After Andor aired its final episodes, I had a chance to rewatch Rogue One: A Star Wars Story with the show fresh on my mind. Although I’ve seen Rogue One several times, this viewing was interesting because I saw it from two perspectives. I had a good idea where Andor‘s story was heading, but my dad didn’t really remember Rogue One, so he got to go into it mostly blind after we finished the show’s last arc.

Rewatching the film right after Andor, and with someone who had a different point of view than mine, really made Rogue One feel different from all my previous viewings. Certain scenes feel more powerful, plotlines have entirely new context, and Cᴀssian Andor himself feels different after Andor. I noticed 20 distinct changes to the story after watching Rogue One as a finale instead of just a standalone film.

20

Andor Makes Krennic’s First Rogue One Scene Even More Powerful

We already know how threatening he is

Director Orson Krennic was already a fantastic villain in Rogue One, but Ben Mendelsohn elevated the character to another level in Andor season 2. With no Grand Moff Tarkin or Darth Vader in the series, Krennic is the one at the top of the food chain, and we feel the same terror as Dedra when he interrogates her. The viewer immediately understands why Galen and Lyra Erso are so terrified when Krennic’s shuttle lands outside their farm.

19

Rogue One’s First Act Makes So Much More Sense Thanks To Andor

The location jumps and exposition are easier to follow

As much as I enjoy Rogue One, there’s no denying that the first act is the weakest part of the film, rapidly jumping between locations while dumping tons of exposition. Even after multiple viewings, and despite being a big Star Wars fan, I always feel the need to pay close attention to make sure I understand everything. Thanks to Andor, every part of the first act was properly set up, so I found it much easier to follow.

18

Rogue One’s Plot Is Personal For Cᴀssian

Honoring the final sacrifice of his mentor

One of my favorite changes Andor made to Rogue One is having the story be more personal for Cᴀssian. Despite their complicated relationship, Luthen Rael took Cᴀssian in and helped him become a rebel, and the Alliance wouldn’t know about the Death Star without Luthen’s sacrifice. All of Cᴀssian’s words and actions carry new weight, knowing that he’s honoring his mentor’s final wishes.

17

Cᴀssian’s First Mission Perfectly Mirrors The First Episode Of Andor

Shooting people in cold blood for different reasons

The very first changes Andor made to Rogue One in its pilot episode was revealing how different Cᴀssian was before becoming a rebel. In Andor, Cᴀssian kills two officers in cold blood to protect himself, but in Rogue One, he kills two stormtroopers and his own informant to protect the Rebellion. This parallel perfectly conveys that Cᴀssian is still ruthless, but also shows how he’s changed since the start of Andor.

16

General Draven Is More Likable After Andor

He worked well with Cᴀssian and acted when other rebels wouldn’t

There was a time when I absolutely hated General Draven in Rogue One, both for being such a jerk and for his idiotic decision to kill Galen Erso rather than capture him for information. However, Andor makes Draven a pretty likable character, one who looked out for Cᴀssian and had a good relationship with him. His decisions in Rogue One make more sense, knowing how much pressure he’s under since the other Rebel leaders refuse to do anything.

15

Jyn and Cᴀssian Have Way More In Common Than We Realized

From criminals to reluctant allies to rebels

After finishing Andor, I realized that Jyn Erso’s arc in Rogue One is basically a condensed version of Cᴀssian’s. Both started as criminals who wanted nothing to do with the Rebellion, ended up in prison anyway, lost their parents, were taken in by more radical mentors, and eventually sacrificed everything. It makes their conflict, friendship, and final scenes a lot more compelling.

14

Bail Organa Is A Bit Distracting Right After Andor

An unfortunate side effect of having two actors

I love what the creative team did with Senator Bail Organa in Andor, but it does make his Rogue One scenes distracting when watching them back to back. One minute, Bail looks and acts like Benjamin Bratt, the next he goes back to looking like the Jimmy Smits we all know and love. Both Star Wars actors portray Bail Organa well, but they’re a little jarring when seen in close proximity.

13

Rogue One’s Blatant Fan Service Moments Are More Annoying After Andor

Andor avoided unnecessary and distracting references

I have no problem with fan service as long as it serves a purpose and is woven naturally into the story. Unfortunately, Rogue One has unnecessary cameos, actors’ exact likenesses replicated with CGI, and even a lingering sH๏τ of blue milk in the movie’s tense opening scene. Andor wisely avoids excessive fan service and only brings in familiar elements when appropriate, making these Rogue One oddities more distracting.

12

“Rebellions Are Built On Hope” Has Its Own Arc Through Andor & Rogue One

We know where Cᴀssian heard the words he pᴀssed on to Jyn

One surprising addition made in Andor was the bellhop who told Cᴀssian that “Rebellions are built on hope.” I love that it comes from a minor character Cᴀssian only met a few times, showing how everyone he met affected his journey in some way. Having Cᴀssian pᴀss the line on to Jyn is another nice reminder that he wasn’t so different from her once.

11

One Key Line From Chirrut Makes So Much Sense

Cᴀssian has escaped from prison but never fully left his behind

When Cᴀssian, Chirrut Îmwe, and Baze Malbus are thrown into Saw Gerrera’s holding cells, Cᴀssian says that this is a first for him. However, Chirrut remarks on how there’s more than one type of prison, with Cᴀssian carrying his wherever he goes. This line hits harder knowing about Cᴀssian’s horrible experience in an Imperial prison, but given everything he’s been through, there’s so much that could be going through his head when Chirrut says this.