The force is strong with this next season.
Three years ago, we got the Disney+ series “Andor,” which was created by Tony Gilroy, and allowed Diego Luna to reprise his “Rogue One” character Cassian Andor years before the events of that film. I acknowledge that this was before “A New Hope” took place, but I’m still disliked how a lot of the new characters in “Rogue One” had to die. But at least, we get to see Luna in the early stages of his rebellion against the Galactic Republic.
Each episode now runs between 40 and 60 minutes. This is the second and final season where everything comes full circle. And this is an exciting and entertaining circle.
Returning actors in this series include Adria Adjorna as the mechanic Bix Caleen, Stellan Skargaard as her dealer contact Luthen Rael, Forrest Whitaker as the clone war vet Saw Gerrera, Kyle Soller as Imperial Deputy Inspector Syril Karn, Kathryn Hunter as his mother Eedy Karn, Denise Gough as Lt. Dedra Meero, and Genevieve O’Reilly as the Imperial senator Mon Mothma. We also get some reprising their movie roles like Ben Mendolsohn as the evil Orson Krennic and Alan Tudyk as the robot K-2SO. And new additions includes Benjamin Bratt as Senator Organa.
Among the plot points, Andor wants to be done with his part of the rebellion and wants to make his own decisions (even though that’s what they’re fighting for). There’s also an arranged marriage between Mon Mothma’s daughter Leida and a wealthy banker. Bix is nearly raped by an Imperial officer, but she fights back. And the relationship between Syril and Dedra gets destroyed.
There’s a lot for us fans to digest, but there’s a story and challenges for the characters to deal with. “Andor” has already proven itself to be the best “Star Wars” series since “The Mandalorian,” and Season 2 is no different. There’s a strong emotional weight, exciting action sequences, great special effects, and fine performances all worthy of the franchise. Luna continues to play his character with strong convictions, while Soller and Gough have their respective moments of great strength.
I doubt there was techno music before “A New Hope,” considering that film was made in 1977. And there are serious topics that probably wouldn’t have been covered back then, but this series likes to do what it pleases and it never condescends anyone or anything. And maybe with all the new technology and appeal in this world, this franchise likes to take risks. Anything is better than A.I. And this is me writing this TV review, not that.
Three Episodes Premiering Every Week Until May 13 on Disney+
