With season 2, Andor not only burnishes its reputation as a standout Star Wars project, but it may also be one of the best streaming shows ever.
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Unlike many fans, I wasn’t particularly drawn to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. While the film featured impressive set pieces and visual effects, I felt the characters were too detached and underwritten, leaving me with little reason to truly care about them. So when Andor was first announced, I met it with skepticism. Why should audiences invest in a side character whose fate is already sealed in Rogue One?
It turns out, there are plenty of reasons. To my pleasant surprise, Andor quickly became my favorite piece of Star Wars media from the Disney era—this coming from someone who had grown disillusioned with the franchise after the disaster that was The Rise of Skywalker and the fan-service-laden The Mandalorian. Season 1 of Andor stood out: it had a genuine narrative and took the franchise in a mature, refreshing direction. It felt like Star Wars for those who wanted the franchise to grow up. Well-acted and thoughtfully written, it expanded the universe in meaningful ways.
Three years later, season 2 is finally here and it continues where the first left off. After watching the entire second season in advance, I can confidently say that not only does the newest season firmly establish Andor as a standout Star Wars project but also as one of the best-made modern television shows.
THIS IS WHAT THEY DO
Through time jumps and shifting storylines, the show once again focuses on the titular character and the struggles of the Rebel Alliance against the Empire. What sets Andor apart from other Star Wars projects is its morally complex portrayal of rebellion and authoritarianism. We witness rebels who are uncompromising, willing to sacrifice their values for a greater cause, and members of the Empire who, though part of a fascist system, are portrayed as people molded—sometimes trapped—by that very system. This nuanced approach is a refreshing change from the oversimplified “Rebels vs. Empire” dynamic that has long dominated Star Wars media.
The show also enriches the broader Star Wars universe, delving into exotic cultures, unique languages, and a rich political landscape often glossed over in mainstream entries (aside from the now-defunct Legends canon). Despite its alien setting, the issues it tackles—fascism, oppression, and resistance—are timely and resonant. Most impressively, Andor avoids overreliance on nostalgia and fan service. Instead, it trusts its audience, offering fresh characters, narrative-driven twists, and genuine tension that keeps viewers engaged.
One of the show’s greatest strengths is its cast, all of whom are given ample material to shine. Diego Luna fully embodies Andor, convincingly portraying his transformation into the hardened leader we eventually meet in Rogue One. Without a strong lead, this series could have faltered—but Luna delivers.
Stellan Skarsgård and Genevieve O’Reilly are equally compelling as Luthen Rael and Mon Mothma respectively. Luthen’s extreme yet principled stance on rebellion is explored further, particularly in the later episodes, revealing a vulnerable side beneath his stoic exterior. Meanwhile, Mon Mothma continues to evolve as a political force, taking her first decisive steps towards becoming one of the leaders of the Rebel Alliance.
The antagonists also receive substantial depth. Syril Karn and Dedra Meero return to provide a more textured view of the Empire, their motivations both chilling and, at times, sympathetic. Supporting appearances by Rogue One alumni like Saw Gerrera, K-2SO, and Director Krennic add richness to the narrative without feeling gratuitous or pandering to audiences.
A REBELLION IN THE MAKING
That said, Andor is not without its flaws. In its effort to present a mature vision of Star Wars, it sometimes oversteps. Themes of sexual violence and drug use, while rare, can feel jarring and unnecessary—leaning more toward shock value than storytelling necessity. Additionally, the early episodes of Season 2 can drag; some scenes feel like filler and could have been trimmed for better pacing. Thankfully, once the main plot kicks in, the show grips you and doesn’t let go.
Ultimately, the series’ greatest asset is its limited format. By concluding with this second season, Andor avoids the pitfalls of overstaying its welcome. It tells a complete and meaningful story that complements Rogue One and enriches the larger Star Wars canon. Most importantly, it stands as an excellent series in its own right—mature, narratively strong, and a testament to the storytelling potential still left in that galaxy far, far away.
Andor Season 2 is now streaming on Disney+.
Photos courtesy of Disney
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