Expanding cinematic universes has been both a blessing and a curse. In some cases, it allows for unique, diverse world-building to be at the forefront. Where before, a story might have been simply character or plot-driven, in a cinematic world, it is deeply immersive. Each story is enmeshed in another with shared planets, histories, cultures, and in some cases, a shared story. The Marvel Cinematic Universe is a pinnacle example of this in action.
In its inception, each core character (The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man, Captain America, Thor) had their own introductory film and general exposition that remained separate from the others. If there were “crossovers,” they were limited to small fan service nods, post-credit scenes, and things not integral to the film’s central plot. However, as time passed and the MCU expanded, the stories became more deeply integrated. This meant that as fans watched, for instance, Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness, they simultaneously learned more about Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch despite the film being part of the Doctor Strange saga.
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This is a complicated topic for fans. On the one hand, expansive cinematic universes showcase deep world-building and fine attention to detail and continuity. It can also allow characters to forge more dynamic relationships over multiple works within the franchise. On the other hand, it also requires fans to be up-to-date and know about most things within that franchise. For example, if one were to watch Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness without seeing WandaVision first, they would have no knowledge of the Scarlet Witch persona or the existence of Wanda’s children (Billy and Tommy, a.k.a. Speed and Wiccan). Ignorance of these events prevents a basic understanding of many storylines in Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness. It’s not just name-dropping or a hint of another character in the background of a frame – it’s full-blown exposition in a completely different cinematic creation.
Like the MCU, Star Wars travels the same path with its movies and television shows. Episodes IV-VI were created to be enjoyed with no background knowledge. Later, Episodes I-III were made to provide more contextual understanding as well as a preliminary storyline for the saga. Still, they do not require a working knowledge of the franchise from fans in order to enjoy the films. As more works premiered, including Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars: Episode VII-IX, The Book of Boba Fett, and The Bad Batch, each called upon fans to seek background knowledge that the movies and television shows did not provide.
When media outlets refer to “Star Wars fatigue,” it’s not solely fatigue from the Skywalker Saga but fatigue from the daunting activity of watching Star Wars. Andor, like Rogue One, The Mandalorian, and Rebels, alleviates that weariness.
Andor Is an Everyday Man to Rebel Hero
Disney+
In the events of Rogue One, Cassian Andor is a crucial component in “rescuing,” recruiting, and inspiring the heroine, Jyn Erso. Even though Jyn and Cassian were accompanied on their mission by a band of optimistic rebels, Cassian was the predominant figure in tying her to the Rebel Alliance. His frequent admissions of hope in their endeavors and Rebel leadership were convincing enough to persuade the cynical, withdrawn Jyn. While watching this, one might ask: from where did he get this hope? Why does he support their leadership so fervently? When did he join the rebels, and why?
Andor answers many of these questions, but not in a way that requires Rogue One for Andor or vice versa. The show follows Cassian as a cynical, lonely, hopeless man – much like Jyn in Rogue One – living reluctantly under the Empire and in the early stages of the rebellion, some five years before Rogue One takes place. When presented with the opportunity to join or aid either side, he responds with ambivalence or even self-preservation. His backstory introduces new figures and planets (including Kenari!) without it coming across as tangential, detracting from the events that ultimately led him to the rebellion or requiring that knowledge from fans. Moreover, Andor shows a common story in Star Wars that is not often told: the ordinary, everyday citizens of the galaxy.
Untold Humanity Under The Empire’s Rule
Star Wars frequently tells stories of epic heroism, activism, bravery, righteousness, and all things relating to a high moral fiber. When creating such distinct heroes, villains often strike the exact opposite connotation. As satisfying as these conflicts can be, they often create mythological-level heroes and villains that do not share aspects of their audience’s humanity.
Star Wars added to this with the admission of the Jedi and Sith; the godlike figures imbued with the ability to wield the Force. The persistent push of the “light side” versus the “dark side” leaves a gray area in the middle in which much of the “everyday man” resides.
By showcasing the “everyday man” and the stories accompanying it, audiences get to see a grittier, more complex version of the Empire and Rebel Alliance. When not helmed by the Jedi or other main members of the Skywalker Saga, the cinematic universe becomes a more realistic representation of much of humanity. The stakes are different, often higher. The willingness of the mass population to risk their lives is mixed for a wide variety of reasons. The “right choice” is more subjective. The conflicts are multifaceted and dimensional, reaching beyond the constraints of Jedi vs. Sith, Light vs. Dark, and Empire vs. Rebels.
Through the events of Andor, Cassian will embark on a dramatic personal transformation that takes him from a self-preserving cynic to a champion for the rebellion. Because he is an “everyday man,” it will not happen because it was prophesied, because a Jedi Council or Senate dispatched him, or because some larger, big-picture storyline requires within the Star Wars franchise. Cassian will deliberately choose to take part in the Rebellion of his own volition, and while his story relates heavily to the rebellion, it remains his and his alone.
When stories like Cassian’s are told as Disney+ originals or cinematic creations, it turns the Star Wars franchise into a massive anthology of stories that, while related, keep their unique characters as the focal point. Andor demonstrates that the days of arduous, complex sagas are gone, and the days of concentrated, compelling stories are here.
When to Watch
Andor has a twelve-episode season, with a new episode premiering on Disney+ every Wednesday until November 23rd, 2022.
