Andor (2022)

What is Andor About?

The epoch to which Cassian Andor belongs is full of deception. In this world, danger lurks at every turn as the threat of the Empire is ever present. Andor belongs to the Rebel faction and, over time, thinks he is ready to face the danger and threats the galaxy needs to overcome.

As he embarks on a path that will be tougher than ever, can he make a difference in the galaxy and lead their rebellion as a thief-turned-rebel spy? Watch the Andor TV series to find out.

Our Honest Andor Review

The thing that makes the Andor TV series stand out? We praise it highly for its mature storytelling and the complex characters it features. It’s not the same as the other Star Wars-themed TV shows, and though it deeply explores that universe, it digs deeper into the ordinary lives of those struggling to counter the Empire.

What really makes the Andor TV series unique is its realism and the way it deviates from relying on digital set backgrounds. The locations seem tangible, as if they have existed and been lived in, and there’s an authenticity to the show that not many sci-fi television series have captured so well. Its political motifs and authenticity remind us of The Expanse as the factions such as the Belters are similar to the Rebel faction in Andor.  

What Do the Critics Think of Andor?

The Andor TV show is a thriller and adventure like no other. Here’s what the critics have to say about it

• “Gilroy hasn’t just created another Star Wars production. While it pays respect to the franchise in so many ways, this show is a new experience that can be enjoyed by everyone.” - Adnan M.

• “Andor is an incredibly well-written, character-driven show that digs deep into the difficult moral dilemmas the people on the ground faced during the earlier years of the Rebellion. There are no deus-ex-machinas or surprise appearances from Jedi to save the day here: the well-drawn characters solely need to rely on their wits to get through a palpably dangerous, believably lived-in world.” - Garry Galon

• “Andor does away with the childlike elements of Star Wars, focusing on a more mature story dealing with strained romantic relationships, economic disparity, and tribalism.” - Mike Crowley

What Awards and Nominations did Andor Receive?

Andor has justly ranked highest on the top 10 “Best of 2022” lists for TV series across multiple publications, including Empire, USA Today, Vulture, and others.

Its critical acclaim is seen in the awards it has won and been nominated for, including:

• The Saturn Awards 2025 “Best Television Home Media Release”, which Andor won.
  
  
• The Saturn Awards 2025 “Best Science Fiction Television Series”, which Andor was nominated for.
  
  
• The Imagen Foundation Awards 2025 - Director Alonso Ruizpalacios came away with the “Best Director.

Stream the Star Wars Andor series in Australia today to find out why it deserves these accolades.

Cast & Crew of Andor

Rami Malek, Laurence Fishburne, and James Hawes are each uniquely talented. Here’s more about them.

Fun Facts About Andor

• Deviating from the filming approach used in The Mandalorian (2019) and The Book of Boba Fett (2021), Andor’s creator and crew did not use StageCraft technology to create virtual landscapes in the Andor episodes.

• The cast and crew of the Star Wars Andor series needed to take long walks to reach the set for location filming. Luna stated that they had to walk up a mountain for several hours to get just one shot in Pitlochry, Scotland.

• Denise Gough completed research into female psychopath behaviours to prepare for her role as Dedra Meero.

• The set that the crew built to become Cassian’s Ferrix-based hometown was huge, and Adria Arjona (who plays the role of Bix Caleen) got lost in it.

• Andor was the first show ever to have five episodes in a row receive a 9.5 rating on IMDb, from the episode Who Are You (2025).

Themes of Andor

Sacrifice in the face of authority is one of the most prevalent themes of Andor, which is seen in the actions of Luthen Rael as he loses his empathy and is even willing to give up allies for the sake of his cause.

But sacrifice meets empathy in various ways, which we see clearly through the eponymous Cassian Andor. In scenes where he pushes back against Luthen’s approaches, the leader of the rebellion begins to feel the guilt, almost, as a reaction to his shady actions in his pursuit to fight back against the Empire. Stream Andor to discover more about these captivating themes.

How Does Andor Compare to Toby Haynes’ Other Work?

Director Toby Haynes isn’t the only talented director or crew member to make Andor so successful, but his directing skills are a crucial part of the success of many Andor episodes. His work is just like Black Mirror (2017) - especially the USS Callster episode (season four, episode one) which has several scenes of oppressed individuals escaping confining situations.

A sense of dystopian drama and rebellion seen in Andor is what we also get in Haynes’ Doctor Who series. Andor and The Doctor both support ordinary people in their fight against injustice. In the filming process, there are parallels to note. The practical effects of Doctor Who are similar to the real-world locations and lived-in feel of Andor’s scenes.

Iconic Scenes from Andor

Behind-the-Scenes Trivia

Once we had watched Andor through streaming platforms, we discovered a few interesting behind-the-scenes trivia points about the series:

• To sell Anton Lesser on the filming project of the Star Wars Andor series, Tony Gilroy played down the Star Wars motifs. He told Lesser not to envision Star Wars, but to instead “think John le Carré”.

• Actors and actresses have their unique ways of getting into the “mood” of their characters. Elizabeth Dulau’s method involved listening to custom Spotify playlists that matched her character, Kleya.

• Diego Luna considers that Tony Gilroy brought clarity and boldness to the Andor series. He thinks the creator brought a sense of something different and told a story that hadn’t been told in Star Wars by focusing on the anonymous people involved in a rebellion.

What’s the Soundtrack Like for Andor?

The score for Andor, composed by Nicholas Britell, features tracks such as the main instrumental melody in which stringed instruments, cymbals, drums, soft and harsh sounds can be heard, setting the scene for an epic, thrilling journey.

It also features the slightly faster-paced “Pilgrim” soundtrack, in which the melody also reflects a rapid journey and each group of notes foretells the danger and hardships to come.

Best Quotes from Andor

• "Joy will not announce its arrival…" - Perrin Fertha offering thoughtful advice after Leida, his daughter, gets married.

• “This is on you now. This is like skin. You're taking her with you wherever you go for the rest of your useless life.” - Vel Sartha confronting a rookie rebel after they disobey orders and end up killing Cinta Kaz.

• “The Empire is a disease that thrives in darkness, it is never more alive than when we sleep.” - Maarva telling the community that the residents of Ferrix need to fight back against the empire.

• “One single thing will break the siege. Remember this. Try.” - Karis Nemik leaving a manifesto for Cassian, explaining that the fall of the Empire is inevitable - they just need to try.

• “That.. That's it? Necessary?” - Charlie Heller responding to the explanation why his wife had to die.

• “The death of truth is the ultimate victory of evil. When truth leaves us, when we let it slip away, when it is ripped from our hands, we become vulnerable to the appetite of whatever monster screams the loudest.” Mon Mothma explaining how terrible the Empire is and deciding to speak out despite the potential consequences.

• “I burn my life to make a sunrise that I know I'll never see.” Luthen explaining to his undercover operative that he makes sacrifices, including risking his own life.

• “You might as well wear a sign that says, ‘I promise to disappoint you.’” Eedy Karn, an impartial individual who almost appears to have no stake in either side, reflecting on her son Syril’s life choices.

• “Wait, I’m just a tourist!” - Andor, after being arrested on Niamos and with limited options, shouting to defend himself.

• “Can one ever be too aggressive in preserving order?” - Syril Karn explaining what motivates him and alluding to his plans.
  
• “Fight the Empire!” - Maarva Andor inspiring revolution in her final act.

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