Remember, the existence of Andor and Skeleton Crew shows that talented people can make good Star Wars. They were also made by creatives of enough clout to keep Lucasfilm idiocy at arm’s length. It should also make fans angry, because by showing that it can be done, it also shows that the low-quality slop served up elsewhere in the world of Star Wars is as a result of conscious decisions.
Basically, it was deliberate.
Still, at least there are these few bright spots to be enjoyed. Who would have thought that a show nobody asked for about a character few regarded highly would go on to be the best of Star Wars since the original trilogy?
Andor season 2 is imminent, and now the reviews are making their way online. The general consensus is that the standard is high. Here is a selection of reviews:
Here’s a sampling of reactions:
“I’ve seen ALL of #Andor season 2 and it’s both Star Wars at its absolute best and a triumph of storytelling in general. I cried, I cheered, I laughed, I gasped. It’s smart, sophisticated, propulsive, entertaining and hugely resonant. Everything you want & more. It’s a miracle.”
Germain Lussier, Gizmodo
“Andor Season 2 is another tremendous season of TV from Tony Gilroy. Quite structurally & narratively different from S1 but still very, very effective in creating a devastatingly powerful & heart-breaking Season 2. Diego Luna joins the echelon of top Star Wars performances here easily. The Ghorman storyline especially this season is absolutely gripping all throughout and rivals the Narkina-5 arc for best Star Wars writing potentially ever.”
Jacob Fisher, Discussing Film
“Joining the ranks of Better Call Saul, #Andor is one of the most enriching prequels of all time. It was evident in season one, but it’s cemented with season two. It enhances Rogue One and the Original Trilogy, and there’s even a cool nod toward Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”
Brian Davids, THR
“This season is far larger in scale than the previous one, excelling with its multi-layered narrative and character-driven drama. Each character is given the opportunity to shine, the plot is engaging, the performances are outstanding, and the series truly delivers some of the best Star Wars content in recent memory.”
Phil Roberts, Future of the Force
“A MASTERCLASS in slow-burn storytelling – GROUNDED, GRIPPING, and deeply focused on the personal sacrifices behind the rebellion. The structure is ambitious, sometimes uneven, but ultimately powerful. This is proof Star Wars thrives through genre, not nostalgia.”
Justin Lawrence, Geek Centric
“At points watching Andor season two, you can draw parallels, or what I described as “this is too real” to our own situation in the world right now. It’s raw, intense, and while different from season one, it is just as excellent. Episodes 8-12 are some of the best TV ever. #Andor”
Hunter Bolding, That Hashtag Show
“The choice to divide Season 2’s twelve episodes into four three-episode chunks works brilliantly. That structure heavily contributes to the success of one of the most incredible aspects of the season – the multitude of layers of a building rebellion that the show is able to depict effectively… This is a downright phenomenal season of television, an excellent series overall, and also a real achievement when it comes to franchise storytelling.”
Perri Nemiroff, Collider
It is not all breathlessly positive, though. Some reviewers say the decision to tell a four-year-long story in 12 episodes, and split into chunks, does not work for them. Others say that, by tackling the subject matter it does this time around, and playing it straight, it is a bit too much “prestige TV” for Star Wars.
“There’s no universe where Andor isn’t still the best of Star Wars. Season 2 is just as visually stunning and brilliantly performed as the first – but it’s also a bit too keen to be the ‘smart’ Star Wars show, leaving us (and Cassian himself!) behind in pursuit of prestige. Too much fan service has long been a problem for star wars, but Andor goes too far in its efforts to subvert that. Season 2 just feels like the medicine without the spoonful of sugar – especially if you’re a Rogue One fan with high expectations. I suggest you temper them”
Lyvie Scott, Inverse
“Andor Season 2 continues a notably intense, thoughtful take on Star Wars that feels topical in ways that are both powerful and sometimes heartbreaking. Hurtling through 4 years of story in 12 episodes does make some aspects disjointed at times, but the show’s core remains strong.”
Eric Goldman, IGN
“The second season of Andor has moments that are even more thrilling than the first, but a bit too inconsistent to reach the same heights as its predecessor. It felt like this should have been spread out as 2 more full seasons instead of just one. Still rocks, but a small step down.”
TJ Zwarych, Agents of Fandom
“Andor season 2: Brings me no small amount of pain to say it’s a steep drop from S1. While the finale is rousing enough and there’s moment in Ep. 9 that’ll set the internet on fire, it’s mostly slow and grinding stuff, with little approaching S1’s heist or prison arcs. It’s … a trap?.”
Barry Hertz, Globe and Mail
The first three episodes drop on April 22nd. Each week will see three more episodes released.
