By George & Josh Bate
WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Andor – Season 2, Episodes 1-3
Star Wars possesses a unique ability to differentially appeal to audience members through a variety of stories. Some Star Wars fans live and die by George Lucas’ original trilogy, while others harbor more reverence for the prequel trilogy. Some, meanwhile, consider themselves more fans of Star Wars animation or the sequel trilogy. And the recent array of Disney+ shows has spawned even more sub-groups of Star Wars fans. Cutting through these various subdivisions of Star Wars fandom can prove difficult but was something resoundingly achieved by Andor. Confidently proclaimed as being “hailed by critics everywhere” in the trailer for Season 2, Andor received universal acclaim for its mature tone, nuanced themes, intricate storytelling, and host of well-developed characters. Based on the sheer quality alone of the first season, viewers have eagerly anticipated the continuation of Andor Season 2, which premieres April 22 on Disney+. Anticipation and hype can be dangerous things heading into a show or film, raising expectations to possibly unattainable heights. Despite this, creator Tony Gilroy, star (and now executive producer) Diego Luna, and company continue to extend upon what a Star Wars story can achieve with a prestigious, contemplative, and exhilarating second season.
Andor Season 2 begins one year after the events of Season 1, which concluded with Cassian Andor recognizing the true depths of the Empire’s villainy and committing his life to overthrowing the tyrannical regime. Three episodes of Season 2 will debut each Tuesday on Disney+ starting on April 22, an intelligent decision given the methodical and more deliberate pacing of this series. In isolation, episode 1 of Season 2 feels a bit undercooked, much like the first episode of Season 1 did. The plot is instigated and characters are introduced, but, by the time the credits roll, one is left with a desire for more (and not just because this is the first of 12 episodes). As was the case with Season 1, Season 2 takes three episodes to truly set in and, given the unique release schedule of episodes, will likely be digested by most audiences as three episodes all at once. This certainly goes in the show’s favor as, by the time the third episode of Season 2 concludes, Tony Gilroy and his team achieve a stranglehold of our emotions and grip us with uncanny intensity.
Season 2 follows its predecessor in pivoting from one storyline to the next, all connected by the central conflict posed by the Empire while each feeling distinct. Of course, there is the titular character himself, who is re-introduced to the audience as a full-fledged rebel completing missions for Stellan Skarsgård’s Luthen Rael. Then, there are the other survivors of Maarva’s funeral on Ferrix (i.e., Bix, Brasso, Wilmon, and B2-EMO) living a secluded life to evade the Empire. On the other end of opulence is Mon Mothma, the senator from Chandrilla with a life-altering family dilemma on her hands as she covertly hatches plans to thwart the Empire. Harboring a similar goal, albeit with decidedly different methodology, is Luthen Rael, still living a double life to disguise his true intentions. Representing the oppressors, meanwhile, are Dedra Meero and Orson Krennic, the latter returning to Star Wars after making his debut in Rogue One, as plans are underway for an operation that threatens the lives of millions. Although Cassian is probably the ‘main character’ of the bunch, one would not be mistaken in characterizing Andor more broadly as a series about the development of the rebellion leading into the events of A New Hope, rather than a tale exclusively about Cassian Andor. Switching from one plot thread to the next is a sophisticated storytelling approach for television that is akin to the structure of Game of Thrones and affords a wealth of multi-layered plotting. Even in the early moments of Season 2, there is a sense that everything about these different plots is building to some dreaded conclusion, one the audience knows is coming yet is terrified by nonetheless.
As is the case with shows like Game of Thrones that balance a multitude of characters and storylines, some prove to be more interesting than others. Lagging behind the others in terms of intrigue is Cassian’s plot. This thread through the first three episodes starts strong, depicting Cassian as he hatches a daring heist of a TIE Fighter variant. The action that ensues would not be out of place in the grandest of Star Wars films, while the tension that precedes and envelops the action is extraordinary.
