Welcome to the Rebellion. Andor Season 2 walks fans right into the beginning of Rogue One and the journey this time around is exhilarating, intriguing, and packed full of incredible moments.
Andor Season 2 Review
Season 1 of Andor was hailed by critics and fans alike (including myself) for being a visionary Star Wars project, one unafraid to chart its own course, and ultimately remains one of, if not the best live-action Star Wars TV show to date. Tony Gilroy had planned to tell Cassian's story across several seasons, but due to his own schedule and the effect of time on its stars, Andor was reduced to 2 seasons. Much like the first season, season 2 is divided into distinct arcs, but this time three episodes will drop at a time with year-long jumps in between. A heartwarming nod back to where this all began can be heard each time a year has passed. Being that they are close to hour long episodes, this makes each arc essentially its own film. The magic here is that unlike many streaming shows that feel like a movie broken into disjointed pieces in the name of television, Andor earns the right to feel like a movie event albeit on the small screen.
As mentioned in all the interviews and marketing, Andor season 2 marches fans right into where Rogue One begins, this time incorporating more characters from the film throughout the season. However, Andor still retains its stance on not being another show that relies too heavily on cameos and unnecessary fan service. Everyone seen this time around (just like before) has a true reason for being there and they make the most of their part whether they barely get a full scene or multiple episodes. Just like Rogue One and The Empire Strikes Back, Andor dares to do things its own way, allowing creativity and strong storytelling to pave the way for one incredibly bold Star Wars entry. The result is a final season that exceeds the high expectations placed on it. It's exhilarating, intriguing, and full of heart-stopping and gut-wrenching moments.
As the Ferrix Gong sounds, the story picks up one year after the events of season 1. Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) is now an important part of the growing Rebellion, working under the sharp eye of Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgård). Yet it is clear he's not quite the doomed hero we know him to be… yet. He still has his doubts as well as a firm connection to his friends Bix (Adria Arjona), Brasso (Joplin Sibtain), and B2EMO (Dave Chapman), who are hiding out on a new planet in order to evade notice by the empire. While Cassian goes on missions for Luthen, Dedra Meero (Denise Gough) continues to rise in the Imperial ranks catching the notice of Director Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn) who brings her in on a special mission of utmost importance to old Palpatine. We know what it is but the truth of it is revealed in a methodical way over the episodes, culminating in The Ghorman Massacre (this season's prison arc). This horrific event sets the stage for Cassian to become the determined rebel we know him to be and for the most brave in the Senate to take a stand.
Hinted at in the previous season, these latest episodes make one thing very clear – the Rebellion has to become more organized and widespread in order to be effective. Where before it was all about lighting fires all over the galaxy, this time around it's about fanning those flames into something extraordinary. The Rebellion has many moving pieces, something Andor manages to juggle well. Tensions between factions on both sides are constantly threatening to boil over. While Luthen does what he does best, Mon Mothma (Genevieve O'Reilly) and Bail Organa (played this time by Benjamin Bratt) attempt to maintain some semblance of control in the Senate as the threat from the Emperor looms. Saw Gerrera (Forest Whitaker) is as unpredictable as ever. Meero is at risk for failing due to her own hubris, Syril Karn (Kyle Soller) is learning not to be such a weakling, and even Krennic must face doubters as his Death Star project takes longer than anticipated.
Despite the massive amount of story season 2 needs to get through in order to connect everything to Rogue One and beyond, the team never leaves a man/woman/droid behind. They are intentional about giving fitting endings to each of the characters we have been following for years. “The Empire cannot win” is echoed throughout and while we know freedom comes with a cost, it doesn't make the losses any less tragic or heartbreaking. And it's not just the loss of one person or another, it's equally brutal to watch the Ghorman Massacre – a violent illustration of the Empire's fascism – unfold. The music, cinematography, and set design once again heightens the entire experience.
The cast is just as committed to their roles as we are to watching them perform them even if it leads to devastating goodbyes. Luna and Skarsgård are not surprisingly phenomenal in their roles. Luna expertly portrays Cassian's inner turmoil (which grows by the day) alongside his sheer resolve. He was a thief, a soldier, and now he's a leader and Luna's multifaceted performance is worthy (again) of awards. Gilroy and his team of writers, including Dan Gilroy, Beau Willimon, Tom Bissell, Stephen Schiff, have managed to give Skarsgård's Luthen even more impactful moments than he had last time. Yes, even surpassing his “What do I sacrifice” monologue. Skarsgård makes him even more complex and secretive, yet completely vulnerable and exposed at the same time. O'Reilly is a force as the besieged Mothma, her declaration before the Senate about Palpatine will give you goosebumps.
Krennic isn't in the season as much as you may think but Mendelsohn is clearly enjoying chewing the scenery every chance he gets. He's the big villain of Andor's story and is allowed to be more unhinged in the show than he was in the movie. Mendelsohn displays wry grins in one moment and pure menace in another. He is fun to watch, even if he's the bad guy. K-2SO (Alan Tudyk) returns and his connection to Cassian is explained. He isn't overused but rather saved for ideal moments. Honestly, everyone on the cast list deserves praise. There isn't one bad performance to be found. And yes while the show maintains a strong identity all on its own, there are careful nods (Easter Eggs) to the larger story and the galaxy everyone lives in. However, nothing feels forced which makes it all the more satisfying as a longtime fan.
Verdict
Andor season 2 bridges the show with Rogue One and will undoubtedly change the way certain moments are viewed. It made me want to immediately go back and rewatch the film. This is the rare franchise show that is willing to have a true ending for not only itself but for its characters. From its strong, character-driven story and powerful performances to design, cinematography, and score, Andor once again proves why it is the best live-action Star Wars show. For fans it is an exhilarating and intriguing ride marked with joy, heartbreak, and hope. Cassian is here to welcome us all to the Rebellion and I can say it honestly feels great to be back.
The first three episodes of Andor season 2 premieres on Disney+ April 22, 2025.
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