matthewjamesfeltham

Having loved the first series of Andor, I had highly anticipated this series and had high expectations following critic previews. The new series has been grittier, darker, slower and more edgy. Up to now, Star Wars could be seen as family entertainment, but this is not. I have found the story telling slower and feel like I cannot watch with my daughter who loves Star Wars, Rogue One and all. This is just too dark. There is little hope, little pay off, drugs, and too much shown of the intimate relationships of characters for me to feel like we can watch as a family. It has completely spoilt the series for us. The set, design and effects are great. The story is mostly fine. But it is too strong. I wonder if Disney sees other companies doing adult series and thought they'd let the shackles off for Andor. It is such a shame because it has so much potential. I will be watching the rest, but on my own and only to satisfy my own curiosity of the story arc. Frustrated.

Once again Christmas is here and another Donaldson/Scheffler book has been brought to our screens. But what's it like?

There have been so many memorable adventures in the series: The Gruffalo, Stick man, The Snail and the Whale, Zog etc. This one I didn't know, but felt was a weaker story.

The animation and voices and music are all great, but there's not so much to engage with and you're left wondering where it's going after a few minutes. Like the other tales it may grow on me, but I felt it was like eating a chocolatee éclair with hardly any cream inside: it looks great but there's little to sink my teeth into. It's bright, child-safe, colourful stuff, and has some good Easter eggs in (watch out for the Gruffalo fish!) But ultimately this is overshadowed by the far superior and more entertaining Wallace and Gromit: A Vengeance Most Fowl this year.

"Hmm, Andor was well received. Let's trial it in the Mandalorian. Oh look, it splits the viewers and critics just like the Andor series." A weird sandwich of an episode, this.

10 minutes brilliant Mando.

Half an hour of story intrigue using side characters.

Another 5 minutes of Mando.

Despite reviews of this being either grandiose or a pile of poop, it is okay. It doesn't feel like series 1 or 2 Mando, but it builds characters and the story. Not my favourite episode as it was a bit slow. But then again, so was Andor, and i really enjoyed it in the end. On the other hand, the first 10 minutes were superb.