Jackson Andrews, Campus Carrier photographer

I am not a fan of television series. I’ve started countless shows and never finished them, convinced the commitment wasn’t worth the reward, even after hearing about a series’ success. However, my sentiments completely flipped because of one show: “Andor.” 

For those unfamiliar, “Andor” is a two-season series set within the Star Wars universe. I assure you, this show is worth watching, whether you are a dedicated fan of the galaxy far, far away or not. While many Star Wars fans may wince at the thought of another “excellent ‘Star Wars’ show,” given some of the less-than-delightful series of the past few years, Andor singlehandedly changes that stigma. It is that great.  

The series follows the life of Cassian Andor, a roughened stranger on a constant search for his long-lost sister. He becomes entangled with local law enforcement and is forced to ally with a mysterious figure known as “Axis.” After being rescued from danger, Cassian is presented with the choice of aiding in the infiltration and looting of a heavily secured Imperial Garrison. From there, Cassian is thrown in and out of conflict, ending up as a prisoner, pilot, double-crosser, Rebel operative and hitman across two seasons. 

What makes Andor so special is that it highlights the dirty, desperate beginnings of a Rebellion tasked with challenging the oppressive Galactic Empire. It uses mature, high-stakes themes such as sacrifice, sabotage, massacre and genocide to envelop the viewer inside a galaxy shaken by tyrannical control. As the saying goes, art imitates life, and Andor very much mirrors the growing fear and uncertainty of an over reaching power using its control to oppress the people — a real-world situation that has happened time and time again. 

While any viewer might associate this fictional revolution with the American Revolution, that connection is too simplistic. The original Star Wars trilogy was a critique of the Vietnam War and the American politics of the time. The prequel trilogy highlighted bureaucratic corruption and deception. This crucial challenge to real-world politics was an aspect lost to the franchise for too long, which became simply a spectacle of “bright and flashy lightsabers.” Andor has revitalized the drama and seriousness of the Star Wars universe more than perfectly by making no use of any Jedi or Force-power tropes. The removal of spectacle and fan service led to the series being dismissed by some as boring or devoid of “Star Wars-level action.” However, anyone who writes off Andor simply because there is no waving of oversized glowsticks or no use of Force abilities is, frankly, childish. 

I love Star Wars, but its place in my heart isn’t just about epic lightsaber fighting. It is about the franchise’s ability to create hard-to-swallow pills demonstrating that those who claim to excel above others have their faults and misjudgments. It is called Star “Wars,” and for it not to challenge everything about politics would be a huge mistake. “Andor” restores this necessary seriousness to the saga.