Star Wars’ Andor: A Galactic Reflection of Today’s World
In a galaxy far, far away, the Star Wars spin-off series Andor has been making waves with its bold and timely storylines. Since its inception in 2022, the show has proved to be an unexpectedly bolshie addition to the Disney-owned mega-franchise. As reported by The Guardian, the show’s second and final season has only doubled down on its portrayal of worker uprisings, surveillance states, sexual violence, and prison industrial complexes.
The show’s creator, Tony Gilroy, has added fresh political nuance and human stakes to George Lucas’s endless galactic civil war. In the first episode of the second season, viewers saw smarmy spin doctors from the Empire’s "Ministry of Enlightenment" discuss how to "weaponise" galactic opinion to manufacture public approval for ethnic cleansing on the planet Ghorman. News anchors parroted Imperial talking points, while the military plotted a long game: to provoke an uprising from "rebels you can depend on to do the wrong thing" to justify a mass crackdown – all in service of a long-planned land and resources grab.
This week, the Ghorman arc came to a head with a mass protest from its beret-clad residents, which ended in a bloody, stage-managed massacre. The event has long been hinted at in Star Wars’ vast canon. However, it was a speech in episode nine, delivered by senator and clandestine rebel organiser Mon Mothma, that was surprisingly radical and timely. Mon Mothma warned that the "loss of an objective reality is perhaps the most dangerous" thing of all.
"The death of truth is the ultimate victory of evil," she declared. "When truth leaves us, when we let it slip away, when it is ripped from our hands, we become vulnerable to the appetite of whichever monster screams the loudest. What happened yesterday on Ghorman was unprovoked genocide – yes, genocide. And that truth has been exiled from this chamber."
As noted by The Guardian, the speech’s parallels to current events – from Trump’s America to Gaza – have been noted by many viewers. According to Genevieve O’Reilly, who plays Mon Mothma, however, the scenes were filmed long before 7 October 2023 or the 2024 US election.
"I think I did that speech maybe in May [2023] … so way before Trump was elected," O’Reilly told The Guardian. "I think there was other stuff that was going on in the world at the time, but I remember knowing that it was important."
Gilroy had initially only written sections of the monologue, which were to be spliced into a bigger montage. However, after O’Reilly’s feedback, Gilroy penned the entire monologue. When O’Reilly delivered the speech, it prompted an ovation on set.
"I remember being really nervous, I remember knowing how important this was to the character and to me … and how important it will be within the piece," she said, of filming the first take – a closeup surrounded by green screen and crew.
The revolutionary politics of a global entertainment juggernaut perhaps shouldn’t be overstated. However, O’Reilly says her speech simply reflects the show’s grasp of human nature and history.
"I think Empire is a huge part of our human history, across continents, across ages," O’Reilly says. "Empire has been part of us – it’s kind of the ugly side of our human ambition, I think."
Gilroy – reportedly "wearily" – told the Hollywood Reporter on Tuesday: "I’m not psychic." The really sorry truth of Andor’s prescience, he added, "is that peace and prosperity and calm are the rarities. Those are rarities throughout the last 6,000 years of recorded history. You could drop this show at any point in the last 6,000 years, and it would make sense to some people about what’s happening to them."
With now only three more episodes to go, Andor presses on to its ultimate conclusion: setting up the opening crawl of A New Hope, a film released in 1977. Given that its ending was written half a century ago, with one eye towards America’s involvement in the Vietnam War, it is a bold, if somewhat disturbing feat that Andor – so-called "Star Wars for grownups" – still feels as if it was ripped from today’s headlines.
As the series nears its conclusion, fans and critics alike are left to ponder the significance of Andor’s timely and thought-provoking storylines. One thing is certain – Andor has cemented its place as one of the most bold and ambitious entries in the Star Wars franchise.
The show is a testament to the power of science fiction to reflect and comment on the world we live in. As The Guardian notes, Andor’s creator, Tony Gilroy, has managed to craft a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, making it a must-watch for fans of the franchise and newcomers alike.
The series’ ability to tackle complex issues such as genocide, propaganda, and the manipulation of truth has resonated with audiences and sparked important conversations. As the series comes to a close, it is clear that Andor will leave a lasting impact on the Star Wars franchise and the world of science fiction.
The show’s exploration of the human condition, power struggles, and the complexities of the galaxy has raised important questions about the nature of reality, truth, and the consequences of our actions. As we await the final episodes, one thing is certain – Andor will be remembered as a groundbreaking and thought-provoking addition to the Star Wars universe.
In conclusion, Andor’s bold and timely storylines have solidified its place as a standout series in the Star Wars franchise. With its exploration of complex issues, thought-provoking themes, and gripping storylines, Andor is a must-watch for fans of science fiction and anyone interested in exploring the human condition.
As The Guardian reports, the show’s impact extends beyond the screen, sparking important conversations and resonating with audiences worldwide. As the series comes to a close, its legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire and provoke, leaving a lasting impact on the world of science fiction and beyond.
