Star Wars Series ‘Andor’ makes me want to fight for the rebels

Originally published in The Miami Student Newspaper

Do you know the fabulous ruffian rebel fighter from “Rogue One,” the movie that brought me to tears?

Well, the newest addition to the Star Wars franchise is about him. Whoever made that executive decision gets all the credit in my book.

“Andor” follows Cassian Andor (the hint is in the name) through his fight against the empire. For anyone that remembers his character in the movie, he was reluctant to become a rebel fighter. This show reveals why he detests the empire.

Star Wars needs to continue making series that are character-focused. And “Andor” perfectly explores why.

People who aren’t Star Wars fans can easily jump into any number of these new series without understanding all the backstories from the original movies. They can also see character progression before witnessing them in the movies.

Fans of “Rogue One” knew nothing of Cassian’s backstory, let alone how he started to fight with the rebels. I loved him even more once I learned the deep hatred he developed for the empire as a young kid.

But you know who gets the most enjoyment out of a series like “Andor” and “The Mandalorian”? It’s fans like me that are way too invested in the franchise to stop watching new content.

Granted, I love being a huge Star Wars fan, but it helps to know that Disney wants to create versatile shows for all kinds of fans.

The writers also went in-depth on the political climate after Palpatine conquered most of the galaxy. I never cared about this side of the story when I was a kid, but now, I love understanding the political moves made to keep the empire in power.

The best example of this is when Cassian is imprisoned in occupied empire territory and has to find his way out if he wants to live. Without spoiling too much, he discovers how the empire keeps continuous labor in their prisons, revealing the evil seeping through all of their actions.

I was upset that the prison section of the show felt like a side plot instead of something larger, but I understand why that can’t be the whole show: If Disney wants to create shows for a larger audience, they have to keep the plot moving rather than letting it go stagnant.

Whenever a show makes me feel powerful and motivated at the end of it, I know it has to be good. The rebels gain momentum and fire once one of their own is killed. But the deceased isn’t silenced, a hologram of their last words is arguably the best scene in the show.

One of the final scenes of “Andor” made me feel like an honorary rebel, reminding me for the thousandth time why I love Star Wars so much.

If you’re a Star Wars fan, this show is required. If not, you’re missing out.

Rating: 9/10