Disney has been trying to make a Star Wars movie for years, but it’s been a difficult task. The first two movies were poorly received and the company was left with a lot of negative publicity. Rogue One was a huge success, but it showed that Disney can’t just rely on nostalgia to make a successful movie. They need to deliver on the promise of the brand and make sure that fans are happy.
The Mandalorian was a great way to bring back some of the fans who had deserted the show in recent years, while Book of Boba Fett undid some of the good will that the show had with its loyal fanbase. Obi-Wan Kenobi’s return was a huge hit, and it helped to save some of the series’ bad karma.
Andor is a surprisingly good Star Wars show that few people are watching. ..
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is a thrilling prequel that takes place before the events of 1977’s Star Wars. Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) is the titular character and he takes center stage, with lots of practical effects and a compelling set of characters. This is easily one of the biggest surprises of the year, and it’s sure to please fans of the original films. ..
The story of Rogue One takes place across several different planets and systems, with the rise of the Empire and the start of the rebel alliance as the main focus. With danger, deception and intrigue around every corner, Andor is a wanted man after killing several Imperial officers in an alleyway. After being recruited by a stranger called Luthen to be part of an assault on an Imperial hangar, what follows is a wide-spanning adventure that eventually leads to all the pieces falling in place ready for Rogue One. ..
Ferrix is a planet that is home to Andor, a race of aliens who have been exiled from their own world. The first set of chapters essentially set the scene, with lots of worldbuilding, plenty of establishing shots and flashbacks showing how Andor made it onto the planet of Ferrix. From here, the story see-saws between slow-burn build up and just plain slow, forcing you to be patient with the story. When things do pick up though, it hits all the harder as a result. The pacing was frustratingly slow at times and I found myself struggling to stay engaged with the story. However, when things did pick up it was all the more powerful for it. ..
Cassian’s story is interwoven with other subplots involving a politically-driven tale with Mon Mothma on Coruscant, Cassian’s old friend Bix on Ferrix, and a low-level officer called Syril who’s desperate to find Andor no matter what. All of this interweave around the main story, and although most of the characters do a good job with their roles, Diego Luna doesn’t quite have the swagger and charisma needed to pull off the role for this main character. ..
The role of the smuggler has been crying out for a more definitive and definitive take on it, someone who can really show us what the character is all about. And that person is Harrison Ford’s Han Solo.
This show is going to be a big hit with viewers as a result of its pacing and atmosphere. The problem is that there are several episodes that could easily have been shortened without losing much of the impact.
Disney’s new Star Wars series, Andor, is moody and mature storytelling that will divide the new wave of fans that Disney have brought in. Those expecting flashy effects, bombastic battles and lightsaber duels will be very disappointed. Instead, this feels much more akin to an espionage spy thriller - and it’s easily one of the best things Disney has put out. Season 2 is coming! ..
