Star Wars: Andor Season 2 Review - Episodes 10 to 12

      Chris Connor reviews the last three episodes of Star Wars: Andor season 2…

      The penultimate arc of Andor effectively resolved many plot threads from both seasons, with the Ghorman massacre revealing the Empire's true motives on the planet and the devastation they caused. The intense action and horror of that episode were beautifully juxtaposed with Mon Mothma’s resolve in the senate as she took a stand against The Emperor and firmly committed to the Rebel Alliance. Following two highly praised seasons, everything now leads to the concluding arc that will connect directly to the events of Rogue One.

      This final arc represents yet another remarkable accomplishment in what has quickly become one of the most cherished pieces of Star Wars content across any medium. Credit is due to Tony Gilroy and his writing and directing team, as well as the cast and crew. We see plot threads wrapped up and storylines intersecting in ways that will thrill fans.

      Amidst the praise for the established cast, it’s important to acknowledge the contribution of Elizabeth Dulau in this final arc, a newcomer who stands her ground alongside Stellan Skarsgård. Her character, Kleya, has played a crucial role this season and appears set for a promising future. Diego Luna continues to excel in the lead role, and the show adds new depth to his eventual sacrifice in Rogue One. The entire ensemble has contributed to making this such a standout series.

      While the second season has explored more territory than the first, the development leading us to a world that feels recognizable from Rogue One is a brilliant achievement. Certain scenes in episode twelve especially seem like they could have been directly taken from the film, with characters positioned just where we find them in that movie, making for a seamless transition.

      The finale is explosive as Cassian, Melshi, and K-2SO embark on one last mission, featuring some of the best action in the series, providing captivating viewing. However, much like the rest of the series, it's not just the blasters or gunfights that stand out the most; it's the character moments.

      Unlike any other show in the franchise, this series has made us deeply invested in its characters. While some may not be mentioned elsewhere, making their fates easier to predict, discovering their ultimate outcomes remains incredibly rewarding, giving significant weight to many small details across the 24 episodes.

      Andor concludes perfectly, wrapping up loose ends and establishing the foundation for the story that unfolds in Rogue One, reframing that narrative brilliantly and imbuing it with new significance. Watching it right after Andor will undoubtedly provide a different experience. Tony Gilroy has created a timeless show, with all components—from writing and performances to production design and visuals—falling perfectly into place, resulting in a Star Wars series that will be hard to surpass and one from which the franchise can hopefully draw lessons as it charts its future course.

      Chris Connor