Andor | Season 1 Episodes 1-3 | Full Reaction
Added 2025-08-24 13:00:12 +0000 UTCI'm so glad everyone recommended I start Andor in these three-episode chunks. This first arc really needed to be taken in all at once! On the surface, it starts out so quiet and slow, but
I'm so glad everyone recommended I start Andor in these three-episode chunks. This first arc really needed to be taken in all at once! On the surface, it starts out so quiet and slow, but it's such a deliberate burn. Layer by layer it pulled me deeper into Cassian's world.
This isn't the glossy Star Wars I'm used to, but I absolutely love it. It feels more lived-in, heavier, grittier. And instead of being swept into big space battles or Jedi lightsabers, I found myself stepping into the shoes of ordinary people caught up in the beginnings of the Empire. The whole thing felt so much more real and dangerous.
Cassian is such a fascinating character. He's not your typical hero (or even one at all?); he's just trying to survive, carrying a weight of secrets and desperation. I love that these first episodes put us down in the mud with him. Forcing us to feel his panic and constant calculating.
We also got a glimpse into the systems surrounding Cassian. The corporate authority with Syril. Tidying his shoes, standing at the ready, stitching himself into his uniform like it's the only thing he'll wear for the rest of his days. He feels so desperate to matter and a complete contrast in character than the weary Chief Inspector who knows better than to go stirring up trouble.
Then there's Luthen. His arrival changing everything. I was SO excited to see Stellan Skarsgård again. This time in a role with such quiet intensity. You just know he has seen too much, knows too much, and already made peace with this dangerous path he is on. The way he watches Cassian, challenging him and pushing him to see the bigger picture. I gasped. Luthen feels like the first spark of rebellion personified. A man carrying the fire but relying on Cassian to fan the flames. And I'm so here for it!
And Maarva. She broke me near the end of episode 3. There's something so grounding about her character. You can tell that she loved Cassian from the very first time she saw him. Seeing those flashbacks of her taking him in told me everything I needed to know about her heart. And even though she is frail now, her presence is still strong and feels like a sort of moral compass in Cassian's life.
By the time the third episode hit, I was hooked. All the tension, the careful setup, just to explode into motion. It felt like a point of no return for Cassian and also for me as the viewer. This wasn't the Star Wars that hits you with a wave of nostalgia right away. It's one that dives deep into the quiet moments and makes you wonder what's next in their dangerous adventure. I can't wait to keep walking through it with you all!
Thank you for your support on Patreon!
Relax and enjoy 🍿🌿
LINK: https://youtu.be/XuLoO-Is98o
I watched this on Disney Plus
Comments
Thank you for a beautifully detailed take! I love how you also noticed the small details, like B2EMO's "aging" and the way the show let us piece together the kids' story. It does make the world feel so lived-in and layered in so many amazing ways so far! And yes, Syril is a super tricky character. He is just "doing his job" but we know as viewers of Star Wars that the Empire isn't to be trusted. It makes it really chilling when you think about the system he serves. I totally get your take on Cassian being a darker protagonist. Which I think, for me, is what makes this show feel so different! But knowing what I know from Rogue One about Cassian.. I just know that there are moments coming that have to deepen his appeal. I'm glad the three-episode chunks are working for you too! I think that the recommended viewing for this season is 3-3-1-2-2 so it'll change up a bit, BUT Season 2 is apparently much more straightforward with 3-episode chunks only. Looking forward to hearing more of your thoughts as we move through this series for the first time together! I'm really glad you're loving it as much as I am so far!
Kali Wali
2025-08-28 14:28:51 +0000 UTCOoo Breaking Bad! I'd love to get into that one eventually
Kali Wali
2025-08-28 14:25:04 +0000 UTCI love this! You really hit all the reasons I'm very hooked on this show even just after the first few episodes haha. The music, the grounded world, the acting, the pacing.. It all comes together perfectly! I'm also glad the chunked episodes work well! It really does feel like we are getting these "mini-movies" while still letting the entire story breathe which I have loved so far. I also love the slow-burn of it all! The small stakes building to the big ones. It's definitely what has made Andor feel so special and satifsying. Can't wait to jump into the next episodes here soon! See you there!
