Andor is the best Disney Star Wars
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- Опубликовано: 5 авг 2024
- Hello friends, it's fun to be able to absolutely gush about TV that I think is just fantastic. Andor is my favorite Star Wars content that's been put out by Disney - and if we don't count Rouge 1 or the Mando, the best Star Wars by a LONG SHOT. (I haven't watched Clone Wars yet don't come for me I know it's good). Anyway, let me know if Andor resonated with you as much as it did with me!
Chapters
00:00 - Intro
01:32 - Characters
06:06 - Emotional moments
09:33 - Pacing
10:32 - Themes
14:24 - Criticisms
15:14 - Conclusion 
Кино
Me: Grumpy old 53 year old who, as a little boy, sat mesmerized watching Star Wars in 1977. Nothing has ever come close to what I felt, begging the question of myself, was it just nostalgia then? Then, 40 years later along comes Andor. And there it is again, the feel, the conviction, the realness. This combination of set pieces, the particular soundtrack in bed with the pacing, the wonderful cast, amazing cinematography and direction has captured lightning in a bottle. Come what may, this was a masterpiece. --- *I suppose I can be a little less grumpy moving forward. :)
Lol I’m only in my 30s and feel like I’ve been grumpy about Star Wars since nothing has recaptured the magic. I totally agree that andor hits you in the heart in all the right places. They GOT it.
I’m 55. This is the most 70s Star Wars has been since the original movie. I love it. Also if people think this is too slow for them then they should just skip any old movies because this is how movies were paced and yeah you can just dismiss me as an old crank, but you’ll be missing out on amazing films like The Godfather or The Coversation
Hate saying my age but since you all are giving yours… 70 here. First time in a long while that I actually felt an emotional feeling watching a tv show. With Andor, more than once I had to wipe a tear. Is it ok for old men to cry? Don’t go telling my friends. What a fantastic show.
Nice job on your presentation.
Andor is so good- one of my favorite shows I've watched, ever. Really high quality in every way.
Agreed! I already want to rewatch which I don’t do a ton with dramatic shows.
I LOVE the mirroring. It happens with Cas and Kino too when Kino uses Andor's words to inspire the prisoners to rebel and that scene contrasts with Vel and Cinta's in that Vel really doesn't feel for the rebellion as Cinta does when she uses Cinta's words with Mon Mothma but Kino does when he uses Andor's words. This show is so good. The contrasts help build character and they don't make it dramatic at all as you said. The trust that we would get these moments makes me love the show more. One thing I love about Cassian's character is that the show makes a passive character actually work. I know people hate this but Andor is just a guy trying to survive. That's it. And I love it. He doesn't hog attention, only butting in with the rebels as they prepare for Aldhani because his skills would help make the ruse more authentic. He lets Kino talk because Kino is the leading man for the prison. Bit by bit he starts to become a more active character as he moves from survival mode to a rebel fighting for something bigger than himself, making the choice to join Luthen. So many other points to analyze. I can't believe the depth of this show.
Ugh YES I should’ve talked about the Andor/Kino mirroring too! It’s just so intelligent the way it’s crafted and makes you care so deeply for characters. I didn’t even realize Cassian was sort of passive but you’re totally right. They were able to walk the line of him still being super interesting even if he has to be pushed to act.
I felt Cassian's passiveness was a narrative choice that enabled him to serve as the audience's stand-in. For that reason, it didn't bother me very much.
@@Bookbornspeaking of Breaking Bad and mirroring, Walt does that a lot. Also in Better Call Saul, both mirroring Mike in full measure and after the bagman episode. Good writing.
I`m not a star Wars fan. But some of my friends did recommend it to me multiple times and I can only say: IT IS AMAZING
The first piece of Star Wars I actually enjoyed
I'm a fan of the Star Wars universe, the look and the feel and the ideas that make up Star Wars, but I never liked any of the movies until Rogue One. The shows were either average or under average to me. Then we get Andor and there's absolutely no comparison. Mandalorian was a good Star Wars show I guess, but Andor is a great show overall that happened to filmed in the Star Wars universe. It's seriously up there with Better Call Saul and Game of Thrones for me.
As a huge Star Wars fan, It makes me so happy when any part of the property can pull someone in - and also it proves to me how good Andor really is lol
It's quality was consistent throughout and I hope other Star Wars showrunners take that to heart. All of Tony's i's were dotted and t's crossed. Remarkable series.
Agreed! I hope it succeeds and continues to succeed so that Disney will see what quality looks like!
@@Bookborn also, Mandalorian Season 1 and 2 were both amazing!
I agree that the quality in writing, character & consistent tone contribute to a product that respects its audience.
Andor was unbelievable and I agree with literally everything you said. At the start of the year I would have said I was much more excited for Rings of Power than Andor, despite loving both franchises. Mostly because the last couple of Star Wars shows were underwhelming. And then it didn't take long for me to consider staying up till midnight to watch the new Andor episodes while barely staying awake while watching Rings of Power.
Something that really struck me was that with Rings of Power we spent nearly 10 hours with basically the same cast of characters I my descriptions of their characters would be pretty basic. Honestly I can barely remember their names.
And yet we spent probably less than 15 minutes of total screen time with Keno Loy or Nimmik or the people of Ferris, and yet I cared about them SO much and knew so much more of what motivated them. That's some darned good storytelling right there.
YES YES YES! Honestly I wasn’t even planning on watching Andor because I hated Obi Wan so much, but I kept hearing good things so tried when four episodes were out. It has just blown me away.
And you’re dead on: not a single second was wasted with character dev so I really feel like I know everybody. RoP… some of those characters still only had a single trait.
One piece of the show that is not enough talked about in my opinion is the music !!! Nicholas Britell is a genius of having created the soundtrack with the huge John Williams shadow over his shoulder , his electronic melancholic tracks really give the series the dark mature atmosphere in a Blade Runner vibe .Epic.
Agreed, Andor is the best thing we’ve gotten since Disney took over. It seems to be Disney appealing to their adult audience since I can’t imagine kids having very much fun here, despite it not being grim dark or anything. I think where Disney made the biggest mistake was not taking the Obi wan more appealing to adults. Crossing my fingers that we get more from the Andor show runners, and maybe even get them to helm a mainline Star Wars movie!
