Andor Season 2 Review: A Masterpiece of Star Wars Storytelling
In a galaxy far, far away, the Star Wars universe has never seen anything quite like Andor. According to a review by Erik Kain, published on Forbes, this prequel to Rogue One has set a new standard for storytelling in the franchise. As Kain notes, "There has never been anything quite like Andor in the Star Wars universe."
One of the key challenges of creating a prequel is crafting a story that has stakes without knowing what happens in the end. Kain argues that Andor succeeds where others have failed, citing Better Call Saul as another successful prequel that introduces new characters and storylines. "Few prequels succeed for these very reasons," Kain writes. "But Andor is not just a prequel, it’s a masterclass in storytelling."
Over the course of two seasons, Andor delves deep into the life and times of Cassian Andor, played by Diego Luna, as well as a host of other characters. Kain praises the show’s ability to make viewers care about each character, despite knowing the fate of some of them. "We don’t know what the fate of any of them will be," Kain notes. "And that’s what makes Andor so compelling."
The show’s second season picks up roughly a year after the events of the first season, with each "chapter" of three episodes leaping a year closer to the Battle of Yavin. Kain describes the season as a "spy vs. spy story," with Imperial agents and rebel spies engaging in a cat-and-mouse game. "This is very much a spy vs. spy story," Kain writes. "As Imperial agents both in and out of the ISB spin their webs on the planet Ghorman, while nascent rebel groups attempt to push back against the Empire."
The performances in the show are riveting, with Kain singling out Luna, Stellan Skarsgård, and Denise Gough for praise. "The performances are riveting throughout," Kain writes. "Diego Luna is brilliant, of course. Skarsgard never has quite the moments he has in Season 1, but Luthen Rael remains one of the most complex and fascinating characters ever written for a Star Wars offering."
Kain also praises the show’s production values, including its costume design and set design. "The costume design is simply without parallel," Kain notes. "I was especially impressed by the scenes taking place on Mon Mothma’s home planet of Chandrila, but all throughout the season we are constantly rooted in a sense of place thanks to the brilliant costume and set design."
While Kain notes that the show is not without its flaws, he concludes that Andor is a masterpiece of Star Wars storytelling. "It’s a perfect Star Wars show and a masterclass in crafting a prequel," Kain writes. "It enriches everything that follows, making not only Rogue One but the original trilogy itself more powerful and meaningful in the process."
In conclusion, Andor is a must-watch for fans of the Star Wars franchise. With its complex characters, gripping storyline, and impressive production values, it’s a show that will leave viewers breathless and eager for more. As Kain notes, "I had to go put on Rogue One immediately. Andor is a perfect Star Wars show and a masterclass in crafting a prequel."
According to Erik Kain, Andor Season 2 is a thrilling and emotionally devastating conclusion to the series. The show’s exploration of authoritarianism and resistance is both timely and thought-provoking. As Kain writes, "This is not just a great Star Wars show, but a great political thriller regardless of its fictional universe or genre."
The review was originally published on Forbes and is based on the opinions of Erik Kain.