Kali Wali
2025-08-28 14:24:51 +0000 UTCOo another Tom Cruise recommend! I'll add it to my list!
Kali Wali
2025-08-28 14:19:32 +0000 UTCDefinitely! I've heard a lot of people recommend it and I can't wait to watch when I get to it!
Kali Wali
2025-08-28 14:19:05 +0000 UTCThank you so much for the end credit scene tip! I hope I don't forget it this time hahaha. Sometimes it's so hard to remember when I'm in my thoughts at the end. I can't wait to dive into The Mandalorian and Obi-Wan series after this! I hear that The Mandalorian is also amazing. I did watch the first maybe 2 or 3 episodes of Season 1, but since it was way out of order I didn't stick with it because I didn't understand the world at all lol. I'm excited to try to get into it again knowing all I know now with my Star Wars journey! And thanks for the 50 First Dates and The Sixth Sense tip! I did plan on watching The Sixth Sense for spooky season so maybe I'll plan on watching that one first after all 🤔
Kali Wali
2025-08-28 14:18:48 +0000 UTCThank you! I love the idea of just letting my thoughts flow more naturally between episodes. As you can probably tell, I love structure haha. So it takes comments like this to remind me I don't need to be so careful which I truly appreciate ❤️ Can't wait to dive into more episodes later today!
Kali Wali
2025-08-28 14:14:41 +0000 UTCI totally agree even though I haven't seen past these first three episodes yet haha. Everything feels so meticulously plotted but never forced. And it does make the characters actually FEEL like people living in this world. Watching them consistently act with their own motivations makes the story feel so real. It's definitely a refreshing level of world-building! I'm watching the next three episodes today and I can't wait!
Kali Wali
2025-08-28 14:13:25 +0000 UTCThank you! I'm really glad so many of you all are just as excited as I am to re-watch with me!! It's been awesome reading through the comments here this morning before I jump into the next three episodes in a bit. And yes! This show nails that sense of oppression and the small, risky acts of rebellion. It makes you feel the stakes and really sit with them. Far away from any Jedi heroics. Those quotes you shared are amazing and my favorites from these episodes, too! Also, thank you for the timeline note! I wasn't sure what BBY was, but this helps a tooon. Thank you!
Kali Wali
2025-08-28 14:11:46 +0000 UTCI thought the pacing felt perfect to me! I think they get the 'slow burn' vibe from it just having a lot more room to breathe. But the opening scene definitely sets the entire tone so well and it immediately told me this show was going to push into new territory. I do love how the flashbacks mirrored what was happening with Luthen! It made Cassian's story feel very layered right from the start. I'm already growing attached to these characters and I can't wait to see where it all goes!
Kali Wali
2025-08-28 14:09:23 +0000 UTCThat's a spiiiicy take and I honestly love it haha. Andor does feel very different but in all the best ways! It's all about the people and the reality of living under the Empire. It hits in such a grounded, human way! The fact that everyone keeps telling me it only gets better has me so excited!
Kali Wali
2025-08-28 14:07:29 +0000 UTCI can't wait! I'm jumping into 3 more episodes a little later today ✨
Kali Wali
2025-08-28 14:06:30 +0000 UTCTotally agree! This does feel like one of Disney's strongest since they got involved with Star Wars. I'm VERY impressed. And I love the 3 episode arc format, too! Someone mentioned that I should watch Season 1 in 3-3-1-3-2 chunks so I think I'll stick to that. But I'm glad Season 2 will be a little more straightforward! Can't wait for more of this show. I'm watching the next 3 a little later today!
Kali Wali
2025-08-28 14:06:14 +0000 UTCThat's exactly how I felt! The build-up and tension had me on the edge the whole time, and even when everything finally came together.. actual chills. The music helped with those chills too of course hehe I love that you brought up Firefly! It really does have that same scrappy, lived-in vibe mixed with beautiful Star Wars familiarities. The sounds, the music, sheeeesh. Those drums at the end of Ep2 actually sent a chill down my spine. I'm definitely fully hooked with you! Also as a silly side not, I love the little beep boop song played when we are first introduced to Ferrix in Episode 1. It reminded me of Rey's theme a little which I loved haha
Kali Wali
2025-08-28 14:03:25 +0000 UTCAh, yes! I was wondering and I'm glad I got that right. The checkered compartment gave it away but I wasn't 100% sure if it was the same one.
