Rebroadcast: Reflecting on Andor Season One and What’s Ahead
In this rebroadcast of the Star Wars Generations podcast, host Matthew brings together two guests, Danielle WrittenInTheStarWars and AJ Starkiller (Jedi Starkiller), to reflect on Andor‘s first season and prepare viewers for season two.
The discussion explores how Andor recontextualizes the original trilogy by revealing the true cost of rebellion. Both guests praise the series for its nuanced portrayal of the harsh realities of fighting fascism, with AJ noting it gives viewers “a reason for why Star Wars is what it is.” Danielle highlights Episode 10 (the prison escape) as possibly her “most favorite written piece of media period.”
However, the conversation takes a critical turn when examining Cassian Andor’s backstory. How did the series handle Cassian’s indigenous origins and his removal from Kenari? The guests argue that the show marketed itself as a migrant story but failed to meaningfully follow through on this premise. Danielle and AJ, both biracial Latinas, express their disappointment in how Maarva’s removal of young Cassian from his home planet was presented without nuance or consequences.
Despite their criticisms, all three speakers emphasize their love for the show and its accomplishments. They conclude that Andor represents some of the best storytelling in Star Wars while acknowledging that bringing more diverse voices into the writing room could have made it even stronger, particularly in addressing Cassian’s backstory and cultural identity.
