Andor Season 1 Episode 1,2 and 3 Review : A methodical build-up to a thrilling third episode

Andor Season 1 Episode 1, 2 and 3 Review

Spoiler-Free review

Right after its memorable opening logo animation, a more mature sense of storytelling is apparent in ‘Andor’. The contemplative background score by Nicholas Britell reflects that approach, with compositions less otherworldly than we’ve typically heard within this franchise, but still impactful. The visuals also explore different areas of this galaxy far, far away, presenting some impressive imagery even when grimy and sleazy. These elements make it clear that this show aims to play by its own rules. As a prequel to a prequel, ‘Andor’ continues to maintain Rogue One’s more grounded tone and gritty feel. It goes beyond the mystique of the Jedi and Sith, the Skywalkers and Darths, and instead unveil the inner workings of an uprising.

Cassian Andor’s demeanour and eventual fate are well known, so there’s no need to place him on a pedestal. Cassian has distinctively grey principles and isn’t afraid to bend the rules, even taking life as long as it serves him. The show paints its universe with this morally ambiguous tone to create something more realistic and less driven by fantasy. In fact, if not for leading up to ‘Rogue One’, one could easily mistake it for some other sci-fi world.

Diego Luna picks up where he left off from Rogue One, portraying this younger Andor as rougher around the edges with a ruthless resolve gradually channelled for a greater cause. Cassian shows more empathy for a droid than he does towards most humans, so it isn’t long before his actions lead him to get noticed by the Empire, which jeopardises all his relationships. Maarva, his adoptive mother, played very efficiently by Fiona Shaw, has the most to lose. Adria Arjona is Bix, a resourceful friend of Andor who has an obvious history with him, much to the chagrin of her boyfriend Timm (James McArdle). Alex Ferns adds militant peril as Sgt. Mosk Kostek, whereas Kyle Soller is particularly volatile as Deputy Inspector Karn, an inexperienced but driven officer whose naïve determination makes for a dangerous mix. The show is significantly elevated once Stellan Skarsgård shows up, and his scenes with Diego Luna are great to watch.

Significantly scaled down without all the typical Star Wars bells and whistles, there is a subtly deliberate yet menacing pace as we discover more about these new characters. The Rebellion isn’t well-equipped yet, so the only way for them to succeed is through espionage and deception. This elaborate approach is apparent in the first couple of episodes that feel somewhat long drawn as show creator Tony Gilroy puts all the pieces together. Constant flashbacks to Cassian’s childhood are meant to reveal more about his backstory, but they serve as a distraction from the present storyline. It doesn’t help that there aren’t any subtitles for the young boy’s alien language. Thankfully, it’s all leading to something bigger, evident in the third episode, which has a great sense of tension throughout, accentuated by excellent sound design that’s vital to the events that unfold.

It also justifies the plan to drop these three episodes together as the first two episodes could feel dull and potentially put off viewers. However, with an exciting and emotionally charged third episode, they form an intriguing Act One for the show. Built around a set of bold and determined people who’ve had quite enough of the devious machinations of the Empire, ‘Andor’ doesn’t employ the use of nostalgia. Since it’s set firmly within the same universe, there will be the inevitable namedrops, Easter eggs and possible cameos. But beyond that, show creator Tony Gilroy, who also wrote the first three and last two episodes of this 12-episode season, keeps the plot planted within the seeds of a rebellion to create a show quite unlike the franchise it’s based on.