Andor rises to meet the challenge of telling the story of the early days of the Rebellion through the eyes of a man who hasn’t fully come into his own yet.
Andor swerves by refusing to make Cassian blandly noble. In Luna’s accomplished hands, he’s pricklier and more nuanced than that. ... In taking time to grow its central character, Andor unveils an ensemble with characters who drive a number of intriguing subplots. ... The interiority and self-reflection it demands have created the most challenging and invigorating work in this galaxy in years.
Andor is some of the best Star Wars content I have seen in my life. It brings a mature and darker twist to the franchise and focuses not on a powerful Jedi, but a normal person struggling against the empire.
Season 1. Wow. There are so many terrible Star Wars shows being pumped out that it is easy to overlook this one, but don't. I will warn you that I had to fight to stay with the show through the first two episodes, which really did not interest me at all, but by the third episode, it is firing on all cylinders and it carries all the way through the finally. I can't think of a show that had me on the edge of my seat so many times. This one is full of earnest moments with characters learning about themselves as they go along, so that might not be for everyone, but for me it was handled so well.
With sharper edges than this franchise is used to, a previously peripheral character has set up one of the most intriguing starts to a live-action Star Wars entry so far.
These characters offer a fresher take on “Star Wars” lore than Andor’s story, which is a rote rebel mission. If the series finds a way to further blend familiar storytelling with the more-unusual-for-“Star Wars” vibe of palace intrigue, “Andor” might yet prove itself to be a favorite among fans much the way “Rogue One” has become embraced in the eight years since its initial theatrical run.
It is a darker, more grown-up approach, although it is slow. Actually, in the first two episodes it's too slow. Diego Luna, reprising his role as the brooding, narky Cassian Andor, is the charismatic fulcrum to this story.
There is barely any shape to these first four episodes. Three of them don’t even build to any kind of real climax, but just seem to stop at a random point. ... The third [episode] is the one where things finally start happening, as well as the only one that actually has something that feels like a conclusion to one phase of the story. It’s a shame, not only because Luna’s Cassian Andor occupies an interesting place within the larger Star Wars universe, but because Andor gets off to a promising start before things quickly begin to drag.
Review: Andor - A Masterpiece in the Star Wars Universe
In a galaxy far, far away, Andor emerges as a beacon of brilliance, rivaling the iconic status of The Empire Strikes Back. Set against the backdrop of the Star Wars universe, this epic saga seamlessly blends action, adventure, drama, fantasy, sci-fi, and thriller elements to create a captivating narrative that resonates with fans old and new.
Plot Summary:
Andor follows the journey of Cassian Andor, a a man forced to migrate and to leave everything behind, who becomes embroiled in a galactic conflict of epic proportions. As Cassian navigates through a treacherous landscape filled with perilous enemies, intricate alliances, and morally ambiguous choices, viewers are taken on an exhilarating ride through the heart of the Star Wars mythos.
Characters:
The ensemble cast of Andor is nothing short of extraordinary. From the charm of Cassian to the enigmatic presence of Luthen, each member of the cast delivers a performance that elevates the storytelling to new heights. As characters grapple with their inner demons, forge unlikely alliances, and confront the darkness lurking within, audiences are treated to a rich tapestry of character development that leaves a lasting impression.
Themes and Messages:
At its core, Andor explores timeless themes of heroism, sacrifice, redemption, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness. Through its compelling narrative, the show delves deep into the complexities of the human (or alien) condition, offering profound insights into the nature of power, destiny, and the pursuit of truth.
Visuals and Production:
Visually stunning and impeccably crafted, Andor sets a new standard for excellence in production design. From breathtaking CGI landscapes to meticulously choreographed action sequences, every frame of the show is a testament to the dedication and creativity of its production team. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the show, from the intricate costume designs to the stunning practical effects.
World-Building:
Andor expands upon the rich tapestry of the Star Wars universe, introducing new planets and cultures that deepen the lore and captivate the imagination. From the bustling streets of Coruscant to the quaintness of Ferrix, each location feels like a fully realized world teeming with life and history.
Fan Appeal:
For die-hard Star Wars fans, Andor is a dream come true. Packed with Easter eggs, references to the broader franchise, and unexpected cameos, the show pays homage to its roots while charting new territory. Yet, Andor also manages to stand on its own as a compelling narrative that appeals to viewers of all backgrounds, inviting them to embark on an unforgettable journey through the stars.
Pacing and Narrative Flow:
From its pulse-pounding opening sequence to its jaw-dropping finale, Andor maintains a perfect balance of pacing and narrative flow. Each episode builds upon the last, propelling the story forward with relentless momentum. Yet, amidst the epic battles and galaxy-spanning conflicts, there are moments of quiet introspection and emotional depth that add layers of complexity to the overall narrative.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Andor is a triumph of storytelling and a shining beacon of excellence in the Star Wars franchise. With its masterful blend of action, adventure, drama, fantasy, sci-fi, and thriller elements, the show captivates audiences from start to finish, leaving them eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this epic saga. Whether you're a lifelong Star Wars fan or a newcomer to the galaxy far, far away, Andor is an absolute must-watch that deserves a place among the stars.
Andor... We're again exploring the time span between movies. Fortunately unlike with Obi-Wan, Andor seems to be heading somewhere.
In this show we're seeing how the Rebellion began, and I got to say that I'm amazed the Rebellion ever got anything done. Seeing its own members are more in it for their own personal reasons, than for the liberation of the galaxy from the rule of the Empire.
Cassian Andor is an interesting character, but he isn't that interesting. If the show was carried only by him, then we would have another flop on our hands. Fortunately we've Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgård) and Mon Mothma (Genevieve O'Reilly), giving the show more than Cassian can offer. Although not exactly playing by the same rules Rael and Mothma are clearly crucial pieces of hopefully will become a far more efficient Rebellion than the one shown thus far.
The inner dynamics of the agents of the Empire are also very interesting to observe. Seeing that they show that the Empire only sustained their grip on the galaxy, because of certain key individuals. Without them, Vader and Sidious wouldn't matter for the Empire would've fallen even to a very inefficient Rebellion. The best Imperial characters thus far are Dedra Meero and Major Partagaz. All the other Imperial characters are mainly to give contrast to those two characters.
Andor has enough room to become better, and if it does I'll increase the score I gave it. But if it does not, then I'll have no problem stop seeing it.
Andor so far is only interesting and worth watching because it has lots of potential. If the show will live to that potential, that's another matter altogether
The characters are somewhat interesting, the story is coherent but slow, the dialogue is alright, and the effects are fine. Nothing stands out as being particularly strong or weak. Overall, it's just okay.