Andor season two
The first season of Star Wars spin-off Andor showed that there was still enough life in the long-running sci-fi franchise to deliver a gripping and grounded drama. Set five years before the events of A New Hope, it centred around titular protagonist Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) as he joined the fight against the Empire’s oppressive regime. By removing itself from the quasi-superpowers of the Jedi, Andor’s ability to tell a more human story was its greatest strength. Picking up one year later, the second season continues the saga. However, the three-episode premiere is a mixed bag of tones and plotlines vying for attention.
The season gets off to a strong start as Cassian prepares to steal an experimental ship from under the Empire’s nose. Luna delivers a rousing speech to a co-conspirator risking everything for the cause, reminding viewers just how mesmerising the actor’s performance can be. There’s a palpable sense of tension leading up to the heist and even a thrilling action set piece. However, this taut opening is shattered when his realisation that the ship wasn’t what he was expecting results in some slapstick that sees the spacecraft lurch uncontrollably while the hero wrestles with the controls.
The misplaced humour is a recurring issue throughout the opening episodes that is continuously at odds with the serious story the show wants to tell. When Cassian lands the stolen ship only to be captured by a group of ragtag mercenaries, throwaway gags undermine the danger of their situation. Later, a subplot about Empire’s plans to eradicate a planet for its resources leads to a farcical lunch between high-ranking officer Dedra (Denise Gough), her partner Syril (Kyle Soller), and his overly controlling mother (a marvellous Kathryn Hunter). Although there are points where a more playful tone works, especially when establishing the rapport with Cassian’s resistance allies held up on a farm, there are just as many where it doesn’t.
Like the last season, Andor succeeds in painting a picture of the grim realities of living under fascism as officers search for “illegals” and attempt to take advantage of others. While effective, these moments are scarce, buried under other tedious storylines that currently lack direction.
The opening episodes show the beginnings of great ideas, which build upon the themes established in the previous season. However, season two of Andor isn’t there yet.
Andrew Murray
Andor season two is released on Disney+ on 23rd April 2025.
Watch the trailer for Andor season two here:
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