Roughly two and a half years after its first season aired, Star Wars Andor, the fiercely political collection starring Diego Luna who reprises the function of Cassian Andor he first performed in Rogue One, has returned for its second and last season. Overseen by Michael Clayton director Tony Gilroy, the present has an uncommon launch schedule this season: every Tuesday for the following few weeks, three new episodes will drop.
This week’s premiere, which kicked off the season with its first three episodes, gave us hundreds to speak about, and left us excited to see the place issues are going to go from right here.
Ethan Gach: Cassian Andor has by no means felt extra relatable to me as when he received into the cockpit of that new prototype tie-fighter and couldn’t determine the right way to cease it from defaulting to inverted controls. Realizing he would hit “skip” at the beginning of each recreation’s tutorial as nicely seems like an necessary window into his character.
Carolyn Petit: That was a wild and enjoyable second, one which made me wish to play TIE Fighter once more! (I used to be fairly confused as to why Cassian hadn’t gotten coaching on the right way to fly the rattling factor beforehand although, however this wound up being defined later.)
And what I really like about that entire intro sequence is that I believe it really works as a type of microcosm of what makes Andor such a compelling and sensible present. It has “enjoyable” moments which might be uniquely Star Wars however they’re supported by storytelling that basically foregrounds the political battle that has at all times been current within the collection.
Proper earlier than that scene with the TIE, Cassian speaks to an Imperial technician who has aided him at nice private threat to herself. She asks him a really cheap query: “If I die tonight, was it price it?” He offers her a wonderful reply, one that features the phrases, “You’ll by no means really feel proper until you’re doing what you may to cease them. You’re coming house to your self.” It’s so true, I believe. So many people are struggling proper now with the potential threat concerned in standing as much as the malevolent political forces in our personal world, however on the similar time, not doing one thing means dropping ourselves as a result of we’re not being true to our personal ethical core.
Andor is aware of that appearing in solidarity is gorgeous and that generally folks should make some horrible sacrifices. And it confronts us with all of this a couple of minutes earlier than giving us the virtually comical motion of Cassian making an attempt to return to grips with the rattling ship and mowing down heaps of stormtroopers within the course of!
Zack Zwiezen: It was a very robust begin to the present that immediately reminded viewers of what Andor is admittedly about, confirmed us how a lot he has grown in a yr, and likewise allowed the collection to incorporate a enjoyable Star Wars journey of stealing a TIE Fighter and barely escaping. Excellent opening to a brand new season. Different writers and showrunners ought to take notes.
EG: That second with the technician is likely one of the stronger scenes in all the opening chapter (first three episodes) and an necessary aspect of humanity that kind of underlies the entire venture and grounds it, which is that even the massive dangerous galactic empire is filled with folks simply ready to be tipped over the sting into rebelling.
For each collaborator there’s somebody prepared to abandon. The opening episodes actually do an awesome job of teetering backwards and forwards between hope and despair, not simply due to the insurmountable odds but in addition due to the grim, darkish, and even immoral sacrifices made to attempt to even them.
CP: That’s proper. It doesn’t attempt to cut back or simplify issues morally or in human phrases, one thing Star Wars, a collection that’s broadly about good vs. evil, “mild” and “darkish,” has arguably finished at occasions prior to now.
The truth is Andor is all about acknowledging the complexities, the truth that solidarity doesn’t at all times imply working alongside folks you’re in complete ideological lockstep and excellent concord with; generally it means working with folks you’ve got fierce disagreements with about some issues, however you’re aligned on one key precept or purpose and also you let that be sufficient.
There positive are some terrible folks within the Empire, although; I proceed to significantly detest that smarmy bureaucrat Syril, as an illustration.
And I used to be stunned to see, in what I believe is a primary for Star Wars as a collection, Andor bearing on how the fascist oppression of teams of individuals and sexual violence in opposition to ladies traditionally go hand in hand, with that vile Imperial officer Krole trying to rape Bix. It was chilling, however I believe Andor’s critical dealing with of its subject material earned it the fitting to go there.
As for these “immoral” sacrifices you talked about, what can I say? I really like Luthen, and his willingness to do no matter he feels defending the Revolt calls for. Him telling Mon Mothma “How good for you” after he principally tells her, in his coded manner, that he’s gonna should take a sure legal responsibility out of the image and she or he acts like she doesn’t fairly perceive what he’s saying is such an awesome second, solely made higher by her making an attempt to lose herself in booze and music proper afterwards as some a part of her struggled with the painful realization that her dedication to this insurrection had ethical calls for that went past even what she’d beforehand imagined.
