'Andor' Season 2 Review: A Slow Burn That Ends with a Bang
- Details
- Category: New Series and Movie Reviews
- Published: Monday, 21 April 2025 13:53
- Written by Lupe R Haas
If you found Andor Season 1 methodically paced, prepare for an even slower crawl in Season 2. Structured in four chapters of three episodes each, the first half moves at a frustratingly deliberate pace, focusing on new political entanglements rather than jumping straight into action. But stick with it—the payoff in the final episodes is worth the wait, culminating in a finale that begs for a rewatch of ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY.
Season 2 picks up a year after the Ferrix uprising, with Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) in hiding and the Rebellion growing in complexity and scope. Each three-episode arc represents a year-long time jump, portraying Cassian’s evolution from cynical bystander to committed rebel operative. However, the frequent jumps—sometimes abrupt—can be disorienting. Storylines are left unresolved for episodes at a time, which may test viewers' patience.
This isn’t an action-packed ride from the start. Instead, creator Tony Gilroy leans deeper into political intrigue, alliances, and betrayals—elements that lay the groundwork for Rogue One and even A New Hope. Lucasfilm’s rare move to provide the full 12-episode season in advance signals an understanding that the full story needs time to breathe.
Cassian himself takes more of a backseat this season, giving space for supporting characters to shine. Elizabeth Dulau’s Kleya Marki emerges as a breakout star, commanding attention with her growing role in the Rebellion and a heartbreaking decision in the final arc. Denise Gough’s Dedra Meero and Kyle Soller’s Syril Karn take center stage, both descending into obsession as they chase shadows in a fractured Empire.
Adria Arjona’s Bix returns with a gut-wrenching performance as a character haunted by Imperial torture. At the same time, Alan Tudyk finally reprises his role as K-2SO in thrilling sequences that fans have been eagerly awaiting. Stellan Skarsgard continues to bring the gravitas as the morally ambiguous Luthen Rael, while Genevieve O'Reilly's Mon Mothma character steals the spotlight as well.
ROGUE ONE alumni also make an impact. Ben Mendelsohn’s Orson Krennic returns and brings the menace, while Forest Whitaker’s Saw Gerrera pops in for a few appearances—though his arc may underwhelm longtime Clone Wars fans hoping for more depth.
While not built for casual viewers, Andor Season 2 rewards longtime Star Wars fans with a slow but deliberate story that deepens the lore and adds emotional weight to the saga. Gilroy avoids cheap fan service, opting instead for smart, grounded storytelling and morally complex characters.
Final Verdict
Andor Season 2 is a masterclass in political drama within the Star Wars universe. Though slow at times, it's ultimately a satisfying, emotionally resonant journey. The Rebellion wasn’t built in a day—and Andor makes every moment of that struggle feel earned.
The first chapter of Season 2 will premiere April 22, with subsequent chapters debuting each Tuesday on Disney+.