Kali Wali
2025-08-28 14:01:25 +0000 UTCExactly! That's what I love about this so much (and most shows/films that go for the slow-burn approach). It's not rushing those "big moments". It lets us really sit in the shoes of the character and feel what they feel in those moments. It makes every payoff hit that much harder because it's earned. It really does feel like we're finally peeking behind the curtain of the galaxy instead of just following chosen ones (I love that you said that!) Can't wait to see more of this show a little later today.. I'm loving it so far!
Kali Wali
2025-08-28 13:59:56 +0000 UTCThank you! I love the WWII parallel you brought up because it does make this series feel that much more grounded and heavier. Yes, this is the Star Wars world but there's a lot to think on in real life as well. Thinking about Cassian (and Han, too) as stand-ins for those nameless resistance fighters adds a huge layer of meaning to an already meaningful story. And thank you so much for the kind words about my voice! I actually just read a YouTube comment on "Alien" that said I had a super annoying voice and they didn't understand why it got raspy at the end of some words making it 'very hard on the ears'.. And you know me, I took that to heart for a few days hahaha. So I seriously appreciate you saying kind things and making me feel that confidence again!
Kali Wali
2025-08-28 13:58:26 +0000 UTCYes, exactly! That's what I love about this setup so far. It's not about starting with a "chosen one" or a hero immediately. It's about showing someone messy, flawed, and just kinda trying to survive in a world that is rapidly changing. The fact that Gilroy wanted to explore the journey from survivor to true reel makes the story feel that much more impactful. I can't wait to see how Cassian gets to where he is in Rogue One!
Kali Wali
2025-08-28 13:55:18 +0000 UTCYou're so right, seeing the politics ripple down to the everyday people makes it hit waaaay harder. It's not just Jedi vs Sith. It's about how regular lives get crushed by it all. And yes! History absolutely loves to repeat itself... Which is what makes Andor feel both so Star Wars and so uncomfortably real at the same time. I'm excited to watch Season 2 together down the line!
Kali Wali
2025-08-28 13:53:54 +0000 UTCAs a new viewer, I'm enjoying this series so far. It's fun to be back in the Star Wars universe, with the variety of settings, species, and droids. In the past, we've typically seen droids that either looked brand new or were at least fully functional. With B2EMO, I love the idea of an old droid that hasn't seen enough repair facilities and whose power frequently runs low. It's the robotic analog to aging, and it makes droids seem even more human. Kali, I agree that *not* providing subtitles for the Kerlani youngsters was a fantastic way to introduce them. We as viewers must try to understand the situation by piecing together visible clues. A run-down looking camp in the middle of the forrest? Where are the adults? What happened to cause this? (I liked your idea that the children had been displaced somehow, even though that turned out not to be the case.) And then, as they set out in search of the crashed ship, we finally saw some more context: something that appears to an immense strip mine, completely abandoned. Are these the children of the miners, who were either killed or somehow disappeared? Later we hear mention of a "mining disaster," but I'm not sure we've heard the full story yet. Kali, at one point you said that Syril Karn, the "goody goody" security officer, doesn't really seem to be a bad guy. He has no personal animosity against Cassian, but is "just doing his job." My response was, "Yes, but remember who they work for!" These corporate security services are the low-level thugs serving the Empire, enforcing draconian policies under the guise of law and order. And the excuse of "just doing his job" reminds me of the Nuremberg war crimes trials following World War II. Not a good precedent! I like this series so far, but do I love it? Not yet. Cassian does not really appeal to me as a protagonist, at least to this point. In a refrain that will sound familiar to those who have read my comments on Battlestar Galactica, I find his character to be too dark. I've enjoyed other Star Wars series because the protagonists are more compelling to me: the Mandalorian, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Boba Fett. I hope you eventually get to all of them! All in all, I'm looking forward to seeing more of Cassian's story. And, as you said, kudos to whoever suggesting watching in three-episode chunks! I thought the idea silly when you first mentioned it, but now I agree it seems to be exactly the right choice.