ZZ: I additionally cherished the best way Andor continues to indicate that the insurrection wasn’t some completely organized group of individuals all on the identical web page within the combat in opposition to the Empire.
Watching that ragtag group of rebels break into arguments after which get right into a protracted stand-off was an ideal reminder that a part of the issue you face when combating large organized fascist empires is that you simply are inclined to have a number of various folks and concepts making an attempt to work collectively. And that may trigger individuals who ought to be on the identical aspect to activate one another
I additionally assume it’s fascinating that for a present named Andor, he’s not that large part of the primary three episodes.
CP: Yeah! In that sense, these first three episodes did really feel a bit like set-up, placing Cassian himself to the aspect a bit so they might each concentrate on laying the groundwork for Mon Mothma’s arc (I proceed to be so impressed by the complexity of Genevieve O’Reilly’s efficiency) and with the intention to plant the seeds for…one thing (ahem) to occur on Ghorman afterward.
ZZ: Man, O’Reilly’s efficiency in that is so good. Who might have guessed that the actress George Lucas picked to play Mon Mothma—primarily as a result of she appeared so related—for a couple of scenes that had been principally deleted from Revenge of the Sith would go on to be so unbelievable 20 years later.
Additionally, they need to completely add that scene again into Revenge of the Sith. It’s an excellent scene and it could join the flicks to Andor in a enjoyable manner for folks going again and re-watching them post-Andor.
CP: It was actually cool (in a horrifying manner) listening to these Imperial propaganda specialists discuss in regards to the methods through which they manipulate galactic opinion about Ghormans by leaning into and perpetuating adverse stereotypes, one other factor that Andor takes proper from the historical past books about how fascism works.
And I do assume these three episodes efficiently generated suspense round Cassian’s absence, along with his buddies (and, in fact, poor B2EMO!) feeling the stress rise as they awaited him. I do hope he will get to decisively shift right into a extra outstanding and lively function with the following three episodes although!
EG: Let’s speak about that marriage ceremony.
CP: NIAMOS!
ZZ: DJ DROIDBOT! I used to be impressed and loved that opening “oner” shot that walked us by way of the folks on the marriage ceremony and revealed Luthen on the finish.
EG: Think about having a number of principals on set to movie on the similar time!
ZZ: Think about having a set that large!
CP: And speak about distinction. Superficially there’s the glitzy dancefloor, the wildly costly statue, the efficiency of pleasure and celebration, however all of the whereas there are such high-stakes political dimensions at play, and we actually really feel Mon Mothma working to remain centered on her political targets that are a lot bigger than herself, whilst she’s coping with the very actual ache of a daughter who receives her coldly.
It’s grand and intimate all of sudden, balancing the human and the political dimensions very successfully which I believe has lengthy been a ability that units Tony Gilroy aside.
EG: She’s making an attempt to create a greater future for her daughter who may be very content material to reside her snug life underneath the Empire.
CP: Sure!
EG: In the meantime she’s bought out her childhood buddy for being within the midst of a late-life disaster.
I additionally favored the delicate look her husband offers her when she’s drunkenly dancing, like “Lastly she’s doing what all of us need her to do, simply shut up and have enjoyable.”
ZZ: Sure, that second together with her dancing and her husband watching caught out to me. It is a aspect of Mothma we’ve by no means seen earlier than. Even the actress mentioned in a behind-the-scenes video that after doing that she realized extra about Mothma. And I believe all of us did, too.
Now, for a component I didn’t like: The demise of huge man Brasso.
To be clear: I don’t thoughts the present killing characters. It is a insurrection in opposition to an evil empire. Individuals are going to die. However I believe it was simply finished actually sloppily. I wasn’t even positive what occurred. It was a uncommon second in Andor the place I felt just like the path simply didn’t work. I used to be confused by the second. Wait he’s lifeless? How? When? He was shot? I believe? I don’t know… didn’t work for me.
CP: Agreed; as a personality, Brasso deserved to exit higher (or at the very least extra clearly) than that.
ZZ: I get that the possibly the thought was, “Hey, look, heroes like Brasso can die simply as randomly as nobodies.” Positive. Positive. That’s an excellent level. I get it. However yeah, what a complicated demise for an superior character.
