Andor‘s story and characters are incredibly different from regular Star Wars properties, and one subtle detail from season 2, episode 1 proves this above all else. Andor‘s differences from Star Wars are often attributed to its writing. Not only does this writing allow for a fantastic story that sees Andor described as the best Star Wars TV show, but it also includes a level of maturity that sets it apart from most other projects in the franchise. Even the best-ranked Star Wars movies are more family-friendly than Andor, proving just how singular the latter is.
Andor season 2 took this to an even deeper level than season 1 did. Moments like Andor‘s Ghorman Mᴀssacre or the attempted Sєxual ᴀssault of Bix Caleen prove that Tony Gilroy and his writing team wished to continue pushing the boundaries of the darkness that could be explored in Star Wars. By the time of Andor season 2’s ending, the show was solidified as a different entry to the Star Wars mythos. One moment from Andor season 2, episode 1 proves this and, while not as inherently dark as the aforementioned moments, proves how the show’s story and characters stand apart from Star Wars as a whole.
Krennic’s Introduction In Andor Season 2 Is Mᴀssively Understated
Especially In Comparison To Other Big Star Wars Cameos
The moment from Andor season 2, episode 1 involves the introduction of Director Orson Krennic, a returning character from Rogue One. Although I will admit that Krennic’s overall screentime in Andor season 2 counts him as a supporting character rather than a cameo, his scenes in the first episode mark his only appearance until episode 6. Therefore, it can be viewed as a cameo, yet it is handled much differently than others of this ilk from Star Wars’ past.
The scene begins with an establishing sH๏τ of the Imperial meeting place high in the mountains of a place called The Maltheen Divide. Krennic’s voice can be heard as the camera pushes in on this building before he is immediately shown in a wide sH๏τ inside the meeting. The scene then plays out from there, with Krennic explaining the situation on Ghorman, outlining how the Emperor needs to mine kalkite from its core, and enlists those at the meeting to figure out how best the Empire can conquer the planet. Overall, this introduction to such a big character is incredibly understated.
Star Wars Cameos Usually Operate Very Differently
Star Wars’ Surprise Appearances Tend To Have Bigger Build-Ups
What makes the understated nature of Krennic’s first appearance in Andor season 2 so different from regular Star Wars is how other properties in the franchise tend to introduce cameo characters. Rogue One, the movie in which Krennic debuted, has many examples of cameos that are built up to in order to provide the maximum level of hype and garner big reactions from the audience. Darth Vader’s cameos, for example, see him either coming out of a smoking room or standing in a dark hallway with only his iconic breathing sounds being heard before he ignites his lightsaber.
Rogue One also features cameos from Tarkin and Leia, both of whom are shown from behind first as the camera slowly pans around to them for maximum effect.
Star Wars’ most popular TV shows tend to do the same. One of the most memorable cameos in Star Wars TV history was Luke Skywalker’s involvement in The Mandalorian season 2, episode 8. This scene takes the build-up to another level; the time between Luke’s X-Wing flying past Moff Gideon’s Imperial ship and him removing the hood of his cloak is almost five minutes. The meantime includes sH๏τs of Luke with his lightsaber cutting down Dark Troopers, building the necessary level of hype Star Wars usually requires from cameos.
All of these scenes are vastly different in execution from Krennic’s cameo in Andor season 2’s first act…
Another similar moment came in The Book of Boba Fett with the inclusion of Cad Bane. This scene saw Cad walking towards a Tatooine village from the desert, taking his time to reach the main characters so that audiences could get excited over seeing the familiar silhouette. All of these scenes are vastly different in execution from Krennic’s cameo in Andor season 2’s first act.
Andor Season 2’s Biggest Successes Link To Its Differences From Star Wars
The Show Succeeds As A Singular Entry
Krennic’s understated appearance in Andor season 2 proves a big difference in the show’s characters and storytelling style, with these differences allowing it to be so successful. This is not to say that typical Star Wars stories have no place in the franchise, as they can be just as effective for what they are. However, there is no denying that Andor works on another level completely.
Andor is not just the best Star Wars TV show, but it stands tall alongside some of the best TV shows in history in any genre. A big factor in this is its differences in tone, maturity, and plot. The intense intricacies of galactic politics, the horrors of the Empire being shown firsthand, and the treatment of Star Wars as a serious realm in which thought-provoking stories can be told allow it to stand apart. As typified by Andor season 2’s Krennic introduction, the show’s success lies in its sheer singularity.