I think they just didn’t have a clear vision/good writing for Obi Wan either. It was so messy in execution. I think even if it had been more kidish but had clearer direction it could’ve been better? But yeah agreed, either way, adult Star Wars content feels good
You can see this in just how many RUclipss who hate it, are totally stuck in nostalgia. If Star Wars doesn’t pander to their inner 5 year old, and is completely the same as what they saw as kids, they hate it.
This is one of my favorite reviews of the show. Never saw your videos before, I subscribed.
Sadly Gilroy is done with Star Wars after Andor Season 2. I'm not sure how Gilroy's brother feels (he was also a writer on the show) but hopefully Disney can retain him. I wish that Disney never hired JJ Abrams and built this expectation that Star Wars will always feel like the OT. Artists in general have an impulse to create. Why trap them into a derivative cage? Why expect them to flourish there? Why paint the Mona Lisa with a mustache? Why expect a repainting of the same image? As long as the writer understands the ideas that make up star wars, and can dissect the space opera genre, they should be fine to create something new within the same universe. I think from here on out audiences should demand and expect different POVs in Star Wars and not more of the same. No artist or writer should be expected to make Star Wars feel like the OT. It's a fraudulent endeavor.
I agree with everything in this comment 100%. Andor succeeded because it took key themes of the OG SW- like rebellion, oppression, and sacrifice - and said hey, we can use these without the force or lightsabers or over action and make it feel right. And the nailed it. I’m sad to hear Gilroy is done after season 2 😭😭 but at least he made something great
I really liked the way they portrayed the ISB as an intelligence service. The territorialism, focus on bureaucratic deadlines, and petty infighting; but also that it contains some highly competent people. On the Rebel side, the dirty game that is spying isn't whitewashed by pretending the good guys only ever do good things. The characters, the organizations, and the dynamics between everything are complex but still ring true to me. One of the best shows I've seen since I-don't-know-when.
100% agree on everything you said. It just gave a level of legitimacy to both sides that upped the tension in every way.
Freaking love this show. I was hooked every second of it. It's so brilliantly done and I also can't wait for season 2. I'm really interested in what Andor will do with the leadership he's taken. and Mon Mothma is such a great storyline. The sacrifice throughline really sold me on the show too, since that's a concept that tends to vibe with me.
I bet it's going to take SO LONG to get Season 2 and I'm so sad because I'm so invested in what's going to happen! And I guess the creator is only doing two seasons? I'm super intrigued by that, if so, because it means it'll probably be very tight storytelling leading in to Rogue 1
@@Bookborn I think this is just the origin story, I don’t think it’s going to butt up against Rogue one too much. But if it’s good, then the wait will be worth it
I thought it was an masterclass in writing, acting, directing, etc... everything was top quality.
AGREED
And in the episode where he said that’s the first untrue thing you said, that whole episode was about sacrifice. Serkis couldn’t swim but inspired everyone so they could live even if he knew he wouldn’t. Luthen gave that awesome monologue about all he sacrificed so that the further generations could live without the empire oppressing them. And then you have mon mothma , who is contemplating sacrificing her vision of what her Daughter deserves as a future. Sacrificing her morals. Just so good.
It's just SO SMART and so excellent!
It deals with grassroots of the rebellion. Even Luthen didn't know what it would look like until it happened before his eyes. Nice treatment! 👍🥂
I watched it when it premiered. I was hooked and enjoyed every episode every week. Episode ten was my alltime favorite! Especially when Luthens monolog
Agreed - it was incredible. It allowed you to get invested in characters while not feeling slow and maintaining intensity! Everyone in the show was excellent - actors and writers. Your review was amazing and pointed out additional things I missed that made the show even better!
8:57 You hit the nail on the head with something I also noticed between Andor (and well written shows in general) and things like Obi Wan: well written shows and movies understand that having dialogue which is either untrue or contradictory to either reality or the characters’ inner feelings shows a realistic depth especially when letting the acting or directing inform us of the truth of the situation. Worse written modern stuff like Obi Wan has every character explain how they feel or to explicitly provide exposition which gives a feeling that the writers don’t have faith in the audience’s intelligence
Absolutely. A lack of subtly and explaining everything to your audience is a sure fire way to not make a great show
Agreed on all counts! The only thing I could maybe add is that 'Andor' is the first time I really got a good sense of why the Rebellion was needed and why it got formed. Fine, as viewers of the films, we know that the Empire is led by an evil space wizard, but most of the galaxy doesn't and probably couldn't care less. Here we get to see how it tramples on common people in devastating ways. It's not like Imperials are all cackling maniacs either. They're shown to be doing their jobs, something in mundane ways; it's just that said jobs have terrible repercussions on everyone else.
That's to say nothing of Luthen and Maarva's amazing speeches. Some of the best in all of 'Star Wars.' Also loved the contrasting Nemik's manifesto puts up to Yoda's "Do or do not, there is no try." Like 'Rogue One' shows the effort and sacrifice it took to get Luke to that point of blowing up the Death Star, it emphasizes that the Jedi at the top and the Rebellion as a whole needed people at the grassroots who weren't afraid to just try.
That's just the tip of the iceberg. I could gush about practically *everything* about ''Andor'. It's simply one of the best 'Star Wars' series to date, and just an absolutely brilliant series in its own right.
I agree with you 100% !!! I was a sucker for the nostalgia bait and member berries in the last few shows, but now I have seen the light. Andor is the best-written star wars content Disney is putting out now. I really hope they recognise how good it is despite the viewership numbers. That last scene with Luthen was killer! Nice video, keep it up! :)
At least we get Season 2! Hopefully more people will jump on board as we spread the good word!
It's certainly the freshest Star Wars thing. I loved it so much!
It is interesting that Andor, RoP, HotD, and Obi-Wan all came out fairly close and were all prequels. Andor and HotD were amazing. They really made the characters feel real and built up moments for them to have tension and get you invested. I recently rewatched Rogue One and the show leads into it so well. Some people were criticizing how passive Andor was this season but you can see how he is being swept up in the rebellion and becoming who we see in RO. And I love seeing the beginning of the rebellion, like how bad was it under the Empire and what was the tipping point for people to start fighting back. It's so well handled. Like Luthen said he is "condemned to use the tools of his enemy to defeat them," rebellions are messy and no one is guiltless. And I can't wait to see season 2, Diego Luna says it will completely change how we view RO and I want to see Andor meet K2SO 😆
YES I think it was actually brilliant what they did with Cassian. Because we know in Rogue 1 he tells Jyn that he's "Been in the rebellion his entire life" and this show expertly shows that to be true - while still showing that he was actually very reluctant. It's such an interesting and nuanced character choice and it's what makes it such a good prequel. It's teaching us something new about the character while not rewriting anything.
