Star Wars: Andor Season 2 is Tony Gilroy’s masterpiece. The series serves as a perfect prequel to Rogue One in every aspect. It’s a genuine gem of Star Wars brilliance.
After a gripping first season, it’s time to reunite with Star Wars: Andor. After the season finale teased us with a much bigger adventure to come, Cassian Andor is back to take the fight to the Empire and ensure the growth of the fledgling Rebellion. But with the second season promising so much, can Tony Gilroy deliver the adventure we are all yearning for? Or is Star Wars: Andor Season 2 a disappointing prelude to Rogue One?
REVIEW
Fear not, fans, because Star Wars: Andor Season 2 is Tony Gilroy’s masterpiece. The series serves as a perfect prequel to Rogue One in every aspect. This season is far larger in scale than the previous one, excelling with its multi-layered narrative and character-driven drama. Each character is given the opportunity to shine as the story advances towards Rogue One. The plot is engaging, the performances are outstanding, and the series truly delivers some of the best Star Wars content in recent memory. It’s a genuine gem of Star Wars brilliance.
Although I have seen all twelve episodes of the final season, I have decided to split my reviews to encompass each weekly story arc. The weekly rollout will feature three self-contained episodes that tell a separate chapter of the story. After each trio, the story jumps forward in time by one year, so my weekly review drop will focus on each arc. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the opening story arc where Cassian infiltrates an Imperial facility to steal a prototype TIE Fighter.
STAR WARS ESPIONAGE
While the first season of “Andor” touched on the secret operations of the Rebellion, Season 2 delves deeper into the workings of the Rebel Alliance. The opening episode features Cassian Andor infiltrating an Imperial facility to steal a prototype Imperial TIE Fighter. A year has passed since we last saw Cassian, and his role within Luthen’s growing group of agents has intensified. He now possesses all the skills necessary to be a fully fledged leader.
Like the previous season, creator Tony Gilroy explores the root of the conflict and introduces the first agent of the Empire willing to defect and join the Rebellion to take a stand. This aspect sheds light on the human story and highlights the growing unrest in the galaxy. The narrative feels more aligned with the events of “Rogue One,” emphasizing the increasing desperation felt across the galaxy. With the planet covered in a thick layer of ice, fans of “Solo: A Star Wars Story” will be pleased to see the Imperial Range Troopers returning to the Imperial ranks. Their involvement is fleeting, but it’s great to see them back and utilizing their lethal skill set to prevent the theft of the prototype.
TIE FIGHTING
Although the theft goes wrong, resulting in a thrilling opening sequence that will leave fans of the Saga beaming, the plot quickly divides into several stories that are destined to converge by the end of episode three. Choosing to structure the final season into story groups of three is a bold decision, but it makes economic sense narratively. It allows Tony Gilroy to add new layers of depth and skills to his characters, facilitating their introduction in Rogue One. In the opening salvo of episodes, the first arc follows Cassian, who finds himself a prisoner of a gang of freedom fighters. The second follows Bix Caleen and Brasso, who are carving out a living under the radar of the Empire.
The third plot thread follows Dedra Meero and Syril Karn as they navigate their newly developed relationship until Director Krennic arrives, throwing their lives into chaos. The fourth plot thread focuses on Mon Mothma, Vel Sartha, Luthen Rael, and Kleya Marki as they arrive on Chandrila for Leida’s wedding, Mon Mothma’s daughter.
Picking up where the unresolved narratives of the first season left off, Mon finds herself at a crossroads. Her shady dealings have backed her into a corner, leaving her powerless to prevent Leida’s marriage to the son of Davo Sculdun. Additionally, her childhood friend and financial ally, Tay Kolma, arrives with troubling news about his role in the Rebellion. This sudden downturn in fortunes threatens to expose her rebel activities, bringing Luthen into the situation.