After fleeing the planet with the stolen Imperial ship, Cassian returns to the rendezvous point, but, rather than meet Luthen’s contact, he is greeted by a band of confused and desperate rebels. A rather dull back-and-forth between the rebels ensues for the next two episodes, while Cassian finds himself captured. There isn’t much for Cassian to do here as the rebels argue amongst themselves as to how to use Cassian’s ship to escape the planet. The saving grace of this underwhelming start to Cassian’s journey in Season 2 is the reveal at the end of episode 2 that this has all been taking place on Yavin 4. Of course, Yavin is the jungle world that served as the key rebel base in A New Hope and over which the Battle of Yavin occurred. Tony Gilroy has already revealed that Yavin 4 will play a role in Season 2, making its tease at the end of episode 2 even more enticing.
Concurrent with Cassian’s plot is the wedding of Mon Mothma’s daughter Leida and Davo Sculdun’s son. This event was teased in Season 1, theorized about by fans after the Season 2 trailer released, and was more recently confirmed to take place by Gilroy. The three day celebration, which pans out over the course of three episodes, makes for captivating viewing. Aesthetically, the production design and costume design rival anything that has featured in a galaxy far, far away to date. Experiencing the Chandrillian customs and culture surrounding weddings proves to be fascinating and is aided by meticulous designs for each and every character (all the way from Mon to fleeting players in the background). The opulence is equal parts beautiful and unsettling, the latter of which being evoked due to the stark contrast between the wealth of the event and the poverty existing elsewhere in the galaxy.
Complementing the visual spectacle of the wedding plot are suspenseful developments in Mon’s secret rebellion. One of Andor’s most outstanding qualities is its ability to cultivate incredible suspense through dialogue alone, rather than relying on overt danger or actions. This quality is perfectly exemplified through the wedding arc, which, despite being entirely devoid of action, greatly captivates. Moments into the first episode and Luthen makes an unexpected appearance at the wedding, posing all sorts of questions for the audience and concern for Mon. Then there’s the palpable discomfort that comes from Mon marrying away her daughter, a decision that she reluctantly made to aid her efforts against the Empire. If that wasn’t enough, there’s also Tay Kolma, Mon’s once-trustworthy childhood friend who now blackmails Mon to alleviate his financial troubles. All of these threads weave together into a perfect concoction of chaos for Mon to manage.
The developments with Tay Kolma have particular dramatic weight to them. Kolma was a reliable figure in Season 1, someone that Mon unreservedly trusted in an hour of need. The Kolma we are introduced to in Season 2 is different though. Scorned by a messy divorce and struggling financially, Kolma feels like he is due for an upturn in fortunes, especially as Mon and Sculdun live so lavishly and have put together such an extravagant wedding. Each interaction between Mon and Kolma is carefully spread out across the three episodes and chronicles a steady destruction of their relationship. Genevieve O’Reilly brilliantly portrays Mon’s progression from surprise to concern to disappointment to resignation over the course of the three episodes, culminating in a masterfully acted interaction with Skarsgård’s Luthen that sees the two come to terms with what must be done. The decision to not show Kolma’s death on-screen (and to also have it be carried by Cinta, who is looked upon concerningly and longingly by her partner Vel) is great as it, once again, demonstrates how Andor does not need to rely on death or action for thrills and that, sometimes, less is more. Mon’s subsequent unraveling upon realizing that her once dear friend Kolma will be killed unfolds organically and tragically. Throwing herself into intoxication and dancing to a bumping Niamos!-esque club song by composer Nicholas Britell, Mon, a character known for keeping herself composed no matter what, finally lets herself go as the culmination of stress gets the better of her. The interspersing of Mon’s tragic dancing with the plot involving Bix, Brasso, Wilmon, and Cassian makes an already dramatic moment that much more effective.
The other key story thread of these first three episodes follows Bix, Brasso, Wilmon, and B2 as they lay low and make a new life for themselves after the tumultuous events surrounding Maarva’s funeral. Brasso and Wilmon have touchingly developed romantic relationships, although Bix remains scarred by Dr. Gorst’s torture. All of the actors here are extraordinary, but special credit goes to Brasso actor Joplin Sibtain. The London-born actor brought incredible heart to Brasso in Season 1 and quickly crafted him into a fan favorite. Sibtain brings a warmth and kindness to Brasso that evokes some of the best characters in the franchise and just feels so fitting for Star Wars. Just moments into his appearance into Season 2 and we are quickly reminded of why he grew so attached to Brasso, a fact that makes the end of episode 3 all the more devastating.
