Andor, did it arrive too late to save Star Wars TV series from their previous rubbishness? (article)
“Andor” may not have had the same buzz as other Disney+ “Star Wars” series like “The Mandalorian” or “The Book of Boba Fett,” but it’s quickly gaining a devoted following and is being hailed as the best “Star Wars” since “The Last Jedi.”
The series, which was created by Tony Gilroy, feels like it’s made for adults, with complex personalities and emotions. It’s a refreshing change from the cameos and callbacks that have dominated other “Star Wars” properties on Disney+.
One of the key reasons for the success of “Andor” is that it doesn’t rely on franchise connections and fan service to tell its story. Instead, it focuses on the characters and their emotions, and delves into what it really means to lead a rebellion.
This is a departure from other “Star Wars” series on Disney+, which have often been condemned for being overly focused on marketing and fan duty. “The Mandalorian,” for example, was full of cameos and references to other “Star Wars” shows and movies, and the use of CGI Luke Skywalker in the season two finale drew a lot of attention.
“Andor” avoids these pitfalls and instead tells an interesting and emotionally resonant story that feels like it’s for adults. It’s no surprise that it appears on critics’ year-end Top 10 lists and is beloved by fans.
As the “Star Wars” franchise looks to the coming decade, “Andor” furnishes a valuable lesson. It shows it’s possible to create a successful “Star Wars” property that isn’t focused on cameos and fan service, but tells a compelling and emotionally resonant story. With no announced titles for the big screen and only a few projects in the works for TV, “Andor” is a welcome addition to the “Star Wars” universe and provides a glimpse of what the future could hold for our favourite galaxy far, far away.
It’s possible that “Andor” has arrived too late to save Disney+ from the poor reception of earlier “Star Wars” TV shows. While “The Mandalorian” was a huge hit and helped to establish Disney+ as a premier streaming platform, other “Star Wars” series like “The Book of Boba Fett” and “Obi-Wan Kenobi” were criticised for being overly focused on marketing and fan service.
As a result, many fans may have turned off from Disney+ and “Star Wars” in general, leading to lower viewership for “Andor” compared to its predecessors. Despite this, the series has gained a devoted following and is being hailed as the best “Star Wars” since “The Last Jedi,” which could help bring some fans back to Disney+ and the “Star Wars” universe.
However, it remains to be seen whether “Andor” has the legs to overcome the negative reception of earlier “Star Wars” series and serve to revitalise the franchise on Disney+. Only time will tell if it can draw back viewers who may have been turned off by the rather poor quality of prior “Star Wars” TV shows.