MON’S DILEMMA
Luthen arrives as a guest with an antique gift for the bride and groom, but as always, he has an ulterior motive and is conducting operations through Kleya. Meanwhile, Kleya struggles to communicate with Cassian without her equipment, coping with her frustration by drowning her sorrows in the opulence of Mon Mothma’s luxurious estate. As Luthen mingles with the guests, he probes them for information and keeps a close eye on the increasingly desperate Tay Kolma. With so many close allies and political rivals gathered in one place, Mon finds herself playing a game of musical chairs to appease everyone. Constantly monitoring her guests while reconciling with marrying off her daughter to sustain the Rebellion takes a heavy toll. Soon, this choice will come at a significant cost, and she will have to face the burden of the sacrifice required to give the alliance a fighting chance against the Empire.
BIX AND BRASSO
Shifting our focus to Bix and Brasso, we find the duo working on a farm, earning a living by repairing farming equipment. The planet has largely remained untouched by the Empire’s rule, as long as the finances and shipments continue to flow. However, their lives are soon thrown into chaos by an Imperial inspection. Sudden inspections and worker checks disrupt the previously peaceful environment, and anyone without the proper chain codes and work orders is quickly apprehended.
The team devises a clever plan to escape to another facility on the outskirts of the plantation, avoiding security checks. While they wait for Cassian to return, their ally within the farm’s hierarchy arranges a work order that allows them to move freely. However, their plans are complicated when an Imperial inspection team arrives, and the leader immediately takes a liking to Bix. Although she manages to deflect his advances, the officer promises to return to check on her, which intensifies their urgency to escape.
KRENNIC RETURNS
Fans were thrilled when Lucasfilm announced that Ben Mendelsohn would reprise his role as Director Orson Krennic for the final season. His return brings the storyline closer to Rogue One than ever before. Mendelsohn seamlessly steps back into character, channeling his inner “Tarkin” to portray Orson with renewed intensity.
From the opening moments, Krennic’s presence alters the lives of everyone around him. His impatient demeanor and infamous reputation create a sense of unease among the agents of the Imperial Security Bureau (ISB).
Krennic gathers the top ISB agents for a secret meeting where he outlines his plans for the planet Ghorman. This peaceful planet, known for its delicate fabrics and clothing, plays a critical role in the Emperor’s efforts to secure sustainable energy sources. Despite the tragic slaughter of hundreds of its civilians under Governor Tarkin’s orders, Ghorman remains under Imperial control. After presenting his plans to the assembly, Krennic focuses on Dedra Meero, who provides her distinctive feedback. Recognizing her potential, he scolds her but ultimately appoints her as the head of operations for the planet. From here, the importance of the planet Ghorman is never far from the narrative, and this spreads across every episode of the twelve-part season.
THE PLOT THICKENS
With all the characters in play, the story unfolds by focusing on exploring the adventures of each one before converging by the end of episode three. Initially, the storyline where a group of inexperienced freedom fighters captures Cassian may seem unnecessary. However, by the time the credits roll on the third episode, fans will understand how essential these elements are in shaping Andor into the seasoned veteran we know and love from Rogue One. Mon Mothma, on the other hand, confronts the actual cost of the Rebellion. My main takeaway from this series is the significance of sacrifice. In the opening episodes, Mon pays the ultimate price for her role in leading the uprising. Unfortunately, this isn’t the only debt she must pay throughout the season. But in truth, the opening episodes highlight the sacrifices she must be willing to make to turn her dream into a reality.
These sacrifices will shape Mon and challenge her views on the galaxy. All the while, Luthen is on hand to whisper in her ear and challenge her to sacrifice her principles for the greater good. It is a challenging debate. Is there room for principles in war?
BIX AND BRASSO
The story arc of Bix and Brasso is equally challenging. By portraying them as fugitives in hiding, the narrative gains depth and creates a darker atmosphere, particularly for Bix. Adria Arjona explores the aftermath of Bix’s torture from season one, revealing the toll it has taken on her mental health. Her suffering is tangible, emphasizing the importance of mental well-being. Additionally, Bix endures horrific tortures that shape her character throughout the season. These intense situations are bold for the Star Wars franchise and will test how far the fan base is willing to engage with these mature themes.
