‘Andor’ Is Elegant, Rich with Storytelling, and Visually Stunning
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Annlyel James 
Mon Mothma (Genevieve O'Reilly) in Lucasfilm's ANDOR, exclusively on Disney+. ©2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.
“The lack of Star Wars conventionality is allowing Star Wars: Andor to be something far more interesting than past series”
When Andor was announced all those years ago I knew the series was going to be exceptional. But I didn’t expect this. A sweeping, visually arresting, appropriately grim series about the beginning of the Rebellion through the eyes of reluctant thief Cassian Andor and the renowned senator Mon Mothma.
Every scene is steeped with clear intentions of driving the story forward in some capacity. There is not a wasted line or a pointless interaction. Every moment either pays off for something in the next scene or will clearly have an impact later down the line. And the production that went into this series is jaw-dropping.
REAL WORLDS
Planets feel like real worlds, not claustrophobic sets succumbing to the restraints of the Bubble. Coruscant is back and more beautiful than ever. Its Imperial presence cast the iconic Star Wars location under an unceasing tone of grey. The politics that I always loved in the prequels are back along with all of its delectable intrigue.
And while this episode lacks stimulating action scenes the writing manages to be so engaging that it doesn’t matter. Every scene is dripping with real dramatic heft. And I honestly would not be surprised if this show becomes the second Disney+ series to be nominated for Best Drama next year at the Emmys because it is that exceptional so far.
STAR WARS FOR ADULTS?
This doesn’t feel like a Star Wars show. It almost feels like an HBO sci-fi series, minus the lack of profanity, violence, nudity, and sexual content that would elicit it to be on HBO. And that might be the most genius thing of all. The lack of Star Wars conventionality is allowing this show to be something far more interesting than past series and that is something I did not expect. I cannot wait to see what happens next week.
The series premiere of Star Wars: Andor is streaming exclusively on Disney Plus now.
Annlyel James is a Senior Correspondent of The Future of the Force. She is passionate about Star Wars and Marvel but loves a wide variety of movie genres. Aside from her role with Future of the Force she also writes for her blog: annlyelonline. Follow her on Twitter where she channels the Force frequently!
