Max Nocerino 
“Andor has the trappings of a Star Wars aesthetic. But it also presents a new type of storytelling that rarely is seen in the saga,” says Max Nocerino
For the first time in roughly 8 years, very few haters have surfaced to complain about the latest Star Wars project. Usually, the fans have a lot to say and critique when it comes to Star Wars. However, Andor is playing and even though nobody seems to care about it, it is beloved by critics. Why? I happen to think Andor is brilliant, but the reason why nobody has a bad word to say about it is perplexing.
Star Wars has always been known for its Jedi with laser swords, Stormtroopers shooting lasers (pew pew), and lots of ships blowing up. Andor has the trappings of a Star Wars aesthetic, yet it also presents a new type of storytelling that rarely is seen in the saga. We get a gritty, realistically slow-moving account of a wild man trying to make his way through the galaxy. The Rebels are dirty and live like farmers or settlers. There are tons of pompous jerks running the financial centers. People in power go to various events and parties. It’s kind of like….real life?
THE FLEDGELING REBELLION
Yes, Andor is perhaps the closest we get to seeing a story through the eyes of people who DON’T have special powers. And those who are simply trying to survive and live in a relatively hostile environment. The writing is also simply on point. As well as the acting and dialogue. These two things are often thrown at Star Wars as being inadequate, yet they’re here in Andor. It is just spectacular. It’s also very hard to predict or follow all the storylines because everything happens so fast and you really need to pay attention when the story flows. Is that bad? Well, it depends on who you ask.
Lots of people watching TV are lazy and want to be spoon-fed with cool explosions and fast-moving predictable plots. While that is, indeed, fun, there also comes a time when you look for something a little more refined. Sure, a caveman beating a sabretooth with a stick is fun to watch. But sometimes you’d rather see a politician give a clever speech. Yeah, that’s a crummy metaphor! But what I’m saying is that Andor challenges you to LISTEN and understand that there is more to life than excitement.
After decades of eating the same yummy food, your body craves something new. And that is what Tony Gilroy’s new series is. So, critics like me will probably continue to praise it even though its viewership is way down. I’m hoping, however, that all who read this will give Andor the chance it deserves. You may surprise yourself with how much you like it.
Star Wars: Andor is streaming 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!