EG: Brasso had worse luck dodging blaster fireplace than the Jedi mowed down by Order 66.
ZZ: Too quickly, man. Too quickly.
CP: Every little thing else in regards to the state of affairs Brasso, Bix and the gang endured there actually resonated although.
I like that Andor is a present that, on one hand, we will write enjoyable lists of Star Wars Easter eggs about, and on the opposite, retains providing direct parallels to how precise oppressive and fascist governments work.
The language the Imperials used about them being not simply “undocumented” however “unlawful” had me eager to scream “Nobody is illegitimate!” on the display, and Gilroy and co. are completely not being shy about making these connections as specific as potential; that fucker Krole says one thing like “The Councils want the assistance or there’s no harvest. The assistance is undocumented,” driving house how migrant employees which might be completely very important to industries like agriculture are sometimes focused.
In the meantime, one factor I believed was actually enjoyable: the informative video about these spiders on Ghorman. It had the texture of the sorts of government-produced academic movies I’d generally see in school in elementary faculty.
It’s grand and intimate all of sudden, balancing the human and the political dimensions very successfully which I believe has lengthy been a ability that units Tony Gilroy aside.
ZZ: I cherished it! But additionally, I’m undecided why Krennic confirmed a lot of it. Perhaps he actually likes spiders!?
One thing I actually appreciated in regards to the assembly with Krennic and the opposite Empire members is how they aren’t all onboard, however others can kind of persuade them to be worse. It’s delicate, however it reveals how these choices can occur. Even individuals who would possibly assume they’re good, with sufficient energy and within the flawed place, can conform to some horrible shit. After which they’ll say, “Nicely, it was a gaggle choice.” Or blame it on the Empire and never themselves.
Okay, we’ve talked sufficient about themes and writing and path and so on and so on. Can we speak about that Yavin-4 reveal?!
CP: Completely!
ZZ: I’ll admit it: I made a noise. Andor is a present that so not often does that type of stuff that I squealed a bit. I’m a Star Wars sicko. And I cherished that reveal. I used to be so distracted by what was taking place that I didn’t even discover the very fact they didn’t reveal the planet’s title he landed on. After which I used to be like “Oh, you bastards!”
CP: I’ve to confess, it was fairly cool.
I’m not somebody who will get enthusiastic about references for the sake of references however this felt earned by some means; it’s cool figuring out that this seemingly random planet really goes on to develop into a spot of significant significance within the Revolt’s future. It seems like yet one more factor that deepens Cassian’s legacy as a personality whose experiences and actions echo on into the longer term, even when he doesn’t personally reside to see how.
ZZ: Additionally, I assume the rebels are going to should kill a number of large lizard pig aliens issues? Perhaps that’s an entire episode. Andor and the gang searching hogs.
(Additionally, pushes up glasses, it’s not a planet. It’s a jungle moon. Come on)
CP: Hahaha my dangerous! I at all times admire the depth of your Star Wars knowledge.
EG: Deep reduce to the principle plot level of Return of the Jedi.
How are we felling in regards to the three-episode drop construction? It kind of extends the arc of them a bit, and makes for weaker particular person episodes, however a probably extra nuanced and impactful 150 minutes? I’m not absolutely bought on it however I may additionally be too caught up within the excessive highs of season 1 which actually didn’t kick in till mid manner by way of.
CP: I believe it is sensible. These first three episodes actually felt like they’d their very own self-contained arc for me, and I count on the remaining three-episode drops will as nicely.
ZZ: I believe it labored for me too. It principally is sort of a new Star Wars film each week.
I additionally assume it helps keep away from an issue Andor had with some folks in Season 1. That the present was too sluggish or took too lengthy to get to large moments. Personally, I didn’t love the slower tempo of the primary two episodes of Andor season 1 however the third episode bought me on the present. So I believe dropping them like this helps.
CP: It’s additionally the kind of factor which will make extra sense on reflection, because the arcs of every three-episode cluster develop into clearer, with every group being set in a distinct yr, if I bear in mind proper, as they depend right down to uhh…assist me out right here Zack, BBY 0, is that proper?
ZZ: Technically we’re constructing to BBY1 as BBY0 is A New Hope. It’s bizarre. (And will get weirder if you understand that OBBY and 1ABY are kind of the identical time interval however not. Don’t take into consideration these items.)
I’m glad you introduced that up although, as a result of I believe that is the primary time we’ve ever seen BBY present up in a present or film. I’m wondering how many individuals had been like “What?”
