Hello all!
Star Wars: Andor is a series I've been looking forward to due to its direct connection with my favorite Star Wars film, Rogue One. I simply loved that movie that could've easily been a throw away film had it not been executed perfectly. A prequel of Cassian's personal rebellion story has so much potential and to ensure you know where I stand, so far it is fantastic.
First of all, these first three episodes are a lot! You're introduced to Cassian, the main character of the series through both the past and present storylines and within the first 10 minutes of the first episode you are given a plot that sets the stage for a three episode arc that is simple, yet stunningly engrossing. Learning about Cassian's childhood and where he comes from really helps give gravity to who he is now and why he is the way he is.
Without gushing too much, I can say that I was completely captivated in this story unlike most Disney+ shows to come out recently (with the exceptions of the first season of The Mandalorian and Loki, which I enjoyed each thoroughly). The reason why Andor sticks out in my mind is the exact same reason Rogue One stuck out to me years ago: it wants to tell a story set in the Star Wars universe and doesn't shove the connecting tissues to the Skywalker Saga down your throat. The Empire? Sure it exists, but isn't center stage yet. The Death Star? Who knows! The Rebellion? Not so fast. Instead, we're given little stories of small characters in the universe we love and rather than waste them to include easter eggs and big-name cameos, Andor slows down to remind us that the characters made Star Wars great in the first place.
Next to this point, it's simply new territory they're treading, even if Rogue One established the tone and content. Andor takes place during one of the most interesting time periods in the Star Wars canon in that it's a dark period for the galaxy. People are scared, oppressed, and make mistakes. This reality of danger being ever present makes the beginning episodes captivating and tense. Cassian is pretty morally gray and his friends and cohorts seem equally hard to peg. They're real people who struggle to make it through their lives in a difficult galaxy that doesn't have much room for freedom. This is just so much more impactful and captivating than the well worn path that so many Star Wars stories have taken thus far.
Finally, when it comes down to it, Andor just feels like the most grounded and realistic Star Wars show that Disney has made. The Mandalorian is a fun Star Wars show that families and kids can watch and not take too seriously. Andor is another thing entirely. Because it's set in a time and scenario when people compromise who they are, it makes you doubt about right and wrong. Maybe things aren't as clear as the main canon would make you believe. Maybe there is more gray to the seemingly black and white stories that this story is based on. All of this to say, I think Andor has the potential to be amazing and I'm thoroughly impressed so far. Hopefully they will stay the course they have set and will continue to pursue the story above all other priorities and make something truly original and enjoyable.
Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for future updates!