Best Thing Star Wars Has Done in Years

Summary

The reviewer passionately praises *Andor* season 2 as one of the finest television series they’ve seen, highlighting its intelligent writing, complex villains, and morally gray characters. They argue it stands out as the best Star Wars content produced by Disney and one of the best since the original trilogy. Despite a slow start, the series builds into a masterpiece, with the Gorman Massacre episode being a standout. The reviewer appreciates the show’s mature, thought-provoking themes and encourages even non-Star Wars fans to watch, as it transcends its franchise roots with outstanding storytelling and character development.

Takeaways

• 😀 The reviewer is late to the party with their Andor season 2 review but emphasizes the show's quality and intelligence.
• 😀 Andor season 2 is praised as some of the finest television, with excellent writing and complex villain characters.
• 😀 The show's strength lies in its intelligent, well-thought-out villains who force the heroes to be equally strategic.
• 😀 The reviewer highlights Andor season 2 as the best Star Wars content Disney has produced, even surpassing much of the franchise's previous output.
• 😀 Although the first few episodes of season 2 were slow to hook the reviewer, the full picture comes together as the season progresses.
• 😀 There’s criticism against some Star Wars fans who dismissed the show for being 'too dark', despite its mature themes and thought-provoking narrative.
• 😀 The show tackles deep and mature themes, with a more gritty and realistic portrayal of rebellion and the Empire.
• 😀 The character of Luan is a morally gray leader who does questionable things for the greater good, making him one of the standout characters of the show.
• 😀 The Gorman Massacre episode is considered one of the strongest episodes in the series, bringing together multiple storylines and revealing the true cost of rebellion.
• 😀 The show avoids typical Star Wars tropes, such as lightsaber fights or force powers, focusing instead on intelligent, plot-driven conflicts and realistic character development.

Q & A

Why did the reviewer take so long to finish watching *Andor* Season 2?

The reviewer explains that they rewatched all of Season 1 before tackling Season 2, which contributed to the extended time it took to finish the series.

What was the reviewer's initial reaction to *Andor* Season 1?

The reviewer liked Season 1 but did not review it at the time, primarily because they believed opinions on older content wouldn't be valuable once too much time had passed.

What does the reviewer think about the maturity and tone of *Andor*?

The reviewer praises *Andor* for its mature, gritty tone, and for being a darker, more thought-provoking Star Wars show that challenges typical expectations for the franchise.

What makes *Andor* stand out compared to other Star Wars shows produced by Disney?

The reviewer highlights that *Andor* features intelligent writing, morally complex characters, and mature themes, setting it apart from other Star Wars content, which they feel has become more sanitized or formulaic under Disney's influence.

What is the significance of Luan's character in the rebellion's narrative?

Luan is portrayed as a morally gray character who leads the rebellion by manipulating and sacrificing others for the greater good. His tragic role is essential in pushing the rebellion forward, even though he knows he will never see its success.

How does *Andor* portray the Empire compared to other Star Wars media?

The Empire in *Andor* is shown as more intelligent and strategic than the usual bumbling portrayal. They use calculated tactics, such as propaganda and subtle manipulation, to control and stifle rebellion efforts.

What is the Gorman Massacre, and why is it a pivotal moment in the series?

The Gorman Massacre is a tragic event in which the Empire uses propaganda to incite violence and then massacres civilians to suppress rebellion. It serves as a critical turning point in the series, highlighting the brutal methods of the Empire and the moral compromises of the rebellion.

What role does Cassian's search for his sister play in the overall story?

Cassian's search for his sister is an important plotline that sets him on his path toward the rebellion, but the reviewer notes that her absence and the lack of closure in this subplot strengthen the show's themes about sacrifice and the greater cause.

What is the significance of the character Sirill in *Andor*?

Sirill is a character who believes he is on the right side of history by pursuing justice, but he is ultimately used by both the Empire and Dedra. His tragic arc culminates in the realization that he has been manipulated, and he becomes disillusioned with his beliefs.

How does the reviewer feel about the lack of action and lightsaber battles in *Andor*?

The reviewer appreciates the absence of traditional Star Wars action tropes, like lightsaber duels, noting that when conflicts do occur, they have meaningful emotional and narrative weight, making the moments of action more impactful.