Phil Stubblefield
2025-08-28 00:14:01 +0000 UTCThis series (along with Breaking Bad) is in my opinion perfect TV - any "genre"! Glad you're here!
Matthew Murdick
2025-08-26 01:44:34 +0000 UTCSo excited you liked it! Based on your Rogue One reaction, I was pretty confident you would! And now that I'm re-watching with you, watching the arcs really does provide the best pacing, particularly with a show that is a slower burn as you've mentioned. 1. I'm glad you mentioned the music as you were watching. I really liked that they went away from the "big" Star Wars John Williams music for this show. The emotional notes that Andor's theme brings (I particularly loved the violin bit at the end of this arc with Maarva looking back at child Cassian) really hit hard. 2. This show is so *grounded* in all respects, which I love. The world is gritty and realistic. The characters are authentic and consistent with real motivations. We get a peak behind the curtain on what life is like under an increasingly authoritarian regime, and how that impacts the people on the ground. The writing and the pacing just work so well. 3. The acting performances are just phenomenal. Stellan Skarsgard, Diego Luna, Adria Arjona, Kyle Soller, and some more powerhouse acting performances to come (I won't spoil anything here!) 4. The pacing of *scope* is so fun. If we end with Rogue One, a galactic battle at featuring the villains from the films that we know, starting with a small, deeply personal story (a man looking for his long lost sister, just trying to survive with a corporate rent-a-cop group investigating his crime of murder) and watching the scope expand across the show is such a special experience. This is a show that gets *better* as it goes. Honestly, I think the episode chunks and then the commentary worked really well here, as we get your real-time commentary throughout as well. I'm really, really glad you ended up going with the chunks. Like another in the comments said here and some of us mentioned previously, the Season 1 "chunking" is a little less straightforward than Season 2. So if you're looking to keep the "mini-movie" feel of things (and avoid excruciating cliffhangers lol) then 4-6 is a mini-movie, 7 is sort of an interlude (could be standalone or grouped with the next batch), 8-10 is a mini-movie, and 11-12 is a mini-movie. But I know you get SO much advice on this stuff so you do you and I'm know everyone will happily come along for the ride. Luckily Season 2 is a very clean, 3 episode chunk structure. Can't wait for next week (and I'm off to finish Pirates here soon)!
Nick
2025-08-26 00:14:06 +0000 UTCPlease consider watching 1986 "Legend " starring Tom Cruise. Thank you
Joshua s. Jackson
2025-08-25 22:20:59 +0000 UTCPlease watch the kenobi series. Is just 6 episodes but so good and they Match perfect After ep 3
Torben
2025-08-25 17:56:00 +0000 UTCJust remember on the last episode of season 1 there is an end credit scene. Yeah I love the slow burn on this show, it allows for better character development. Andor is one of my favorite Star Wars shows The only other show that I liked a lot and I highly recommend is the first two seasons of The Mandalorian, it takes place a few years after Return of the Jedi movie. As for the format, I completely enjoyed the 3 episode format with commentary at the end of the 3rd episode. Or if you want to highlight a few things between episodes also, that works too... BTW, If your still plan on watching 50 first dates, you might want to watch The Sixth Sense first, because there's a scene in 50 first dates that spoils The Sixth Sense movie. . The Sixth Sense is an excellent Bruce Willis movie, it's worth watching.
McShades
2025-08-25 10:52:53 +0000 UTCGlad you like the show so far! Excellent reaction! I think the format is good. With your thoughts at the end. But don’t feel the need to be so strict with yourself If something happens during an episode, that you feel you want to talk about immediately. While it’s still fresh in your mind. I don’t think anyone is going to be upset if you talk about between episodes Looking forward to next week!
Robert da Spruce
2025-08-25 05:05:13 +0000 UTCRewatching these episodes again, knowing what I know now, it strikes me all over again how amazing the writing is. Everything feels meticulously plotted in a way that feels so refreshingly organic. It's amazing when you notice how few contrivances there are in Andor. I won't say ZERO contrivances, but practically zero. All of the characters feel like real people with real motivations, and they act in believable ways, completely consistent with their place in the world the story creates. Just a whole other level of world building and narrative.