I like to use this example of how tight the writing was in Andor.
I think around episode 3 maybe, we see the ISB chief giving a little praise to Dedra Meero.
Other lesser shows sould just throw some dialogue in there as the subject of the praise.
Do you know WHAT the ISB chief tells her?
That he pleased that she has surpassed her DETENTION QUOTAS on her sector.
They explained in episode 3 what only happened in Episode 7, when Cassian was arrested for no reason.
Why was Cassian arrested for no reason? Like that?
Because ISB has been giving detention QUOTAS to each sector. Because the ISB officers are trying to overcome each other, they try to match or SURPASS the quotas (which we can imagine, get higher everytime)
So right there, we can already imagine the ISB officers demanding detention quotas to be matched or surpassed, and the orders going down the chain of command until troops just arrest tourists for no reason, and judges are ready to send people for many years to jail. (probably trying to save their skin, as they are also under threat.
Thank you. The one slight niggle (and very slight) I had about Andor was that Cassian's arrest seemed a bit nonsensically unjustified even for the Empire, a convenience to get the plot to move forward. Quotas explain everything. I should have been paying more attention!
Good points, and that really got me thinking. I feel like Obi-Wan was written to please viewers who were only half-watching, maybe looking up from their phones at the exciting bits. It was full of great-looking moments, and I personally think Moses Ingram gave an excellent performance, as good as Verada Sethu gave... but the story fell flat and left attentive viewers feeling frustrated and unengaged. Whereas Andor's script was phenomenal! It asked a lot from its viewers (which may be why it didn't do as well in viewership), but it really rewards that investment with the best Star Wars story I've seen in ages. Thanks, and it's always great to hear your insights!
I don’t think my dislike for the character is Moses’ fault at all - I think she gave all she could to a paper thin script 😭 I wish she could’ve been given more! Loved the idea of her.
But I agree that Andor asks a lot! I was literally fully engaged every moment and even then I had to rewind one episode because I felt like I missed a key part of a conversation! I hope as more and more people talk about it, it can gain views…
I would guess that a redemption theme will be played out with Mon Mothma. We see through Luthen's example the abyss that sacrificing your own soul leads into. Mon Mothma's going down that same path by sacrificing her soul for the sake of the Rebellion.
The theme that Maarva and Cassian Andor really hammer home is that they haven't made their minds a "sunless place" like Luthen - their motivation is love. Love for Ferrix; lover for family. Cassian basically conducts and Aldani style raid on the Ferrix garrison but he's not stealing money ... he's rescuing Bix. And he sees all his dear friends off to safety before offering his life to the Rebellion. In fact, offering his life is a way to help ensure the safety of his friends - if he had escaped with them he'd put them in the crossfire.
So, this shows there's another way - a way lit by an inner light of love.
We know that in the future, Mon Mothma will be a leader who is more like Maarva than Luthen. But how? Where will she get this inner light from, if she has sacrificed her family ... everything ... to the Rebellion? Or will it just be a facade she puts up for the sake of inspiring others?
I just think that either Mon Mothma will somehow claw her way back up from the abyss via some sort of redemption, or ... that other possibility ... that she ends up as empty as Luthen inside but she can present a false front for the sake of the Rebellion ...
I don't see a redemption Arc for Mon Mothma comin season 2. She has accepted the by any means necessary rationale and is comfortable selling out her husband and daughter. this shows mon mothma to be as sociopathic as Palpatine and she seems to enjoy it far more th feeling any guilt over it.
@@churchofthegoldenone4577 Since my comment above, I have changed my assessment of where the story is going. I thought that Mon Mothma was going to be the "light" counterpoint to Luthen's darkness, but in fact Maarva fills that role. Her fiery defiance of The Empire was rooted in love, proving it to be motivated by the light rather than the dark. Furthermore, Cassian used her funeral to save his loved one rather than attack those he (justifiably) hates.
I see that Mon Mothma has indeed "learned from Palpatine". She will do whatever is necessary in the dark, using secret operatives (like Cassian Andor, in Rogue One). In the meantime, out in the light she will present as the righteous defender of justice, rallying the Rebel Alliance to not stoop down to the level of the Empire's corrupt ways.
She'll be the leader the Rebellion needs - one willing to do whatever it takes, while simultaneously presenting a righteous cause to rally support across the galaxy.
I think this is a far more interesting "dual life" Mon Mothma than we've seen before, while also remaining consistent.
As an author who simply writes as a hobby, I definitely see that book reading side of you come out in your analysis and appreciation for Andor. You completely get it why the story was told at the pace it was, and you were able to highlight some additional key moments that you don't hear often talked about in other reviews. Most reviews fall back to the absolute stellar monlogues delivered, but you were able to scrape the surface and uncover other hidden gems. Great job! As I said in a comment to another person, Andor captured the holy grail, that elusive trifecta of awesome storytelling...great writing, phenomenal directing and tour de force acting.
Wow, thank you for your top notch analysis! I’m 50 and this is my first time watching your videos and I’m impressed by your common sense and passion and wisdom. Thank you again, thoroughly impressed and enjoyed this.
Thanks so much for watching 🙏
Love love love the show! I loved Rogue One very much and since I have a thing for Diego Luna (😅), I was sold on Andor right away. But I must say, despite the fact that there is no lightsaber or the Force in Andor, this series feels VERY true to the SW OT vision. Which makes me feel so relieved! Finally! Really enjoyed watching every minute, and I can’t wait for season 2! Definitely in my SW top 5.
I mean...I also LOVE Diego Luna like...excuse me he's 🔥. But I also am in love with Ewan and he wasn't enough to save Obi Wan for me so I think that's why I was unwilling at first to give it a chance lol! Andor is for sure in my top 5 too now, though, it's just like...so excellent in every way.
Haven't seen your reviews in a long time. I forgot how good you are.
Cyril Karn is that character where you wonder "Why are you like this?" And then one breakfast talk with his mom later, you realize "Oh that's why."
