TV Review: Star Wars- Andor
I keep seeing reports that Star Wars: Andor’s viewership has been low, and I gotta say I get it. Star Wars fans have been burned far too many times and after the shambles that was the Obi-Wan show I was hesitant about Andor. Wow, am I glad I gave this show a chance because I can confidently say that it’s the best Star Wars since Empire Strikes Back.
A Slow Burn But So Worth It
I have been a massive critic of Disney Star Wars and aside from the Mandalorian tv series and the Clone Wars animated series the franchise has been in something of a terminal decline. The sequel trilogy was dire and the way Lucasfilm reacted to genuine criticim by brandishing lifelong fans as racists and worse has split the fan base probably beyond repair. Releasing after the pretty awful Obi-wan show, Andor has unfortunately paid the price in terms of viewers. It needs to be watched and Disney needs to be told that THIS is what Star Wars fans have been asking for.
The first two episodes are slow burns but do a fantastic job at establishing the world, characters and events to come. I’ve heard many people giving up on it but I urge you to stick with it. Unlike most other Star Wars this is a show for adults and it tells an adult story that is darker than anything we’ve seen put to screen so far. It shows the Empire at its height, ruthless, arrogant and determined to stamp out all resistance. For probably the first time in a very long time the Empire are actually scary. The way its officers act, the way they are merciless is carried off by some excellent perfomances and I’d argue that this show has by far the best acting in any Star Wars media so far.
It introduces some excellent new characters that I won’t spoil here but keep an eye out for Luthen, a total badass played the magnificent Stellan Skarsgård.
This is how you write a Star Wars show
My biggest critcism of the Obi-wan tv show was the appalingly bad writing. Andor in comparison is a masterclass. Everything is set up logically, the characters are likable and you feel as though you’re in the struggles with them. Both heroes and villains are brilliantly portrayed and acted. Overall it’s just quality through and through. As someone else said recently, Andor is to Star Wars what Deep Space Nine was to Star Trek. It’s slower paced, more in depth, more serious and just brilliant.
Some of the speeches made throughout the show especially in the final episode were truly inspired and establishes the origins of the Rebel Alliance in a way that I and all true Star Wars fans have longed for. It’s gritty, it’s visceral and it feels real, an incredible achievement for a sci-fi show and a Disney one at that.
I cannot wait for series 2 and in conclusion I’d say this show was the best television of 2022 alongside the House of the Dragon. I just hope the execs at Disney learn from this show and steer Star Wars in the direction we fans all so desperately want it to go in.
Overall score = 9/10 - The first two episodes are a bit slow but once you get to episode 3 things really take off and we’re treated to the best Star Wars media in a very long time.
