Star Wars… That’s all lightsabers, blasters, Jedis and wheezing Darth Vader isn’t it? Well, the classic ones were and I loved every single one of them.
Now Disney+ is busy forever expanding the Star Wars universe, with mixed results.
Obi-Wan Kenobi was stunningly good, The Book Of Boba Fett should never have got off the ground, but The Mandalorian was ace.
And now we have Andor. Something for which I am rather grateful. Because this is Star Wars for grown-ups, a brooding piece that veers between heist capers and political drama as the seeds of the rebellion are sown.
Andor doesn’t exactly zip along at light speed, but it is never any less than compelling.”
Sure, it doesn’t exactly zip along at light speed, but it is never any less than compelling – all the more so for the nicely judged weekly release of new episodes that keep you on the edge of your seat.
Built from the same DNA as Rogue One – which some argue is the best of the Star Wars films – this prequel to the events of the movie give Cassian Andor his back story as thief turned rebel spy.
Darker and much more mature in tone, it is a standalone thriller made all the more textured by knowing how the story will eventually unfold.
It is also beautifully shot, creating a gritty and very believable universe. The scenes filmed around the Cruachan Dam near Oban and Glen Tilt in Perthshire are absolutely stunning. Nice to see our part of the world put on the galactic stage.
If you haven’t started watching it, lucky you. It means you can have a good binge.”
At the heart of the story is Andor himself and Diego Luna turns in a note-perfect performance as a man on a journey from a self-serving cynic to the most passionate and selfless warrior ready to sacrifice himself for the cause of freedom.
If you haven’t started watching it, lucky you. It means you can have a good binge to get up to date with episodes still being released.
May The Force be with you.
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