Excellent video! I found the villains compelling because they’re just pursuing career success, like any regular people. The villainy comes in when you see that they’re cogs in the machinery of oppression.
YES! I love how you can kind of forget that they are bad people - they almost seem like just an opposing force - and then you see the oppression you are upholding in such vicious ways and it's like 'ahh yes they are villains"
Andor and Better Call Saul were the best written shows of 2022 IMO
I heard the final season of BCS was legit some of the best TV ever. I loved the first season but the show stressed me out SO MUCH I didn't keep watching after LOL. Maybe I need to go back and push through anyway.
@@Bookborn 😂 I highly recommend it! I think season 6 will be on Netflix at some point. The writing was simply top shelf!
Jeez. I wish I had found your channel earlier. This was brilliant. I think I nodded all the way through it. Great stuff. Thanks.
Thanks for watching 🙏
Cannot wait for season 2 of Andor💜💜we need more b2-emo
I bet it's going to be forever until we get it which is sad but I cannot WAIT
@@Bookborn they’re actually filming rn and I heard up until next summer so hopefully earliest is 2024
Exciting to finally come back to this video.
I've not watched any of the new star wars shows, or the spin offs, but I've been impressed with your opinion of things.
Didn't want to get spoiled, so I went and watched the show, and now I'm back to watch your video!
OHhh I'm honored you watched this show because of me lol! DID YOU LIKE IT??
@@Bookborn It was honestly fantastic!
As I mentioned, I haven't watched any of the new showings after being disappointed by The Force awakens, like rogue one/mandalorian/boba fett/etc
I was definitely in the minority of people that had no clue if Andor was surviving or not by the last episode :P
I think Andor is great! We need more shows like it.
Excellent thoughtful review.
As always, amazing video!!!!!
Thanks for watching 🙏
'Enjoyed the video👍 I was forewarned about the show's structure 3/3/4/2 and watched with that in mind over 4 sessions. I found it immensely satisfying (and surprising given the failings of other Disney efforts with Star Wars) with characters who felt real. I do wonder if the slow burn nature of the show worked better for book readers. A second (or third) watch of the full season is in order.
Book readers or Game of Thrones and Better Call Saul fans. I've found that GOT/BCS fans like it more than the Mandalorian fans do.
Interesting point you make. I think it probably depends what you liked about Star wars - if you liked it all for the action Andor probably won’t work for you lol
Dedra Meero- the actress Denise Gough said in an interview that they knew that we, the audience, would root for her early on, as the show portrays her as an underdog trying to prove she is good at her job, being underestimated by her superiors and coworkers, etc. Which is a very sympathetic and relatable story. However, when we got further and she put her plans into action, we saw that she is a ruthless fascist. The show doesn't shy away from that reality. And there is a very deliberate message there, the show is very clear-eyed about the story it is telling. It's great writing and great acting.
Meanwhile, in the Sauron comparison, Rings of Power sort of did the first part of trying to make us like Halbrand, but it failed entirely at the second part- it never showed him actually doing anything bad, or anything at all! It just ended by telling us "actually he's a bad guy, whoa!"
Ahhh it’s just such intelligent writing. Because I was rooting for her but then she’s like torturing bix and oppressing people and like you said… it’s a reality check. So good!
I wanted to talk more RoP but didn’t want to spoil that it was Halbrand for people who hadn’t watched the show. I think he was likeable but not in a way that made sense; like you said, it wasn’t connected to the Sauron who does horrible things. He was just… there.
So I couldn’t keep up with this show as it aired (too busy), but I agree with everything you said here. It was just so good. The way I pitch it to those who “don’t like Star Wars if there’s not Jedi and Sith” is to look at it as a gritty, slow burn, character driven sci-fi show that happens to be set in the Star Wars Universe. And if you can go into it with that mindset, it’s just a brilliant piece of storytelling. Since I heard it announced several years ago, I’ve been extremely excited. And it didn’t disappoint. I already loved Andor as a character, so that was exciting, but every other character in the show was just as interesting to me. Syril Karn, Brasso and B2EMO were probably my favorites, but there were so many other great characters. And of course, Andy Serkis crushed his role, and I really hope we get to see him do more stuff in the SW universe (whether as Kino Loy or as a director or something).
-T
I just want Bix to get better! 😥Definitely one of the better shows, let alone Star Wars ips, currently on TV. Loved it, can't wait for next season!
PS - I don't believe any of the episodes had post credit scenes, but the finale did. I didn't see it the first time because I didn't expect one, but my brother told me about it. It shows what Cassian and friends were building parts for in the prison...which I saw people speculating on other places...very fun!
Yes I saw the post credits scene! We had been speculating too about what part it was so it was really fun to see confirmation.
The most important thing that Andor does (along with Rogue 1) is take Star Wars back to its everypeople roots. Star Wars, the OT, was not about jedi, or superpowers, or anything that post-prequel Star Wars became. It was about the struggle to overthrow oppression. Yes, Luke had a hero's journey and became a jedi, but that was only part of the story. For me, the far more compelling story was about all of those regular people fighting to overthrow the Empire.
In the OT, we SEE all of these people. Some of them are major characters (Han, Leia, Chewie, etc.) but at the same time, in ANH alone at least 6 X-wing pilots, and 3 Y-wing pilots have speaking roles, and all but one of them dies. This trend continues in both ESB and ROTJ, and we even see one recurring character (Wedge) take on his own heroes journey from a rookie-ish pilot in ANH to being the veteran leader of Red group in ROTJ. The original trilogy was all of their stories, right alongside Luke's.
From this perspective, Andor isn't really about Cassian Andor. It's about seeing how the Rebel Alliance formed. The Alliance is the protagonist, and we're seeing it through Cassian, Luthen, and Mon Mothma. Likewise, the empire is the antagonist, and we are seeing it through Dedra and Syril.
This show is what we have been waiting for.
I didn't know how much I needed it
Well said! I appreciate the deep review
Thanks for watching!
I didn't love Andor as much as you, but I can appreciate all of the positives you laid out. It's certainly a step up from every other piece of Star Wars entertainment since Rogue One. Tonally, it feels like the oppression it's representing, so I can't really fault them for it. I just personally prefer a Star Wars with more life to it, more humor. I think I've given up on anything really bringing back the magic of the original trilogy, though, so I like that they took the risk to make this show with its grayer morality and patient character studies. More people need to watch it.
