For decades, Star Wars has been adding to its mythos. One of the most famed franchises featuring a galaxy far, far away has constantly been doing things to try and add to its ever-expanding mythos. Star Wars is a series built upon a few distinct things, but what’s interesting about the newest Disney Plus series, Andor, is that it tries to take Star Wars in a different direction.
There’s a lot to love about Andor. The Star Wars series features a fresh political lens on the Empire’s hold over the galaxy, and with that, it adds much to the beloved Star Wars mythos. Andor features great characters, beautiful cinematography, and intelligent writing, all of which ensure that Andor adds newness to the Star Wars mythos.
6 Prisoners Built The Death Star
There’s still little known about the development of the Death Star. This great weapon for the Empire is one of the most famous parts of Star Wars. It is the ultimate superweapon, capable of destroying entire planets. Andor answers the question of who built the Death Star, and by no means was it through loyal or willing participants.
The Empire had prisoners working tiresome and grueling hours, day after day, to create the panels needed to build the Death Star. Cassian and his cellmates had been building strange devices with no knowledge of their purpose until audiences are let in on the secret for the Andor season finale post-credits scene, which shows the construction of the Death Star.
5 The Empire’s Oppressiveness
The Empire exists in every corner of the galaxy as audiences witness the grueling world of Andor. The oppressiveness of the Empire is everywhere. Through spies, politicians, and the overwhelming numbers and weapons that are around the galaxy. Andor does something interesting with The Empire, as they have never been more oppressive.
The Empire has taken over entire cultures and planets for their gain. The Empire was oppressive enough, but Andor takes it to a fascist degree, in which the Empire has the entire control over the galaxy, and as said by Luthen Rael, “The Empire is choking us so slowly we’re starting not to notice.”
4 Whispers Of Rebellion
By the time audiences get to The Empire Strikes Back, the Rebellion is in full swing. The actions of the Rebel Alliance have been heard throughout the galaxy, and many planets and people decide to help the growing Rebel Alliance against the Empire. However, considering Andor is a few years before A New Hope, the Rebellion is nothing but a rumor, a distaste for the fascist galactic government.
It's very interesting to see the Star Wars mythos delve into the Rebellion, and its origins, how it formed off of a single spark, and the dreams of one politician and her ally. Andor helps to show audiences why the Rebel Alliance stands, and how it burns brighter than the oppression.
3 The Jedi Are Not The Be All And End All
For decades, Star Wars has mainly been dedicated to those with lightsabers, and the ability to use the Force. The original trilogy, prequel trilogy, and even sequel trilogy were all focused on the eternal battle of the Jedi and the Sith. Andor is the first Star Wars show that does not feature the Force, the Jedi, or the Sith. There’s a complete lack of mention or reference to it all.
This helps to further expand the Star Wars mythos, as Andor takes its identity from the politics of Star Wars, rather than the powerful mystical side of it all. By lacking content in Jedi, Andor cements itself as a grounded show in the galaxy far, far away.
2 Curse Words
It may seem odd, or unbelievable, but up until Andor, Star Wars did not have curse words. Such words were left off the table for the franchise, and the series even had its terminology for such words. However, with Andor being a more grounded show in the Star Wars universe, some curse words make their way into the Star Wars mythos.
In Andor’s first three episodes, some characters swear, becoming the first characters in the galaxy far, far away to utter such words. Knowing that this language exists in Star Wars brings about the possibility that Yoda could one day say such a word himself.
1 Different Cultures
Although the many different alien species in Star Wars may be different, what Star Wars has truly been lacking is a unique identity and culture for different planets. Andor does a great job at connecting the galaxy through their ways and cultures. In doing so, Andor further displays the cruelty and oppression of the Empire, as these cultures are lost and ruled over.
It’s great to see different cultures in Andor. Some are inspired by real life, whereas others are made for the Disney Plus Star Wars series. Cassian’s planet has a culture, and he ventures to others that have their own. It’s innately interesting to see how these species and cultures all interact differently, yet react to the Empire the same.
Star Wars: Andor season 1 is available to stream on Disney Plus.