This review contains spoilers for the first three episodes of Andor on Disney+

The latest Star Wars series Andor released its first three episodes on September 21, 2022. Andor is set to be a prequel to the movie Rogue One. The show is a miniseries containing twelve episodes, and is available to stream on Disney+. Tony Gilroy’s latest series continues to have the same tone as Rogue One with the show leaving viewers wanting more.

The show starts with Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) looking for his sister Kerri, when he gets into a fight with two Pre Mor Authority security guards which he kills. He then returns to Ferrix where he lives, then tries to sell smuggled imperial equipment. The Pre Mor Authority begins a manhunt for Andor and finds him at the tip of the planet. They then get into a fight with Andor while he’s trying to sell the equipment to Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgård). The duo are able to defeat the security officers, also includes flashbacks of a young Andor being taken away from the planet.

The setting of the series really drives the tone. The dark clouds at the onset of the first episode, with the pouring rain, makes a dull start that works well with the plot of trying to find a lost sister. The horrid mining site on the planet really gives a clear picture of the cruel nature of life during the height of the empire’s rule. The settings overall add an important effect to the mood of the show. 

The show also does well with some of the best acting. Diego Luna playing the titular character was exceptional in his acting. The moment he escapes through the narrow hole in the back of the building from the falling roof appears highly realistic, solely due to his agility. To add, the moment when young Andor (Antonio Viña) defends himself on the mysterious ship from an unknown place with infected workers from foreigners also showcases great acting, especially from a child actor. 

Another impressive feat the show accomplishes is a great plot and theme. The plot of a corrupted young man looking for his sister being hunted down by a massive intersystem corporation is undeniably excellent. The man, Andor struggles in finding his destiny. Finding destiny is a solid theme that is repeated throughout the Star Wars Franchise and really makes the shows intriguing. 

Overall the show has done a great job in exceeding expectations. With a magnificent setting that sets the tone, as well as good acting overall by the starring actor Diego Luna as well as the rest of the cast. It is clear that Luna loves acting in his role, as he has returned from playing the same character several years ago in Rogue One. The cast combined with the plot and theme of finding destiny makes this series great. 

Andor is a great ride through hyperspace that anyone into science fiction should watch. However if  one dislikes astronomy or aliens, or if one hasn’t watched previous Star Wars installments, especially Rogue One beforehand; watching them is crucial to better understanding Andor as a whole.