Chris Connor reviews the final three episodes of Star Wars: Andor season 2…
Andor’s penultimate arc paid off so much of the legwork of both seasons, with the Ghorman massacre showing the Empire’s true intentions on the planet and the decimation left in their wake. The action and horror of that episode was beautifully contrasted with Mon Mothma’s determination in the senate as she made her stand against The Emperor and firmly pledged her allegiance to the Rebel Alliance. After two hugely acclaimed seasons it now all comes down to the final arc that will lead us directly into the events of Rogue One.
This final arc is another stellar achievement in what has fast become one of the most beloved pieces of Star Wars content across any medium, and Tony Gilroy and his writing and directing team deserve full credit, as do the cast and crew. We see loose ends tied up and storylines intersect in ways that will delight fans.
For all the hype around the established cast, it is worth highlighting the work of Elizabeth Dulau in this final arc, a newcomer who holds her own against the likes of Stellan Skarsgård. Her Kleya has been an integral part of this season and looks set for a bright future. Diego Luna continues to shine in the title role, and the show will give his ultimate sacrifice in Rogue One new meaning. The whole ensemble has made this such a standout.
While the second season has covered more ground than the first season the development to get us to a point where the world feels recognisable as the one we see in Rogue One is a masterstroke. Points in episode twelve in particular feel like they could be scenes directly lifted from the film, with the characters now where we find them in that film, the transition seamless.
It’s an explosive finale as Cassian, Melshi, and K-2SO go on one final mission that has some of the series’ best action, captivating viewing. As with the rest of the show however, it’s not the blasters or gunfights that stand out most, it’s the character beats.
This show unlike any other in the franchise has made us deeply invested in its characters, of course a few aren’t referenced elsewhere so their fates might feel easier to guess but even then, getting to discover their ultimate fates is still incredibly rewarding and makes so many small details across the 24 episodes have massive payoff.
Andor goes out in perfect fashion, tying up loose ends and laying the groundwork for the story we see unfold in Rogue One, reframing that story wonderfully and giving it new meaning. A watch directly after Andor, will certainly hit differently. Tony Gilroy has crafted a show for the ages. So many components all fall perfectly into place from the writing, performances, production design and visuals, crafting a Star Wars show that will be hard to top and one hopefully the franchise can learn from as it plots is next path.
Chris Connor
