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Andor (2022)
Intriguing, engaging, with moments of perfection
'Andor' starts fairly so-so, and I nearly gave up after episode 2 but, noticing that episode 3 had a high rating on IMDb, I pushed on and I'm so glad that I did. In retrospect, I think that the first two episodes suffer for having to lay a load of groundwork and for being almost completely carried by Diego Luna, who is one of the weaker members of the cast.
Episodes 3 and 4 exist to setup episode 6, which I'll get onto in a second, but they suffer far less than episodes 1 and 2. By this point, Gilroy and the show's writers, have set up enough supporting characters and subplots that the show stays engaging. In fact, it's the subplots that make 'Andor' so engaging. While the main story can be predictable in places, the subplots are completely unpredictable, and intersect one and other in brilliant and unexpected ways.
Episode 6 is being regarded as some of the best live-action Star Wars that we've ever seen, and rightly so. A lot of people are talking about how stunning the episode looks, and the cinematography and VFX are very good, but everything about the episode is perfect. It is the high point of the series thus far.
'Andor's weakest elements come from some of the casting and some of the music. Most of the supporting cast is incredible but the issue this causes is when you have a perfectly serviceable actor (Diego Luna, Faye Marsay, Varada Sethu) in a show with brilliant actors (Stellan Skarsgård, Anton Lesser, Andy Serkis) it can make perfectly fine acting look quite poor by comparison.
Some of the choices made by the series composer Nicholas Britell are also a little distracting. His main theme is solid and the majority of his work on the series is strong. However, there are times where he really leans into a Vangelis 'Bladerunner' aesthetic, which the show also does visually. As a viewer, this can throw you out a little as you find yourself thinking, "this is all very 'Bladerunner' for Star Wars" when, really you shouldn't be thrown out of the show at all. Also, while I appreciate bringing a new sound to the Star Wars universe, the same way that Ludwig Göransson did to great success with 'The Mandalorian', Britell can often lack subtlety in what is, otherwise, a very nuanced show - I'm not sure that we need a pounding drum kit while we're watching Andor walk in slow motion towards the camera.
Every action in 'Andor' has consequence, every character is unique, and every motivation is logical. This is supported by some incredible acting, perfect dialogue, and stunningly realised cinematography and VFX.
'Andor' is the best live-action Star Wars since 'Empire' and, on occasion, even surpasses it.
Andor: Aldhani (2022)
From good to great
In the last two episodes this show has gone from 'good' to 'great'.
The first two episodes of the series were a welcome departure from the standard Disney Star Wars formula but I disagree with those saying that it was a return to 'Star Wars', as the adult nature of the show and delicate dialogue do not hearken back to vintage Star Wars for me.
Episode 3 and 4 still don't have a vintage Star Wars tone, they very much so have their own tone, but the writing, directing, and acting are so good that I simply don't care.
The script is nuanced, as are the characters. The B cast, in particular, are utterly brilliant, being filled out by a host of British stage and TV actors, all of whom could and have lead productions, lending their immeasurable skills to background characters. This adds so much realism and flavour to the show.
It should also come as no surprise but Stellan Skarsgård is an utter joy. In a sea of great performances, his wave crests highest.
If the show can keep up this trajectory, it will be comfortably the best Star Wars content that Disney have produced.