An edgier Star Wars prequel with a gripping TV-MA story about espionage and rebellion, Andor skips some of the more familiar elements of the franchise — from lightsabers to Jedi to The Force — in favor of a more grounded storyt with parallels in both history and our current moment. While it sets up the legendary story about the space wars and aliens that have become such an enduring presence in our collective imaginations, Andor is also about how ordinary humans rise up and resist overpowering regimes.
Created by Tony Gilroy, the man behind the Jason Bourne franchise, the series delves into the moral ambiguities, compromises, and sacrifices involved in fighting for a cause, and it spotlights how power can corrupt institutions, how fear is used to control populations, and how hope can spark change…even in the darkest times.
As this is a show for viewers more interested in deep themes and action scenes, and it’s a prequel story, you won’t actually need a complete refresh of the Star Wars world. But you will need some context and a Season 1 highlight reel to jump into Season 2, and it helps to know some of the story’s inspirations.
The Cassian Andor Story
Andor probes deeper into the backstory of Cassian Andor (Diego Luna), a key spy and fighter from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Season 1 sets the stage for Cassian’s transformation from a reluctant participant on a quest to find his lost sister to a fierce rebel, all leading into the events of Rogue One.
In many ways, Andor mirrors the experiences of those who challenge oppressive systems in real life, drawing attention to what it means to resist, endure, and persist for a better future. It feels timely and timeless, a lens through which you can draw comparisons to the challenges and the courage required in our world today.
Andor’s Real-Life Historical Parallels
The creator behind Andor, Tony Gilroy, has talked about how the series reflects various historical rebellions and the universal struggle against oppression, from Stalin to World War II to South Africa.
The Resistance Movements During World War II – The Rebel Alliance in Andor shares some overlaps with the French Resistance fighting against Nazi occupation, from acts of sabotage to underground operations and secret missions.
Colonialism and Revolution – The exploitation of planets by the Galactic Empire parallels real-world struggles against imperialist nations throughout history, and the rise of rebellions in oppressed regions of world mirrors historical uprisings against colonizers.
Surveillance States and Totalitarian Regimes – Gilroy has acknowledged that the young “gangster years” of Joseph Stalin inspired the series, in particular the heist in Season 1 (see below). The Empire’s invasive surveillance of its citizens evoke memories of regimes including Stalinist Russia.
Individual Sacrifice for Collective Freedom – The idea of individuals risking everything for a larger cause has roots in the American Revolution, anti-apartheid activists, and the many freedom fighters across the globe.
Weaving in historical inspirations, Andor achieves a timeless quality as it reminds us that history often repeats itself. But the series also reminds us how the powerless can challenge extraordinary oppression.
A Season 1 Refresher
If you’re jumping in to Season 2, you’ll need a quick recap on the pivotal events from the first season. Note: Spoilers for Season 1 below.
Cassian’s Search for His Sister: Andor Season 1 begins with a young Cassian searching for his lost sister, a central quest in his life. He was her protector, but they were separated during their childhood on their home planet of Kenari, as Cassian was rescued after a crash site incident and taken “off-world” by his adoptive mother Maarva and Clem Andor. His search for her leads him into a confrontation with two officers, and he kills one of them, forcing him to flee and setting off a galaxy-wide manhunt.
Ferrix and the Rebellion: After arriving in Ferrix, Maarva and friends Bix and Brasso help Cassian hideout. He meets Luthen Rael, a mysterious rebel leader who recruits him into the growing resistance.
The Aldhani Heist: Cassian joins a rebel team to steal a large stash of Imperial credits – the currency of the galaxy – which symbolize not just monetary value but the power and control the Empire exerts over the galaxy. Their heist significantly impacts the Empire’s operations but comes with a big cost: several casualties. Cassian takes his cut and tries to lay low. (Show creator Gilroy was inspired by the real-life Bolshevik robbery in 1907, which was masterminded by the young Joseph Stalin.)
Narkina 5 Prison Break: Cassian is arrested and sent to a brutal labor prison. He leads a revolt and escapes, learning firsthand the Galactic Empire’s oppressive tactics.
Maarva’s Death and Ferrix Uprising: Back on Ferrix, Maarva’s death sparks a rebellion. But her posthumous message inspires the town to rise up against the Empire. Cassian rescues Bix and begins to embrace his role in the fight against tyranny.
What to Expect from Andor‘s Season 2
Twelve episodes will be released in four blocks of three episodes each, with the first three dropping today on Disney+.
Time Jumps: The season spans four years, with each trio of episodes representing one year, showcasing Cassian’s evolution and the escalating rebellion as they lead directly into the events of Rogue One.
Cassian Rises: After navigating betrayals and conflicting agendas against rising stakes, Cassian will become a key player in the Rebel Alliance.
Familiar Faces: Mon Mothma, Luthen Rael, and Saw Gerrera will return from Season 1 to play pivotal roles. Alan Tudyk returns as K-2SO, and Season 2 promises a few big cameos from Rogue One.
Timely Themes of Resistance: The new season dives deeper into the Empire’s tyranny and the rebels’ struggle to resist, emphasizing the personal and collective sacrifices made in the fight for freedom.
A more grounded version of a Star Wars story that holds appeal for both devoted fans and newcomers, Andor stands out for its thought-provoking themes, its historical parallels, and its relevance to our current moment. This one is also a cinematic masterpiece that honors one of the most significant franchises in movie history.
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