“Andor: Season 1" was released on Disney+ on September 21 with the first season wrapping up on November 23, 2022. The show is directed by Tony Gilroy whose first Star Wars movie was 2015’s “Rouge One” which was an immense success.
“Andor” is a direct prequel to “Rouge One” showing the origins of many of the familiar characters featured in the film. This show is a more realistic and mature take on the Star Wars franchise
Marketed to mostly teenagers and adults, the show follows the titular character Cassian Andor, showing his hostile upbringing in the Empire and focuses on offering unique perspectives not covered in Star Wars before. "Andor’s" story resembles a spy-drama/thriller approach with more focus on character development and dialogue than action and explosions. The show is not without its action moments and thrills. Each 3 episode arc ends typically with a fight/resolution.
Andor succeeds where other Disney+ streaming shows have not. Most of their shows are criticized for their cheap special effects along with a the rushed plot and weak storyline. "Andor," on the other hand, has some of the best cinematography of shows to come out in 2022 and in the Star Wars franchise. Significant parts of the budget are spent on CGI and special effects while also using more practical elements compared to other shows.
Unlike "The Mandalorian” or the “Kenobi” which heavily utilized the volume technology (a type of set that features screen technologies and displays but often makes the scene feel small), the “Andor” film sets are almost exclusively on real location with real sets, and the step-up is noticeable, adding an overall realism and grounded feel to the show. “Andor” uses this advantage to great effect with the practical set vary from woodland villages and dingy slums to a bustling metropolis and stark white prisons. The show features many locations new and old and takes place over a dozen different planets, never having one location become dull, and strives in showing a visual variety between them.
Where “Andor “truly shines is when it has time to focus on the acting and dialogue of the characters. The cast features some world-class actors like Stellan Skarsgard and Andy Serkis, but lesser-known actors are what make the characters feel so real. Each delivery is given with conviction and purpose, and “Andor” features many monologues and manifestos. A true rarity in other Star Wars shows is quality dialogue and a consistent story that makes sense. "Andor" easily accomplishes this. “Andor” also hopes to shift the light on who the good and bad guys really are. Not all rebels are good people, and not all Imperials are evil mustache-twirling villains. The show is really about how normal people interact in a galaxy far away.
"Andor’s" different approach has a much slower pace which is intended to build up throughout the season to a large final finale. The show in total is 12 episodes long, each being about the 40-minute to the hour mark. It achieves the goal of world-building and creating stakes by having each character have intricate details and phenomenal acting. The score and soundtrack are also one of the creative things seen in Star Wars. From synthwave to the grand themes of orchestral and marching bands, it always provides something interesting for the listener and adds tension to each scene.
Overall every part of the show seems incredibly planned out and all works very well in cohesion. “Andor” is a show that proves that Star Wars can be more than just the typical cartoon and can be an award-winning drama. “Andor” has already been nominated for several awards and is proving its worth to critics and audiences alike. It really is a good start for more mature Star Wars content and its success will contribute to future projects.
Overall “Andor” shines where other shows have failed and succeeded in almost every aspect whether it be acting and writing or cinematography and CGI. The show is proof that intelligent Star Wars drama can succeed, and its realistic and slower pace really has its advantages. For anyone who enjoys well-written dramas and good action and storytelling, “Andor” may be perfect.
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