Andor is the the fourth live-action series in the Star Wars franchise, as well as a prequel to the spin-off film Rogue One (2016). The show was created by Tony Gilroy for the streaming service Disney+. It follows thief-turned-Rebel spy Cassian Andor during the five years that lead to the events of the film. Diego Luna reprises his role as Cassian Andor and also serves as an executive producer. Joining him are Kyle Soller, Adria Arjona, Joplin Sibtain, James McArdle, Rupert Vansittart, Stellan Skarsgård, Fiona Shaw.
The most notable problem with this series starting up is that if you been following Starwars you know the character Andor survives until said movie Rogue One so a lot of the folks are really skeptical if such a tv series would work. Personally I love Rogue One but I didn’t exactly saw the movie cause of the character Andor. So short to say the series had a lot of expectations to fill.
The story was surprisingly well done despite the obvious lack of both jedi and sith. The story does focus on Andor yet gives enough emphasis on the world building and other character elements in the show. Every planet feels fresh and interesting with its own alien culture and traditions. You get to see how the Empire planets thorough a galactic wide sector and how the populace are often mistreated. How although relatively quiet and not violent is not all that humane either. We get to see how angry people at how they are treated are growing in numbers under the Empire noses waiting for someone to lead them. The series is a lot less about Andor himself than it is about the character and world around him.
The best part about the series is its cast of characters. Andor, Luthen and other new cast introduced in the series are all well written individuals. Each is colorful and unique with their very own side story and their own hopes and fears bringing life to the story. Andor for example can do things for the right price but he has a moral code while some of those around him may or may not. Love, betrayal, money, politics are some of the motivations of these individual and cause of these the characters clash both via ideals or by laser fire. And these encounters are masterfully done as each person are given enough time in the show to shine so that viewers will know them more
We don’t only see how Andor develop from a thief developing into a pivotal member of a future Rebel force, this series also shows us the characters around him develop as well. Each individual with their own reasons to do what they do. Either by revenge, money or some other deep dark motive. And these character motives plays out in the plot making you cheer or hate for them as more the story progresses. Theres no light and dark as everyone more or less runs into the morally gray area.
I love that the Andor relies heavily on practical effect than the green screen. As the plot lacks actual jedis and sith the show feels more real and grounded thus the show relying more on its world building, plot and cast of great actors than some CGI. Not saying there is none to be found but the series does it at the right moment like in certain action or chase scene. Cause of excellent effects the show actually feels like a movie most of the time rather than a made for tv series. In fact you don’t get much special effect until maybe halfway through the show but when it is done it is probably one of the best tv Starwars moment you can feel. And that’s saying something for a show that about a guy that isn’t a jedi or a Sith.
The music for this series fits the town perfectly with the added subtle symbolism with the darkness and the light. That much like what was shown in Rogue One the supposed good guys in the show is not really all pure. That they will sacrifice their own people just to get their goal or to strike at the Empire which they view as the evil ones. There is no valiant white Prince with a white horse to save the day but more of an angry co worker seeking payback to another for some evil that was done to him or vice versa. Its definitely a far more realistic look at that place in a Galaxy far far Away…
The series isn’t without its negatives however. Some scenes feel it takes too long than necessary and with the number of characters in the series coming in and out one does have trouble tracking the names of who is who at times. Also some of the scenes could have been done better. Still minor issues on what could possibly be one of the best Starwars tv series Disney had done yet. I’m a big fan of the Mandalorian but this could possible on par with that in terms of character and plot….and the Mandalorian a pretty tough series to match in my opinion.
If you love Starwars, Rogue One or just want to get into the franchise than this is a good of a starting point to get into. Sure you might need the basic plot to get into it but outside of knowing who Andor and maybe one or two characters there is really nothing stopping you to enjoy this. Of course the more you know about Starwars the better your enjoyment as these series packs some easter eggs here and there too. Highly recommended show if you’re a Starwars fan.
No comments:
Post a Comment