Max Nocerino 
Karis Nemik (Alex Lawther) holding a handheld astronave in Lucasfilm's ANDOR, exclusively on Disney+. ©2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.
“Star Wars: Andor continues to stretch the fabric of what fans know as Star Wars and adds so many new dimensions that it’s astounding,” says Max Nocerino in his review
Finally, what people have been waiting for! Star Wars: Andor Episode 6 kicks into high gear, as the assault on the Imperial facility begins. I have to say, even though this whole operation was slow-moving, the characters have been built up tremendously. And I am starting to become a fan of Vel, Skreen, and Nemek, even faster than I thought I would.
These Rebels don’t have a lot of resources on hand, but they use a combination of both strength and smarts in order to get the job done. Realistically, a military sting operation would move very slowly and have to be very precise. And Andor is perhaps the most definitive depiction of this in Star Wars.
CASSIAN’S REBELLION
The Rebels are using an astronomical event to cover their escape after stealing all these golden (I assume) data cylinders, and then fly the Imperial ship off-world. Diego Luna’s character Cassian Andor seems to always have a permanent scowl on his face, and I really don’t like him as a person. He is at best, an opportunistic animal who kills when he needs to. And when he wants to get ahead. His loyalty is so fragmented that it’s hard to believe he became a spy for the Rebellion.
The new character of note is a corpulent, pompous Imperial named Ranghort. He has a veiled temper and a high falutin attitude, truly believing he is better than the natives who call Aldhani their home. I didn’t like how he implied his son would get the “back of his hand” if he didn’t dress for the occasion. And I feel sorry for him and his mother that they have to be connected to such an odious character.
A BRITISH GALAXY?
Everyone in Star Wars seems to have an English accent. And this sliver of Star Wars society is like people from the Game of Thrones in an environment that is one-part Lord of the Rings and one part sci-fi. The tech is so retro and clunky, and the buildings and surroundings remind me of technological-esque castles and fortresses from fantasy lands. The presence of TIE fighters is one of the sole reminders that this story takes place in an (arguably) highly technological society.
The astronomical phenomenon that covers their escape, the Eye is breathtakingly beautiful, and I actually wish that something like that could happen here on Earth. It’s like a meteor shower mixed with the most colorful fireworks display I’ve ever seen. The special effects are just wonderful, and I’m starting to get on board with the modern movie era laser bolts. I also want to commend Tony Gilroy for the subtle LGBTQ relationship of Vel and Cinda. It isn’t over the top obvious, but you can tell there is love and chemistry between these two fierce women. Will this be the first Star Wars show with nudity? Perhaps. I was a little disappointed I didn’t see Palpatine in Mon Mothma’s brief Senate scene. But I love the design of the doctor alien.
VERDICT
This show continues to stretch the fabric of what fans know as Star Wars and adds so many new dimensions that it’s astounding. The tension it builds between episodes (and within episodes) is like a charge of electricity that slowly powers an engine to working spectacularly. I am also completely at a loss for what happens next for Cassian Andor. But all I know is that I am excited to jump back in for Episode 7.
Well done, Mr. Gilroy. Well done. 9.3 out of 10 Death Stars.
Star Wars: Andor is streaming exclusively on Disney Plus now.
Max Nocerino is a regular Staff Writer for The Future of the Force. He is a passionate Star Wars fan and loves the literature of the galaxy far, far away. Follow him on Twitter where he shares his love of the Force frequently!
