Episodes Watched: 1-4
With the upcoming slate of Star Wars films still yet to have any confirmed release dates, fans have had their fill of a galaxy far, far away with the multitude of live-action (and animated) Disney+ offerings. Yet, while The Mandalorian won everybody’s hearts, The Book of Boba Fett left a lot to be desired (except for THAT Mandalorian episode), with Obi-Wan Kenobi landing somewhere in between. Despite knowing the bittersweet ending to his tale, the next series is possibly one of the franchises’ most unnecessary but intriguing concepts yet, travelling back in time for a spy thriller charting Cassian Andor’s (Diego Luna) rise in the rebellion.
With Rogue One director Tony Gilroy back on board writing five episodes and also serving as executive producer and showrunner, the 12-episode first season begins five years before the events of the film, bringing a new perspective to the burgeoning Rebel Alliance. Initially spotlighting Cassian’s recruitment by Luthien (Stellan Skarsgård) – who embarks on his path to become the eventual rebel hero – Andor centres on the real people and the real stakes behind the stand against the deadly and oppressive Empire. With no lightsaber, Jedi or Skywalker in sight (as of yet), this adult-skewed series may change the way we view Star Wars entirely.
With a grounded, gritty and mature approach, this prequel is definitely a different side to Star Wars spotlighted yet – and dare I say – a most refreshing one. While the majority of previous instalments have focused on the core collection of Kenobi/Solo/Skywalkers saving the day, Andor uses Cassian’s story to focus on the intertwining lives of everyday and seemingly unremarkable people, who all play their invaluable parts in the formation of the rebellion. This is undeniably a politically charged and socially relevant tale – there’s a lot of anger, a lot of hurting and some serious inequality, with communities trying to eke out a living by any means possible under the reign of the tyrannical (and facist-esque) Empire.
The usual family-friendly adventure narrative makes way for a more ambitious and adult focused ground-level thriller, evolving from the clear cut good vs evil, light vs dark side, Jedi vs Sith concept, to a more complex and realistic uprising, complete with complicated and morally grey characters. With the slow-burn pacing and bubbling tension building throughout the single story arc – which unfolds over the three opening episodes – it does admittedly take a little while for the action to get going.
While this approach certainly won’t be for everyone, but if, like me, Rogue One is your favourite of the newer films, the series is excitingly in a similarly vein – complete with tactical undercover missions, uprisings and politicking. Gilroy is given the runtime to expand and explore upon the universe established in the 2016 instalment – delving into even more Worlds and communities along the way. There’s thankfully also no reliance on nostalgia, fan service, Tatooine or easter eggs!
It’s so good to have the ever brilliant Diego Luna back in the layered role, complete with a fascinating arc which delves into the evolution of the once cynical salvager and thief, to the key rebel fighter we know today. We even get an obligatory glimpse at his Lost Boys-esque backstory, introducing his birth planet of Fest. Alongside Luna, Andor marks the return of legacy characters like Mon Mothma (Genevieve O’Reilly) and Saw Gerrera (Forest Whitaker). However, the majority of the cast are portraying brand new characters, such as Luthien (a commanding and chameleon-esque Stellan Skarsgård), who’s orchestrating and recruiting for his rebellion, Maarva (a compelling but rather underused Fiona Shaw), the adopted mother of Cassian and Bix Caleen (Adria Arjona), Andor’s fierce but supportive ally. What’s fascinating to see is the length these people are willing to go in the pursuit of the greater good.
The prequel also intriguingly spotlights characters on both sides of the galactic conflict, lifting the lid on the bureaucratic world of the Empire (who hilariously also have to suffer quarterly reports). Denise Gough brings an ambitious nature to Dedra Meero, a high-ranking Imperial officer who’s spotted a distinct pattern in rebel actives and is determined to quash out those behind it. While Kyle Soller’s obsessive and driven deputy inspector Syril Karn will remind you of that irritating work colleague who will do anything to climb the corporate ladder – with the arrest of Cassian potentially proving Syril’s golden goose.
Visually, Andor instantly sets itself apart from the rest of the Disney+ shows – stepping away from utilising the “Volume” LED screens in favour of real locations – while blending seamlessly with Greig Fraser’s Rogue One cinematography (balancing intimate and sprawling shots). The series is incredibly cinematic with an expansive scope, shooting at locations such as Cleveleys in Lancashire, Winspit Quarry in Dorset and the Cruachan Reservoir in Scotland.
Alongside the real locations, the production team (led by Luke Hull) also impressively constructed the Ferrix city sets in Pinewood Studios, complete with incredible detailing in the various stalls, shops and scrap yards, hugely adding to the grounded realism of the series. The bustling city is also home to plenty of new creatures, droids and alien species, including Andor’s adorable salvage droid B2EMO, who is another wonderful addition to the roster of Star Wars’ droids. Action-wise, there’s also a tense extended shootout and chase which is well worth the wait, along with a rain-soaked stunning neo-noir opening which harks back to Blade Runner.
Verdict
Despite the slow-burn nature of the opening episodes, Andor is a mature, compelling & grounded thriller which might just change the way you perceive Star Wars entirely. Breaking away from the mould of previous instalments, the prequel features ambitious storytelling and stunning cinematic visuals, using Cassian’s arc to finally spotlight the everyday people who banded together to form the Rebel Alliance. A must watch for Rogue One fans!
