3 Years Ago Today, Star Wars Released The Best Thing Since The Original Series

by

Recent Star Wars stories have frequently tried to move beyond the original vision of George Lucas. While shows like *The Mandalorian* have had success, the appeal of the Skywalker family saga remains strong, and it’s proven hard to completely let go of what came before. Some might say this is always a challenge, but three years ago today, on September 21, 2022, a new series debuted on Disney+ and demonstrated that revisiting the past could still be fantastic.

Unlike new *Star Wars* movies or shows about familiar heroes, *Andor* arrived with little hype. However, fans, tired of inconsistent stories, greeted it with hopeful anticipation. The first three episodes were released together, offering a slow-building story that felt less like a traditional space fantasy and more like a realistic, intense spy thriller. The show moved at a thoughtful pace, featured smart, subtle dialogue, and created a *Star Wars* world that felt genuinely lived-in. It was a daring change of pace – a gamble that ultimately succeeded brilliantly.

Initially intended as a story leading up to another prequel, *Andor* unexpectedly became something much bigger and more important. It set a new standard for storytelling in the *Star Wars* universe with its complex characters, realistic world, and mature themes, fundamentally changing how *Star Wars* stories are told.

The Show Finally Took the Rebellion Seriously

Before the series *Andor*, stories about the Rebellion often focused on heroic figures like brave pilots, clever spies, and powerful Jedi battling the Empire. While these were exciting tales, they didn’t explore the difficult realities of fighting a controlling government from the inside-the tough, and sometimes morally questionable, choices people have to make.

Andor delved into the difficult realities of the rebellion, showing the fear, sacrifices, and moral complexities that truly define a revolution. The show demonstrated that the Rebellion wasn’t simply composed of brave heroes, daring smugglers, or royalty; it was powered by everyday people thrust into impossible situations. Cassian Andor begins Season 1 as a far cry from the heroic figure seen in Rogue One. He’s a cynical and self-interested man simply trying to live under the Empire’s control. His transformation isn’t a quick path to heroism; it’s a complicated, painful process that opens his eyes to the devastating impact the Empire has on the galaxy.

The show brilliantly captured the subtle acts of resistance that build into a widespread movement. The story on Ferrix demonstrated how a tightly-knit, determined community, even when facing hardship and loss, can spark a rebellion that reaches across the galaxy. Similarly, Cassian’s imprisonment on Narkina 5 was a powerful depiction of how the Empire’s harshness and policies ironically created the rebels they were trying to suppress – a truly creative and impactful storyline.

Luthen Rael and Kleya Marki secretly built the Rebellion, constantly taking huge risks to protect their network of spies. For years, they remained fiercely committed to creating a better galaxy, even knowing they might not live to see it. Luthen’s famous quote, “I burn my life to make a sunrise that I will never see,” perfectly captures their dedication and the dangerous reality of the Rebellion’s early days. It wasn’t about grand battles, but the quiet sacrifices of those who understood they wouldn’t enjoy the eventual victory. This realistic, politically-driven, and deeply personal approach gave the Rebellion a new level of depth and weight, transforming it from a simple fight between good and evil into a complex and compelling story.

Andor Proved That Original Stories Could Be the Franchise’s Greatest Strength

For a long time, new Star Wars stories focused heavily on the characters of Luke, Leia, and Han, or directly connected to the original movies. While this strategy worked well for business, it restricted creative possibilities. The series *Andor* changed things by demonstrating that a compelling, intense, and original story with fresh characters could be the best way to grow the Star Wars universe. It introduced a new group of characters who are now important parts of Star Wars history, and explored detailed, believable worlds.

The show’s strength wasn’t relying on familiar Star Wars elements. Instead, it thrived thanks to compelling characters like Mon Mothma – previously a minor figure now grappling with the challenges of leading a secret political movement while protecting her family – and Luthen Rael, a determined but world-weary operative. The show succeeded because of its strong writing, excellent acting, and commitment to a complete and impactful story.

Taking a chance with a different approach really worked for *Andor*. This month, the show’s second season won five Emmy Awards, including the prestigious award for Outstanding Drama Series – something no other *Star Wars* project has ever done. This success suggests a new direction for the franchise, one that listens to what viewers actually want. The Emmys weren’t just about the show’s excellent quality; they proved that *Star Wars* can be more than just catering to fans. It can be a place for bold, high-quality television that tackles important and challenging themes.

The success of *Andor* has paved the way for future *Star Wars* projects to venture into unexplored areas of the galaxy, different time periods, and introduce new characters, all without being overly concerned with satisfying longtime fans. The show demonstrated that a compelling and well-executed story is the most important element. In a landscape filled with constant content and reboots relying on nostalgia, *Andor* was a welcome reminder that taking risks and trying something new is often the best path forward.

I’m really curious to hear what everyone thinks about *Andor*! I’m heading over to the ComicBook Forum to share my own thoughts and see what you all have to say – come join me and let’s discuss it!

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/star-wars-best-tv-show-episodes-ranked-list/embed/#

Read More

2025-09-21 18:41