Andor Season 2 Review: An Almost Flawless Conclusion To A Star Wars Masterpiece

by

Over two years have passed since the debut of “Andor,” widely considered one of the most distinguished additions to the “Star Wars” canon during the Disney era. This prequel to “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” masterminded by its co-writer Tony Gilroy, has earned acclaim for its sophisticated mix of spy-thriller and rebellion themes. It provides a comprehensive look at the Empire’s corrupting influence and the Rebellion that emerged to challenge it.

Since the conclusion of its first season about 2.5 years ago, the acclaimed series “Andor” has continued to gain recognition and prestige, casting a towering influence over every subsequent “Star Wars” production. With director Tony Gilroy confirming that the second season would be the final one, spanning an extensive four-year timeline in galactic history, the anticipation for this show has reached fever pitch. The only uncertainty left was how “Andor” would live up to all the built-up hype.

Through a series of 12 captivating episodes delving into everything from minor conflicts in specific regions to grand-scale galactic strategies setting the stage for war, “Andor” demonstrates that its initial season was no mere coincidence and continues to possess the qualities that make it one of the finest “Star Wars” narratives ever told.

We pick up one year later

As a devoted fan, I’m sharing my take on Tony Gilroy’s narrative design for “Andor” Season 2. Instead of merely setting up the plot points for “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” and “Star Wars: A New Hope,” this season seems to be weaving an intricate four-act tale. The season consists of twelve episodes, each one representing a year in the ongoing power struggle between the Imperial bureaucracy and the resilient Rebel Alliance. Each set of three episodes appears to delve into a distinct year of their struggle, offering a compelling progression throughout this epic saga.

In simpler terms, the second season of “Andor” picks up a year after the funeral on Ferrix, serving as a continuation from where we last left Cassian Andor (played by Diego Luna). From being a reckless fighter, he’s now honed his skills under the guidance of the cunning and intelligent Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgård). Additionally, Rebel intelligence, with Mon Mothma’s (Genevieve O’Reilly) support in the Imperial Senate, has significantly grown in power.

With enhanced capabilities in information collection comes additional obstacles to overcome and concealed Imperial secrets to unravel as we resume our tale. There’s something significant simmering on a specific planet within the Empire, a matter that Director Orson Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn) hints at being of imperial importance. The spectators soon grasp the situation, but for Cassian and his comrades, it marks the beginning of a larger enigma, a time bomb ready to explode across the galaxy. If they handle it correctly, they might have a fighting opportunity. If not, the Imperial tyranny will inflict unbearable suffering on them all.

Delving into “Andor” reveals only a glimpse of its rich content, much like how the first season unfolded. The second season maintains a balance between broader and personal narratives, introducing us to Cassian’s friends, lover Bix Caleen (Adria Arjona), his associate Vel Sartha (Faye Marsay), among others. Meanwhile, we also delve deeper into the Imperial side, gaining insights about characters like Syril Karn (Kyle Soller), Dedra Meero (Denise Gough), and the intelligence bureau as they strive to suppress the Rebellion while enforcing the Emperor’s will on a fearful, misinformed populace. The opening episodes alone are packed with a lot to process, but it’s how “Andor” uses this information that truly matters.

A vast conflict, driven by heart

Right from the start, everyone involved with “Andor”, including cast members, writers, and viewers, have been struck by its grandeur. This isn’t just your average space opera; it’s a galaxy-trotting tale jam-packed with intricate plots and rich characters. Yet, as was true for the first season, it’s the small details that truly captivate. The lived-in atmosphere that contributed so much to the authenticity of early “Star Wars” stories is taken to new heights here. You’ll learn about these characters’ daily routines, from their eating habits to their commuting methods, all while the story continues to unfold at a steady pace and subtly fleshes out the lives of its vast cast. The show is incredibly immersive, with each episode offering something new that invites further exploration – like Syril’s breakfast bowl from the first season. When we discuss what makes something “feel” like “Star Wars”, this sense of authenticity is a big part of it, and “Andor” embodies it throughout its production design.

In every breathtaking setting within the series, you can still sense the same rich and dynamic atmosphere that resonates with the cast. Diego Luna, who continues to embody the role of leader flawlessly as the main character, uncovers fresh layers in Cassian. With a single glance from those deep, sorrowful eyes or a subtle movement amidst action scenes, he conveys complexities that suggest Cassian is evolving and transforming. The journey from his initial state to his final destination may be known, but the intricate middle phase is far from linear, filled with psychological and emotional twists and turns. Luna manages not only to portray this enigma but to make us feel it profoundly, much like we believe in his feelings for Bix or his complex relationship with Luthen. The supporting cast, including Stellan Skarsgård and Genevieve O’Reilly, are also delivering outstanding performances. They skillfully navigate the show’s frequent time leaps and location changes to fully flesh out their characters, mirroring the depth that Luna brings to Cassian.

What stands out most in “Andor” Season 2 is its exceptional writing. Led by Tony Gilroy, the series is structured into three-episode segments that take place at different times. Each segment, from the first to the fourth, is written by a different writer: Tony Gilroy, Beau Willmon, Dan Gilroy, and Tom Bissell respectively. This method of distribution extends to the directors as well. By allowing each writer to concentrate on a distinct part of the larger narrative, we witness Cassian and the fragmented Rebels gradually coming together to form a more unified Alliance. This approach is impressive as it delivers self-contained and fulfilling chapters while simultaneously constructing something grander across the season’s arc.

In its initial run, “Andor” was highly acclaimed for its depth and maturity, managing to convey an adult tone within the “Star Wars” universe without falling into grimdark stereotypes. This quality is still present and arguably more refined in Season 2, but what truly sets these 12 episodes apart isn’t just the intricate storyline, the dialogue, or the skillful blend of classic “Star Wars” action with fresh ideas. Instead, it’s the powerful emotional impact that resonates long after the excitement subsides.

“Andor” Season 2 remains a show about weary, desperate, fearful individuals clinging to something meaningful, and while the spy-thriller elements never fade away, it’s this underlying emotion that lingers most. Coming back at a time when authoritarianism and darkness are prevalent, “Andor” doesn’t preach or condescend; it steers clear of simplistic good versus evil dichotomies. Instead, it’s sincere, almost excessively so, and committed to portraying these resilient characters truthfully, offering insights about our current world.

For these reasons, among many others, “Andor” stands out as the best “Star Wars” series, a testament to Lucasfilm’s creativity, and a remarkable achievement within one of genre’s most revered franchises.

“Andor” Season 2 premieres April 22 on Disney+.

Read More

2025-04-21 22:00