Yeah, I can def see that as a criticism because it is so much darker than the original stuff, and I think it’s fair to say that it isn’t as Star Wars-y for that reason.
Ok. Very very good review. Great insight into the success and failures of storytelling craftsmanship. I still can’t get over how good this show is and I’m just a casual SW fan.
Now as for the plot itself I have a little different view on Mon’s decision to introduce her daughter: Leida is rebelling against her mom and chooses the old draconian traditions of Chandrilla precisely because she knows it will hurt her mother the most. Leida wants to punish her mom for feeling abandoned but she doesn’t really care deeply about those old traditions. In that scene of introduction, she looks back fleetingly & anxiously to her mother hoping her Mom would finally show she cares and step in to save her. But Mon isn’t willing selling her off imo. Mon feels like she’s already lost her daughter to the enemy. Her daughter has convinced Mon that Leida really wants it and if Mon fought her on this would only further divide them. To that end, Mon resigns herself to take advantage of the serendipitous outcome of the situation.
Re: Kino Loy
My humble opinion based on the carefully constructed and consistent writing: Kino is convinced to jump by other inmates who heard his speech, because they promise to help him swim to freedom. THAT was what his speech was all about. Help each other because we need each other. That’s what Cassian inspired him to say. I think Cassian runs into him again in Season 2 but Kino is now a Rebel General.
Re: Bix, Brasso, B2EMO
Cassian must sacrifice all of them on a sudden , tragic and heartbreaking decision so that the newly forming Rebellion isn’t fatally compromised.
Re: Cassian’s sister
Maarva’s actions on their planet accidentally led to the death of his whole tribe and he finally finds out just as he’s finally entrenched in his new identity and it rocks his trust/world again.
Nostalgia doesn't have to be evil. But usually it is.
Great show so far!
I had no intention of watching Andor - Star Wars seemed to have run its course
But my favourite voice actress from masterful videogame Witcher 3, Denise Gough, was in it.
I didn't know she would be the lead villain, as she doesn't do that much TV - I'd never even seen her face ... so I was curious to see what she looked like (the answer is: she looks like a very believable Space Nazi! :) - Best villain since Darth Vader)
So lucky! - not only was she awesome, the show itself was unexpectedly superb in EVERY way
The way this show was made - everything you've just gushed about - +set design, music, VFX, the lot! -
This is surely the future for Star Wars content from now on, long after Andor finishes next series
Let's HOPE this is the future of star wars content since it was so excellent unlike some of the other stuff they've produced recently 😬
That's so cool though that you tried it since you liked her voice acting so much - what a testament to her skill!
@@Bookborn it's a new hope ... lol
Where there was none before, there is now
Denise is an Olivier Award stage actress, I learned ... my goodness, it shows!
You nailed this!
Thanks for watching!
There with you sister! Love this show frfr
It's just SO GOOD
Andor is the best Disney Star Wars, and then some.
This was a very good review.
Happy reading to you! 🎥🍁
I think this is a masterclass in star wars. My only complaint would be the lack of non-human characters and the few things that pulled me out of the universe such as the AK-47. I think both of those problems are nit-picking.
Yeah I've seen the complaint about the lack of non-human species and I think it's a valid one - we really didn't have a single main character that wasn't human. was that a budget constraint I wonder? Either way, the show was good enough to make up for it.
@@Bookborn yes. My complaint is pretty small in comparison of all Andor did absolutely right. It's like star wars for the criterion collection.
I agree that this is the best SW tv show. And I think that Rogue One is the best SW movie. I think Cassian is the most fascinating character on the SW screen.
For context I’m 48 and grew up with the original trilogy. Prior to these new entries I would’ve said Empire was the best movie and Han/Fett were the best characters.
Rogue One was absolutely beautiful. Cassian is awesome and I love how they fleshed out Mon Mothma. Luthen and Kleya, Vel, Cinta, on and on, every character feels real and instrumental to the story.
Who knew that the way to make some good Star Wars was leave out The Force, the jedi, Skaywalkers, lightsabers and Yodas? 😆 Loved it.
I KNOW. it was very unexpected for it to feel so Star Wars without those elements. Instead it got to the heart of the themes, which was just a brilliant idea.
My one hangup with Andor is that some episodes went heavy on "evocative speeches" as a way to tell us more about a character. I appreciate that Andor is a two season show and that this was likely done for efficiency (and it is great writing!) but I also got a bit tired of it.
The above criticism is my only real one, though, and I can't wait for season 2!
I didn’t even notice probably because I’m a sucker for an evocative speech 🤣 but now that you mention that, I can see what you mean
@@Bookborn Like I said, it's good writing! I think that's what made them go down well. And especially when you have performances like Marva's actor doing such great work
Whoa, early release! I can’t watch this either because I haven’t watched Andor.
I know, I know….
I’ll be back.
Was this vid early release??? I guess 30 min earlier but I've been trying out 8:30am for a few weeks now lol
Oh, I totally lost track of days and thought Wednesday was Tuesday. 😂
I’m back. Andor was incredible. Loved watching it with the whole family and you’re right - it was dark but still mostly age appropriate. The torture was a little intense but still handled well and the entire show sparked good family discussions.
Your videos rock, this one no exception.
Andor was great! My cousin thought it was boring though lol.
I actually forgot I was watching a Star Wars show. Everytime I finished an episode "Holy shit this is a Star Wars show?"
I know I guess it was boring to some people which I just CAN'T understand.
@@Bookborn I read some comments on fb and a lot were complaining about the pacing which I (and you) thought was perfect. I actually liked the more dark feeling of the show. I felt like I was watching a REALLY good sci fi like a Bladerunner. And I did like that it deviated from the Star Wars tropes. Also the soundtrack was amazing! I just can't understand the dislike of the show lol. It was one of the best shows I've watched in a while.
I agree, not a moment dragged in Andor. The 50m always ended far too quickly.
Sometimes it was only 40m! I cannot believe how much they crammed into so little time.
I agree that the best part of Andor and not other recent Star Wars, is that the bad guys actually feel competent and evil. I dunno it fulfills this like, anti-power fantasy, makes the good guys feel like they come from a place of helplessness and then they overcome these powerful evil characters. Also, I'm not anti-kid, but I swear theres just, this obsession recently with shows just adding kids to moments that should be serious or better. I feel like that all comes post-Mandalorian maybe.
