[Warning: contains spoilers for Star Wars: Andor, Season Two.] Following the season finale of Andor, Season One I declared it to be some of the best Star Wars storytelling ever. After watching the first three episodes of Season Two, I’m not just doubling down on that statement. I’m going all-in. What showrunner Tony Gilroy is doing with this second season thus far is nothing short of phenomenal. Episode 3, in particular, is perhaps one of the most complex, one-hour segments of such storytelling in franchise history. Two scenes fuel that complexity in particular.
Let’s be clear from the start here: though the show is called Andor, Mon Mothma actress Genevieve O’Reilly is the unquestionable star of the episode. Through her daughter’s arranged marriage, Mon Motha reaps the consequences of her actions and alliances. She’s all at once overwhelmed with realization, betrayal, and terror; her spiritual fall fueled by impending dread and aided by alcohol. We get to witness in real time as Mon’s life both figuratively and literally spins out of control. The imagery, setting, music, all of it – sublime.
Andor Season Two: Another Star Wars Masterpiece…
The other most poignant scene of the episode is one that has already garnered a lot of attention online. Due to the sensitive nature of the topic, we’ll not discuss it in full detail here. Suffice it to say that some are questioning its place in Star Wars. (We could have days-long discussions on how the topic has always existed in Star Wars, all the way back to the original trilogy, but we don’t have the space for that here.) What Andor does in including that scene, however, is illustrate just how perverse the Empire’s rule can be.
One of the elements of authoritarianism is an accompanying sense of entitlement. That was evident the moment Andor introduces us to the creepy inspecting Imperial Lieutenant. That initial meeting with Bix (Adria Arjona) was enough to make your skin crawl. The follow-up scene was gut wrenching, disgusting, angering… and illustrative of the depravity that often comes with authoritative control. The Empire feeds on the weak, in this case an already compromised, undocumented Bix Caleen. Arjona, for her part, deserves as much praise as O’Reilly for the emotional depth she conveys in the scene.
… and so much more [See our full review HERE]
What Tony Gilroy did with just those two elements of episode 3 were alone sufficient to carry it to lofty heights. Yet… it included so much more. The Imperials put their plan in place for Ghorman. The ignorance and selfishness of youth are on full display as Wilmon’s impulsiveness leads directly to a heartbreaking death. Don’t even get me started on the unexpected, neurodivergently delightful relationship between Dedra and Syril. There was more depth in this one episode of Andor than I daresay existed in the entire Star Wars sequel trilogy.
This season is already at its Disney Star Wars best, and we still have three more installments of three episodes each to go.
Star Wars: Andor Season Two airs Tuesday nights on Disney+.
