Andor Season Two: The Force is Strong Without Jedi
The highly anticipated second season of Andor has arrived, maintaining the series’ connection to the Star Wars universe, even in the absence of traditional Jedi characters. This acclaimed prequel continues to follow the journey of Cassian Andor, played by Diego Luna, who is a pivotal figure in the Rebel Alliance.
Unprecedented Critical Acclaim
Debuting tonight, Andor’s second season boasts the highest critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes for any live-action Star Wars project, achieving an impressive 98 percent positive rating. This score surpasses even that of the first season, which held a sturdy 96 percent, and even outshines the beloved classic, The Empire Strikes Back, at 95 percent.
Contextualizing the Ratings
Interestingly, the few negative critiques of The Empire Strikes Back date back to its original release in 1980, with some critics at the time labeling it “too dark” or “confusing.” In stark contrast, the lowest-rated live-action Star Wars feature to date is Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, which only achieved 51 percent. This figure is notably lower than both Solo: A Star Wars Story (69 percent) and Attack of the Clones (61 percent), surprising many fans of the franchise.
Critics’ Access and Implications
For this season, Disney+ provided critics with all twelve episodes in advance, allowing the cumulative score to reflect the entire season. In previous instances, such as the recent Skeleton Crew (92 percent) or The Acolyte (78 percent), only select episodes were made available prior to release. This strategy is a common practice among studios, where giving access to full seasons often signifies confidence in the work, or might indicate that the initial episodes might be weaker.
Early Reviews and Future Prospects
The critical reception so far denotes a strong belief in the season’s overall narrative quality, although it may have a slower start. According to a review from The Hollywood Reporter, Andor Season Two is “a devastating testament to the power of storytelling,”underscoring its merit both within the Star Wars saga and in reflecting broader societal narratives.
It’s important to note that the Rotten Tomatoes scores are subject to change, particularly at this early stage in the show’s release (the review embargo ended just yesterday). As more critics, who did not receive advanced episodes, share their thoughts, it will be fascinating to observe whether this exemplary score holds.
Rogue One Connectivity and Future Comparisons
The interconnected nature of the Star Wars universe raises questions about the reassessment of earlier films, particularly Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, currently standing at 84 percent. With the events of Andor leading directly into the storyline of Rogue One, it’s likely that viewers may feel compelled to reevaluate the film post-Season Two.
Animated Series Comparisons
While Andor’s live-action ratings are impressive, several animated Star Wars titles have garnered similar acclaim. Both Star Wars Rebels (2014) and Star Wars Visions (2021) also boast a 98 percent positive rating, yet typically receive less coverage from mainstream media.
Episode Release Schedule
The exciting journey of Andor continues tonight at 6 p.m. PST with the release of the first three episodes. Following this launch, three additional episodes will be unveiled weekly, keeping fans engaged and eager for more.