Andor: Episode 1-3 Review

Star Wars has a very straight forward yet complicated timeline. Up until The Rise of Skywalker, all the new content being added to the cannon was in the “modern” time. Whereas more recently with the ending of clone wars, The Mandalorian, Book of Boba Fett, Kenobi and now Andor, everything being added and explained is all in different “older” timelines.

Andor is a little bit different from all the other shows that have been recently released. It is not a continuation of the movie Rogue One, which is where we first see Cassian Andor, but a prequel orgin story. It goes through Andor’s life leading up to the events of Rogue One and shows in flashbacks to his childhood how he ended up where he was in the movie, how his life experiences shaped him as a person.

The first episode sets up the baseline for the different stories that will occur within the show in three different sections: Cassian’s life, Kenari life, and the Empire’s exploits. This episode also sets up the main antagonist, the deputy inspector. On the whole it is a very good set-up for everything to come, also showing off the technology that is being used within the show–and so far it looks great.

Episode 2 shows a lot of the effects of what took place in Episode 1. It establishes the fact that Andor is now a wanted man and the Deputy Inspector will be creating a posse to capture him. There are additional flashbacks which show more of Andor’s childhood experiences. Overall Episode 2 adds the most to the series so far. It sets up for everything that’s coming next, in addition to showing the nature of what Andor has to do to survive and thrive in this harsh world. With the law still on his back, Cassian still is trying to chip away at the Empire piece by piece. I think that this really is an amazing edition to everything within the series.

All in all, Andor is an incredible series so far and that doesn’t look to be changing anytime soon. It introduces a host of new things and does so very impressively, and even just technological things that make the show look actually beautiful are so well done. Things such as the VFX and sound design really set the atmosphere for the uncertain and weary world that provides the setting for this universe, and this story in particular.  If I had had to give it a number rating up to this point, I’d give it an honest 8.5/10.