LOS ANGELES — The exploration of personal trauma isn’t typically highlighted in the realms of science fiction and fantasy. Often, such themes are seen as an impediment to narrative progression. Yet, shows like “Game of Thrones” delved into it, and “Battlestar Galactica” prompted audiences to contemplate the impact of losing entire planets. However, this aspect was largely absent in the adventurous universe of “Star Wars.” Would the quest to obliterate the Death Star have been expedited if Princess Leia paused to grieve her loss of loved ones on Alderaan?
“Andor” has brought a shift in this dynamic. Throughout its two-season stretch, the series has consistently dealt with themes of inner turmoil. This journey reaches its conclusion as Disney+ releases a trio of finale episodes. The protagonist, Cassian Andor, grapples with his own feelings of being unanchored, driven by the destruction and loss surrounding him.
From the start, everything dear to him has been wrenched away, a narrative arc emphasized by Diego Luna, who portrays Andor. “He learns that home is internal, and understanding that gives him cause to fight,” Luna expressed, highlighting the integral role of trauma in the storyline.
The series nudges closer to the pivotal events of “Rogue One,” the 2016 cinematic predecessor that inspired this streaming venture. Tony Gilroy, the mind behind both “Rogue One” and “Andor,” has leveraged the Star Wars universe to unravel broader narratives about the ramifications of warfare, revolution, and imperialism, impacting both human and otherworldly beings.
The characters, each in their own way, are profoundly affected. Even moments of levity come steeped in underlying pain.
In one instance, Andor’s undercover persona encounters grief while conversing with a hotel staffer who suffered the massacre of his family by the infamous Grand Moff Tarkin. Similarly, Mon Mothma, portrayed by Genevieve O’Reilly, conveys her turmoil through a somber celebration dance—an act of suppression following a tragic decision.
Bix Caleen, characterized by Adria Arjona, embodies a narrative steeped in adversity. Tested by the legacy of imperial torture and personal violation, her story is an arduous exploration of survival and resilience. As Arjona explains, stepping into Bix’s shoes posed a compelling challenge, capturing the dramatic shifts from trauma recovery to seeking solace through various coping mechanisms.
The relationship between Cassian and Bix nurtures a nuanced portrayal of intimacy under duress. While seeking refuge in their growing closeness, they are haunted by the realities of their actions within the revolutionary struggle. Unlike past Star Wars narratives where character casualties were swiftly glossed over, “Andor” insists that memory lingers.
With Bix’s storyline reaching its emotional fruition and her portrayal excluded from future Star Wars narratives, her arcs within “Andor” provide a touching resolution.
Saw Gerrera, portrayed by Forest Whittaker, injects fervor with his potent declarations, encouraging the harnessing of pain as revolutionary fervor. The retelling of a brutal history serves as a clarion call of empowerment, translating suffering into collective strength.
“Andor” thus reframes the Star Wars saga, illustrating the profound impact of inner struggles and shared hardship that fuels revolutionary zeal. Pain, rather than a hindrance, becomes the driving force behind the characters’ quests for change.