Omg I’m not anti kid either but I am anti kid in shows sometimes 😂 it has to have purpose! Obi wan def didn’t need it
@@Bookborn ya Obi Wan was exactly what I was thinking about. It just felt like the end of the Phantom Menace all over again.
The Droid seemed to represent all the absent children, especially after Andor's mother's death, when Brasso, the 'big guy,' stayed the night to keep him company. It was a great device to bring just a little of the tenderness that children bring to a tough world like this.
Great take, until you pointed out the direct line between Cinta to Val to Mon then Mon’s change of heart it never really clicked. It was always something that just tickled the subconscious of just how the show presents the build to rebellion as a contagious spread. Similarly with Luthen to Andor to Kino to his speech and the prison break. Major Partagaz even foreshadows it as a theme going back to his Rebellion is a disease speech in the first few episodes. The whole series is just so consistent and well written.
yes hte consistency is such a good point! They really knew their themes, kept the through line, which helped the show have such impactful moments.
I think they did try to give Galadriel unlikeable characteristics, for instance her obsessive drive for revenge for her brother. But it was the wrong reason. She was driven, for sure, the books are clear on that, but the motive was bigger than simple revenge. She wanted to rule! She borders on megalomania, but with personal and hereditary justification, and had they given her a touch of that in the show it would have explained why the temptation of Galadriel with the Ring by Frodo was a genuine threat to the Free Peoples, and whether or not she might take it was genuinely in the balance! If I ever get the time for a bit of fan fiction, she scoops the Ring out of Frodo's limp hand and slowly slides it over (coincidentally) her left ring finger. This unleashes a psychic hurricane, lasting just a few moments but felt all over Middle Earth, as she struggles for dominance with Sauron's Ring-essence. Who wins? It's not clear. One thing for sure is that she will never be "good" again, but then, some say she never really was.
BTW I love Andor too! 🙂
Now I’m really angry for the quality of previous SW content when they are also able to produce a show like Andor.
This was also probably the first time since Empire Strikes Back where I was actually „terrified“ by the empire.
I wouldn’t even have watched the show if haven’t seen so many positive reviews from critics that I trust. So, thank you for bringing me on the Andor hype train. :D
AGREED. Imagine how Obi-Wan could've been if someone competent was on it. Agreed about the Empire too - they made them a fearsome force again.
@@Bookborn hmmm ... someone high up at Disney must have secretly siphoned off funds to make this masterpiece
When their accountants look into the books, they'll see a huge $400 million gap ... "Star Wars Andro? What's that? We never greenlit that??"
It can only be Kathleen Kennedy - she's the "Mon Mothma" of Disney ..
Churning out populist rubbish for years, nobody would suspect that she was secretly diverting funds into her greatest achievement - the revolution in Star Wars content that she always wanted since her earlier days as a producer of some of the greatest movies ever ...
[well - the truth is probably not the above ... but it would be a cool story, worthy of its own TV show, produced by Kathleen!]
To date its probably the best live action star wars tv. If it had a flaw I would put it at the weekly release instead of the binge drop. Too many people found the first three eps boring, and then having to wait the seven days til next ep probably shied more people away from the show.
Its probably going to be one of those shows in the future, where People discover it and wonder how it got past their radar.
Yeah I personally liked it wasn’t a binge show just because I like having something to look forward to, but you’re probably right that it hurt it in the long run
This show is so damn good
It's just SO GOOD!? (sitting here in the Andor shirt I bought lol)
2:54 - While I completely agree that you don't really need that in good characterization(and I know this is a video about Andor _not_ RoP)....I am wondering if they _are_ actually going to have every character who liked Galadriel end up being right after all. I mean..they kind of seemed to be setting something up between her and Elrond(? If I'm not misremembering?) where she blatantly withheld information from him and then he went out and found evidence of what she was withholding in a way that could possibly be leading into a thread of casting some shadow of betrayal over their relationship and calling his trust and faith in her into question and/or setting her up to possibly actually be making a huge mistake in the next season. But maybe I'm just too optimistic. 🤷♀️🤷♀️😅😁 (I guess the next season will tell.)
Yeah I mean I def think there’s room to change it! And I think it would be a really good choice to have that happen because I think it would bring needed complexity to her character and it would make her feel a little more 3D
@@Bookborn Agreed 👍🏻 🙂
Here's to hoping, I guess!!!
When you’re right, you’re right. And you? You’re right
🥰🥰
I don't know why, but I think I actually liked both Andor and The Book of Boba Fett pretty much the same(with the small exception of that temporary Mandalorian tangent). But I'm not sure if I still would like them equally, upon a re-watch, or not. 🤔🤷♀️ 😁😁
((But I have zero idea how anyone else has reacted to TBoBF or not, either way, because I don't recall watching any reaction videos or reviews for it for some reason. So, maybe this is just me being weird. Loll))
I’ve seen mediocre reviews for Bobba Fett. I didn’t watch it because I hated Obi Wan so much and heard such meh things about Fett. People didn’t hate it but didn’t love it as far as I know n
@@Bookborn Fair Enough 🙂
Unquestionably the best Star Wars TO DATE! Why the question, huh? Huh, precious??
I mean I'd say the originals are still top tier for me lol but as far as what Disney has produced? NO QUESTION the best Star Wars. One of the best shows I've seen, PERIOD.
@@Bookborn thank you so kindly for the thoughtful response to my now head-scratch of a comment. I'm either now out of it or then. I'll figure it out.
Its simple good writing well planned out and they were left alone by Disney
Idk if we can prove they were left alone but it worked whatever they did lol
@@Bookborn if Catherine Kennedy had got her hands on it Andor would gay and black
Rouge 1, nice typo :) maybe a new Star Wars themed cosmetic?
LOL I LITERALLY TYPE IT WRONG ALL THE TIME. For some reason the Rouge/Rogue pipeline will not stick in my brain
I really really liked this show. I am Star Wars fan since 1998 and I kinda enjoyed half of the new content but this blows everything out of the water! I’m sure Mandalorian felt more starwarsy but it had so much fan service however this show on the other hand really stuck to their guns. Have really just nitpicks as negatives, truly an event of the show! Will cherish this show forever! The acting, the writing OMG they really did bring SW back from comatose state! And that alone deserves a round of applause!
