Andor Season 1 Review: A Gritty Masterclass in Star Wars Storytelling
The Star Wars Show You Didn't Know You Needed—And Can't Afford to Miss
A Bold Departure From Tradition
Over the decades, Star Wars has been synonymous with space wizards, mystical prophecies, and galaxy-spanning battles between light and dark. But then came Andor, a show that asks, “What if Star Wars was less about destiny and more about the messy, brutal mechanics of rebellion?” Gone are the Jedi, the lightsabers, and the Force; in their place, we get political intrigue, underground resistance, and a protagonist who isn’t a hero—at least, not yet.
Created by Tony Gilroy, the mind behind Rogue One, Andor takes the Star Wars universe and drags it into the dirt, presenting a galaxy where hope isn’t a mystical energy field—it’s forged through sacrifice, failure, and hard choices.
Worldbuilding That Feels Real
The first thing you notice about Andor? It looks and feels different. Frank Lamm’s cinematography favors natural lighting and real-world locations; no endless CGI backdrops here. From the industrial sprawl of Ferrix to the sterile offices of the Imperial Security Bureau, every setting feels like a lived-in, tangible world, reinforcing the show’s commitment to a grounded aesthetic.
One of the most striking aspects is how the show portrays the Empire. Instead of vast, faceless villainy, we see the bureaucracy that props up oppression—white-collar officers debating supply chain issues and mid-level functionaries scrambling for promotions. It’s not just evil for the sake of evil; it’s power operating on autopilot, grinding down resistance piece by piece.
A Story That Builds (And Then Explodes)
If there’s one criticism that keeps surfacing, it’s Andor’s pacing. The first few episodes are deliberately slow, setting the stage rather than rushing to get to the fireworks. But for those who stick with it, the payoff is undeniable.
The 12-episode season is structured into three-story arcs, each functioning like its own mini-film. The Ferrix arc introduces Cassian as a self-serving survivor, the Aldhani heist thrusts him into the rebellion’s orbit, and the harrowing Narkina 5 prison break cements his evolution. This structure creates rising and falling tension, making every moment of triumph or failure feel earned.
And then there’s Luthen Rael (played by Stellan Skarsgård), one of the best characters Star Wars has ever produced. His monologue about sacrificing everything for a future he won’t live to see? Chilling.
Characters That Feel Complicated (Because They Are)
At the heart of it all is Diego Luna’s Cassian Andor—a protagonist who isn’t instantly likable but is endlessly compelling. He doesn’t start out as a rebel leader; he’s just trying to survive, keeping his head down in a galaxy where getting noticed means getting crushed. Luna adds layers of subtle complexity to Cassian’s journey, making his transformation from cynic to revolutionary feel authentic.
The standout performances don’t stop there:
Denise Gough’s Dedra Meero is terrifying because she isn’t a cartoon villain—she’s a competent, ambitious bureaucrat who happens to be working for the bad guys.
Kyle Soller’s Syril Karn is the perfect portrait of blind loyalty turned obsession, oscillating between pathetic and menacing.
Genevieve O’Reilly’s Mon Mothma reminds us that rebellion isn’t just fought with blasters but in the shadows of political games. Her struggle to fund the Rebellion while maintaining her aristocratic facade is fascinating.
Even the supporting characters, like Maarva Andor (Fiona Shaw) and Nemik (Alex Lawther), carry emotional weight, reminding us what’s at stake.
Themes That Hit Closer to Home Than You’d Expect
For a franchise built on space battles, Andor is shockingly relevant to our world. It explores oppression, surveillance, and the cost of resistance in ways that feel disturbingly familiar. It doesn’t just ask why people fight back—it shows how revolutions simmer, falter, and ignite.
In the real world, resistance isn’t led by chosen ones with preordained destinies; it’s carried by ordinary people who have simply had enough. Andor understands this better than any Star Wars project before it.
So, What’s the Verdict?
Is Andor the best Star Wars show? If you judge by spectacle, then maybe not. But if you care about writing, character depth, and storytelling that doesn’t talk down to its audience? Absolutely.
Yes, the pacing can be methodical. No, it doesn’t cater to fans looking for lightsaber duels and Sith Lords. But in refusing to do so, Andor carves out its own identity—one that elevates Star Wars from space opera to prestige television.
Final Rating: ★★★★★ (4.75/5)
If you’re a fan of thoughtful, well-crafted sci-fi, Andor is unmissable. Not just as a Star Wars show, but as a slow-burn character study and a gripping political thriller. Season 2 can’t come soon enough.