It also highlights the arrogance of the Imperial hierarchy. Similar to the atrocities committed during WWII, the series depicts Imperial officers using their positions of power to carry out heinous crimes. The decision to include some terminology in a Star Wars series is jarring, but its inclusion emphasizes the brutal practices of both sides in the conflict. In my review of the first season, I expressed my dislike for the show’s use of profanity, and unfortunately, Tony Gilroy has continued this trend. While it’s my only complaint about the series, it is worth noting that it doesn’t significantly detract from the overall experience. The Star Wars galaxy has traditionally employed its unique language to convey strong emotions, and I believe that real-world slang is not necessary to tell a gritty and grounded story.
DEDRA, SYRIL, AND KRENNIC
The dynamics of Dedra and Syril Karn’s relationship are one of the most surprising aspects of this final season. The climax of last season hinted at an alliance between them, but here, their relationship has strengthened tenfold. With Dedra in his life and giving it the structure he desperately needs, Syril has cemented himself as an integral part of the Empire’s inner workings. Dedra, on the other hand, has paid a high price for her failure during season one, but with her reputation preceding her, her talents have brought her to Krennic’s attention.
It is a pleasure to see Kyle Soller and Denise Gough adding new layers of depth and complexity to their characters. Unlike the career-driven, egotistical agents we saw in season one, their talents now complement each other, pushing them toward greater achievements as their reliance on one another grows. Additionally, Syril’s relationship with his mother is explored in greater detail, and her interactions with Dedra are particularly compelling.
But it is Krennic who steals the show for the Empire in this performance. Although Mendelsohn retired the character in 2016, he effortlessly slips back into the role with a delightfully wicked charm. In this portrayal, Krennic remains as menacing, egotistical, and calculated as ever, and I challenge anyone not to be impressed by Mendelsohn’s outstanding performance. If you were hoping for more of what you love about Krennic, get ready to be delighted, as he serves up a veritable feast of character. Unfortunately, he doesn’t appear as often as I would like, but his presence is always felt throughout the storyline.
CASSIAN
While the season features a broader ensemble cast, the significance of Cassian Andor remains undeniable. In this installment, Diego Luna’s portrayal of the character aligns closely with what we see in “Rogue One.” As Star Wars: Andor Season 2 unfolds, Cassian evolves into his role with enthusiasm. Luna has portrayed this character for a decade, and throughout the season, we witness Cassian’s journey toward becoming the well-rounded warrior we meet in “Rogue One.” Here we explore the incidents that shaped him into the hero we love, and it is these early episodes that show how far he has grown since we last saw him.
VERDICT
Overall, the opening trio of episodes of Star Wars: Andor Season 2 is a breathtaking return to form. The budget for each episode has been well spent here, as this series is easily the most sumptuous Star Wars-themed project on Disney+ to date. Whether we marvel at the countless practical effects on display or the masterwork of set design, Andor is a true visual spectacle and boasts all the hallmarks of the galaxy far, far away.
This is the culmination of Tony Gilroy’s dedication. On the strength of the first three episodes, we are taking our first steps into a larger world…and the ride waiting for us is packed full of loss, sacrifice, pain, and suffering…which delivers some of the best Star Wars content to date. So, strap in and get ready to experience it all because next week gets even darker!
The first three episodes of Star Wars: Andor premiere on Disney+ on April 22/23.
Meet Phil Roberts! He’s the dedicated owner, daily content manager, and editor-in-chief of The Future of the Force. Phil is a budding novelist who turned his passion toward writing about the franchises he loves back in 2016. He’s a huge fan of all things Star Wars, Batman, DC, Marvel, Star Trek, Indiana Jones, Ghostbusters, King Kong, and the Ray Harryhausen movies. Phil is a BFI-accredited journalist and a distinguished member of the Film Critics Association UK.
If he’s not catching a movie at the cinema, you can bet he’s streaming something just as awesome!