Dude Longcouch
2025-08-25 04:37:20 +0000 UTCExcellent job Kali! I think we all will thoroughly enjoy doing this re-watch with you. As you might have guessed, this show is all about fascistic oppression and the hubris that comes along with it, and the way common people get fed up with the abuses and will eventually feel the need respond to it. Seeds for a rebellion. No need for "space wizards with laser swords" (LOL) to show anybody the way. Two quotes send chills down my spine every time: Cassian to Luthen: "They are so proud of themselves, they don't even care. They are so fat and satisfied, they can't imagine it... That someone like me would ever get inside their house, walk their floors, spit in their food, take their gear." Luthen to Cassian: "Seems like such a waste to let them have you. Waste of talent... Don't you want to fight these bastards for real???" Just one quick note: the timeline said 5 BBY - 5 years Before the Battle of Yavin (i.e., A New Hope) - The empire is in full operation and control at this time, not just getting started, but as you saw in these intro episodes, the security in some minor systems can be delegated to not very competent corporate rent-a-cops.
Calu
2025-08-25 02:24:36 +0000 UTCExcellent. And it only gets better & better from here..
Camron
2025-08-25 01:22:40 +0000 UTCI love these first three episodes so much. Any time someone says it's slow, I literally can't relate. The opening scene where he kills those corporate officers and then tries to find an alibi is so new for what Star Wars usually offers that it feels like something completely fresh. And the complementary scenes of Cassian being rescued by Marva as a child and then Luthen when in need is really emotional. I forgot how much I car for these characters, and these 3 episodes introduces them amazingly. Can't wait for you to meet Dedra and Kleya and Mon, all introduced in episode 4.
David
2025-08-25 01:19:02 +0000 UTCTo me, THIS is what Star Wars needs to be. My hot take: none of the Star Wars movies holds a candle to this show. The movies are popcorn films that in my opinion have some great beats but overall suffer from poor writing. Andor, though, is about the PEOPLE. It is grounded, and gritty, and real. And it Only Gets Better
The Dingo
2025-08-25 01:04:58 +0000 UTCThis has been one of the most amazing shows since Disney took over Star Wars. The 3 episode arcs work to a point but there is a small break in there somewhere in the 1st season. I have seen people describe it to you already. Hopefully you have also seen it because at one point I think there are 4 episodes that tie together but it has been awhile since I have watched season 1 so I can't remember which ones. The 2nd season is all 3 episode arcs. This show will take you on an emotional rollercoaster that's for sure.
Lastboyscout73 (John)
2025-08-24 22:35:05 +0000 UTCOh I'm hooked haha. There was so much build, and tension in these first three episodes that I'm really excited to see what's coming next! I love the slow introduction to this world through the first three episodes. It feels like Star Wars, but it also doesn't. In the best of ways. It's got so much of what feels familiar about Star Wars, but mixed with some of the grittiness of Firefly. I also loved the way these three episodes blended the flashbacks in. It only helped to further build that feeling of tension, like we were moving toward something the entire time. And seeing how they converged at the end was really cool! The music and overall sound design of this show has been awesome too! And again, it had it's own feel and didn't feel like Star Wars music. But was amazing in it's own way, that fit the vibe of this show so well. Those drums at the end of Ep2 and the chimes and overall score of the village siege in Ep3. So good!
M1 Maz
2025-08-24 18:43:07 +0000 UTCThe ship that was hiding the Imperial unit is the same ship that Marva & her husband was taken Kassa away from Kanari. The Morlana One officer pushed Bix & she hit het head against the wall.
Fettmatic
2025-08-24 17:16:12 +0000 UTCI understand why people say it’s a slow burn, but for me that’s one of the things that makes this show stand apart. I find myself hanging on every word. The moments and the payoffs feel so raw and earned. It’s not just fan service and convenient plot lines but it’s a fly on the wall peek at what’s happening behind the scenes of the main storylines. It doesn’t dumb down for the viewer. It helps flesh out what the rest of the galaxy feels like, that dirty grounded reality we don’t get to see when we’re following heroes like Luke and Anakin. More than anything it just feels real.