It is clear the peace and quiet won’t last long as the Empire makes its way to the planet and begins a census/audit. Episodes 1-2 sees Gilroy and the writing team create incredible tension in the build-up of an eventual clash between this band of rebels and the Empire, which ends up being even more devastating than even the most pessimistic of viewers would have predicted come episode 3.
Part of this devastation comes from Bix’s arc over the three episodes, culminating in arguably the most mature and adult moment conveyed in the nearly 50 year history of Star Wars. The initial interactions between Bix and the Imperial officer are subtly tense, but they convey the Imperial officer’s insidious (perhaps even sexual) interest in Bix. Never though did we expect Andor to have the boldness to take this plot to its logical, harrowing end. The Imperial officer’s attempted rape of Bix, the resulting struggle between the two, and Adria Arjona’s horrifying delivery of the line, “He tried to rape me!” collectively bring to Star Wars an enduring issue in sexual violence the franchise has never dabbled in. Tony Gilroy, Adria Arjona, and others deserve incredible praise for their care and consideration of such a delicate topic and their unreserved boldness to do something no major film franchise has done before. The sense of discomfort elicited from watching Bix’s struggle is palpable, while our hearts break for a character who continues to endure such hardship.
But the hardship doesn’t end there. The episode heartbreakingly concludes with the death of Brasso. Our initial reaction to his death was one of disbelief – we truly didn’t think Brasso would die at this moment. As the disbelief subsided, grief set in. Grief for a character we, like many Star Wars fans, have come to adore. The look Diego Luna directs toward the camera as the third episode wraps up is alone indicative of an awards-worthy performance, perfectly capturing the deep sadness Cassian and the audience feel for such a devastating loss. RIP Brasso. You will be missed.
Death doesn’t seem to be in short supply in Andor Season 2. The scenes with Dedra Meero, Major Partagaz, Director Krennic, and the ISB allude to the Ghorman Massacre occuring later this season. Krennic assembles a secret team to oversee Ghorman, a planet that the Empire wants to mine for a valuable material in order to meet the Emperor’s energy goals. Mining for the material, however, could potentially cause total planetary collapse, which means the Ghorman people, government, and public reaction need to be carefully managed. Enter Dedra Meero and the ISB. The war room that Krennic assembles and the callousness with which its members talk about the potential deaths of millions elicits brilliant horror and recalls real life atrocities that have seen governmental regimes orchestrate genocides. The shadow of Ghorman looms large in these early episodes of Andor and we don’t expect that to change as we head to what is looking to be a devastating series finale.
VERDICT: 8.5/10
Andor Season 2 begins in the footsteps of its preceding season with three mature, devastating, and contemplative episodes. Justifying its three-episode release schedule given the slower pace of the first installment, the Season 2 premiere is best digested all together as a single Star Wars movie, as creator Tony Gilroy has indicated. Like Game of Thrones and other prestige dramas, Andor Season 2 unfolds with a myriad of characters and plot threads, which means some work more than others. After an exhilarating opening heist, Cassian’s arc in these initial episodes proves more dull than the others. The wedding of Mon Mothma and Davo Sculdun’s children, conversely, captivates on multiple levels as Mon grapples with her moral compass, a suspicious ally, and the deconstruction of a dear friendship before her eyes. Genevieve O’Reilly produces her best performance yet as Mon, especially as she goes through the stages of grief as her friendship with Tay Kolma devolves. The plot with Bix, Brasso, and Wilmon, meanwhile, offers a dyad of emotional heartbreak. The attempted rape of Bix reflects the most mature and arguably one of the most disturbing moments in Star Wars history, and is thankfully handled with grace and consideration by Tony Gilroy and Adria Arjona. The same can be said for the death of Brasso (words that are even difficult to type, such is the love we have for this character), while Diego Luna delivers a look toward the camera that alone is worthy of awards and perfectly encapsulates Cassian and the audience’s shared grief over the beloved Brasso. If the first three episodes are a taste of what’s to come in Andor Season 2, then we expect that Disney and Lucasfilm have another hit on their hands, one that will bring wonder and emotional devastation in equal measure to fans.