Taking another backward step in time the Disney+ series Andor takes a look at Star Wars from a different view of dealing with the Empire on a planet in the Galaxy Far Far Away. It’s a spy thriller storyline that follows a self-defense killing of soldiers of the Empire. I like the idea behind the script that shows more of an in depth look at a character similar to Han Solo who was always on the run from the law while doing some illegal smuggling. The story takes place five years prior to the movie Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
In the first episode of twelve we find Cassian Andor, played again by Diego Luna, evading arrest after being accosted by two Stormtroopers. He has been on a mission to help the rebellion. In this series we get a closer look at how the rebellion started against the Empire. We are introduced to most of the characters that will eventually help Cassian become a part of the Rebel Alliance.
I like the way creator Tony Gilroy puts the story together. We get a lot of new details on how the people were oppressed and the challenges of Cassian who had to deal with his unsurmountable task. You will meet the determined Syril (Kyle Soller) who has been charged by the Empire with hunting Cassian down. As an Imperial Officer, Syril is a vicious hunter who will stop at nothing to catch the spy.
Not to give too much away, other main characters are Mon Mothma (Genevieve O’Reilly) an Empire Senator who played the same character in Revenge of the Sith and who will join Cassian in Rogue One. There is also a cameo role for Forest Whitaker as Saw Gerrera who heads up the Partisans in Rogue One. Bix Caleen (Played by Adria Arjona) is a key player, a love interest and supplier of contraband for Cassian.
I think the series will become a continuing drama and fills in a lot of the blanks about the character who eventually ends up in the Rogue One: Star Wars Story. I suggest watching Rogue One if you haven’t seen the film as it does give you more of a feeling for the Rebel Alliance.
Andor has been rated TV-14 by the TV Bureau and contains Sci-Fi violence, some sexual material and language. The 12 episode series can be seen on Disney+ with all chapters available starting September 21, 2022. For more on Andor we have included Disney’s film trailer in this review.
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Diego Luna, Genevieve O’Reilly, Alex Ferns, Wilf Scolding, Noof Ousellam, Adria Arjona
Created By: Tony Gilroy
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama
TV Rating: TV-14, contains Sci-Fi violence, language, and some sexual innuendoes
Running Time: 12 Episodes 45 minutes each.
Opening Date: September 21, 2022
Distributed by: Disney+
Released in: Disney+
