TV Review: Andor Season 2 (2025)

Andor Season 2 (2025) created by Tony Gilroy based on Star Wars by George Lucas 

In this follow-up to the first season, Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) is still running missions for Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgard), a well-connected conniver who opposes the expanding power of Imperial forces in the Galactic Republic. Rael has a lot of schemes going on which is eerily matched by the schemes of the Imperial forces. The season plays out over several years (a surprising number of episodes start with a "One Year Later" title card), with Cassian and Rael getting closer and closer to discovering the big secret of the Imperials while Imperial Lieutenant Dedra Meero (Denise Gough) hunts Rael and his conspiracy. 

The show distinguishes itself from other Star Wars content by its stark realism and maturity. The political intrigue and espionage are much more John Le Carre than Ian Fleming. These people get caught in tough situations, sometimes with no clear path to resolve conflicts or solve problems. Finding and keeping allies is hard; maintaining connections to family and friends is even harder. While Cassian and his side are clearly the heroes of the show, the Imperial characters also have complicated situations and difficult personal interactions. The show's lack of two-dimensional characters across the narrative is refreshing.

The show ends nicely with Cassian flying off to his role in Rogue One and a coda showing why what they do is so important. 

Recommended, highly for Star Wars fans.

As I publish this, the show is only available on the Disney+ streaming service.