Obligatory SW Tierlist:
Empire Strikes Back
A New Hope
Revenge of the Sith
Andor
Mandalorian
A Rouge One
Return of the Jedi
…
Force Awakens
Solo
Phantom Menace
The Last Jedi
The Attack of the Clones
The Rise of Skywalker
Star Wars: The Clone Wars - The Movie
Star Wars Holiday Special
Solo is bottom for me I have an absolutely irrational hatred of that movie 🤣 I’m also very sad about how low return of the Jedi is but I can vibe with the rest of the list 🤣
@@Bookborn I just didn’t vibe with most of the Return until the throne room scene. Solo was fine with me, kind of fun but unnecessary. 🙂
It's easily the best Star Wars since A New Hope.
OG 3 still beat it for me but that's about it
I feel like so many Star Wars shows nowadays focus so much on “feeling like star wars” that they forget to be great shows in their own right. Andor doesn’t do that and actually makes a well written show, while still managing to feel just like Star Wars to me, even if a little darker/more gritty than we’re used to.
Yeah it's funny because many people's complaints about Andor is that it doesn't feel like Star Wars - maybe because there are no jedi or force? But for me, I think it feels more star wars than some of the stuff recently that's had that - because star wars was of course famous for it's magic system, but it was also famous for its themes and how it made people feel. And Andor just GETS that whole rebellion vs empire thing SO WELL.
@@Bookborn It's definitely not because there are no jedi or force in Andor, because there is at least one Jedi and (of course) there is Force, althought characters mostly refer to it as "luck" :)
The acting and dialogue are insanely good it's almost weird you're watching sw. I'm rooting for cinta and vel to have a happy ending, but I don't think they're getting that.
Shhhhhh Cinta does something really important for the rebellion and then realizes she's been important enough and her and Vel ride off into the sunset. (JK if this goes like Rogue one we all know what gonna happen 😭😭)
Vel needing a hug in ep12 and we have no idea if she got it was sadder than Kino can't swim. For me at least. :(
"This is a fight to the death, Vel."
What about Dooku in Tales of the Jedi? He has some right to hate the crumbling and corruption of the Republic, but he also is so jealous of Qui Jon is blinds him to Palpatine; Complex or annoying, I still can't decide.
100%
Andor and I are going to get married. I dont mean the actor or even the character, I am going to marry the show.
Do you have to like Rogue One to watch Andor? Cuz I didn't like Rogue One.
I know its a prequel but still.
I'd say no. I remember liking Rogue One well enough, but wasn't the biggest fan (I think the production issues were fairly opaque and detrimental to the end product). I rewatched it after Andor and while they share some similarities Andor feels much more grounded and cohesive. R1 is downright frenetic and disjointed in comparison
So it really just depends on what you didn't like about Rogue One.
Not sure! I really liked rogue one but I do like Andor a lot more. If you liked the darker tone/ focus on characters you would probably like the show.
I liked Rogue One better than any of the other SW movies, but Andor completely captivated me in a way Rogue One never could by making each character familiar and compelling. I'd suggest watching the first three episodes to give it a fair shot.
For what it's worth Rogue One is one of my least favourite Star Wars films. It had solid ideas but was really happened by a messy production that led to very under-served character arcs and an ultimately weak story. In contrast, I adore Andor. It took all of the great ideas of Rogue One and packaged them in an incredibly written and produced TV show and has quickly become some of my favourite star wars.
I would say if you don't like Rogue One because of its execution there's a solid chance you'll really like Andor.
Becoming the best Disney star wars wasn't really a high bar to reach...
I also want to see Rouge 1, and Scarlet 2, maybe Crimson 3... :p
True; but I did like rogue 1 and the mando, although I think this takes the cake for sure. It’s so excellent
I said in a prior comment that I'm a fan of the Star Wars universe, the look and feel and all of the ideas that make up star wars, but didn't really like any of the movies until Rogue One. I felt like the characters and the writers' and directors' modes of persuasion weren't strong enough to make a focused and all encompassing story. I liked the Last Jedi because there strong and believable traction building moments that I could focus on. Whereas in the OT the look and feel and space wizards, ship and set design were all amazing, but the characters and how they inorganically moved from one place to another (their motivations) were just blah imo.
On program.
Consistent quality writing. I hope Kathleen takes note.
Bob Iger is trying to "force" 2 star wars movies a year again. This is a huge mistake. Quality over quantity.
The problem is these movies make money no matter what so they don't have incentive, sadly, to make quality. It's short-sighted of course - quality material will be watched over and over again and last generations, while these cheap terrible productions will be forgotten almost as soon as they arrive.
Marry me please!!
Andor is the best!
I believe a male Mary Sue is called a Gary Stu
Yes, I know - but that's why I clarify here that I use Mary Sue in a genderless way. Mary Sue is the original term, coined from a Star Trek fan-fiction, and as it's more widely used, I prefer using it as a genderless term.
Karn is the most pathetic character in the history of Star Wars. Kyle Soller did an incredible job portraying that. I loved everytime he was on screen and seeing what dumb thing he was going to do next or if he was going to get dressed down by his mom again.
lol I felt so sorry for Karn. Like he was making terribly bad decisions so I didn't feel sorry in that way, but I guess the word pathetic is sort of right; you can't help it. It's like KARN NO STOP
The audience liking Deedra in the first half was actually very deliberate, as was mentioned in an interview by her actress. It is supposed to make you think about why you sympathize with fascists.
Man... if they had come out years ago before my love for Star Wars was destroyed by less than good movies/shows/books.
Nooo don't let it be destroyed! Let the love for the original stuff live on!
@@Bookborn lol. Do my best, but it's difficult to watch Luke Skywalker's journey, a character i loved so much that i named my little brother Luke, knowing the biter and defeated old man he becomes. I still enjoy the films, but there is a slight bitter taste in my mouth now because of Disney Lucasfilm.
I do not know why we root for anyone in those office politics discussions. No more coffee breaks, mandatory exercise breaks for all staff, and a solid focus on mission objectives. I doubt that Grand Moff stand in is very ego driven.
I absolutely love the Andor show, but I have one major problem with it: it's NOT a Star Wars show. There has been very little actually good Star Wars of late, and unfortunately for me, this show still isn't Star Wars. Mandalorian Season 1 is probably the best actual Star Wars to come out in a long time. I think all of your thoughts on Andor are correct, and to reiterate, I love the show and it's wonderful. Maybe its that away because it's not Star Wars.
