They did something very smart when they premiered this show, which was putting the three first episodes together in a bundle. Not only does this give the audience a chance to ease into the show, but it also shows their idea of having these three-episode arcs as the norm. And it also works, because if it had only been the first episode that had been released, it wouldn't have served as an interesting enough beginning to a show that needs all the good will possible. With this second episode, they really start to set themselves a path that looks to go in some interesting directions.
The best thing about the premiere was how it focused on this small planet that doesn't seem like it has a lot of business with the Empire. In this episode, they continue to showcase the almost insignificant role that the planet plays in the grander scheme of things. They know how to keep the Empire at bay and it makes for a more sinister tone. The Empire has always been a sinister force in this universe, and this show may have already done the best job that any other material in the universe has done to really sell the threat of the Empire through a few small moments. The flashbacks fit much better into this episode as it felt like it was moving side-by-side with Andor's present day experiences, showing why he has all that anger dwelling inside of him that we're slowly getting an idea of under the surface. It's not blowing out yet, but it's definitely there. There was also a greater focus on setting up the antagonist, and the snarly hatred he has for Andor seems to be based in a distaste of his superiors just ignoring his actions more than the actions themselves, which makes him a very dangerous foe, although he doesn't seem to really be that comfortable in his position left. This episode definitely stepped it up a notch, and it feels like the writers are finally preparing to take it up another step for the next episode, which will give us a greater idea of the overall story.
"That Would Be Me" does an incredible job of showcasing how far out of the mainstream this planet is, while still teasing the Empire's might. A lot of great character development with the flashbacks adding even more to Andor this time than in the premiere, while the overall narrative is slowly starting to take shape.
First off, does this episode feel like an extension of the premiere? Yes, it very much does. Is this episode also better than the premiere? Yes, I think so. And you can ask me why and say that nothing else happened, and you wouldn't be wrong. But I needed to settle into the idea and tone of this show, so this episode felt more anticipated in its pace and tone. Cassian is still trying to find his sister, but he's in a bit of trouble now, because that Empire police from the first episode, yeah, they're on to him. That doesn't really come into play in this episode, though, so if you're expecting a big shootout, you might have to wait until three. It continues to set the scale for what is to come, and with the introductions of Stellan Skarsgård and Fiona Shaw (and who doesn't like some Fiona Shaw?!), it feels like this little word "rebellion" might start to appear in the episodes a little going forward. I also didn't mean to crap on another "Star Wars" project in the beginning of my review, but the flashbacks in this show are way better than what we saw in "The Book of Boba Fett." (Sorry, not sorry.) I like the primal tone to those flashbacks and the raw setting, but I'm still scared that it's gonna end on a sad note. "Andor" is providing the "Star Wars" that I have been missing, but it still holds off on going all-out on the coming politics.
"Episode 2" is basically "Episode 1, Part 2" but that works for me because I really enjoyed that and ended up enjoying this even more. I don't know where we're going with this arc, but it's clear that the show likes its lead character and wants him to be central to whatever story they're telling.
The best thing about the premiere was how it focused on this small planet that doesn't seem like it has a lot of business with the Empire. In this episode, they continue to showcase the almost insignificant role that the planet plays in the grander scheme of things. They know how to keep the Empire at bay and it makes for a more sinister tone. The Empire has always been a sinister force in this universe, and this show may have already done the best job that any other material in the universe has done to really sell the threat of the Empire through a few small moments. The flashbacks fit much better into this episode as it felt like it was moving side-by-side with Andor's present day experiences, showing why he has all that anger dwelling inside of him that we're slowly getting an idea of under the surface. It's not blowing out yet, but it's definitely there. There was also a greater focus on setting up the antagonist, and the snarly hatred he has for Andor seems to be based in a distaste of his superiors just ignoring his actions more than the actions themselves, which makes him a very dangerous foe, although he doesn't seem to really be that comfortable in his position left. This episode definitely stepped it up a notch, and it feels like the writers are finally preparing to take it up another step for the next episode, which will give us a greater idea of the overall story.
"That Would Be Me" does an incredible job of showcasing how far out of the mainstream this planet is, while still teasing the Empire's might. A lot of great character development with the flashbacks adding even more to Andor this time than in the premiere, while the overall narrative is slowly starting to take shape.
First off, does this episode feel like an extension of the premiere? Yes, it very much does. Is this episode also better than the premiere? Yes, I think so. And you can ask me why and say that nothing else happened, and you wouldn't be wrong. But I needed to settle into the idea and tone of this show, so this episode felt more anticipated in its pace and tone. Cassian is still trying to find his sister, but he's in a bit of trouble now, because that Empire police from the first episode, yeah, they're on to him. That doesn't really come into play in this episode, though, so if you're expecting a big shootout, you might have to wait until three. It continues to set the scale for what is to come, and with the introductions of Stellan Skarsgård and Fiona Shaw (and who doesn't like some Fiona Shaw?!), it feels like this little word "rebellion" might start to appear in the episodes a little going forward. I also didn't mean to crap on another "Star Wars" project in the beginning of my review, but the flashbacks in this show are way better than what we saw in "The Book of Boba Fett." (Sorry, not sorry.) I like the primal tone to those flashbacks and the raw setting, but I'm still scared that it's gonna end on a sad note. "Andor" is providing the "Star Wars" that I have been missing, but it still holds off on going all-out on the coming politics.
"Episode 2" is basically "Episode 1, Part 2" but that works for me because I really enjoyed that and ended up enjoying this even more. I don't know where we're going with this arc, but it's clear that the show likes its lead character and wants him to be central to whatever story they're telling.