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Andor is an excellent series that expands the Star Wars universe beyond a new adventure.
I only decided to watch Andor after my friend Marvin recommended it.
Even so, I didn’t expect anything.
I was expecting another series of badly recycled characters.
In this case, a supporting character from a second-tier movie.
And just by looking at what they had done with Bobba Fett and Obi-Wan.
I had no hopes for poor Andor. His series had no chance of being anything but mediocre.
That is why Andor impresses me by the first episode and the sober plot.
It had a down-to-earth story and a pragmatic protagonist.
There were zero references to known elements or characters from the franchise.
This series focuses on its plot and it doesn’t involve jedis or the like.
It has intrigue, politics, and espionage, all under constant tension, suspense, and mystery.
That is because we see it all through the eyes of the protagonist and his antagonist.
Both are still ignorant of the rebellion movement in its infancy and hiding.
We finally see the common people in this fantastic universe.
People trying to do what they judge as right to survive or achieve the greater good.
People with no powers or special abilities.
This is not a fast-paced adventure, in which characters seem invulnerable.
The narrative gives due weight to the act of raising the head and acting against oppression.
And that relates to what we see more and more in our world.
The oppressing regime, in this case, the empire, can’t allow any rebellion act.
That is because this kind of regime can only be by scaring the population.
They constantly remind people of the consequences they will face if they rebel.
Watching Andor I was once more afraid of Storm Troopers.
A rebellion needs to dodge punishment for its acts to be able to spread.
Because that is how others feel less afraid and feel inspired to do the same.
So, to rebel means to be that pestering fly around your food.
You must keep dodging slaps to instigate the rest of the population to rebel.
Often, people will need to make sacrifices worse than death.
Because of that, Andor has a story made for adults, that kids won’t enjoy much.
Its characters are well-built, well-acted, and directed.
And what can I say about the soundtrack?
It avoids great orchestras, so present in the Star Wars adventures.
Instead, it has beautiful electronic music that translates the story’s tension.
This story could have any background with a rebellion and an oppressive government.
But the series respects the Star Wars background.
The scenarios are great.
The cast is almost all composed of British actors, as in the original movies.
But no references that make us distract from the story.
Coruscant is the only planet known from the movies shown.
Even though, in a less glamorous way than in the movies.
Here we see the power hallways and the Empire’s constant vigilance.
Another thing is the lack of CGI in almost every scene.
Only a few specific characters and effects use CGI.
The scenarios are almost all real and original.
Not even the LED backgrounds are used often.
That gives us the feeling of immersion, like in the original movies.
Andor`s narrative is excellent.
The 12 episodes in the first season have 4 arcs of 3 episodes.
Each arc is basically a three-act movie.
And they all end with a hook for what is to come.
So, if the first episode caught me, by the third I was hooked and wanted more.
I’m waiting for the next season and I hope that you who didn’t watch it yet, watch it now.
Because Andor was ignored by many.
After so many bad new Star Wars stories, the fanbase was disappointed.
Andor not being a famous character didn’t help to attract eyes.
So, it is now the least-watched Star Wars series, and that is not fair.
Then, if you like Star Wars, go watch it.
Help Andor to become as big as the Mandalorian.
Let’s show Disney that the future of this faraway galaxy is in new characters.
New approaches, instead of recycling old characters and stories in an endless loop.