Star Wars original trilogy. More than any other franchise, Star Wars is unique in how it constantly backtracks to reveal more about a character's backstory or the history behind major events. When done right, a Star Wars prequel can add new context to the original story that makes it more enjoyable.
The darker tone and long-form approach to Andor's two seasons allowed the show to explore this era of the Star Wars timeline in greater depth. We know more about both sides of the Galactic Civil War, the beginnings of iconic storylines, and how some of the most crucial Star Wars characters became who they were. 10 key aspects of the original Star Wars trilogy carry new weight thanks to the brilliant storytelling of Andor.
10 The Empire Is Far More Terrifying
Andor shows how the Empire made everyday people suffer
While the Empire has always been an imposing threat, the fun tone of some Star Wars projects can make Imperials come across as silly or over the top in their villainy. Andor, meanwhile, makes the Empire truly terrifying by having it feel realistic, showing the details of how they operate and how efficient they are in their objectives. The show conveys how the Empire makes normal people suffer and how it spreads tyranny to every aspect of daily life.
9 The Birth Of The Rebellion Makes So Much More Sense Now
A messy and complicated beginning
Another faction that feels more authentic after Andor is the Rebel Alliance, which gets off to a very messy start. The series isn't afraid to tackle the reality of starting a rebellion, from ridiculous infighting between groups to individuals willing to do horrible things in the name of the cause. This approach allows for a natural progression of events that makes the Rebellion's eventual formation feel earned.
8 We Know How The Rebels First Found Yavin
A place of rebel infighting that became the headquarters of the Rebellion
One of the most surprising reveals in Andor season 2's first arc was the way Yavin 4 became the rebel base. It was a meeting place for different rebel groups, which went very badly when Cassian was captured and nearly killed by rebels who had become trapped. Seeing such brutal infighting between those who should be allies is a fascinating way to introduce the future headquarters of the Rebel Alliance.
7 We're Getting A Sense Of Just How Evil Tarkin Really Is
He committed a massacre long before Alderaan
Grand Moff Tarkin never actually appears in Andor, yet the show did an impressive job of making him more evil than he already was. A bellhop on Ghorman tells Cassian that Tarkin murdered over 500 peaceful protesters by crushing them with his shuttle, all because they refused to move from where he wanted to land. This blatant, unnecessary cruelty implies that the other movies and shows only scratched the surface of how sadistic Tarkin was.
6 Alderaan Wasn't The First World Destroyed By The Death Star Project
Ghorman was sacrificed so it could be built
Andor season 2 made the Death Star even more terrifying by showing how many people suffered before it fired a single shot. To mine a mineral necessary to complete the weapon, the Empire slowly turned the galaxy against the Ghormans and arranged the Ghorman massacre that justified them taking over the planet. The Death Star may have destroyed a planet, but its very creation spread pain and misery.
5 The Rebellion Was Born In The Senate
Mon Mothma's speech was the true beginning of the alliance
Despite how corrupt and ineffective the Imperial Senate had become, Andor ironically shows that the Rebellion began in the Senate chamber. Before she rallied the various rebel factions into a single alliance, Mon Mothma gave a bold speech that proclaimed Emperor Palpatine a monster and a tyrant. Although most senators called her a traitor, it's clear that Bail Organa and a few others were moved and ed her cause.
4 Mon Mothma Has Become One Of The Best Star Wars Characters
Not bad for someone who had one scene in the original trilogy
Andor is easily the best Mon Mothma story we have ever gotten in Star Wars. She's always been a great character who played an important role, but she was always a ing character in other people's stories, only having one notable scene in the original trilogy. Andor finally makes her a main character and dives into her personal life, showing what truly motivates Mon Mothma and how much she eventually sacrificed to lead the Rebel Alliance.
3 Bail Chose To "Go Down Swinging"
A line that hits hard knowing what happens to him
Andor's creative team decided to add one last layer of tragedy to Bail Organa's death in A New Hope. He was initially skeptical of Luthen Rael's intelligence and cautious about letting Cassian go on another mission, but he decided to "go down swinging" in his fight against the Empire. This decision ensured his world would be the first destroyed by the Death Star, but it also led to the Rebellion's ultimate victory.
2 We Now Know How Much It Cost Just To Get The Death Star Plans
More people sacrificed themselves than we thought
We thought Rogue One had already shown every sacrifice that led to the Death Star's destruction, but Andor's final episodes added even more. Luthen's informant, Lonni Jung, discovered the information and ed it to Luthen, who then killed him so he wouldn't be captured. Luthen took his own life when the Empire found him, Kleya barely made it off Coruscant, Cassian had to fight to make the council listen, and even Dedra went to prison for her failure.
1 The Award Ceremony In A New Hope Is Bittersweet Now
So many rebels died to create this happy ending
The award ceremony in A New Hope is one of my favorite scenes in Star Wars, a perfect happy ending to a wonderful film. However, it also feels a bit sad after Andor, seeing just how many characters suffered and died to give Luke Skywalker his chance to destroy the Death Star. Luke and Han absolutely deserve credit for their actions, but Andor reveals how many other rebels deserved to be on that stage getting a medal.
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