Set five years before “Rogue One” and “A New Hope,” self-centered loner, Cassian Andor reluctantly accepts a job to help the Rebel Alliance fight the Galactic Empire. He’s only in it for the money. During his job, Andor has a change of heart who’ll eventually become a spy leading up to his involvement in “Rouge One.” Andor’s first season officially streamed in 2022 (same year Elden Ring came out) on Disney Plus. It received universal acclaim from critics, fans and streamers alike. A second and final season ended the show on a high note. Anyway, Darth Maul’s show is getting a second season. It’ll stream sometime in 2027.
Good & Evil Aspects
Good: Diego Luna reprises his role as the titular character from Rouge One. He did an excellent job for his performance. He also served as an executive producer.
Other Cast Members such as Adria Arjona, Fiona Shaw, Stellan Skarsgård, Forest Whitaker & Andy Serkis all did a solid job for their respective performances.
Tony Gilroy (Michael Clayton, The Bourne Identity series) did a splendid job mapping out all twelve episodes.
Action Sequences are spot-on.
Nicholas Britell (Succession) orchestrated the soundtrack.
Visual Effects are mix of both Practical and Digital. A good blend of old and new.
Cinematography’s shot in perfect condition.
Pacing can sometimes be boring. I’m letting this one slide. It’s character driven. Much like “The Phantom Menace,” political aspects involve world building. I forgive George Lucas for trying his best directing The Prequel Trilogy. If you’re not into political aspects and character based drama, this may not be your cup of tea.
The Tone has a serious atmosphere like “Blade Runner.” No cute characters involved. A breath of fresh air.
Character Development involving Andor. As the season progresses, he goes from a self-centered loner to a selfless spy for the Rebel Alliance.
Andor’s chemistry with his allies is the main highlight.
We learn about Andor’s childhood. Got some “Apocalypto” vibes.
Besides the title character, others like Mon Mothma & Luthen were interesting. Thank goodness the former didn’t act like a bossy feminist know-it-all like General Holdo in “The Last Jedi.” Hollywood needs to stop normalizing girls as condescending feminists know-it-alls and boys acting like imbeciles. Most notably, Poe Dameron.
Evil: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving the cast and crew an Extra Point for making a flawless season as possible.
Episode 1 – Kassa
Andor searches for his younger sister, Kenari.
Andor encounters the po po. His actions set a chain of events.
Morlana One’s police chief intends to cover up an incident. He’s a butt kisser to the Empire.
Episode 2 – That Would Be Me
Desperate to flee from the law, Andor seeks credits from a shopkeeper named, Luthen Rael. For those who don’t know what I’m talking about. It’s currency.
Andor visits his adopted mother, Maarva. They have an intense conversation.
Somebody screws over a friendship.
Episode 3 – Reckoning
Andor & Luthen have a dispute over their ideologies.
An ambush ensues.
A flashback adds context regarding Andor’s past.
Episode 4 – Aldhani
Luthen offers Andor a choice. Flee or help fight the Empire. Duh, the latter. we already know he played a big part in Rouge One.
Andor prepares for an upcoming heist to snatch a paycheck from an imperial garrison. He’s accompanied by a small group of Rebels led by Vel Sartha. They have a mission briefing.
Syrill is given a reality check.
If you have a keen eye, Luthen has a collection of relics you may recognize.
Imperial Security Bureau have a meeting.
Episode 5 – The Axe Forgets
Picking up where the previous episode left off, Andor and the Rebels continue their plans for the heist. He also gets to know his new pals.
Mothma has a family dilemma.
Syrill hits rock bottom.
The Rebels take advantage of an upcoming festival to distract guards.
Episode 6 – The Eye
Andor and the Rebels pull off the heist.
Two shocking moments will make you gasp. To be honest, I didn’t seem ‘em coming from a mile away.
A chase scene ensues.
Mothma delivers a speech. Ten times better than America Ferriera’s speech in that god awful “Barbie” movie.
Episode 7 – Announcement
In the aftermath of the heist, Andor returns to pay off a debt and try to get his mother to move on with a new life.
Colonel Yularen confirms harsh terms and conditions.
Somebody orders a hit on focal character.
Andor said, “This is madness.” A possible “300” reference.
Desperate to fund the Rebels, Mothma recruits a banker.
Episode 8 – Narkina 5
Wrongfully sentenced for six year in an imperial prison, Andor endures labor building parts.
The prison reminds me of “THX 1138.” Which is George Lucas directorial debut.
Luthen visits a core member or the Rebels. I’ll give you a hint, he’s played by an Oscar winning actor who worked with Sean Penn & Nicolas Cage in “Fast Times at Ridgemont High.”
Episode 9 – Nobody’s Listening!
I believe the title of this episode is named after a Linkin Park song.
Bix interrogates a focal character.
Andor learns the horrible truth on prison sentences.
One person “kicks the bucket.” Ain’t no blaster or explosion.
Episode 10 – One Way Out
Andor and the inmates formulate a plan to escape prison.
Kino Loy delivers an inspiring speech. A darn shame Mr. Serkis didn’t get an Emmy nomination for “Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series.”
Luthen delivers an effective monologue.
Episode 11 – Daughter of Ferrix
Another person kicks the bucket.
Andor flees from the Empire.
Saw Gerrera decides to assist the Rebels. It ain’t a spoiler, he helped out in Rouge One
Mon’s conflicted over financial problems and her daughter.
Episode 12 – Rix Road
Andor goes on a rescue mission
Conflict ensues on Ferrix.
My favorite part in the entire season is when somebody delivers an inspiring speech. That right here deserves Bonus Points.
Andor fully embraces himself as a full fledged member of the Rebel Alliance setting up Season 2 and Rogue One.
Mothma makes a personal sacrifice for the sake of the Rebels.
A Post-Credits Scene shows the Death Star nearly completed. Fate intertwines with The Original Trilogy.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
I didn’t expect Andor’s first season to be really good. At first, my expectations were super low. Turns out it told a better story than Obi-Wan’s mini-series. If you’re looking for a Star Wars shows for adults, I strongly recommend it. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 