Andor has become one of the most critically acclaimed TV series, not just in the Star Wars franchise, but in television in general. The last three episodes of its two-season run aired last night on Disney+.
The series serves as a prequel to Rogue One and follows Cassian Andor's earlier years in the rebellion and how he became one of its most formidable figures in their fight against the ruthless tyranny of the Empire.
Here are the five reasons why Andor is the best Star Wars TV show.
Dark and Gritty Take on the Rebellion and the Empire
Andor offered a dark and gritty take on the Rebellion, where the stakes feel higher and the portrayal is more nuanced.
The series showed that being part of a rebellion also entails some dirty work to achieve your goal, and a lot of people sacrificed or let their lives be in danger.
On the other side of the coin, the series also gave us a backstage view of the calculations that the Empire does to further their agenda through disinformation, genocide, and creating a powerful weapon that could destroy a planet.
Focus on Character Study
The series is mostly a character study with a focus on the titular character, Cassian Andor, and the supporting characters who are in the Rebellion and the Empire.
With its focus on character development from both sides, it allows them to explore their motivations and makes us invest in their journey, even if some of them have a nefarious agenda.
Not Reliant on Cameos and Easter Eggs
Andor is not heavily reliant on cameos from familiar Star Wars characters and easter eggs, as they opted to focus more on its storytelling and character development of the main figures.
The only familiar characters that we have seen show up outside the main cast are from Rogue One, since the series is a prequel to that film and is heavily connected in its storyline.
Brilliant Writing Team Headed by Tony Gilroy
The writing of the series has been hailed by critics as the reason why it is the best Star Wars TV show. Creator Tony Gilroy led the writing team that penned all 24 episodes.
If nothing else, it elevated the quality of the series into becoming one of the most acclaimed TV shows of all time, as they made a choice to be more story and character-focused, even if it strays from our usual expectation of what a Star Wars show is.
Unique from the Rest of the Star Wars Franchise
The mature tone of Andor made it unique from the rest of the Star Wars franchise and stood out in such a way that even non-fans have appreciated it.
For so long, we have always expected that a Star Wars show or movie would have a lighter tone and big action set pieces. However, Andor proved that the franchise could have a darker tone while still following the canon.
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