I know — I’m late to this party but if you have the traditional Star Wars background and you suddenly gain full access to Andor… just do it! It’s likely in the top ten of all televisions series by itself, but when you top it off with Rogue One… it’s sublime. True art in its finest manifestation! The pairing is simply breathtaking.
I saw Rogue One in the theaters and clocked it as the finest of all the Star Wars movies — and to rewatch it after Andor and ten years… just one of the finest media viewing experiences of my life.
And Rogue One experts: is the director of Rogue One directly referencing Blue Velvet’s Frank when Sol Guerrero hits his gas?? How did I not notice this the first time. It’s amazing — and like Frank, the gas makes him crazy. It’s too close not to be intentional. Anyway… forgive me — I’m having a media high. Just want to share that! Go… do this… and may the force be with you.
Do you remember when Luthen murders his long time informant in one of the last episodes?
I’m sure you know he does this because the Empire has the Truth Headphones. He literally had to do it because he knew he could not get this guy and his family to safety.
At the opening of Rogue One, Andor has to make the same decision to protect the rebellion. All of Andor’s personality aligns between the two efforts.
Please tell me what you see as so much different about him?
Well, one that stood out, is when they’re captured and he says he’s never been in prison. I haven’t seen it in a while, so I can’t really give details. It’s not that he’s totally different, but it also doesn’t advance his character really. Everything he “learns” in Rogue One, he already learned in Andor. It is unnecessary for his character.
Star Wars has this way of being intensely personal for each person who sees it. It’s one of the only intergenerational transmissions of culture that we have preserved. So, your take on it is your take, and I respect that.
I literally remember thinking when he said he’s never been to jail that he was being sarcastic — tossing himself the inside joke. It made the whole thing even richer for me.