Andor

Andor is everything I didn't know I needed to fall in love with the Star Wars universe. It'll never get the recognition of the original movies. The prequels. Or even the underwhelming sequels that couldn't stick the landing. But for what it is, Andor is one of the biggest accomplishments in tv for what it accomplished in the small window of opportunity they had in terms of material.

Andor is not only a prequel, but a prequel to a movie that's not even deeply connected to the main Star Wars story. Yet what it accomplished was one of the most grounded takes on corruption, manipulation, and abuses of power in all of television. Turning a mission of taking the plans of the Death Star into a series that embarks on all of these strong ordeals that are occurring in our world as we speak and putting a spotlight on them is something I didn't think I'd get from this universe.

Stay with me here but to me this show is what Severance and Succession / The Newsroom are to Apple TV+ and HBO. For the topics that are covered to the awful things that these multi billion dollar companies do and are apart of, it's extremely ironic that these shows would air on these platforms and go to show how much they don't care. But I am thankful that shows like this can exist and go about these topics in a way that feels earned and gives hope.

I didn't think a prequel would be even remotely close to Better Call Saul in a very long time, but when BCS ended in 2022 Andor began. And with its conclusion 3 years later despite it only being 2 seasons, Tony Gilroy and company proved me wrong.

"And know this: the day will come when all these skirmishes and battles, these moments of defiance will have flooded the banks of the Empire's authority and then there will be one too many. One single thing will break the siege.

Remember this. Try."

Andor was every bit as good as I was hoping for. It might be the best Star Wars series to date, I used to think it was The Mandalorian but these two seasons of Andor have been flawless. Of all the Star Wars series so far this one is probably the least known character but that doesn't mean it's any less interesting. Andor is a character from one of the best Star Wars movies, Rogue One. All the reviews have been great for Andor so that got my expectations even higher and so far they've all been met. It has a real gritty feel to it compared to the other Star Wars series and the visuals are great. It's also more adult oriented compared to the other shows so far. But the cast, led by Diego Luna, is the best thing about this show. Well that and the writing. These two seasons of Andor have been nothing short of incredible and easily the best thing Star Wars has done since the original trilogy.

This is THE show anyone who grew up with classic Star Wars needs to see. 'Mature' Star Wars, if you will.

Maintains the aesthetics of Rogue One and has a quality of writing to shame recent pathetic efforts. Stands as a great little sci-fi adventure on its own, within the Star Wars universe.

Terrific production, script and depth of accomplished acting performances - tremendous - give it a gravitas to have you salivating if you ever so much as tingled at any great Star Wars movie.

One particular visual snippet as an example - S1E06 'The Eye' has Tie Fighter pilots scrambling into their machines. Mere seconds of screen time but a scintillating burst of realisation that such dynamic moments have never been 'authentically' presented to you before. Ally that with engaging and stimulating dialogue, and it delivers some great stuff.

Treat you inner kid and impress your critical adult: don't miss out on giving this quality production the attention and admiration it deserves. This is Rogue One (the 3rd greatest Star Wars movie behind IV & V) expanded. 8/10 and climbing.

This is, minute for minute, some of the best television on today. Not a ton of FX. Just a compelling story and great acting. It is certainly more adult than other CGI laden spin offs. I don't think any cute cuddly toys will emerge from the series. But the story shines.

The plight of the rebels feels real. We're drawn into the characters one by one. The acting is first class. The writing succinct. And the ever enigmatic Andor keeps the tension taught and mysterious.

Though the series seemed in no hurry to gain traction, it's totally forgivable as we approach mid season. We're drawn to the next episode as we anticipate the the rage sure to be drawn by the empire.

The writers seem merciless with the characters and Andor himself has a sharp unscrupulous edge not quite on display in Rogue One.

Big thumbs up.

I have to say that I was really looking forward to Andor ever since I first heard about it. Then when I saw the trailers I got even more excited. I just finished watching it and it not only met my expectations but even surpassed them. It actually might be the best Star Wars series so far, or at least right there with The Mandalorian. The entire cast is great but Diego Luna is obviously the real star here. He is just fantastic as the lead. This may start a little slow but stick with it because it picks up in a hurry and the next thing you know you're completely hooked. It's already been renewed for a second season so I can't wait until next season and more of Andor!