Andor has always taken a different path from traditional Star Wars—there are no lightsabers, it thrives in the shadows, and its pacing can feel deliberately slow. Yet thanks to a stellar cast, sharp writing, and top-tier production design, the series consistently builds momentum, often culminating in explosive moments that catch viewers off guard. Season two leans even harder into this approach. If the first season didn’t grab you, this one probably won’t change your mind—it’s even more nuanced, and occasionally offbeat. Still, Andor season two stands out as a brilliant example of how to thoughtfully evolve a major franchise for mature audiences.
Credit: Disney+
Episode 1: “One Year Later”
Serving mainly as a reintroduction, the episode “One Year Later” eases viewers back into the world of Andor, reestablishing the key players and their current dilemmas. Cassian is beginning to emerge as a more confident leader, offering reassurance to a nervous Imperial technician who aided him in stealing a TIE prototype. Meanwhile, Bix and the Ferrix refugees are lying low on a rural farming planet, trying to stay hidden but knowing they can’t relax for long. On the Empire’s side, Deedra and the ISB now find themselves under the tightening grip of returning figure Director Krennic. As for Mon Mothma, she’s caught in a balancing act—juggling a politically charged wedding with the treacherous games being played by her so-called allies.
One of the standout elements this season is the sheer excellence of the costume, set design, and visual effects teams. The scenes set on Chandrila are particularly stunning—its lavish palaces and regal guests are both exotic and grounded, creating a rich visual experience. The TIE prototype’s special effects are also seamlessly integrated with the real, practical model used during filming, enhancing the sense of realism. Additionally, the cinematography and performances are top-tier, particularly during a lengthy, uninterrupted tracking shot where Luthen Rael enters the Chandrila complex, showcasing both technical skill and dramatic impact.
This season also introduces an unexpected new layer: humor. When Cassian tries to hand off the stolen ship, he runs into a band of chaotic marauders who can’t stop squabbling among themselves. There’s a noticeable shift in tone, especially since the show has typically taken a more serious and grounded approach. Hearing one of them complain, “Everything with you is negative!” feels a bit jarring at first, but it ultimately injects some much-needed lightness before the story dives back into its heavier themes
Credit: Disney+
Episode 2: “Sagrona Teema”
Fortunately, Disney and Lucasfilm have refined their release strategy this time around, providing fans with more to explore with each new drop. Based on this episode, the show will follow a consistent structure week to week. Each trio of episodes is divided into a beginning, middle, and end, gradually building suspense as the story progresses. This was an ideal way to ramp up the suspense. As the Empire increases its control over the outer systems, Bix, Brasso, and Wil find themselves in tense run-ins with Imperial officers snooping around the silos. One scene in particular—reminiscent of something out of a Quentin Tarantino film—features an officer pressing Bix with unsettling questions and inappropriate advances. The tension is palpable, leaving the audience on edge, as they hope Bix can keep her cool until the officer backs off without anything spiraling out of control.
And yet, in another burst of unexpected silliness, Cassian’s captors settle a leadership dispute by playing this galaxy’s version of “rock-paper-scissors.” This storyline concludes with the surprise revelation that the planet they’re on is Yavin 4. It feels like one of those moments that could go either way — personally, I’d have passed on it. While the Yavin reveal might be exciting for longtime fans, it doesn’t seem to tie meaningfully into Cassian’s personal development or the larger themes at play. Sure, not every scene has to be heavy and intense, and a little levity is fine, but this bit felt more like a distraction than a meaningful addition.
Credit: Disney+
Episode 3: “Harvest”
As Cassian works his way back to Bix, Syril continues to struggle with his overbearing mother, and Mon Mothma tries to prevent her family from falling deeper into political and personal chaos; the story intensifies. Out of all the intersecting plotlines, Mon’s stands out as the most unexpectedly compelling. A standout moment occurs in a tense conversation between Mon and Luthen about Tay, who is threatening to expose Mon’s activities. It’s a stellar exchange — a sharp, layered piece of dialogue that shows just how effective restrained, nuanced writing can be.
The most jaw-dropping moment, though, is what happens to Bix. It’s hard to believe that Star Wars would ever push boundaries like that and reference something so dark and disturbing. But it underscores what Andor is all about — a show that doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of oppression, even when it’s uncomfortable to watch. It’s not something anyone enjoys seeing, but it serves a purpose. This series dares to reflect the ugly truths of how innocent, everyday people can suffer under brutal regimes. Sometimes, storytelling means confronting those hard truths head-on. At the end of the episode, Cassian escapes with Bix and Wil, but Brasso doesn’t make it — he’s caught and killed in the chaos. Tay’s fate is left vague, though the implication is clear.
Tony Gilroy continues to prove why he’s held in such high regard at Lucasfilm; his writing is sharp, layered, and full of emotional tension. Still, there is a lingering question about how all these threads will fit into the broader picture. The time spent on the wedding subplot, Yavin 4, and the more offbeat scenes may feel like detours for now, though they could potentially pay off later in the story.
Even with those quibbles, Andor continues to be a masterclass in restrained storytelling. With top-tier writing, acting, visuals, and production design, it’s a Star Wars series built on the belief that subtlety and craftsmanship can carry just as much weight as lightsabers and space battles.
‘Andor’ Season 2 Eps 1-3 Review: A Masterclass in Mature Star Wars
Andor continues to be a masterclass in restrained storytelling. With top-tier writing, acting, visuals, and production design, it’s a Star Wars series built on the belief that subtlety and craftsmanship can carry just as much weight as lightsabers and space battles.
