Andor: The Star Wars Series That Deserves a Second Chance
In a galaxy far, far away, a remarkable television series has been quietly captivating audiences. The Independent’s review of Andor, the latest Star Wars spin-off, praises the show as "the best Star Wars property in years" and "a resounding success story." As the series concludes its two-season run on Disney+, it’s worth examining what makes Andor stand out from the rest of the Star Wars franchise.
According to The Independent, "Things move differently in space. Absent the earthly nuisance of air resistance, objects are free to travel through the vacuum with inertial motion: never stopping until something stops them." This poignant observation sets the tone for a series that explores the complexities of the Star Wars universe with a level of sophistication and nuance unmatched by its contemporaries. As The Independent notes, "It’s all thrilling set pieces, distinctive and memorable characters, dextrous plotting and taut dialogue."
The Independent praises the series’ structural ingenuity, with each 12-episode season subdivided into four distinct arcs, each one culminating in a spectacular finale. The publication specifically highlights the first season’s "triumphant four-episode arc set largely within a prison labour camp, which led to a stunning escape sequence." The second season has continued to impress, with The Independent describing the latest arc as "two coruscating episodes of television, full of twists, pathos and complexity."
Despite its critical acclaim, Andor has not been a major hit, by Star Wars standards or by those of television in general. The Independent attributes this to the oversaturation of the market with subpar Star Wars content, stating that "the sheer glut of unremarkable Star Wars content has done Andor no favours whatsoever: it has been dismissed by association." As The Independent notes, "Disney had, in other words, bitten off more than it could chew."
The Independent also explores the context in which Andor was created. In 2018, Disney announced the series as part of a larger effort to expand the Star Wars franchise into a Marvel-style cross-medium universe. However, the quality of the resulting content has varied wildly, with some series, such as The Mandalorian, receiving praise, while others, like The Book of Boba Fett, have been met with criticism. The Independent argues that Andor stands out from the rest, stating that "Andor is so far ahead of these series – on pretty much every level of craft – that there’s little point in comparing them."
The Independent concludes by expressing hope that Disney will take Andor’s viewership ratings with the requisite pinch of salt and regard it as the resounding success story it should have been. As The Independent notes, "If Star Wars is to have a future, then Andor ought to set the blueprint. Give it enough time, and people will start to get the message." With its sophisticated storytelling, memorable characters, and taut dialogue, Andor is a series that deserves a second chance.
As The Independent’s review concludes, "‘Andor’ is available to stream now on Disney+." For those who have not yet had the chance to experience this exceptional series, it is well worth checking out. With its unique blend of action, drama, and complexity, Andor is a must-watch for fans of the Star Wars franchise and science fiction in general.
The Independent’s in-depth analysis of Andor highlights the series’ potential to redefine the Star Wars franchise. As the Star Wars universe continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Disney responds to the critical acclaim of Andor and whether they will take steps to build on its success. One thing is certain, however: Andor is a series that will be remembered for years to come as a testament to the power of exceptional storytelling in the world of science fiction.
