Andor Season 2: Why It’s Star Wars’ Best Show and Worth Watching Now

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Warning! This review contains spoilers for Andor season 2, episodes 1-3.

The acclaimed Star Wars TV series, Andor, is back with its first three episodes of season 2, reviving all the elements we’ve grown to appreciate in an impressive manner. If the captivating prison arc from season 1 didn’t already convince you, the climactic ending of Andor season 1 left no doubt that this show was exceptional. It not only handled the expansive Star Wars lore with care but also presented the franchise in a more mature, contemplative, and emotionally resonant way than ever before. In the same vein, Andor season 2 continues to tell its story in the same manner.

In the third installment of Andor season 2, we find ourselves a year after the Ferrix uprising. Cassian Andor is now engaged in another covert operation for Luthen, while Mon Mothma and other characters from the show attend a Chandrillan wedding. Meanwhile, the Imperials, headed by Director Krennic (familiar from Rogue One), aim to seize control of the planet Ghorman. The first three episodes of this season offer fans all they crave from the series, boasting impressive action sequences, stunning visuals, outstanding performances, and sharp scriptwriting.

Andor Season 2 Catches Us Up With Its Characters & Teases Exciting Continuations

The Characters Of Andor Continue To Be A Selling Point

As a fan, I’m finding that the initial episodes of Andor season 2 predominantly lean on its characters to tell a more intimate story. Given that these episodes serve as the opening act for the season, I can understand why they don’t delve into a grand rebellion narrative that could shake the galaxy. Instead, it’s captivatingly immersing me in Cassian’s reunion with Luthen after a failed mission, Mon Mothma’s personal struggles amidst her daughter’s wedding and political threats, and the post-finale lives of Bix, Wilmon, and Brasso.

Cassian’s tale left me somewhat exasperated. Regrettably, the fresh group of rebels he interacted with often made me cringe when they appeared on screen. Nevertheless, the narrative effectively portrays Cassian’s leadership and underscores the significance of a unified Rebel Alliance in Star Wars. On the other hand, Mon’s storyline is more captivating due to its intricate depiction of her emotions following her daughter’s unwanted wedding arrangement, the picturesque landscapes of Chandrilla, and the ominous figure of Tay Volko, a former ally who now demands recompense for his rebellious actions.

Discussing Mina-Rau’s storyline featuring Bix, Brasso, and Wilmon is truly captivating, as it lays the groundwork for more substantial plotlines in the next three acts. The game of chase between them and the Imperials is nerve-wracking, culminating in scenes that are genuinely unsettling, particularly those showcasing the Imperials asserting their dominance over Bix. This storyline introduces a previously unseen malevolence within the Empire, a dimension never explored in the Star Wars universe before, hinted at by Bix’s future appearances in Andor season 2 trailers.

In these instances, all the performances are top-notch, with Genevieve O’Reilly truly shining as Mon Mothma. Diego Luna, while not given much screen time, still exudes the same charm and likability as Cassian. Adria Arjona delivers a captivating portrayal of Bix, whose ongoing struggles from season 1 make her the standout character in the first three episodes of Andor season 2.

Andor Season 2 Looks & Sounds Beautiful

The Production Budget Is Clear To See

According to the accounts, it appears that Disney spent nearly $300 million to create season 2 of Andor. Despite this astronomical figure, there’s no doubt that every penny has been wisely spent. The initial episode showcases Cassian’s mission in a visually stunning manner, complete with a significant CGI set-piece. Scenes depicting the prototype TIE Avenger crashing within an Imperial hangar, breaking through a gate, and navigating a treacherous canyon are nothing short of spectacular. These sequences infuse traditional Star Wars action into a series that offers a distinct perspective of a galaxy far, far away.

Additionally, the locations featured in the series are simply breathtaking. Each scene is filled with stunning landscapes, no matter which planet it portrays, but Chandrilla truly steals the show. This visual splendor sets Andor apart from other Disney Star Wars TV shows. The extensive use of on-location shooting provides a more authentic backdrop than digitally created landscapes. Lastly, Nicholas Britell and Brandon Roberts deliver an impressive musical score for Andor, enhancing the overall experience.

Andor Season 2’s Maturity Is A Breath Of Fresh Air

Much Like It Was In Season 1

For me, the first season of Andor truly shone due to its ability to breathe new life into the Star Wars universe by crafting a deep, grown-up narrative that usually eludes the franchise. Though I’ve enjoyed much of Disney’s Star Wars content, it rarely leaves a lasting impression compared to television masterpieces like Breaking Bad and early seasons of Game of Thrones. Yet, Andor season 1 achieved this, and season 2 is maintaining that mature storytelling approach.

In contrast to the typical good-versus-evil narrative in most Star Wars films, the series Andor offers a more intricate exploration of themes such as fascism and rebellion. The fact that I found myself sympathizing with Dedra and Syril, two Imperial agents, who were striving for success in their mission to impress superiors and meet Syril’s mother was unexpected but fitting, given the well-developed characters that draw viewers in. This follows a scene where Dedra outlines her plan to suppress an entire planet, which could result in the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives, demonstrating Andor’s willingness to make audiences confront the morally ambiguous areas presented in the storyline.

In essence, just like the series “Breaking Bad” never wavered in distinguishing between right and wrong, neither does “Andor.” While Walter White’s actions were not morally sound, the writing drew us to sympathize with him. Similarly, “Andor” portrays Dedra with complexity, but the Imperials are consistently depicted as villainous.

Through the narrative of Bix’s character, the term “rape” was introduced for the first time in the Star Wars universe. This singular event underscores the depth and maturity with which Andor tackles the abuses of power inflicted upon the oppressed. This plot development not only elicited deep sympathy for Bix and my desire for a positive outcome, but it also left me pondering the morality of supporting characters like Dedra and Syril who are capable of such atrocities. The maturity displayed by Andor distinguishes it significantly from other Star Wars series, leaving me in awe and eager to commend its exceptional storytelling.

Andor Season 2’s Opening Is Not Perfect, But It Sets Up An Excellent Season

Some Storylines Do Not Quite Land

To put it simply, while season 2 starts off well by establishing characters and building anticipation for future events, episode 2 seems to move a bit slowly. In particular, Cassian’s storyline with the rebels on what appears to be Yavin IV before the Rebellion was fully established felt repetitive, dull, and even frustrating. Whether this was intentional, given Cassian’s own irritation during this period, is up for debate as to whether it effectively served its purpose or not.

To put it simply, the initial episodes of Andor season 2 didn’t have much to criticize in my view. Since this part is more about setting things up and moves at a slightly slower pace, I find myself eagerly anticipating the next nine episodes and the thrill they might bring. In essence, Andor season 2 starts off strong, carrying on what I adore about the series and paving the way for a season that could be equally impressive, if not more so, than its highly praised predecessor.

Andor season 2 episodes air every Tuesdays at 9pm ET on Disney+.

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2025-04-23 05:39