Star Wars is in a very interesting spot right now.

There’s no shortage of projects in development. It feels like movies, shows, and spin-offs are announced constantly. but it’s reached a point where fans are unsure which ones will actually make it to the screen. Amid this uncertainty, however, one project we can count on is Andor. The beloved series has returned in full swing, and it’s clear just how deeply it’s been missed and will be missed. Getting to revisit this group of characters and this specific corner of the Star Wars universe was something I didn’t realize I needed so badly. Diego Luna once again delivers a tremendous performance as Cassian, and Tony Gilroy’s exceptional writing elevates his character’s journey into arguably the most compelling arc we’ve ever seen in a galaxy far, far away. Andor Season 2 is not only the best television you’ll see all year — it’s also the strongest Star Wars content of the Disney era.

The acting this season is a masterclass in emotional range and character depth. Diego Luna brings a quiet intensity to Cassian that makes every scene feel layered and emotionally charged. He’s not just the standout of the Disney era — he’s easily one of the franchise’s best-developed characters. But what truly makes Andor special is its stellar ensemble cast. Adria Arjona turns in the finest performance of her career, with emotional beats that are genuinely heartbreaking and raw. Genevieve O’Reilly and Stellen Skarsgård are electric together as Mon Mothma and Luthen Rael, capturing the tension and complexity of forming a rebellion in the shadows. Kyle Soller and Denise Gough also shine, taking morally gray characters and making them so compelling that you almost want to root for the Empire. Every actor understands their role in this universe and builds upon what was established in Season 1, exceeding all expectations.

Visually, Andor continues the legacy of Star Wars as a franchise defined by its breathtaking worlds. The series doesn’t just rely on nostalgia — it pushes the aesthetic of Star Wars further. Every planet we visit feels fully realized, with stunning colour palettes and intricate production design. Chandrila, a longtime staple in the Star Wars lore dating back decades, is portrayed as a vibrant, elegant world that feels like the spiritual successor to Alderaan or Naboo. Yet for all the visual grandeur, Andor never loses touch with its darker, grittier roots. The show frequently takes us to the underbelly of the galaxy, grounding the story in tension and realism. The balance between beauty and brutality makes the show not just gorgeous to look at, but thematically rich as well.

The writing and directing in Andor is unparalleled in Star Wars television. Tony Gilroy’s approach for this season, building the season around tight, three-episode arcs, was a bold creative decision that pays off tremendously. It keeps the story moving with purpose, eliminating the filler that plagues many long-form series. The pacing is sharp, the stakes are constantly rising, and by the time the final episodes roll around, the series positions itself perfectly to lead into Rogue One. It’s rare to see a prequel enrich a character so effectively, but Gilroy does it with clarity, intention, and an incredible command of tone. Few writers could execute a story like this with such precision — but for Gilroy, it seems effortless.

Just one more thing i wanted to touch on though. Thematically, the ambiguity of Cassian’s loyalty is still there, albiet he’s definitely leaning towards one side more than the other. He’s slowly leaving his old ways and becoming more hardened as a Rebel. It’s nuanced but I really enjoyed the touch!

The final season of Andor wraps up Cassian’s arc with a dramatic and glowing finish only Tony Gilroy could do. Andor is going to go down as one of the best dramas ever made and for good reason. The acting, sets, writing and directing are all sublime and flawless. This is what Star Wars is meant to be in every sense of the word.