Other Chris
2025-08-24 17:12:13 +0000 UTCSee, this is what I'm talking about - your analysis of this show can help me appreciate it more than I did. I did originally watch several episodes, and the thing I often come back to is the bigger picture of the Stormtroopers, Empire, etc being a metaphor for Nazi Germany. So people like Cassian and all the other similar characters through all the movies make me think about all the nameless, forgotten souls who were in the underground resistance in Nazi-occupied France and Holland during WWII. And I’m always fascinated to see when and how the transition from “mercenary” to “invested” happens, like with Han Solo. Kali, I don't know if anyone has ever told you this, but you have a nice voice for this line of work. It's smooth and pleasant, you never talk too fast or too loud or too soft, plus you don't have any annoying vocal habits like saying "ummm" all the time. Because of that I can sometimes put on your reactions in the background while I'm working and still enjoy them a lot (Liar Liar still being the best for that because of all the laughs and giggles) but really anything where you have a lot of commentary. After all the hype, I’m very glad you are enjoying this. Absolutely legendary write-up, as usual. My jaw was on the floor 😲
Richard
2025-08-24 16:14:38 +0000 UTCThank you for such a fun way to spend my Sunday morning! I'm really looking forward to this and all the Star Wars shows in the future!
Brina Blue
2025-08-24 16:06:12 +0000 UTCI can see that! It's a slow burn and sometimes you just have to be in the mood to get into that mindset. I think it's easier for me because (as you probably already know about me) I try to put myself in everyone's shoes. So when I'm given THIS much of a deep dive, I love to soak it all in and really sit with the characters and their internal thoughts lol. But I can see how it's definitely not everyone's cup of tea! I'm glad you gave it another chance and enjoyed it, tho ✨ Maybe together we can get through Season 2 this time!
Kali Wali
2025-08-24 15:55:08 +0000 UTCWatching 3 episodes of Andor with Kali is the perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday. At last, we've made it to the start of the REAL best trilogy in all of Star Wars (Andor 1, Andor 2, Rogue One :p)
Dude Longcouch
2025-08-24 15:51:02 +0000 UTCYes, Cassian definitely is not a hero at this point. Gilroy's pitch to Disney for the show was, let's take this guy who in Rogue One is the personification of a hyper-committed rebel, and go back five years to a time where he's as far from that as can possibly be... and see how he gets from here to there.
Chris
2025-08-24 15:34:44 +0000 UTCI haven’t really been a fan of most of the tv shows, other than the Mandalorian and Andor. There is sooooo much in the Star Wars Universe, but Andor (and the incredible Rogue One) really focuses on the most interesting time period for me - in between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope. To see how an entire civilization goes from the diplomatic-ish Senate to the Intergalactic Empire is intriguing to me. One can draw a lot of parallels to moments in history where a government with best intentions inadvertently gave rise to a dictator. And to see this grounded viewpoint, how the shift in politics affected real people in this universe, is both endlessly fascinating and depressing. I didn’t know why I hadn’t gotten around to watching season 2 yet, but now I do…so I can eventually watch it with you. 😁
Hefty517
2025-08-24 15:34:15 +0000 UTCI started watching this show at least 3 or so times and it just didn't grab me. Finally, after all the praise I just decided to keep watching anyway and I am glad I did, because once it clicked for me, I was in. The strange thing is I the same thing has happened in the second season. I have watched the first episode a few times and stopped paying attention. Maybe I will watch along with you when you get there.
Joe
2025-08-24 15:13:44 +0000 UTCSo far, I can already tell I'm going to love this journey 👀✨ Can't wait to get more into this now!!
Kali Wali
2025-08-24 15:13:04 +0000 UTCLooking forward to going on this ride with you Kali!
Robert da Spruce
2025-08-24 14:58:15 +0000 UTCAhhh. Okay that makes sense.
Kali Wali
2025-08-24 14:48:27 +0000 UTCCassian hit the smaller guy in the throat.
Fettmatic
2025-08-24 13:57:20 +0000 UTC
