REVIEW: Andor – Season 2, Episode 1, “One Year Later”

Television Reviews

FINALLY, Andor is back! Personally, this is the only live-action Disney+ show that has exceeded my expectations. Heck, only The Mandalorian was even good, and they shot themselves in the foot there. Andor is intelligently written, superbly acted, and features gorgeous visuals and stunning music. Unlike basically all of the other shows, Andor relies on the strength of its own script and actors to carry it. There’s the occasional Easter egg, like one of Padmé’s headpieces in Luthen’s shop in season 1. But Andor doesn’t show the back of Yoda’s head or name-drop Princess Leia to keep you watching, because it doesn’t have to. This is the most excited I’ve been for a new season of a show in a long time, and I can’t wait to see what happens with the Gormans, Cassian’s little family, and Mon Mothma. Let’s get into it.

***SPOILERS***

“One Year Later” finds Cassian in an Imperial training academy of some sort, on a mission to steal an experimental TIE fighter for the Rebellion. Before the action can get going, he must calm the nerves of his contact, Niya, and reassure her that she’s doing the right thing. However, the troubles don’t start there; despite presumably being briefed, Cassian can’t fly the ship. He crashes his way out of the place and still has to evade pursuing Imperials. Next, we check in on Bix, Brasso, and Wilmon. They’ve settled on Mina Rau in the wake of the Ferrix uprising, and Brasso has found a woman to settle down with. Wilmon has met a girl, too, but her parents don’t like him because he’s a mechanic without a visa. Bix suffers from nightmares after being tortured by Dr. Gorst. Mon Mothma is engrossed in her daughter Leda’s wedding. Jay and Luthen arrive, the former wanting to talk, and the latter decidedly tight-lipped.

Dedra Meero, Major Partagaz, and others meet with Director Krennic to discuss the Empire’s plans for the Planet Gorman. Cassian is intercepted by a Rebel cell that believes he works for the Empire due to his uniform. He quickly figures out who they are, but they won’t believe he’s a Rebel, and they have evidently killed his contact, Porco. Major Partagaz and others in Director Krennic’s clandestine meeting question the plans, but Krennic swiftly shuts down the squabbles and highlights the Emperor’s desire for the Gorman resources. He presents a couple of propagandists who explain the narrative they’ve spun about Gorman and how it can aid in the occupation… if necessary. The Rebels attempt to operate the TIE fighter but can’t figure it out, and Cassian doesn’t know how to fly it. Leda storms off from the wedding after a fight with her fiancee. Mon tries to comfort her daughter but just ends up feeling lousy herself. The petty squabbles of the Rebels descend into violence. 

I’m surprised the Empire is planning the Gorman uprising; I had the feeling it would be Luthen or even Saw Gerrera–you know, to hammer home yet again the ruthlessness the Rebellion is capable of to get what they want. I’m unpleasantly surprised that we never see my boy Syril Karn in “One Year Later.” However, that doesn’t ruin the episode or anything. I’ve tried to avoid the discourse surrounding this show because this is one of the main things I don’t want spoiled. But I have seen comments that the premiere is boring or “not Star Wars.” I think this premiere is actually brisker than season 1’s was, and most of the storylines are extremely compelling. I understand people who think Andor isn’t Star Wars because it’s not about Jedi, and the main characters don’t have the Force, but I disagree. To me, Star Wars is more about the themes and the struggle against oppression than the visual trappings. And while Andor’s subject matter and tone are a little different from that of the films, it follows the theme of personal sacrifice for the greater good better than much of what those people would call Star Wars. Kenobi, Ahsoka, and Book of Boba Fett all contained Jedi and the Force to varying degrees, and they all suck. Simply including something familiar doesn’t make your story good, and it certainly doesn’t make it thematically Star Wars.

That said, this show also looks far and away better than all of the other Disney+ Star Wars shows. I know that doesn’t mean very much; my dad would say that’s like picking the shiniest turd out of a litter box. To put it in perspective, Andor is one of the most cinematic TV series I’ve ever seen. It is more visually ambitious–and willing to put its money where its mouth is–than any other live-action Disney Star Wars has been. Chandrila is gorgeous, Mina Rau is rustic yet homey, I like the sterility and emptiness of the Academy, and the place with the quibbling Rebels is Yavin 4. You know what to expect with that, although I was shocked to see it! Another reason Andor is so refreshing is that when it does tie back into the larger Star Wars universe, it’s for an actual reason and flows naturally within the story. Of course this is where Rebels meet; once they get their crap together, it’ll be their base. 

But the visual storytelling isn’t just pretty; I love the world-building in this episode. We learn so much about Chandrilan culture, as well as that of Mina Rau, just from how the places look. These cities and homes look lived-in and have character, rather than the pop-up dust bucket in Kenobi. Mon Mothma’s daughter Leda’s wedding is my favorite part of the episode for the gorgeous sets and costumes, to say nothing of the unique, stunning music. This season is scored by Brandon Roberts, news that initially disappointed me as I adored Nicholas Britell’s work on season 1. Boy, was I wrong! This man has already impressed me, and we have a whole season to go.

It has been said a thousand times but bears repeating: the dialogue and acting carry this show. It’s also gorgeous and brilliantly put together, but those are the two biggest reasons to watch Andor. Genevieve O’Reilly is awesome as Mon, and you can see her growing anxiety and guilt over marrying off her young daughter. Stellan Skarsgard essentially plays two different roles in Andor. One of my favorite scenes in season 1 displayed this brilliantly, as he put on his shopkeeper wig and smiled brightly in the mirror on his way to work. This isn’t the real Luthen; the real Luthen is bitter and only cares about the Rebellion. We get to see this again this season, and so early on, too. He’s at the wedding ostensibly to deliver a gift ordered by the groom’s father but uses every opportunity to gain information on people’s vacation plans, military service, etc. And he closely watches Mon’s interactions with her old buddy Tay. I especially enjoyed Mon telling Davo Scaldern, her future son-in-law’s father, that Luthen is terrible at keeping secrets. Luthen replies that he has been “practicing.” Given what we have seen Luthen do, this was exceptionally satisfying. This is irony done well in service of the characters, not just to create surprises or upend what we expect. 

“One Year Later” is a great start to what’s sure to be a whirlwind of a season. The beginning sequence is classic Star Wars with the right amount of tension and humor, which surprised me. I didn’t think of season 1 as being funny, but it’s most welcome here. There are more lines of dialogue and small moments than I would ever have time to talk about to satisfaction, so I’ll leave it here. I love this show, and I’m so glad it’s back, but I know I’ll hate it when it ends.

***

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