More tightly woven and deliberate than is usual with a Star Wars series, Andor continues to serve as something of a character study of its title character, exploring both his motivations for joining the Rebellion and the broader social and cultural forces shaping the growing conflict between the Empire and those opposed to its dictatorial and stiflingly bureaucratic regime. With its slower pacing and more introspective tone--and in its lack of space battles--it is a marked departure from much of the franchise's other series, including both The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett.
However, these series' aspects have not been to the liking of everyone. Many Reddit users in particular have taken to the online forum to voice their dissatisfaction with what they view as its failings, both as a Star Wars series and as a piece of television.
It’s Boring
One of the most commonly seen criticisms of Andor is that it’s boring. Redditor tmicl says bluntly: “The show is just flat out boring.” While it is true that the series is a bit of a slow burn, it is untrue to state that it is dull.
In fact, there are some surprising moments of action--particularly the theft in Aldhani--and a lot of tension, as the Empire's forces start to ready themselves for even more repression. It is, in a way, more akin to a political thriller than the action fest usually seen in Star Wars.
It’s Not Funny
One of the things that makes Star Wars such a popular and successful franchise with multiple movies is the presence of humor. This has been true from the beginning, but Andor is, at times, a bit humorless. ElementalSymmetry remarks that “It's not funny or interesting.”
However, this ignores the fact that the humor in the series, while more subdued than usual, is still present. To take but one example, Eedy Karn, with her constant hectoring of her son, is one of the series' more lighthearted characters. More to the point, it is also true that a Star Wars series doesn’t have to be funny and, given the show's subject, it makes sense that it would adopt a more serious tone than its predecessors.
It Doesn’t Feel Like A “Star Wars” Story
Many Redditors have this attitude that Andor doesn’t feel like a Star Wars story. Massivelyhungpeacock writes: “I caught myself wondering "this is Star Wars?" multiple times through the first two episodes.”
This line of argument ignores the many ways in which Andor is actually quite similar to the earlier entries in the franchise. There is a lived-in feeling to this particular series that aligns it with A New Hope, and people get the sense that this is, indeed, a galaxy that has been beaten down by the Empire's repressive power. The planet of Ferrix, in particular, is a great example of this rough-around-the-edges look.
It’s Far Too Dreary
Among other things, Andor is about how the Empire's tyrannical power has changed the way people think about themselves. As a result, there are many scenes that are visually arresting, even as the series as a whole feels a bit bleak.
This Redditor has this to say: “it's so dreary. There's no humor to countervail that.” There are, however, moments of human warmth in this series, particularly in the bond between Cassian and his adopted mother, and it is very clear that they love and care deeply for one another. Furthermore, this series is about how the Empire has drained the galaxy of its essential dynamism, so this dreary outlook is fitting.
Disney Has Made It Too Bland
Since Disney took over Star Wars, they have made a point of releasing a number of new shows under the Star Wars banner. This has been met with a mixed reception from various Redditors, particularly when it comes to Andor.
This Redditor writes: “I think Disney tries too hard to make solid content that has nothing too crazy or off the beaten path, but as a result, is making something that's just kinda bland.” However, part of what makes Andor such a great Star Wars series is the fact that it deliberately works outside of the traditional mold, with characters and situations that don’t follow the usual franchise rules. Andor is the most notable example of this, and he is notable for not being the same type of reluctant but lovable hero that is so common in other media.
It Doesn’t Reveal Much About Its Characters
There are many great Star Wars characters, and they remain a key part of why the franchise is so enduringly popular. However, some Redditors feel that Andor hasn’t been particularly effective at letting viewers understand its characters, with BrownCowBrown writing: “ don’t think that we’ve learned anything interesting about these characters during these more character driven episodes.”
This is a rather puzzling remark. Indeed, Andor has gone out of its way to let the audience into the mind of its characters, whether it’s Luthen and his drive to aid the Rebellion or Mon Mothma and her conflicts with both the Senate and her own family. Mon Mothma, in particular, has been a fascinating character to follow, as she juggles both her family obligations and the pressures of being part of the nascent Rebellion.
It Has A Predetermined Ending
Rogue One is widely regarded as one of the best and most rewatchable Star Wars movies, and it is obviously the endpoint for Andor. This particular narrative problem is one that rankles many Redditors. PersonMcHuman sarcastically asks: “You don't think it's exciting to see the story of...man who's story you already know the ending of?”
Given that Andor has already established himself as one of the best Star Wars characters, however, it makes sense that viewers would want to know more about him and how he came to be a member of the Rebellion. More to the point, getting to know him better makes his final sacrifice in Rogue One all the more meaningful and impactful.
It Doesn’t Seem To Have Any Stakes
Like all great epic movies, what has always made Star Wars work is the sense of stakes. After all, the fate of the galaxy is often in the balance, and Andor chooses to tell a story somewhat smaller in scale. MassivelyHungPeacock, like other Redditors, did not like this approach, writing, “And I quit in the middle of the third thing it was so without stakes/interest.”
Though some might not want to see it this way, the truth is that there are stakes in Andor. In fact, they couldn’t be higher, both for Andor and for the galaxy as a whole, since this is perhaps the last great opportunity for the Rebellion to truly get started.
The Characters Are A Forgettable Blend
One of the repeated criticisms that Redditors have about Andor focuses on the story’s characters. ChrisyKL, for example, writes: “The characters a forgettable blend.”
While it is true that the names of the various people involved can be a bit confusing at times, it is also the case that each of them has their own individual personalities. Whether they are on the side of the Empire or the Rebellion, these are people who have their own unique reasons for doing what they do. Even though they may not always be likable--Syril Karn is quite a villain, for example--they have their own personalities.
It Devolves Into A Political Slog
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Given that it focuses on the lead-up to the Rebellion, it makes sense that Andor would focus a great deal on politics. Unfortunately, this doesn’t sit well with some on Reddit. OPopinions writes: “The show started great but then devolved into this political slog where nothing of note happens anymore.”
For many, however, this is precisely what makes Andor such a pleasure to watch. It gives viewers the opportunity to learn just how it was that a political and revolutionary movement like the Rebellion came about, giving them a greater appreciation for its eventual success.
Source:gamerant.com