Andor S2 review: a perfect end to a Star Wars story

Andor Season 2 does the impossible and executes a four year long story in just 12 episodes, and despite a bit of a slow start the journey is more than worth it by the end.

I still remember hearing the buzz about Andor when S1 first released on Disney+. A prequel to Star Wars: Rogue One, a prequel to a prequel, felt like a weird move even for Disney’s new and bold take on the Star Wars galaxy. It was a smash-hit, and fans were eager to see more, especially how the series could tie into the events of the film that spawned the series’ main character.

With Andor S2 we reach that point, and it feels like it was worth the wait

The second season of Andor picks up where the previous season left off, with Cassian Andor himself now a competent member of the newly found Rebellion, which is still in its infancy and far from the force we see in Star Wars: A New Hope.

Characters like Bix and Luthen still around and facing their fair share of struggles and problems, and it creates this wonderful dynamic with Cassian where he wants more than anything to spend his time with Bix, living in peace, but can’t get Luthen’s voice out of his ear, whispering about how bad The Empire is and why it needs to be stopped.

It’s not just Andor though, over on the Imperial side of things the increasingly powerful galactic empire is after the planet Ghorman, and wants capable hands to bring the planet under control.

Ghorman is very much a character in itself in the second season, and you get to see exactly how it changes over four years.

That’s right Andor S2 is telling a four year long story in just 12 episodes, with a three episode arc per year. While at Star Wars Celebration I got to speak to the show’s writer Tony Gilroy who told me more about this decision.

Gilroy said: “We were originally supposed to do five years … As we started to make the show, we realised how huge it was. We couldn't do it. And the solution came up to do these blocks of three, one a week, almost like a movie a week that we're releasing.

“I wish I could say it was like some genius move … it had all these unintended benefits. It energises the story. It energises the performances. It lets us do all kinds of things that people will see when they watch. It's very exciting.”

I won’t delve into any spoilers, but what I will say is the first three episodes are a bit of a slow burn. Don’t get me wrong there’s some brilliant stuff in these episodes, especially with Bix’s side of the story, but Andor’s first mission of sorts had me wondering why it was being shown to us. Part of me thinks it was an intentional decision because when things transition to Ghorman the stakes rise unbelievably fast, and the tension is off the charts.

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What I do want to highlight are the characters and performances on display. Diego Luna does an excellent job as Andor as usual, but the supporting cast shine so brightly you sometimes forget who’s show it is.

I could go on for hours about Syril’s plot on Ghorman, or Dedra’s never-ending lust for power, but the character I really want to give credit to is Mon Mothma. Genevieve O'Reilly’s performance as Mon Motha truly positions her as the heart of the series, and there’s one scene in particular that’ll stick with me for a long time to come, and I know other fans will love it too.

It’s a real rollercoaster ride of emotion, and while I’d be perfectly fine with Andor running for several more seasons I think the decision to end it after two not only makes sense but allows the show to end on a high note. By the end of the final three episodes we’re tantalisingly close to Star Wars: Rogue One, and with the added context of the second season it makes that film even more impactful.

When I spoke to Diego Luna at Star Wars Celebration who said repeatedly that he hopes fans will have a newfound understanding and appreciation for the film following the developments of Andor Season 2, and I can guarantee that’s what it provides.

If you liked the first season I’m sure you’ll love the second, and if you want my recommendation jump straight back into Star Wars: Rogue One after you’ve seen all the episodes.