I see people saying this but it sort of confuses me. It’s about the rebellion and the empire… which are two very star wars things. Does Star Wars have to have jedi or the force to be Star Wars?
@@Bookborn Rebellion and Empire are just window dressing in that way. It has a veneer of Stars Wars; Star Wars at its heart is a very simplistic good versus epic space opera. It's NOT supposed to be morally grey. It's not supposed to show that the bad guys have redeeming qualities or the good guys do questionable things. Andor does all of that. And don't get me wrong; it's a wonderfully written and acted show. It's just...well honestly, it's too complex and well made to be Star Wars. You don't have to have Jedi or the Force to be a Star Wars idea, but at the same time you don't need to be The Wire.
@@CD21785 I think your definition of Star Wars is too limited. Anakin/Darth Vader is arguably the most iconic Star Wars character of all, and while he does many, many terrible things, the final moments of the OT show that he still has the capacity for good. The prequels show the whole arc of what happened to drive him to darkness, and basically it was love and fear.
Andor is WAY more gray though, I'll agree with that.
@@jonathanlin1000 You're right there is a redemption arc with Anakin/Vader, but it's really basic. Evil, evil, mostly evil, turns good to save his son. Mean, Luke keeps saying "he's good" (god I just had a Rings of Power flashback) with no real evidence that Vader isn't a bad guy. The prequels I shall not comment on, because while they are also simplistic, they are not good like the OT is. Lucas needed someone to tell him "no" and that didn't happen in those movies.
@@CD21785 agree with you there emphatically. Lucas needed more people around him empowered to object to decisions. And for Luke, no shades of gray at all in the OT. Worst thing he did was whine about chores.
1. ANH
2. ESB
3. Andor
4. RotJ
The rest... I don't really care about because I can't sit through the assorted bad decisions that comprise the various films and shows.
Regardless of the quality, I have a difficult time understanding people continuing to watch Star Wars movies or shows. I understand the nostalgia but like superhero shows, don't people get tired of the same IP over and over?
I get tired of the same IP if it's never changing and/or isn't done well. For example I haven't tired of Brandon Sanderson's cosmere yet since he has done a good job of giving us something different with each new entry. For Andor, one of the biggest criticisms I've heard was that it wasn't Star Wars-y enough. Which I found to be one of it's strengths for the same reason you asked your question. It's definitely set in the same universe and has tons of connecting threads, but it doesn't rely on them to tell an interesting story. That's one thing that makes Andor some of the best Star Wars content to ever be on screen (in my opinion).
@@tgibridays I can understand when it is a generation apart...like 20 years. All these Star Wars, Star Trek, and superheroes just get too repetitive and redundant for me.
I understand that some people are more "patient/loyal" but that's not for me. I don't get attached to the same IP so much that I can tolerate bombardments.
@@thomasc9036 I mean ultimately it's just a setting. If it's a different story then I don't see the issue.
I don't like it or believe that writers should tackle characters or even the culture of planets that another writer created. I believe that all of the above are artistic expressions of an individual's experience, and that there's going to be a cognitive dissonance associated with a veteran character's decisions if a new writer takes over for that character (or planetary cultures). Other than that, I think that a writer and director can play in the universe that someone else created, as long as they're not derivative and understand all of the ideas (in this case, star wars, made up of space wizards and cowboys, esoteric orders with heightened ability, artistically modernistic themes: grand narratives, objective truths, morally defined characters) that make up the franchise.
I mean I think that’s why shows like Bobba Fett and Obi Wan failed because they lacked innovation and felt like just trying to retread old ground. Something like Star Wars - which takes place in literal galaxies - in theory shouldn’t run out of content. That’s why Andor feels so good - it’s a new take on a world people love.
Andor didnt drag? ehhhhhhhhhhhhh debateable
Not to me lol
Mandalorian > Andor
I personally don’t agree but I did enjoy the mandalorian :)
Mandalorian is better than andor but Andor has better pacing
I like Mando but Andor is better for me in every way personally.
rings of power was succesful in making me root for sauron, because theyre characters were all terrible and i want them to die. not so much because they wrote a good villain loi
LOL BURN 🔥
Yeah Andor is not a bad show but no Star Wars, no Space battles no Lightsaberfights and who the hell cares about the backstory from Cassian Andor, i mean i love Rouge One but Cassian Andor was not even the main character so unnecessary
All the other shows are two leagues away from Andor. They are complete trash compared to Andor.
Hard agree
I quit Disney Star Wars because it was like punching yourself in the balls over and over again expecting it to get better. I'm glad that people like it but I'm done with Disney in general, they've an agenda and track record of s@@@ that I just don't want to support anymore.
I mean I said I was giving up after Obi Wan! But Andor is worth watching
@@Bookborn It's nice to hear Disney got something right with Star Wars and I'm glad that you enjoyed it.
The sequel trilogy is the only time mystery boxes were used which are a signature that lives and dies with J. J Abrams such as Lost and just about every project Abrams has ever done! Why are you lumping something that only exists in Star Wars in a project that only J. J. Abrams worked on.which is. Thats three movies out of fourteen movies, 10 animated shows, 4 live action shows and conting. Original Trilogy no mystery boxes. The Prequel series zero mystery boxes. The holday special no mystery boxes here the two Ewok movies nada nope zippo on the Mystery boxes. The Droids and Ewoks cartoons another goose egg on the mystery boxes. Either Clone Wars Series or the animated clone wars movie come uo zilch with the mystery boxes. Visions, Tales of the Jedi, Rebels, Bad Batch, Resistance, no mystery boxes. not even in Forces of Destiny or blips. Ob-Wan Kenobi, the Mandalorian asolutely no Mystery boxes. And of course Andor itself no mystery boxes as you say that only leaves the mysyery box trilogy. What makes that refreshing when it was never a thing except for the three sequel Trilogy movies. It sounds as if besides Amdor you have never watched any Star Wars content that was not an episode of the sequel trilogy and that you have conflated that to encompass nearly everything. an't take what you say seriously if you start off your praise of Andor based on B.S. It kind takes the credibility away.
I am not saying Star Wars does mystery boxes, I have been talking about other shows recently - Like Rings of Power and Wheel of Time - who have fallen trap to this.