We have to talk about Andor.
[SPOILER WARNING: SEASON 2 EP 1-3]
This is a long post. I have Many Thoughts.
NOTE: I haven't watched further than the first three episodes. Please refrain from spoiling anything past that. Thank you.
Some of the first thoughts I had on this were the following. First, I think it's so interesting how we are really getting a close look at the lives of the people in this universe. I don't think this has ever really previously been done before. Of course, we've followed individual characters, but their lives were tied to really big stakes. You could argue that it's the same here, but to me, this show seems different. The viewpoint seems closer and less surrounded by everything that's happening in this universe.
The rebel group that Cassian ran into was so interesting. It felt like a demonstration of how chaotic things can be within the disorganized parts of people deciding to rebel on their own. Cassian's rebel group is the biggest and has the most structure. We don't often think about how messy it can get when other groups just up and spontaneously decide to form. There's no structure, no real idea of who is in charge. This, as demonstrated, causes an incredible amount of problems. Something I do have to question though is that rock paper scissor fight. It seems ridiculous and out of place in this high stakes universe. I really thought they were going to wrestle and it just threw me for a loop when that didn't happen. Was it an attempt at trying to make a specific point that just went over my head?
Let's talk for a moment about Mon and Leida. This is a really interesting mother daughter relationship. What I got from these scenes was moreso commentary about tradition and values. Is it a good thing to hold onto them, to continue the pattern that our parents have given to us? Keeping with that same train of thought, their culture seems, like most, to have patriarchal inclinations when it comes to marriage and probably other things as well. We've seen symbolism with braids before. Jedi Padawans have a braid that gets cut when they become a Jedi Master. I don't know much about the actual lore of their culture (I FORGET THE NAME AUGH) but it seems like braids represent the transition of girls into "womanhood." Mon also has regrets obviously, about her marriage and letting her daughter do this. Leida on the other hand, seems afraid but resigned to her fate. The lines "My mother was drunk at my wedding." and "I wish you were drunk." really hit hard.
Switching over now to the Imperial couple. God, they are so anal it is so funny. The entire awkwardness of Dedra meeting his mother. Her defense of him. Honestly this was such a masterclass in acting and tension. There are many kinds of tension and I personally feel that they really nailed this one incredibly well. The fact that I feel sympathy for Syril is insane and I hate that I do. But I do. The humanness of this scene juxtaposes with the fact that they are both contributing to a fascist regime. It's insane what this show is doing. I am living for it.
TW: Discussion of the events in EP 3. That scene.
Lastly, holy shittake mushrooms, Star Wars said "Let's grow up." and boy howdy did they. Bringing the very politicizing topics of [redacted because of tumblr] assault and illegal immigrants into Star Wars was a bold, BOLD move and I respect it. I did not at all see it coming, but I absolutely think it was done masterfully well. I specifically loved how she killed him. This episode was incredibly hard to watch and that means it was good. Absolutely thrilled that this episode was directed by a woman. To those who would complain about this episode with things like "I don't want reality mixed in with my fictional universe! I want to escape from it that's why I watch!" Too bad. Some people don't get to escape. This *is* their reality. So if you're uncomfortable watching it? Imagine how uncomfortable they are living it. And bold of you to assume that your media about rebelling against oppressive regimes WOULDN'T comment on what's happening in the world right now. That would be hypocritical.
In summary- absolutely insane opening, amazing work, no one's doing it like Andor, can't wait to watch more (and cry my eyes out).
