I'll make this clear first of all: I think Andor is exceptional TV. It's extremely well-acted and the dialogue is amongst the finest you'll find in history. The scenery and special effects match any previous top standards in Star Wars on-screen. The "atmosphere" created in so many scenes is powerful and the whole 70s vibe I often feel pulsating from the show I simply lap up like sweets.
However, given the choice between rewatching an Andor episode and any other Star Wars film or TV, I'd go for the latter first every time.
What? Why? I hear people ask and scream out as if millions of voices suddenly cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced.
Well, simply, Andor doesn't tick all my Star Wars boxes.
Despite being glued to the TV watching Andor, there was something niggling away in the back of my mind which left me wondering why I loved this show but also at the same time couldn't totally embrace it into my Star Wars life.
Then, I figured it out. Compared to almost every other Star Wars, Andor doesn't have all the elements that got me into Star Wars in the first place.
Now, what brought individuals to Star Wars in their life is going to be different for each person, but for me, especially when I think back to the Original Trilogy, what I really enjoyed the most about the films were:
- Space Action
- The Force
- Aliens
- Fun moments
- Likeable and relatable characters
Let's have a quick look at each one in turn.
1. Space Action
Yes, Andor does have moments in space but they have thus far been very brief and I can't imagine there will be a lot more in the future. But who can forget the start of A New Hope with the Star Destroyer, the Millenium Falcon versus Tie-fighters on the escape from the Death Star, and, of course, the Rebellion attacking down those trenches? Thus far, Andor has been very grounded, literally, and the whole concept of space is very much left to snippets. Pretty much EVERY Star Wars show and film has several space battle scenes and in Andor, we've had none. Sadly in this element, Andor doesn't get a tick.
2. The Force
I thought about this, and TV or Film Star Wars doesn't have to have Jedi Versus Sith and lightsabres galore but the force is one of the big things that separated Star Wars in the first place from most other sci-fi for me. Rogue One ticked this box thanks to Darth Vader scenes but also with Jyn's kyber crystal and belief and reference to the force. In Andor thus far there's been next to no mention of the force, let alone the Jedi or that a cackling Sith Lord is now in control of the Senate. I'll say again, the force doesn't have to be the main element of the story to tick this box, but it needs much more than a throw-away line or two.
3. Aliens
Whereas it's safe to say there have been aliens in Andor, it's been slim pickings. Those scenes in A New Hope in the cantina were eye-openers, as were the jawas and sandpeople on Tatooine. I felt like I was somewhere far far away. You don't see anyone like that down the high street, and it helps immerse us in the fantasy that is Sci-fi. Possibly the story being told in Andor doesn't lend itself materially to multiple aliens everywhere but I feel there have been many scenes where one could have had a lot more diversity in this area without overstressing the point.
4. Fun Moments
A major reason why I love Star Wars is that it's one heck of a ride most of the time. Not just that, but it's a fun one. There are witty characters everywhere in most Star Wars that really give you that giggle, and help makes scenes memorable. For the most part, I watch things to be entertained and I certainly don't watch sci-fi to be ultimately depressed - especially Star Wars. It was the whole escapism and witty remarks of C3PO, Han Solo, Finn, Jar Jar Binks etc that helped make films not only rewatchable but a pleasurable experience. Star Wars is supposed to be enjoyable in my opinion, and not just an intense excellent plot kind of enjoyable but with some wit and humour along the road. Thus far in Andor, there's been very little in this department.
5. Likeable and relatable characters
In many ways, Andor achieves and surpasses this element. The dialogue and emotion being continuously spoken in Andor are like nothing George Lucas would have dreamt up in a million years and is the exact opposite of that rather awkward romance dialogue between Padme and Anakin - which is strangely so bad, it's actually started to become good. There's no doubt there are strong characters in Andor and very relatable to the hard times the world finds itself in on Planet Earth at this time. I'm not sure I'd want to dress up as Andor or Luthen if I was still a teenager but no doubt there will be plenty at conventions in years to come. There are definitely top characters in Andor, and though not up to Han Solo or Darth Vader proportions for me, Andor definitely ticks the box here.
In conclusion, therefore, from my perspective, Andor doesn't tick all my Star Wars juices. This doesn't mean I don't look forward to it, enjoy watching it, will praise it, or rewatch it in the future, but it does mean it sits lower in my Star Wars hierarchy than pretty much every other Star Wars we've seen so far. But that's ok. Star Wars is for everyone. There are some who prefer the animated Star Wars, those who love the Sequels more, or the prequels, or won't step away from the originals. Star Wars should have something for everyone, yet I do maintain my stance that Andor isn't the Star Wars I signed up for but it is very good Sci-Fi in a Star Wars universe.
