TV REVIEW: ANDOR - Season 2

4/5

Rogue Trader

12 Episodes. Starring: Diego Luna, Kyle Soller, Adria Arjona, Stellan Skarsgård, Genevieve O'Reilly, Denise Gough, Faye Marsay, Varada Sethu, Elizabeth Dulau, Ben Mendelsohn, Benjamin Bratt, Alan Tudyk & Forest Whitaker. Created By: Tony Gilroy. On: Disney +.

With friends everywhere, 'Andor' Season 2 on Disney Plus completes the prequel's 'Star Wars' origin story of 'Rogue One'. And what remains is not only a great American science fiction political spy thriller for the golden age of streaming television, from Tony Gilroy (the writer of the 'Bourne' screenplays), but also one of the most monumental moments in the history of a galaxy far, far away. Diego Luna's ('Elysium', 'Narcos: Mexico') Andor himself, one of the most important characters in Star Wars lore. Loyal to the core and devoted to his cause. Grounded and fully realized. Yet, 'Star Wars: Andor' is an epic ensemble that is even more than him. All as this live-action show following Jude Law's 'Skeleton Crew' awakens the Star Wars month of May like the animated 'Tales Of The Underworld' from Dave Filoni. Arguably another of the most important creators in this galaxy, right now. 

As Disney's Star Wars plays TV show hot potato with Marvel, sandwiched between 'Daredevil: Born Again' and 'Ironheart', 'Andor' brings as many big stars as the M.C.U. has heroes to the boil. No longer living with his mum, Laurence Olivier Award winner Kyle Soller really steps up in the second season, bringing is fringe to the proceedings. But it's the love and dedication to the life and fight of Adria Arjona that will really win you over. Especially in the final frame. Yet, the show-stealer of all of this may just be the great Stellan Skarsgård, not to mention the one by his side, the ready for stardom Elizabeth Dulau and the episode she goes through too. And we're not just saying that because of the wig he wears. Skarsgård with more sons in the biz than Wayans brothers shows he's still the master when it comes to acting and bringing this galaxy some gravity.

The thief-turned-rebel spy has even more to deal with as the incredible Genevieve O'Reilly turns into a Star Wars icon with a stirring speech, pulling no punches at Palpatine. More than making up for the fact that this season loses Fiona Shaw, alongside the likes of Andy Serkis and Jimmy Smits, who due to a scheduling conflict has had to have his long-tenured character replaced. The brilliant Benjamin Bratt steps in beautifully. Like the cruelly underrated 'Acolyte' this epic is an empire of strong women making their mark in a man's galaxy. Like Leia, Rey, O'Reilly or Dulau. 'Paula' draw star Denise Gough brings more to the side of darkness. Whilst Faye Marsay and Varada Sethu have the rebellious hope that you're looking for. Of course, as we edge closer to 'Rogue' one, we see some familiar faces. And the more screen-time the likes of Ben Mendelsohn and Forest Whitaker get, the more you want to see them. Especially when the former puts the leather gloved finger down. With no Vader to keep him in force choke-hold check.

Don't expect to see Felicity Jones, though. And those Poe Dameron theories, as nice as they and Oscar Isaac are, hold no weight. If you are yearning for more rogues, like Riz Ahmed or Donnie Yen (they're sadly not here, either), you will get that in the form of the best droid since the original Star Wars double-act. Alan Tudyk's K-2SO is back for the first time, with even more sass, slapping people aside, gambling and kicking ass, as him and his bot brothers throw people around like rag dolls.  There are uprisings, riots, gunfights and dog ones amongst the stars that will hold you over until the Emmys come rolling in again. A dozen episodes coming out over the last month, and now it's over. Disney and Star Wars decided to release three episodes of 'Andor' every week, not just for the usual season premiere. Adding layer upon layer to this rich legacy that has become what would be the greatest Star Wars T.V. show of all-time if it wasn't for that little green kid. And just wait until you get to the credits of this epic. That's it for 'Andor: A Star Wars Story'. Time to go 'Rogue'. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story', 'Star Wars: Skeleton Crew', 'Star Wars: Tales Of The Underworld'