113080]

Just another thing, I hate to double comment but some of the people that constantly complain about everything Star Wars now, this is the type of show that I have seen people complaining about that they wanted either a show or a movie like this one. I can’t count how many times I’ve seen comments like “Star Wars is more than just space monks and light sabers but under Disney they’re never going to tell a story like that” well they just did in those same people still cry.

[@HeatMyShorts]

0:12 It's not a moon. It's a space station..!

[@federov100]

Two loose ends: Andor’s sister (my money is on Cassian’s reunion happening in the last episode of season 2); and the nature of Cinta’s secret assignment on Aldani…

[@MisterMeaner3000]

Genevieve Oreilly was so Fing good that it doesn't even seem like it's part of the same show.

[@PrototypeSpaceMonkey]

What I loved about Andor is that it reminded me of One Piece... No no no, hear me out! Let me explain in what way it's similar to a goofy-looking cartoon about a rubber pirate. (and it's not just the anti-authoritarian themes and the amazing prison break arc) It's about how it handles set-ups and pay-offs. How seemingly random actions have consequences down the line. Like a string of dominoes. How even the most minor characters impact the story in ways that make you feel like if at any time anyone had done anything else, things would have turned out a lot differently... for better or worse.

[@genomckenna1824]

I really would love to see Dantooine in season 2!

[@nathanlawson313]

I HAAAATED the idea of Andor when I heard it. With that said, Wow was I wrong. 10x better than Mandalorian. I only Wish they put this kind of thought and time and energy behind the movies themselves ONE WAY OUT!

[@tiger7892]

Who is Uncle Harlo!?!?