Andor’s Dark Twist: The Star Wars TV Show Lucas Always Wanted

heads-up: The following discussion may reveal spoilers for Andor season 2, episodes 1-3. The debut of Andor season 2 has shown that it’s unlike any other Star Wars production, aligning with a vision that George Lucas likely envisioned. Political critique in Andor isn’t novel; season 1 delved into various issues such as a corrupt prison system and the covert manipulations of a totalitarian regime. In the opening episodes of season 2, this political commentary takes a more ominous, yet crucial, direction.

This commentary gains depth by zeroing in on the common folk dwelling across the galaxy, significantly diverging from characters like the Jedi, the Sith and their ilk. Although this isn’t entirely novel for the Star Wars universe, given The Mandalorian’s season 1 narrative – with Grogu exhibiting Force abilities being an exception – it represents a unique perspective compared to any other Star Wars film or series previously produced. Here, the message itself forms the core of the story, rather than merely being a subplot.

Although this project may seem unique compared to other Star Wars endeavors, it doesn’t stray too far from the essence of the franchise. In truth, it excellently embodies George Lucas’ vision for Star Wars. Many perceive Lucas’ Star Wars as a genre that offers family-friendly heroic narratives concluding in victorious endings, as Lucas himself emphasized that his prequel trilogy was primarily aimed at a younger audience. Nevertheless, the core of the franchise has always aligned with the narrative presented in Andor.

Andor Understands That Star Wars Has Always Been Political

The TV Show Just Takes Things Further Than Mere Messaging

Andor stands apart from other Star Wars ventures due to its recognition that the franchise has always had political undertones. George Lucas never shied away from acknowledging that both the original and prequel trilogies were inspired by real-world conflicts – the Vietnam War and Iraq War, respectively. In fact, one of Lucas’ primary objectives with the prequel series was to delve deeper into the politics of the galaxy at large, a topic he deemed crucial even in the face of criticism.

Eventually, he was proven correct, and the remarkable achievement of Andor underscores this fact. It’s worth noting that Andor has built upon what George Lucas initially established, delving deeply into the political narrative that has always been an integral part of the Star Wars universe. Given that “Wars” is literally in the franchise’s title, it’s impossible to avoid a strong focus on politics when telling a story about the origins of the Rebel Alliance, particularly with such a detailed exploration of its early stages.

If Lucas didn’t hesitate to delve into politics with his prequel trilogy, there was no need for Andor to shy away from it either, luckily they didn’t. The deep dive that Andor season 2 has taken already shows this was the correct choice. It might be challenging at times, but it’s essential viewing because Andor isn’t merely drawing from our current world.

Andor Isn’t Just Contemporary… It’s A Meditation On History

There Are Specific Historical References In Season 2

In the debut of season 2 for the series ‘Andor’, there are numerous instances that echo historical events, particularly those involving regimes exerting power over specific groups, nations, and so forth. For instance, in episode 3, Dedra Meero discusses her challenging upbringing in a place called the “kinder block,” which is clearly reminiscent of the ‘kindertransport’ during World War II in Nazi Germany.

As I watch Andor season 2 unfold, the harrowing scene where Bix Caleen resists an attempted rape by an Imperial officer strikes a chord with me – it feels eerily reminiscent of the darker chapters of history, such as Vietnam. It serves as a stark reminder of how power can be twisted and misused under the oppressive grip of fascism, becoming a horrifying demonstration of its ugly reality. The creators aren’t shying away from revealing the grim truth, offering their audience an unflinching, authentic portrayal of what fascism truly entails, especially in its most repugnant moments.

The contrast between Dedra’s seemingly ordinary event (dinner with her partner’s mother) and Bix’s harrowing struggle against an Imperial officer underscores this point even more dramatically. While a representative of the fascist regime, working for their cause, views the former as a challenging task, an innocent woman, who has been unfairly incarcerated and tormented by the same regime, is struggling desperately to avoid being violated by an Imperial officer. This significant disparity between them, which is deliberately shocking, is not uncommon in actual historical events.

Andor Strips Away All The Star Wars To Get To The Core Of Lucas

This Is What Star WARS Is All About

In my perspective, Andor and Lucas’ Star Wars differ significantly, with the former placing greater emphasis on the conflicts, or “wars,” rather than the cosmic wonders, or “stars.” This approach lends an authentic, relatable feel to the Star Wars galaxy, making it more akin to our own world. By portraying the Galactic Empire’s actions as unjust over time and highlighting why rebellion was not merely a choice but a necessity, Andor effectively immerses its audience in its narrative, fostering a deeper understanding of its characters and their struggles.

Beneath the futuristic and magical aspects that George Lucas added to make Star Wars iconic, there are indications of this underlying theme. The prequel trilogy and even the animated series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, serve as the most convincing demonstrations of this. Lucas demonstrated, through his own experience, how a totalitarian regime could not only gain acceptance without challenge, but also with widespread approval, although he concealed it using the Jedi, clone troopers, and numerous battle droids.

Andor has elected to present itself in a style that audiences can easily relate to, as it mirrors their daily experiences. Given that the series delves deeply into the terrors of fascism endured by ordinary people, this approach is crucial. It’s simpler to pass judgment on fascism when considering broader issues; it becomes unsettling to envision ourselves in the roles of characters like Bix, who could find themselves targeted for unjust mistreatment at any instant.

In just three episodes, the second season of Andor has definitely stepped up its game in a way that George Lucas would appreciate. While it may not have all the classic elements that define Star Wars, given the quality of this story, that’s perfectly fine – if anything, it’s the best approach to take.

Andor functions as a warning bell, pointing towards the emergence of fascism, encouraging its viewers to recognize when action is needed. Unlike any other franchise production before it, Andor follows a unique path, yet it remains true to the original intentions of what George Lucas envisioned for Star Wars.

Andor season 2 releases new episodes Tuesdays at 9 PM ET on Disney+.

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2025-04-26 16:08