The first season of Andor introduced a different type of story to the Star Wars universe. It dug deep into the politics of the Empire and the rebellion forming around it. All while showing Cassian Andor grow to be someone willing to fight the Empire for more than just himself. Along the way, the ISB agent Dedra Meero grew to be a well respected member of that agency. Syril Karn found new purpose. And Mon Mothma’s troubles started escalating.

Now, as the first episode of season two tells us, it is one year later. Cassian is fully involved in the rebellion. He’s on a mission to steal a new type of TIE Fighter. This is a good way to start things, as he provides a pep talk to the one helping him from the inside. Who has never engaged with rebellion before. Through Cassian’s talk, her nerves somewhat settle. But the talk also shows how much Cassian believes in the cause.

On a planet in the Outer Rim, those of Ferrix who escaped that are close to Cassian are now part of a farming community. Bix, Brasso, Wilmon, and Cassian’s droid B2EMO have all integrated into that community. And they are willing to help keep them hidden from the Empire. Along with trying to help Bix recover from the torture she suffered at the hand of the ISB.

The union of wedlock on Chandrila is occurring, with Mon Mothma’s daughter Leida set to become wife of Davo Sculdun’s son. Not all is a happy party here, and not just because Luthen Rael is around. There’s a very charged atmosphere at this party. A feeling of dread. Though it might look cheery, for Mon it is anything but. So much bad news just waiting to burst out.

As for what the ISB are involved in, Tony Gilroy is straight into dealing with the Ghorman massacre. Starting with a meeting on how to deal with the Ghorman headed by Orson Krennic. Dedra Meero is among those at the meeting, along with Major Partagaz, and both seem all in on this venture. Krennic has an interest in the ideas of Meero, which sets the scene for what is to come.

Just like with the first season, the characters come first. The plot takes its time to develop what it needs to for the events it will unleash. Mon’s struggles in particular are felt very strongly. When it comes to the outcome of that by the end of the third episode, there’s a very real understanding for why she has let loose and let the party atmosphere take hold of her. Vigorously.

Things also don’t go smoothly. That’s something the first season made seem so natural, and is also in play here. It might seem like a plot-related delaying tactic to maximise tension for a final conflict… Well, yes. That’s exactly what it is. But that’s the point. This is a dangerous galaxy, where at any point a small thing not right can bring serious consequence. Cassian. Bix. Mon. They all feel it across these three episodes. That control of any situation is not guaranteed.

Even Syril feels it. Dedra feels it. Though Dedra exerts her control of the situations she finds herself in well enough. Getting another to understand their place in the order of things. It’s a well built part of the episodes that some could consider to be an unnecessary distraction from everything else going on. But as I say, Andor builds its characters well. What happens here is sure to land an impact in later episodes.

And speaking of characters, I do feel for Vel Sartha. She’s around supporting her cousin during all the wedding business. While also worrying about her partner Cinta Kaz. In the last year, it seems Kaz has been all-in supporting Luthen’s rebellion efforts. There’s no words between the two, only a shared gaze across a plaza before Kaz continues her mission. But with all that’s been seen of Vel these three episodes, it tells so much. I’m very much hoping later episodes provide an impactful conclusion to that relationship.

Speaking of later episodes, with how episode three left things, I’m sure the run through the last nine will hold a lot of conflict for all the characters to navigate. Already I’m awaiting next week for what the next three episodes will bring. Andor season two so far has been as great and well built as the first. As such, it is an easy recommendation from me. I’m sure the rest of the season once released will not disappoint.

Images Taken From:
Andor | Official Trailer | Final Season… | Star Wars