How 'Andor' Makes The Empire Feel Different Than In Other ‘Star Wars’ Stories
Image Source: SlashFilm
Andor has given the fans something unprecedented and extraordinary. By showing the starting years of the rebellion, the series set itself up for doubts. Even though it was previously explored in other Star Wars projects, it has been interesting to see Tony Gilroy's portrayal of the Empire.
If Star Wars Rebels gave the public a more cartoony version of stormtroopers and even the intelligence sector of Imperial forces, Obi-Wan Kenobi showed Fortress Inquisitorius but significantly downplayed the role of officers and soldiers alike. Andor, a show more based in reality, depicts Imperial forces as a true menace to the galaxy. They are in control and set the rules of the game. Cassian, Luthen, and Mon Mothma can either play by their rules or try bending them. In this show, things are different. We, the viewers, can feel the tension in the air. Everything is thought out carefully. Actions have actual consequences, and no Force trick or lightsaber swing will solve it. That said, let's see some examples that show how this new approach has been made so far.
RELATED:
This is where Andor really shines at. During the first few episodes, the Empire is portrayed as highly organized, with a strict hierarchy from top to bottom. Cassian's first encounter with the law is not with stormtroopers, though. He kills the two private security officers who don't like his attitude in a bar. This was just the beginning. The series' depiction of the Imperial Security Bureau (ISB) is perfect. It was shown previously in Rebels and ISB agent Alexsandr Kallus, who later became an ally to the Rebel Alliance. With its headquarters located in Coruscant, the ISB is essentially an organization dedicated to intelligence, but according to Major Partagaz (Anton Lesser):
"We are healthcare providers. We treat sickness. We identify symptoms. We locate germs whether they arise from the within or have come from the outside. The longer we wait to identify a disorder, the harder it is to treat the disease."
Image Source: Bounding into comics
The ISB seems scary. The white aesthetics (from the meeting rooms to the officers' uniforms) gives a sense of purity and clarity to their intentions. These are not stormtroopers hitting their heads on the ceiling. These people have a clear goal and are focused on getting what they want. High pressure, drug usage, and a cut-throat environment seem to elevate ISB officers and agents to their potential in the worse way possible. The problem is their goal will be hitting the breaks on the rebellion. Dedra Meero (played by Irish actress Denise Gough) looks like the one who will be the problem this season. Luthen Rael and Mon Mothma's efforts to - somewhat - organize the rebellion are likely to be affected during the next story arc. We must wait and see how everything will unfold and who will succeed.
On Coruscant, we can also find Luthen Rael's shop. His antique shop sells all kinds of objects, like the ones seen in episode four, "Aldhani." In his store, we could see easter eggs to different Star Wars moments, from Starkiller's armor from The Force Unleashed to a reference to the Father, Daughter, and Son stone tablet from Rebels Mortis arc. The shop is just a front for his main interest - crippling the Empire. His transition from tense, tough guy to easy-going, calm and happy was magical. It's one of the top moments of the season. He has two different personas, one for each situation. For the former, short hair, no visible jewelry, and simple clothes were the go-to. The latter chose rings, a wig with longer hair, and an outfit that showed that he had enough credits to party with the coruscant elite if he wanted to.
Image Source: Sideshow
This is how you operate in the shadows. Besides Luthen, only his assistant knew what was happening on Aldhani. Mothma was aware of his interest in helping with the cause but needed to know how far he could go to achieve that. Different interests, different means. During trying times, when an authoritarian government clenches its fist around the galaxy and all sorts of freedom, it is necessary to have a setup as Rael had. An interplanetary radio system that could bypass the Empire's control seems crucial if you have to secretly organize a galactic opposition.
Last but not least, TIE fighters are seen on Aldhani and the Alkenzi air base. Just hours after first getting to the planet, Cassian is surprised by a single fighter flying along the valley. He and Vel quickly duck, avoiding contact with the ship during their hike. This was not the last time. During the crew's mission rehearsal, a TIE does a fly-by of their camp as part of its patrol. The sound created by it was amazing and threatening at the same time. You can feel the tension in the air during both situations. It is a complex ship and a symbol of control and oppression. This leaves everyone on their toes, worrying if it will come back for something more. The same feeling came when the Star Destroyer came out of the nebula in Solo. Of course, they have different purposes and sizes, but it represents something more than themselves.
Image Source: Disney+
Other Star Wars projects have yet to give us the same feel. Fighters seem like a common sight and are destroyed easily. Stormtroopers always show up, missing everyone and getting taken down with little effort. Troopers with armor similar to Han's during the Battle of Mimban are stationed in Aldhani, but they are not the crème de la crème of the Empire. As the show progresses, we could see an Empire that is more assertive and aggressive. As the rebellion grows backstage, Imperial forces will do everything to stop them.
READ NEXT:
Source(s): IMDB
Latest News
Featured
