I’m quite a bit older than you, David, but my Star Wars experience closely tracks your own. The downward slide in the quality of the franchise, especially with the regrettable Boba Fett and Kenobi send-ups had left me completely indifferent to SW by the time Andor showed up. I saw a slick behind the scenes doc with the new studio surrounding screen they use to seamlessly create backing virtual worlds and I shuddered. Andor refreshingly dispensed with a lot of that. The worlds they built for Andor were real, hardscrabble, desaturated and downbeat. The story dispensed with the magical Jedi and a “force healer” is introduced only in episode 9 - as a quack, in Cassians view..
Thanks for this. I guess now I have to subscribe to Disney+ to watch the series. Note: I am old enough to have attended the 1977 premiere of the original Star Wars at Loews Astor Plaza in Times Square, and somewhere I still have the program they handed out (no photos, just the cast and tech lists). Also, your comment on fascism in the series is fascinating, particularly given Gilroy’s influence. Have you seen his Michael Clayton? Similar themes undergird that excellent film.
I have not seen Michael Clayton, but I think I ought to! Andor, I would say, is a must watch. For those who are burnt out by Star Wars, it'll fix that. For those who hold the originals in high regard and are keen for a thoughtful expansion of the universe, it's good for that as well.
Agree with your assessment. One thing bugs me: the imperial clerical error. Far as I can see, the system as described doesn’t need that error to be totally unworkable. So, without the error, prisoners are sent to new prisons instead of being released at the end of their sentence. But prisoners are able to talk to one another, as we see. And these “recycled” prisoners are surely going to mention the rather salient fact that no one is ever getting out, no? How is the upshot any different, with or without the “error”? Not trying to be an asshole here, and the show is still excellent despite this one plot hole, but I’d sure like it if someone could explain to me why it actually makes sense…
I see what you’re saying. Either it’s a mistake on the writer’s part, or (the generous interpretation) perhaps the prisoners being sent to another prison was a new concept the Empire just decided on, and immediately they screwed it up by sending someone back to the same prison.
I’m quite a bit older than you, David, but my Star Wars experience closely tracks your own. The downward slide in the quality of the franchise, especially with the regrettable Boba Fett and Kenobi send-ups had left me completely indifferent to SW by the time Andor showed up. I saw a slick behind the scenes doc with the new studio surrounding screen they use to seamlessly create backing virtual worlds and I shuddered. Andor refreshingly dispensed with a lot of that. The worlds they built for Andor were real, hardscrabble, desaturated and downbeat. The story dispensed with the magical Jedi and a “force healer” is introduced only in episode 9 - as a quack, in Cassians view..
Such a great episodic in so many ways.
I was ready to be annoyed at the inclusion of the force healer, but it was such a quick scene it wasn't egregious.
Good stuff, brother!
Thanks Ian!
Thanks for this. I guess now I have to subscribe to Disney+ to watch the series. Note: I am old enough to have attended the 1977 premiere of the original Star Wars at Loews Astor Plaza in Times Square, and somewhere I still have the program they handed out (no photos, just the cast and tech lists). Also, your comment on fascism in the series is fascinating, particularly given Gilroy’s influence. Have you seen his Michael Clayton? Similar themes undergird that excellent film.
I have not seen Michael Clayton, but I think I ought to! Andor, I would say, is a must watch. For those who are burnt out by Star Wars, it'll fix that. For those who hold the originals in high regard and are keen for a thoughtful expansion of the universe, it's good for that as well.
Andor is awesome...Ahsoka felt a bit flat...you're right...I couldn't help but always notice her resting b*tchface 💀
Agree with your assessment. One thing bugs me: the imperial clerical error. Far as I can see, the system as described doesn’t need that error to be totally unworkable. So, without the error, prisoners are sent to new prisons instead of being released at the end of their sentence. But prisoners are able to talk to one another, as we see. And these “recycled” prisoners are surely going to mention the rather salient fact that no one is ever getting out, no? How is the upshot any different, with or without the “error”? Not trying to be an asshole here, and the show is still excellent despite this one plot hole, but I’d sure like it if someone could explain to me why it actually makes sense…
I see what you’re saying. Either it’s a mistake on the writer’s part, or (the generous interpretation) perhaps the prisoners being sent to another prison was a new concept the Empire just decided on, and immediately they screwed it up by sending someone back to the same prison.
https://substack.com/@michaeljdavis1/note/c-114813243?r=19b2o&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action
This ain't no Star Wor
What Disney did to stars wars is criminal
We must pry Star Wars from their rat hands.
Andor is technically Disney Star Wars. So even a broken clock is right twice a day.
I will
Thank you 😊
I suppose so
But at the end of the day
It’s still a broken clock
We can look at the sequels to see what I mean
Sure the prequels weren’t masterpieces let alone good, but they had a story to tell, unlike episodes 7-9.
Alright, but you gotta get over it.