If You Think ‘Andor’ Is Boring, You’re Missing Out on One of the Best Star Wars Stories

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After a long wait of almost three years, the highly-regarded Disney+ “Star Wars” series “Andor” has made its comeback on TVs. The second season of this show premiered this week, much to the delight of fans captivated by its intricate portrayal of the rebellion against the Empire at a grassroots level. Since Season 2 is confirmed as the last installment, viewers are eagerly anticipating how the character Cassian Andor, played by Diego Luna, develops into the pivotal roles we see in “Rogue One”.

Following the initial release of Season 2 across three episodes, some viewers have vocalized their apprehension online, suggesting that the pace might be too leisurely for their taste, even going as far as calling it “dull.” However, despite the slower beginning, there remains an abundance of intriguing storylines and well-developed characters to engage with in these opening episodes.

Season 2’s Time Jumps

As a dedicated movie critic, I must say that the visionary mind behind “Andor,” Tony Gilroy, initially conceived a five-season journey for this captivating series. Each season was intended to span a year, culminating in the events portrayed in “Rogue One.” However, upon contemplation of the significant time gap between seasons and the intricate production process, he wisely opted for a more streamlined approach. Rather than one year per season, we will now witness three episodes at a time, with each trio encompassing another year of this gripping tale.

In a unique manner, Season 2 of “Andor” balances both episodic and long-form narratives, falling somewhere between a television series and a collection of films. As such, it’s recommended to perceive the initial three episodes of Season 2 (and subsequent sets of three episodes) as a cohesive whole rather than separate installments. This creative decision might displease those who favor an episodic format, but it empowers the writers to narrate a comprehensive tale on a broader scale. Additionally, this structural choice is expected to expedite the narrative pace as the season progresses, propelling viewers week by week towards the conclusion, with each episode taking us a year closer.

‘Andor’ Is So Good Because It’s Different

In the opening episodes of Andor’s second season, viewers are brought up to speed about Cassian and the team since the finale of Season 1, kicking off with an episode cleverly titled “One Year Later.” The series launches straight into action with a heart-pounding scene where Cassian has successfully infiltrated an Imperial base, aiming to swipe a TIE Fighter. However, he finds the controls somewhat unfamiliar compared to his training. He swiftly takes out a horde of Stormtroopers using the fighter’s cannons and then escapes through the hatch, leaving his pursuers in his wake.

In its second season, Andor continues to captivate viewers by offering a gritty portrayal of the Rebellion, shedding light on the covert actions taken in the shadows against the Empire’s influence. This resistance is marked by difficult decisions and self-sacrifice, rather than the epic heroics typically associated with Star Wars. In essence, the series has added layers of complexity to its characters, both heroes and villains, revealing just how far some are driven to fight against the Empire.

Sometimes, this method results in a more leisurely pace for the series, with the covert activities of Senator Mothma (Genevieve O’Reilly) and her ally Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgård) coming to the fore. As of now, Season 2 is balancing its storyline between Cassian’s escapades, the secret schemes of Mothma and Rael, and the ever-expanding power of the Empire, symbolized by Dedra Meero (Denise Gough), a cold strategist, and Syril Karn (Kyle Soller), an ineffective bureaucrat. While Cassian’s scenes are undoubtedly thrilling, with him eluding a group of bungling mercenaries and hastening across the cosmos to rescue his comrades, each of these other storylines plays a crucial role in advancing the resistance’s narrative.

If You Don’t Love Character Development, You’re Doing It Wrong

A more relaxed tempo in the storyline offers ample opportunity for developing character interactions, as the rebels strive to outmaneuver the Empire. Interestingly, the Empire segments are proving to be quite engaging, notably when Syril and Dedra share a dinner with Syril’s formidable mother Eedy (Kathryn Hunter), adding a touch of humor to Episode 3. The impending conflict between Eedy and Dedra regarding Syril should make for an exciting spectacle.

However, it’s not just about stiff social gatherings; elsewhere, Andor portrays the chilling advancement of fascism, as the Empire seeks to gain control over a planet rich in valuable resources. They spread propaganda and support sympathetic rebels. The casual nature of these scenes amplifies their eeriness and heightens the importance of the Rebellion’s success.

Andor stands out among Star Wars stories for its gritty portrayal of life under Imperial rule and the resilient rebels who resist it, not just through grand actions but also in small, everyday acts of defiance. Although it may not always be high on action, it remains incredibly engaging, demonstrating that the fight for freedom involves more than just one Jedi hero. And when it does escalate into action, such as Cassian and his companions’ daring escape from the Empire in Episode 3, it is as exhilarating and emotionally moving as any other scene the series has produced thus far.

Gilroy and his co-authors have demonstrated their ability to craft a down-to-earth, personal narrative within the Star Wars universe, populating it with captivating characters who grapple with complex predicaments. Although Season 2 seems to be moving at a leisurely pace, patience is indeed a valuable trait.

So, in other words, is Andor boring? Absolutely not.

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2025-04-24 18:35