'The Axe Forgets' Continues To Show That 'Andor' Is A Different Kind Of 'Star Wars' - Spoiler Free Review
Image Source: IGN
The fifth installment of Star Wars: Andor continues the show's dedication to slow pacing. The entire episode builds upon the previous four episodes, interweaving key characters and storylines together in a way that feels like prestige television. Each week we see these characters growing deeper bonds with one another by having these small interactions that most modern television might choose to leave out in favor of tighter pacing. But Andor isn't meant to be the same show as The Mandalorian; it seems as if showrunner Tony Gilroy has intentionally slowed down the formula of Star Wars to focus more on the story elements.
For example, in most other Star Wars shows, fans wouldn't have taken five episodes to wade into the plot. There, of course, has been some payoff and moments filled with action to keep viewers engaged. But the show makes it clear; that not every episode needs to have a shootout between the rebels and their Imperial adversaries. Instead, the show works hard to earn the few tense action scenes we have seen. And to Tony Gilroy's credit, every time that Cassian pulls his blaster out, it makes you worry if the character will make it out of these situations. That is no easy feat when fans know what will happen to Cassian Andor after the show concludes.
RELATED:
And maybe, with that knowledge comes the allure. As the saying often goes, it's the journey, not the destination. We know that by 0 BBY, five years after the events in this episode, Cassian is a hardened rebel operative committed to the Rebellion like few other characters in Rogue One. Finding out exactly what made him into that operative is the entire point of Andor. But, by slowing the show's pacing down, Tony Gilroy can make fans feel like they are taking these steps beside Cassian on his journey.
The Axe Forgets takes the time to pull the spotlight off of Cassian and highlight some of the companions he has found himself working alongside. The episode takes the time to showcase the human elements of the Rebellion. And that makes you understand the motivations behind each of Cassian's team members fighting against the Empire. Something I have always thought the original trilogy was lacking; is the cruelty of the Empire.
Overall, the show is a welcome departure from the usual pacing we find in Star Wars, and The Axe Forgets is an episode tailor-made to add a lot of weight to the Rebellion's cause. By slowing the show's pacing down and taking time to develop genuine moments between these characters, Tony Gilroy has invented a new subgenre of Star Wars. And I for one will continue to tune in weekly and see where he wants to take us on Cassian's journey next.
Score: 8/10
READ NEXT:
