Andor shows fans a side to Cassian Andor that they have never seen before. The most cinematic of recent Star Wars, the series is a must watch. This review is based solely off of the first four episodes of Andor.
Andor gives Star Wars fans exactly what they have been waiting for. This is the most cinematic Star Wars has ever been. Sure, The Mandalorian was a great series and well, we don’t really talk about The Book of Boba Fett, but Andor blows them both out of the water.
There are epic action sequences, an adorable new droid to fall in love with, and a truly high stakes feel — even though we all know how things end up. This is a very hard thing to do when viewers know the endgame, but this series pulls it off.
It’s dark, gritty, and very ground level — which is a good thing. This is a serious show. It is relatable and intriguing around every corner. Andor feels very spy thriller.
This version of Cassian Andor is one that we have not seen yet — he is not yet the rebel hero that we all know and love. Andor depicts his journey to that place, and allows viewers to fully and completely understand how he became who he is in Rogue One. Complete with flashbacks to his childhood, we learn exactly where he came from, and why he is the way he is. Get ready to fall in love with Cassian all over again (and then cry when you remember how Rogue One ends).
The good thing about these flashbacks is that they are perfectly timed. They are used to get a point across and then we go back to the current time line. Sometimes flashbacks can cause a show to lose itself, but in Andor, they give fans the background they need to understand, and then move along.
Because he is not the Cassian we know, there are some actions of his that are quite shocking — especially in the first episode. Jaws will drop to the floor as you realize that Cassian isn’t the same man that we see in Rogue One. Still, we know he will get there eventually and to have the ability to see that change occur, that is what is most exciting about this series.
Since this is a prequel to Rogue One, and set in a time frame we know quite a bit about already, most viewers will know how things end up for Cassian. That could easily cause the story to feel slightly unnecessary, however we feel it is quite the opposite.
Cassian Andor is a fan favorite for a reason, and allowing us to spend more time getting to know him, and how he ended up on the path of helping the Rebellion, is what makes Andor such a great series.
That, and the fact that the writing is absolutely brilliant, makes this series a must watch. At least in the first four episodes, there are not scenes that slow the series down to a point where it is unbearable and cause it to drag.
That said, the story is a bit of a slow burn to start. We can see why the first three will be released on Disney+ together, as it is the perfect introduction to what fans can expect from the series. They play like a ninety minute movie, and should be watched back to back for the best viewing experience.
Any time it starts to go the way of too much dialogue, some kind of action or high stakes suspenseful moment is thrown in, throwing viewers to the edge of their seats as their hearts pound. Andor is peak Star Wars, and quite possibly the best Star Wars Disney+ series of them all, should it continue down this path with the rest of this season and the next.
Diego Luna knows this character inside and out. So even though he is exploring a new side to him, it is clear this IS Cassian Andor, and it is amazing to see him back on screen. Luna is a phenomenal actor and he makes this character likable, even when he is doing things that might be considered questionable. Getting to learn more about his childhood and the things that drive him certainly help as well.
B2EMO is the sassy and hilarious new droid that fans will see in this episode, and he is certain to become a fan favorite. There are other characters we already know that will be seen throughout the series, like Mon Mothma (Genevieve O’Reilly), and of course, new ones as well.
Bix (Adria Arjona) and Cassian have a past that we are sure to learn more about, and their current relationship is interesting and intriguing. Syril Karn (Kyle Soller) is a Deputy Inspector who ends up biting off a bit more than he can chew. For those viewers who love a good villain, he is it.
We already know that Andor is going to be two seasons, twelve episodes each, with a total of twenty-four episodes. Chances are the final episode is going to end off right where Rogue One starts. Executive Producer / Writer / Showrunner Tony Gilroy used this to his advantage. He already knows the endgame, and so creating something so captivating, with such a high stakes feeling, should be difficult.
Instead, Andor is intense, dangerous, suspenseful, and something that fans will be eager to come back to week to week. We cannot wait to see how Cassian gets to the early events of Rogue One. The first three episodes drop on Disney+ September 21st, so pop some popcorn, grab your favorite beverage, and spend about ninety minutes falling in love with Cassian Andor all over again!
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
NEXT: Can You Watch Andor If You Don’t Know Star Wars?
About Andor
The “Andor” series will explore a new perspective from the Star Wars galaxy, focusing on Cassian Andor’s journey to discover the difference he can make. The series brings forward the tale of the burgeoning rebellion against the Empire and how people and planets became involved.
It’s an era filled with danger, deception and intrigue where Cassian will embark on the path that is destined to turn him into a rebel hero.
Andor comes to Disney+ on Septmber 21st.
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.