Star Wars is traditionally known for its sci-fi and futuristic setting – a galaxy far, far away. “Andor” changed the franchise’s formula when the show premiered on Sept. 21 and depicted a new side to this far away world.

I honestly didn’t expect much from this show when it was announced over two years ago since I didn’t have much interest in the character or the movie, “Rogue One,” that introduced him. Recently, I rewatched the movie and saw how blind I truly was to the ideas it brought to the franchise. I missed details that ranged from the new perspective of the rebellion’s beginning against the empire to the unseen characters that helped jumpstart vital events in the original trilogy of Star Wars films. The show had the same impression that the movie had on me with its tone and  theme.  

Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) is fleshed out more intricately. “Andor” shows his backstory and some of his allies who aren’t seen in “Rogue One.” It shows how he builds from the persona of a loner who only cares about money into wanting to fight back against the cruelties of the empire. It’s interesting to see the small people whochanged him throughout this season. From a member of his ragtag team, Karis Nemik (Alex Lawther), to his mother Maarva Andor (Fiona Shaw), multiple people point Andor in a new direction of helping not just himself, but others as well.

With a total of 12 episodes in comparison to many other Disney+ shows that have only six, the show has plenty of time to flesh out the world and take things slow. Andor’s home planet goes through a full transition throughout the season, making it feel less like a place and more like a group of people. By the end of the season, they have completely changed from a disconnected community to everyone standing together. The pace of the show is really well done as the show slowly goes through multiple phases: from Andor being hunted to him being involved in a “Oceans 11” style heist. All of these different narratives still don’t take away from the overall narrative that unravels.

The only part of the show that had me snoring was the political side of the show involving Mon Mothma (Genevieve O’Reilly). Every scene in this plotline felt dragged out with little to nothing interesting happening. Even by the end, when it appears something big might be going on, it leads to an unsatisfying end. 

The show proves that Star Wars still has some new places it can discover when new views are shown. This show was made for more than just Star Wars fans, but for newcomers to gain interest into the franchise. If you have the slightest bit of interest in the show, this is a great start to the ever-expanding universe, as it slowly leans you in with the vibes of Star Wars, while also putting its own spin.