10 Difficult Truths About Rewatching Andor Season 1 After 2 Years

Launched in 2022, Andor season 1 has garnered widespread acclaim from both critics and Star Wars enthusiasts. However, a two-year retrospective reveals some uncomfortable truths. Even exemplary entries in the Star Wars franchise exhibit shortcomings, and Andor is no exception. Certain episodes are less engaging than others, some narrative concepts face execution challenges, and specific characters fail to resonate as strongly as the storyline would promise.

This analysis is not intended to undermine the quality of Andor. Instead, it highlights the necessity of a critical lens when evaluating contemporary Star Wars narratives. Such scrutiny ensures that the creative teams are motivated to deliver premier storytelling that fulfills fan expectations.

1. The First Arc Isn’t As Good As The Rest Of The Show

A Lot of Setup That Leads to an Eventual Payoff

Although Andor evolves into a compelling narrative as the season progresses, the first three episodes lag in quality by comparison. This initial arc is heavily invested in setting the stage for future developments, primarily focusing on the fallout from the events that unfold in the opening minutes of the first episode. By intricately depicting daily life, the show elevates the stakes when calamity strikes later.

This method, while essential for the narrative arc, occasionally leads to slower pacing or an overwhelming amount of plot threads to handle. Flashbacks detailing Cassian’s childhood provide valuable backstory but feel less urgent compared to the immediate tension of a manhunt. Each Andor arc features significant setup, but this initial one emphasizes the groundwork for the season’s overarching storyline.

2. Individual Episodes Don’t Work Well On Their Own

The decision to structure Andor’s episodes into distinct arcs represented a bold move for live-action Star Wars productions. However, this format inadvertently creates challenges for viewers expecting a more segmented viewing experience. Although the initial three episodes were released simultaneously, audiences watching subsequent episodes weekly often expressed frustration at the narrative continuity.

While interconnected storytelling can energize viewers for subsequent episodes, it’s vital for each segment to possess a coherent stopping point. A strategy akin to Netflix’s Arcane, which debuted episodes in groups, could have benefited the pacing and engagement of the Andor experience.

3. Andor Is Very Monologue Heavy

They’re Good but Numerous

Andor distinguishes itself with consistently strong writing, including engaging monologues delivered by pivotal characters such as Mon Mothma, Kino Loy, and Maarva Andor. Luthen Rael’s poignant discourse on personal sacrifice stands out as one of the series’ most memorable moments, showcasing exceptional character development.

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However, upon rewatching, it becomes evident that the frequency of monologues may detract from overall pacing. While they remain compelling, the reliance on monologues for character exposition can feel somewhat repetitive, challenging the overall engagement on subsequent viewing experiences.

4. How Could The Empire Not Know Who Their Prisoner Was?

Is There No Facial Recognition in Star Wars?

The narrative irony surrounding Cassian Andor as a prisoner illustrates the Empire’s overconfidence. Despite being apprehended under assumed identification, the bewilderment arises as to how the Empire fails to recognize a wanted man in custody. Recorded images of Cassian should be a standard part of their protocols.

This disbelief extends to the plot logic, as it seems unlikely that his identity wouldn’t surface during routine identification checks, especially considering the Empire’s urgent manhunt. Though such oversights are conceivable within the narrative, they do challenge the suspension of disbelief within the context of the series.

5. The Show Doesn’t Know What To Do With Certain Characters After Their First Arcs

At Least Not Until They Become Relevant Much Later

One of Andor‘s strengths is its commitment to character development, even among minor roles. However, this commitment can lead to narrative drift where characters linger in the series without clear purposes post their initial arcs. Syril Karn exemplifies this, spending significant time in a state of inertia following his job loss without any meaningful progression.

Similar issues arise with characters like Vel and Cinta, whose contributions often feel limited to waiting for Cassian’s next move. While the revisits to Ferrix offer glimpses into the lives of Maarva and Bix, they often lack the dynamism of the central narrative, further diluting viewer engagement with secondary characters.

6. The Show Often Loses Focus On Andor

It’s All the More Distracting When He’s in the Title

Despite the brilliance of Andor‘s supporting cast, there are moments where focus strays from Cassian Andor himself. Although he remains integral to the narrative, occurrences arise where he appears secondary to other characters, which can be perplexing given his central role.

This trend is particularly highlighted in the third arc, where his incarceration sees him sidelined. While these episodes provide depth to Cassian’s character journey, they shift substantial attention to the plot developments surrounding other characters, blurring the focus of the storyline.

7. Cassian’s Backstory Is All Over The Place

Some Details Even Seem to Contradict Rogue One

Among the complexities surrounding Cassian Andor is the disjointed nature of his backstory. In Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Cassian mentions a lifelong fight against the Empire, which contrasts sharply with his earlier depictions in Andor where childhood flashbacks paint a different narrative.

Additionally, references to his imprisonment challenge previously established character details, creating confusion for fans attempting to connect the dots. Essential elements, such as the fate of his childhood tribe, remain unresolved, leaving ambiguity in the character’s history.

8. Diego Luna Is A Bit One-Note As Cassian Andor

It’s an Outstanding Performance but One That Sometimes Lacks Variety

Diego Luna delivers a commendable performance as Cassian Andor, yet the character’s development does not fully exploit Luna’s range as an actor. Compelling Star Wars characters typically showcase multifaceted personalities and emotional depth across various situations. However, Cassian tends to emerge as a primarily serious and hardened figure.

This characteristic is more pronounced post-first arc, with Cassian facing dire situations that require increased gravity in his portrayal. His struggle for survival in the Imperial prison and his evolving response to adversity further emphasize this one-dimensional aspect, which occasionally limits the narrative’s emotional impact.

9. Andor Can Be Too Dark For Its Own Good

Even Dramas Can Lighten Things Up Now and Then

The somber, often oppressive tone of Andor profoundly impacts the overall atmosphere of the story. While this stylistic choice sets the series apart, it frequently cultivates a heavy ambiance that may detract from the narrative’s enjoyment and character portrayal.

Although Andor‘s darker elements serve distinct narrative purposes, maintaining lightness at strategic intervals could enhance the emotional resonance and pacing. By introducing lighter moments, the series could also capture the spirit of the broader Star Wars universe, enriching the viewing experience.

10. Andor Doesn’t Really Need To Be Star Wars

It Would Work Just as Well as Its Own Separate Story

One of the most notable criticisms of Andor, even among its supporters, is that it diverges significantly from the essence of Star Wars. While interpreting “what feels like Star Wars” varies, Andor exemplifies a tonal departure that raises questions about its place within the franchise.

By consciously steering away from fan service and adopting a more grounded narrative, Andor could stand strong as an independent sci-fi narrative. Its underlying themes resonate across different storytelling realms, suggesting that the rebellion tale might thrive without the established confines of a well-known universe. While Andor contributes meaningfully to the broader Star Wars saga, its distinct narrative autonomy sparks discussions on its necessity within this cosmic franchise.

The highly anticipated Andor season 2 is set to premiere on April 22, 2025.

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