Andorconcludes with an astonishingly dark and brilliantly plotted second season that enthralls in every frame of its twelve superb episodes. Showrunner and writer Tony Gilroy deliversStar Warsfor adults in an exceedingly mature exploration of good versus evil. Jaws will scrape the floor as his uncompromising vision,a phenomenal ensemble cast, and spectacular production design leave no stone unturned.Andor’sepic scope sweeps across a galaxy far, far away on a granular level that’s frankly mind-blowing. Raise your already high expectations. The narrative’s depth and complexity are unparalleled in the franchise.
Andortakes place over the course of five yearsleading to the events ofRogue One. There are several time jumps, as what begins as seeds grow into a forest of stunning exposition and character development.Gilroy, primarily known for theBournefilms, has many chess pieces in play on his Dejarik board.Every move is crucial in an overall strategy that weaves together multiple threads inStar Warslore.Each episode builds to an adrenaline-fueled climax which shapes the fates of heroes and villains. Everyone must discover the goal they are truly fighting for and against. They make critical decisions as a planetary-sized shadow looms like a deadly specter.
Awesome Is an Understatement
Andor is a Star Wars prequel series set before the events of Rogue One, following Cassian Andor as he navigates a world of danger and deception. The series delves into his transformation into a pivotal figure in the struggle against the Galactic Empire.
Let’s avoid spoilers by discussing general themes and how the characters evolve to fit their parts in the equation.Cassian (Diego Luna), our titular primary protagonist, has already established himself as the multi-tool capable of fixing the thorniest problems. He’s a spy, soldier, or assassin as the need arises. Cassian’s beginning mission at a test facility in the first episode underpins his extraordinary ability to think and act on his feet when the sh*t inevitably hits the fan.
Cassian doesn’t have the panic gene. His clutch instincts in dire situations repeatedly save the burgeoning rebellion, but at a personal cost that weighs heavily.Are the sacrifices worth it? Especially when his beloved Bix (Adria Arjona) and dear comrades from Ferrix are caught in the crossfire.
‘Andor’ Creator Tony Gilroy & Genevieve O’Reilly Talk Season 2 and Mon Mothma’s Importance
‘Andor’ creator Tony Gilroy and Genevieve O’Reilly on Season 2 and Mon Mothma’s Importance.
Duality is a driving force ofAndor’ssecond season.Secrets, lies, and manipulation are key to both survival and oppression, depending on the character. The puppet master,Luthen Rael (an incredible Stellan Skarsgård), makes the ugly and brutal decisions that keep the rebellion one step ahead of the ruthless Imperial Security Bureau (ISB).Luthen’s mask of a flamboyant antiques dealer sticks to his face with the blood of the sacrificed.He doesn’t have the latitude to second guess motivations. There is no room for kindness or sentimentality. Threats must be eliminated and the important protected at all costs.
Dedra Meero & Mon Mothma Stand Out in ‘Andor’ Season 2
ISB Supervisor Dedra Meero (Denise Gough) continues to be a true believer. Her cold sneer and piercing eyes show a commitment to the Empire’s crushing evil that is akin to a favorite in Hitler’s SS and Gestapo.Her willingness to manipulate and do the unthinkable is pivotal to the Emperor’s plans.We understand why ISB Director Orson Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn) and Major Lio Partagaz (Anton Lesser) entrust her with every tier of top-secret machinations. But the ice that runs through her veins isn’t without a semblance of warmth and feeling. Her twisted relationship with Syril Karn (Kyle Soller) is absolutely spellbinding.
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Genevieve O’Reilly deserves Emmy contention for her masterful portrayal of Mon Mothma.Much like Skarsgård’s Luthen, she can never drop the veneer of a wealthy aristocrat and senator at the pinnacle of Chandrilan and Coruscant’s social elites. The wedding of her daughter Leida (Bronte Carmichael), while secretly funding and growing the rebellion, pushes Mon to a breaking point.There’s so much she doesn’t know to protect the safety of others, but her relevance cannot be understated.Mon will become the public face of resistance inStar Warscanon and the rebel leader. Her radiant beauty, sophistication, and elegance belies the burning heart of freedom and justice in the galaxy.
The Looming Shadow of the Death Star
Gilroy’s production team does a banner job on all cinematic fronts.Several worlds are detailed as the colossal story progresses.Andor’ssettings burst with realism, from the decadent Chandrila, Coruscant’s dizzying heights, Mina-Rau’s endless wheat fields, the valleys of Ghorman, and Yavin’s lush jungles. Season two’s directors (Ariel Kleiman, Janus Metz, and Alonso Ruizpalacios) embrace the minutiae with ardent fervor. I loved the dials, knobs, and tube TV screens of every gadget.
Spycraft, particularly the use of radios, codes, and signals, play a huge part in covert communication. There was a lot of thought put into how the rebels talk and travel secretly under the Empire’s nose. Then you have the ISB’s vast resources stalking every blip and beep trying to find the hated enemy.Andorlooks and sounds amazing. It should also be considered for every technical award.
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Gilroy pulls no punches here.Andor’ssecond season goes to monstrous lengths that will have you blinking in disbelief.I can say without hyperbole that the awful subject matters which get addressed have never been approached inStar Warsto this extent.Children cannot watch this series and that’s okay.
A couple of final thoughts to leave viewers even more titillated.Andordoesn’t get a perfect rating because Gilroy leaves a central pursuit from the first season unanswered. This might have been purposely done for future spinoffs. Also, a vital supporting character nearly steals the show in an arc that will kick your a** and break a foot doing it.An entire episode dedicated to their backstory competes for the best single hour ofStar Wars, and that’s a helluva achievement.Andoris a Lucasfilm production. Season two premieres with the first three episodes on Tuesday, April 22nd, exclusively on Disney+. You can watch through the link below.
