A galaxy far, far away feels much more familiar in the wake of a growing number ofStar Warsreleases. Those who thought theStar Warsjourney might be over afterThe Rise of Skywalkerwere pleasantly surprised to discover that Disney has a long and enduring plan for the beloved franchise. Now, after two seasons ofThe Mandalorianand a single entry ofThe Book of Boba Fett, enterAndor.
After the mixed reviews turned in forThe Book of Boba Fett, Disney’s latest entry in theStar Warsmythos had some ground to make up. Further, telling the story of Cassian Andor comes with the implication that mostStar Warsfans already knowthe character’s ending. Finding a way to tell a compelling origin story for one of the Rebellion’s most revered heroes whose ultimate fate is already known posed a problematic prospect, indeed.
Luckily, Andor not only exceeds as a show, but it may also go down as one of the greatestStar Warsentries to date. Let’s take a look at what makesAndorstand out amongst an ever-expanding galaxy ofStar Warsproperties.
Andor’s Dialogue
Star Warshas developed a bit of a reputationfor hokey dialogue. In fact, many fans see the franchise’s pattern of awkward phrasing and occasional corny lines as an endearing quality that simply makesStar Warsfeel likeStar Wars.
If there is any adjustmentAndoris looking to make to theStar Warsformula, it is in offering character dialogue that is layered, intriguing, and nuanced. Interactions between characters feel more akin to watching the smooth, flowing dramatics ofMad Menand other character-driven stories than the terse and often spectacle-heavy offerings ofStar Wars. Cassian Andor takes his time when speaking, and conversations between characters move at a natural and relaxed pace. The dialogue is rarely filled with the punchy verbosity ofThe Mandalorian, opting instead for a more subtle and realistic conversational texture.
The Development
Much like the steady delivery of dialogue, the plot ofAndordoesn’t come screaming out of the gate. The series takes its time establishing its central protagonist, the people Cassian Andor interacts with, and the generally oppressive mood that has fallen under the long shadow of the Empire. When the action-heavy scenes present themselves, they are all the more engaging and visceral because of their scarcity. Though some may consider the slow burn approach ofAndorboring, many will find the series to be a more grounded and believable entry into theStar Warscanon.
Related:The Mandalorian: Why the Show is a Good Introduction to the Star Wars Franchise for New Fans
In part, this can be explained by the number of episodes slated to tell the story origin story of Cassian Andor. Both seasons ofTheMandalorianended with eight episodes each, whileThe Book of Boba Fettconcluded at seven. In contrast,Andorseason one will be divvied out over a total of 12 episodes. We also know that Disney has slotted an additional 12 episodes to tell the remainder of Andor’s story before theevents ofRogue One. In all, that means audiences can look forward to approximately 24 hours ofAndorbefore the final credits roll.
During a panel,Andorcreator andRogue Onescript doctor Tony Gilroy stated:
“We get to take the formative forging of Cassian Andor in the first twelve episodes, and then we get to take that organism that we built up and we get to run it through the next four years in a really exciting, narrative fashion.”
Andor’s Dramatic Acting
Not enough complimentary things can be said about the cast ofAndor. Diego Luna turns in a brilliant performance as he reprises the role of Cassian Andor. The rippling stress and deep tension, both personal and societal, weigh heavy on Luna’s face throughout the current offering of episodes. Side characters like Bix Caleen, Syril Karn, and Mon Mothma, played by Adria Arjona, Kyle Soller,and Genevieve O’Reilly, respectively, are given the space to breathe and feel far more fleshed-out than many of the throw-away side charactersStar Warshas presented in the past.
Related:Andor Showrunner Tony Gilroy Says the Star Wars Series Completely Avoids Fan Service
So far, the real show stealer has been Stellan Skarsgård, who portrays Luthen Rael. His brilliant portrayal of an upper-class art dealer turned rebel resistance leader is filled with wit, charm, and brilliant duplicity of character that rivals the best spy movies. In one particular scene, Luthen is returning to Coruscant after a deadly skirmish, tense subterfuge, and heavy-duty spy work. He places his ship on autopilot and begins the process of putting on the mask of his charmed, high-society alternate persona. The scene is quiet and heavy. Luthen systematically trades his drab clothes for luxury wear, places ornate rings on his fingers, and even attaches a hairpiece to further mask the man behind the cultural camouflage.
Lastly, and most powerfully, Luthen begins to practice a relaxed saunter while a forced smile stretches across his face. The moment is uneasy and filled with unspoken weight. The smile drops and Luthen stands for a moment, his mind filled with the burden of his responsibility toward the fledgling rebellion that hopes to face the seemingly all-powerful Empire.
With just four episodes released so far,Andorunquestionably provides a cinematically gorgeous and well-scripted look at the legacy of Cassian Andor and his rogue’s gallery of characters. With nine episodes left,Andoris poised to takeStar Warsfans on a tense and gritty ride throughout the galaxy.
