Let’s face it: Disney’s take on the Star Wars franchise has been a mixed bag, with highs and lows. The sequel trilogy started strong with The Force Awakens, but subsequent films struggled with unresolved mystery boxes. On Disney+, Star Wars series like The Mandalorian Seasons 1 and 2 delivered excellence, while others, such as Season 3, felt underwhelming. With so much Star Wars content, it’s hard to avoid franchise fatigue. Then comes along Star Wars Andor Season One.
Star Wars Andor Review: A Surprise in High-Quality Storytelling
The series is a standout with its high-quality storytelling and production values. This prequel to Rogue One dives into the origins of the rebellion, focusing on Cassian Andor’s backstory. Diego Luna shines in the role, while Tony Gilroy’s masterful showrunning combines action, character depth, and slow-burn storytelling to create a nuanced Star Wars entry.
What Sets Andor Apart
What makes Star Wars Andor Season One so unique is its focus on character development and realism. Unlike other Star Wars series, this show avoids fan service and instead offers a thoughtful exploration of rebellion. Tony Gilroy, known for The Bourne Identity and Michael Clayton, brings his expertise in political intrigue and action to Andor. The series allows its characters to grow and breathe, making their struggles feel authentic and compelling.
Unveiling Standout Characters in Andor
One of the standout characters in Andor is Syril Karn, portrayed by Kyle Soller. Karn is a stickler for rules in a middle management job, and his simmering rage is palpable throughout the series. Gilroy takes the time to explore what led Karn to become the man who inadvertently sparks the rebellion.
The tension in the show is heightened by the fact that only a few of the characters we meet are from the wider Star Wars universe, which means that we don’t know their fate. While the entire cast is excellent, two actors, Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Andy Serkis, deliver award-worthy performances.
Andy Serkis here delivers what may be his best performance. His character believes in the system, even if it is from jail. He believes that the Empire, portraying itself as a symbol of justice, will keep its word. His slow burn to realizing how mistaken he is gives the show its soul.
Building the rebellion is slow and arduous, as the rebels must find people they can trust and wear many faces to avoid detection by the Empire. Stellan Skarsgard, who plays Luthen Rael, excels at portraying a man who must push the rebellion where it doesn’t want to go while doing it in plain sight. Genevieve O’Reilly, as Mon Mothma, also delivers a compelling performance as someone who must have two lives even in her own house.
And don’t get me started on Denise Gough as the show’s main antagonist, Dedra Meero. I’m sure I sound the same way that Mrs. sounds when she talks about Loki. Seriously, she is a true believer, and the fact that she is a woman in such a male-dominated world makes her the breakout character.
Visual Splendor
Production-wise, Andor is a visual feast for the eyes. The Empire’s sterile, oppressive environments contrast sharply with the gritty, lived-in settings of the rebellion. Every set feels purposeful, immersing viewers in a galaxy under Imperial control. Whether it’s the over-clean prisons or the lavish homes of the wealthy, the production design enhances the show’s grounded tone.
Star Wars Andor Season One: A Well-Crafted Addition to the Star Wars Saga
Star Wars Andor Season One may not feature Jedi or lightsabers, but its focus on the rebellion’s origins and the complexities of its characters makes it a standout in the Star Wars saga. The show’s slow-burn storytelling rewards patience, offering a rich narrative with emotional depth. If you’re looking for a Star Wars story that prioritizes character development over spectacle, Andor is well worth your time.
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Copyright Notice:
All images used in this review are the property of Lucasfilm and Disney. They are used here solely for transformative purposes under the fair use doctrine, including critique and commentary. The original works are © Lucasfilm/Disney.
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