CP: I do know! I used to be stunned to see them put one thing principally solely recognized to the die-hards up there.
ZZ: “3 Years Earlier than Andor, the principle character of this present, fucking dies” was Gilroy’s first alternative, I’m instructed.
EG: Can they get Gilroy to remake Rogue One?
ZZ: We are able to’t wrap this up with out speaking about Syril and Meero!
EG: Oh proper, that entire factor occurred.
ZZ: I noticed some folks on-line suggesting they aren’t a pair, which appears wild to me. It’s very clear these two are having some actually aggressive and but bland intercourse.
EG: He lives together with her proper?
ZZ: I believe that’s what the present was implying, yeah.
CP: Proper, what do we predict is happening there? Him saying “We might…faux you’re not again” type of threw me off. Clearly the dynamics of their relationship are…odd, however I believe they’re collectively in some sense.
EG: I’m curious to see the place that entire factor goes. I care zero about his character, so I hope he’s used extra as a foil to deliver fascinating issues out of her or power some surprising developments.
“We might…faux you’re not again” is what JD Vance’s sofa used to say to him.
CP: I believe Syril is fascinating as a result of he’s so loathsome. Only a gross nepo loser who thinks he’s doing nice and significant issues whereas spreadsheets. Actually a villain for the DOGE period.
ZZ: I believe they’ll flip. He’ll find out about Ghorman and see it as an awesome factor. She appears hesitant. She would possibly even flip on the Empire and him. Additionally, that second the place she smiles freaked me out.
EG: My favourite scene together with her is after the assembly when she’s strolling again on Coruscant together with her boss they usually present a transparent break up between the forms of the Empire and its autocrats.
Competent careerists who should steadiness the ideology of the venture and whims of their superiors with really getting the outcomes. Think about if we come out of this entire factor with an tried coup as a result of it’s clear the Loss of life Star is a very dumb concept.
“Push oppressed populaces to the brink to construct large weapon in house” is a reoccurring Icarus second for fascists within the Star Wars universe.
ZZ: I’d like to see a storyline like that. It’s one thing the flicks/reveals haven’t actually touched on. That the Empire was as soon as the Republic and never all of these persons are all of the sudden on board with worshiping a melted monster man wizard god and his creepy black-suited tremendous soldier dude.
The comics have touched on how the Empire’s varied bureaucrats and troopers don’t actually get Darth Vader. Perhaps Vader even reveals up within the present sooner or later. He could be the one the Emperor would ship to quash a coup.
CP: I’ve been questioning if that may occur.
I really feel like that might go one in every of two methods. It could possibly be superior as a result of sure, he’s such a strong determine, he looms so massive within the Star Wars mythos and tactically it could make sense, as you say. On the similar time, a part of what’s made Andor so nice is that it largely avoids the type of recurring main gamers from different Star Wars tales. Nonetheless, if Gilroy and co. determined to go that manner, I’ll be curious to see how they deal with it!
Earlier than we wrap it up, only one very last thing: I wish to shout out an excellent piece by Aftermath’s Gita Jackson that ran in The New York Instances a couple of days in the past.
They make the necessary level that merely watching a present like Andor shouldn’t be, in and of itself, activism or resistance, an necessary factor to recollect in an period when many individuals do appear to view “consuming” the fitting media as some type of significant act. Andor is in the end nonetheless itself the product of a large company empire. However I do assume we will completely acknowledge that truth whereas additionally letting ourselves really feel stirred and impressed by the craft and artistry of what Gilroy and all of his collaborators on this venture are doing.
I take into consideration how in season one, as an illustration, Cassian was incarcerated, sentenced for a number of years (really it in all probability would have been ceaselessly) for no cause in any respect, despatched to a brutal jail colony that supplied, in the end, only one manner out. I believe if even a couple of younger persons are struck by parallels like these, really feel one thing stirring inside them, and study to know an evil empire after they see one, nicely, that may be fairly rattling cool.
ZZ: Andor followers, welcome to the resistance.
However sure, I’m so blissful this present is again for therefore many causes. It’s excellent. It makes me really feel issues. It comes at an ideal time. And I get to speak to folks I find out about Star Wars for a couple of weeks with out them going, “Bleh, Star Wars is so dangerous/boring/no matter now.” That’s good. So yeah, I believe I communicate for all of us once I say it’s superior that Andor is again.
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