The Mosley Review: Star Wars: Andor
For the longest time, the quality of the Star Wars franchise has been lackluster. In animation it has had no equal, but in live action there has been a dramatic decline in storytelling and growth. The Mandalorian was that wake up call that breathed new life into the galaxy, The Book of Boba Fett made the air a little foul and most recently Obi-Wan Kenobi made it go stale. The hope for great stories in the franchise that challenged you the viewer and its characters was fleeting. This new series was the last beacon of light that could either reinvigrate the galaxy or just plunge it even deeper into despair. Well I am so happy to say that this series did the former and brought Star Wars into the realm of more adult storytelling that I've wished to see since Rogue One opened the door. The first 4 episodes alone let you know exactly what this show is all about and the exact tone it is promising throughout. The angle of espionage and relevant themes of political games, oppression, fascism and terrorism has always been apart of Star Wars, but now we get the chance to see the players and the people those decisions effect. The level of duality between the birth of the Rebellion vs the overbearing oppressive and order driven Imperials is brilliantly explored as you get to witness both perspectives of each factions. I have been waiting for something like this to happen and my goodness did this show deliver. There are so many emotional moments within this show that creep up and the moments of absolute brutality whether it be pure violence or torture, are expertly crafted to show how each character is effected and/or corrupted.
Diego Luna returns as Cassian Andor as we follow the character about 10 or so years before the events of Rogue One. We get to see the origin of the character with a number of retcons, but they were not necessarily too bad. I liked that he started off as basically a scoundrel that’s constantly down on his luck, but he has a heart of gold. He was way more relatable and unrefined and I loved that he wouldn't hesitate to take a life. He is in a desperate and sometimes dark place, but he is constantly learning how to survive and adapt to every predicament he finds himself. Fiona Shaw was so amazing and motivating as his adoptive mother Maarva Andor. She brought the gravitas to every word of wisdom and caution spoken to Cassian. There is a fight that never dies within her and she let it be known. Her chemistry with Andor was one of the guiding lights of morality throughout. Dave Chapman voices her personal droid B2EMO and he stole my heart by the end of the series and broke it in so many ways with his dry and yet emotional responses to Andor, Maarva and others. Adria Arjona as Bix Caleen was absolutely brilliant. She gets put through the ringer in this show and I can't stress enough how amazing her performance is in the latter half of the season. Her bond with Andor is strong, but not the typical focus. Faye Marsay as Vel Sartha was awesome and I loved that she was loyal to the cause. She was steadfast, but she was ready to ask questions as she acted as the moral compass of the Rebellion. Varada Sethu as Cinta Kaz was awesome and badass as her companion. When there was bloodshed needed, she didn't hesitate and was always ready. Stellan Skarsgård was nothing short of fascinating as Luthen Rael. He is the most elusive, cunning and plotting character of the series and I loved his complexities. Behind every action he makes is a sort of sorrow, but he is emboldened by his successes as he knows he is fighting for a greater good. He carries so much on his shoulders and you see it in an iconic scene that sums up his resolve. I loved his relationship with Andor, Vel and especially his personal agent Kleya Marki played wonderfully by Elizabeth Dulau. The two of them are deticated and she also keeps Luthen on mission. Genevieve O'Reilly reprises her role as Mon Mothma and my god was she outstanding. Through her we get the pleasure of seeing the political ramifications of fighting the Empire from within while trying to stay hidden. Genevieve adds so much depth, emotion and backstory to the beloved character. There are some amazingly tense moments with her navigating the waters of whom she could trust within and some emotionally gut wrenching scenes involving her past and family.
As I said before, this series explores both sides the Star WARS and it was very refreshing. Kyle Soller was unnerving and an interesting character study as Syril Karn. He starts off as the A typical perfectionist and he wants everyone to be their best at all times even when it wasn't that serious. He was basically a glorified small town deputy in a place where the worst crime someone could commit is public intoxication. The transformation this character goes through is something that is born of trauma once he gets a real taste of the beginning of a bigger threat. His obsession with capturing Cassian is almost stalker like with the look in his eyes. Anton Lesser was great as the head of the Imperial Security Bureau Major Partagaz. He was quick witted and no nonsense and I loved that he was open to strong suggestions to ending the growing rebellion. He truly represented the head of what one would call the gestapo of Imperial forces. It was scary how efficient and unrelenting he was. Speaking of unrelenting, Denise Gough was outstanding as Dedra Meero a supervisor in the ISB. Her whole arc in the show went from you routing for her as she fights her way to being a recognized and respected voice in the ISB council to completely hating what she becomes. Her work ethic was exceptional, but as we all know, true power corrupts in the wrong hands. She quickly becomes the very definition of a fascist leader for the modern age. George Lucas fashioned the Empire as oppressive and fascist regime and she embodies his vision as the series progresses.
The score was absolutely insane and I loved every second of it. Nicholas Britell has given new life to the titular characters' existence and he has brought so much dramatic power to the galaxy. His orchestration is truly unique as there is a growing tension in every note and emotional turmoil to every crescendo. I loved that he experiments with different variations of the great Andor theme. It sets the mood of the each episode and rebuilds back to its classic form by the end. Its been a long time since I've loved a television score and this is definitely on the list of one of my favorites. Visually the show is stunning and breathtaking as it is shot on location and it has so many design influences from other famous films like Blade Runner and George Lucas own THX 1138. It looks consistently in line with Rogue One and I can't wait to see it all eventually lead up to the film. I can't truly gush enough about how this show truly surprised and enthralled me from beginning to end. I haven't been so emotional involved in live action Star Wars since season 2 of The Mandalorian. This finally takes Star Wars away from the fun and sometimes overly nostalgic realm and brings it down to the more gritty and real world stakes of the people living in the galaxy. This was everything I've always wanted to see and I can't wait for Season 2! Do stick around for an EPIC plot point payoff at end of the season finale credits. Let me know what you thought of show or my review in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
