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(mysterious music)

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- [David] Showrunner Tony
Gilroy masterfully sets up

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a new Star Wars universe that
drops us on the ground level

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and explores the lives
of the disenfranchised

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in the shadow of the Empire.

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No need for space wizardry here.

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This is a story about people.

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The steady tension-filled build
of "Andor" gets right down

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to a personal story of diaspora.

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Diego Luna shines as a
survivor on the fringes

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who finds himself instrumental

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to the start of the rebellion.

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(mysterious music becomes more agitated)

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Supporting cast members shine,

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especially Adria Arjona as Bix Caleen,

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who really stands out as a new heroine.

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She's a savvy business
woman who may be dealing

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in ways to resist the grip of the Empire,

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and a loyal friend to Andor.

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It's awesome to add another
capable and badass woman

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to Star Wars' legacy.

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Leia would be proud.

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Fiona Shaw as Maarva Andor,

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and Stellan Skarsgard as Luthen Rael

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fill out a stellar ensemble
of characters you care about,

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who make dangerous moves from
different social positions

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to carry out ways to cultivate
the first spark of rebellion.

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Luthen's double life is played
deliciously by Skarsgard.

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(quiet agitated music)

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Even in the flashbacks, when
we see Andor's childhood,

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there's a world that feels lived in

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by new Star Wars cultures
we haven't seen before.

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To see the journey of
a child who has to move

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from their home world to strange
places is highly relevant.

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The enemies in the form
of Imperial leadership

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on Andor's tail feel a
little too cartoonish.

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Syril and Deedra's motivations
are a bit more about ranking

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than about being a real threat.

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They're just bored corporate types

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who may get way in over their heads.

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They might just be poking
around till they get in too deep

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and lead up to the real big villain.

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So, the pacing does move slowly.

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It really takes three episodes of "Andor"

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to ramp up the action compared

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to other shows or movies
where we just get straight

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into the wars part of "Star Wars."

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But I'd describe this show as a simmer

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that builds up to a boil by
the time we get to episode 4.

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Overall, we're excited to see more.

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Check out Gizmodo.com/io9
for more "Star Wars" content.