“Not much of a revolutionary, are you?” said Ghorman Front leader Carro Rylanz, as he came face-to-face with Cassian Andor during a heated moment. Perfectly encapsulating the essence of Andor, this one line of dialogue challenges to recontextualise the Rebellion without the rose-tinted glasses we’ve often viewed Star Wars through. Set mere years before the events of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, the second and final season of Andor delivers an incredible conclusion to a series that packs more than enough fuel to ignite and sustain a rebellion.
Much like its predecessor, the latest and final season of Andor ventures deep into what makes the Empire such a horrifying entity. In the world of Andor, the Empire is depicted as a chilling take on fascism, and how true horror can manifest at the hands of those with unchecked power. Written by Tony Gilroy, who famously reshaped the trajectory of Rogue One, the latest Star Wars television series presents the reality of life under fascist regime, where ordinary men and women are subject to the whims of a totalitarian regime. In Andor, evil exists not because of space fantasy magic, but because so many worked to make it happen.
It goes without saying, but the writing is the true secret to the success of Andor. Delivering a narrative that’s steeped in political intrigue, the Rogue One prequel dares to strip the fantastical exterior of the space fantasy franchise, exploring the early years of the Rebel Alliance as well as its fight against the Empire. With a sharp focus on the Empire’s ruthless bureaucracy, politics, and economy, it’s hard not to make real world political parallels. Despite its more mature take, Andor does portray a surprisingly human portrait of the Rebellion, which is personified through its roster of compelling characters.
Reprising his role as the titular character, Diego Luna continues to impress as the war-weary Rebel Alliance spy. In season two, Luna portrays a conflicted leader burdened by the responsibility or navigating the murky waters of moral ambiguity, personal struggles, as well as the fragility of a rebellion. Across the season, we witnessed Cassian Andor’s surprisingly spiritual odyssey as he continues the path toward his destiny.
The show’s standout star of the season, Genevieve O’Reilly’s Mon Mothma, deserves a seat among the greatest heroes of Star Wars. Set during the most tumultuous period of her life, we see how the culmination of her commitment to the Rebel Alliance, as well as the toll it has taken on her and her family. In addition, Elizabeth Dulau’s Kleya Marki never fails to steal every scene that she’s in. More than a mere antique shop assistant, Kleya illustrates the idea that everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about.
From a production standpoint, it’s hard to deny that Andor looks a cut above the usual Star Wars on streaming output. Instead of relying on virtual production techniques, the show sets itself apart by effectively utilising real locations and sets. These creative decisions work in tandem with a show that’s committed to portray its galaxy as gritty and grounded. In terms of its aesthetics, Andor is more reminiscent of the original trilogy, rather than its modern-day peers like The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, or Obi-Wan Kenobi.
The idea of revamping a franchise that’s as long-lasting as Star Wars can be incredibly daunting. After all, the last couple of years have not been exactly smooth sailing for Lucasfilm. From a myriad of production related troubles and project cancellations to rumours of a change in leadership, to say that Star Wars is at the crossroads would be a severe understatement. However, if the two seasons of Andor are any indication, it’s that there may still be some revolutionary spark left in the space fantasy franchise set in a galaxy far, far away.
