Two and a half years ago, Disney+ added to their ever-growing Star Wars franchise with a series called Andor, based on the titular character Cassian Andor (Diego Luna; NARCOS: Mexico). The first season, made up of 12 episodes, was met with critical acclaim and a strong fan reception. Many appreciated its more politically nuanced and mature tone, setting it apart from traditional entries in the saga. My own assessment leaned positive, though at times it felt too distanced from the Star Wars I grew up with. Now, after a long thirty-month hiatus, Andor Season Two is finally debuting on Disney+ this week.
This season picks up a year after the Season One finale. Cassian is still searching for purpose but is inching ever closer to becoming a key player in the Rebellion. A politically motivated marriage is arranged, and the Empire shows no signs of loosening its grip on the galaxy. Familiar characters return, including Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgård; Dune), Bix Caleen (Adria Arjona; Blink Twice), and Mon Mothma (Genevieve O'Reilly; Tolkien), bringing with them all the tension and intrigue that helped define Season One.
Unlike the previous season, this installment is structured into four narrative chapters. The first, consisting of three episodes, debuts on , with each subsequent chapter arriving weekly, culminating on . These episodes lead the audience directly toward the beginning of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, seamlessly connecting to the events of Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope. Andor offers not just plot progression but an enriched and fresh take on rebellion-era storytelling.
Series creator Tony Gilroy (Michael Clayton) continues to explore the deeper, more personal dimensions of this galaxy far, far away. At times bordering on political drama or even soap opera, the intrigue includes backroom dealings, complex relationships, and morally ambiguous decisions. Thankfully, the storytelling remains intelligent and focused, never dipping into melodrama, and consistently sharp in its pacing and character development.
Visually, the show makes slight improvements from its 2022 predecessor, though some CGI still falters. A covert Empire summit on a snow-covered peak is one such example, where the digital backdrop is noticeably artificial. Yet these moments are few and far between and do little to detract from the overall experience, especially when compared to other high-budget TV shows.
Luna, O'Reilly, and Arjona shine in their performances, bolstered by exceptional writing and character arcs. As a continuation of the story and as a lead-up to Rogue One, Andor Season Two succeeds in nearly every way. With fans eager for quality content, Gilroy and Disney+ have clearly aimed to exceed expectations, and they've largely succeeded.
Grade: A-
