Diego Luna as Cassian Andor and Faye Marsay as Vel Sartha in Andor (Photo: Disney+)
Take away the annoying kids and over-reliance on CGI, add an expansive story and showrunner with real writing chops: the result is Andor, a Star Wars show that is doing everything right, writes Catherine McGregor.
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The lowdown
The latest addition to the torrent of small-screen Star Wars content, Andor tells the story of Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) from the time of his recruitment into the Rebel Alliance up to the events depicted in the movie Rogue One. That’s a span of around five years, according to Star Wars lore, and the Andor series is planned as two 12-episode seasons, the first screening now on Disney+.
So. Another month, another new piece of Star Wars IP. What makes Andor different, and remarkable, is the man behind the show, lauded screenwriter and sometimes-director Tony Gilroy. He’s the guy who wrote the Bourne movies, and the stellar George Clooney flick Michael Clayton, and was the co-writer of Rogue One. With that sort of pedigree you’d be safe in expecting Andor to be a bit more ambitious than, say, The Book of Boba Fett, the stale Mandalorian spinoff that came and went with barely a ripple earlier this year.
The good
Here’s the moment when I knew I was all-in on this show (it comes around 10 minutes in so it isn’t too much of a spoiler): Andor straight-up executes a guy in cold blood, a guy who, until a bullet goes through his forehead, was begging for his life. OK, he kind of had it coming, but still: that’s not the sort of thing we’re used to seeing from a Star Wars hero. It’s clear from the jump that this show isn’t going to be overly concerned with getting a PG13 rating or selling admittedly cute merch.
Those killings (Andor actually kills two guys) are the inciting incident for everything that is to come, though Gilroy isn’t in any hurry to rush us into the story. Stuff happens – a security force is dispatched to apprehend Andor; a mysterious stranger arrives to acquire some valuable stolen property – but the focus in the early episodes is exploring the universe of the story. It’s one revealed to us in small, beautifully observed moments and in conversations written not just to move the plot from A to B, but to build lived-in, fleshed-out characters inhabiting a rich and fascinating world.
That’s all screenwriting 101, sure, but wow does it make a difference when you’re in the hands of a master like Gilroy. It’s there in the world-weary security commander spitballing a cover story for a couple of inconvenient murders – “something sad but inspiring in a mundane sort of way”. In young striver Kyril Sarn (Kyle Soller), embarrassed into admitting he’s modified his uniform with “pockets, piping and some light tailoring”. Or in Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgård)’s seatmate grumbling about declining standards of public transport on the planet Ferrix: “We should be charging them!”
Denise Gough as Imperial Security Bureau lieutenant Dedra Meero (Photo: Disney+)
These are characters who talk like real people talk, and they’re brought to life by actors who can really act. Gilroy shot the series in England, and the cast is packed to the gills with talent, from heavy hitters like Skarsgård and Fiona Shaw (Killing Eve), to “hey, it’s that guy” types like Anton Lesser and Rupert Vanisttart (both ex-Game of Thrones) and The Bear’s Ebon Moss-Bachrach, to left-field choices like Scottish actor Alex Ferns, formerly of long-running soap Eastenders, who has a scene-stealing role as the puffed-up, power tripping Sgt Kostek.
The care that’s gone into Andor is obvious in every scene, not just in the performances but also the music (by Succession’s Nicholas Britell), the shooting style – on real sets and locations, unlike the CGI-heavy Mandalorian and Boba Fett – and the exquisitely detailed production design by Luke Hull, whose biggest previous job was on the HBO series Chernobyl.
The not-so-good
If you can’t tell already, I loved this show. But the pacing can get some getting used to: if you go in expecting an action sequence and a cliff-hanger each week you’re going to be disappointed. The season is structured as a series of three-episode arcs, and many episodes draw to a downbeat close as the story-within-a-story builds to an ultimately action-packed resolution.
The verdict
It’s already become trite to call this “Star Wars for grown-ups” but that’s exactly what it feels like. The brilliant thing about Andor is that its more mature approach doesn’t come at the expense of humour, or shootouts, or general Star Wars weirdness. It’s all still there, but with so much more besides. Andor is not just a great Star Wars show. Andor is great, full stop.
What are you going to be watching in October? We round up everything coming to streaming services this month, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, Apple TV+, Neon and TVNZ+.
The biggies
The White Lotus: Sicily (season two coming to Neon weekly from October 31)
Hell, yes. The buzziest mini-series of 2021 returns for another season, this time trading a Hawaiian resort for a Sicilian one. The first season of the show won raves for its perfect blend of commentary and satire, skewering how wealth, class and race smash against each other in a place that forces the haves to interact with the have-nots. The second season is a completely new cast (with the exception of the divine Jennifer Coolidge, who returns) including Aubrey Plaza, F. Murray Abraham, Tom Hollander and Michael Imperioli. Bring on the pipe music! / Sam Brooks
Derry Girls (season three coming to Netflix on October 7)
If you don’t read Derry Girls in your head in that distinctive Irish accent, are you even really a fan? For those of you who aren’t, Derry Girls is a sitcom based in Ireland during the 90s, following four high school girls (and their token British lad mate) through the trials and tribulations that any high schooler living in… well, Ireland in the 90s, went through. It’s deeply funny, with just a little bit of pointed social commentary. If you’ve watched Bridgerton, you will recognise Nicola Coughlan aka Penelope Bridgerton, and she’s equally as delightful here. / SB
Shantaram (coming to AppleTV+ from October 14)
It feels like people have been trying to bring Shantaram, the hit novel from Australian author Gregory David Roberts, for decades (and they actually have been!). The 2003 novel, loosely based on Roberts’ own life, is about a heroin-addicted bank robber who flees Australia to make his way in India. This adaptation stars Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy) as that bank robber, supported by Richard Roxburgh, Radhika Apte and Alexander Siddig. If you were a fan of the book that seems to have been on the Whitcoulls Top 50 list forever, then you’ll probably love this! / SB
FBoy Island NZ (on TVNZ+ from October 12)
No franchise represents the bizarre mutation of the dating show genre quite like FBOY Island, where three women are presented with a group of 20 men – half are “nice guys” and half are “fuckboys”, but nobody knows which is which. Think The Masked Singer, but instead of a celebrity being revealed, the only reveal is what a bad judge of character you are and how terrible the world is. On October 12, we are getting our own local version in FBOY Island NZ on TVNZ+. Hosted by Shavaughn Ruakere (This is Serial Stuff) and featuring three women named Kiera, Kita and Coco (that’s not going to be a problem at all), I suggest you get acquainted with our potential F Boys as fast as you F-ing can./ Alex Casey
The notables
Avenue 5 (season two on Neon from October 10)
The first season of Avenue 5 unfortunately went by with nary a peep, but I want to personally advocate for it. The show from Armando Iannucci (The Thick of It, Veep), which premiered just before the pandemic, was a sci-fi satire about a group of passengers going on a space cruise for a few weeks. However, a very slight mistake ends up turning that blissful cruise into a nightmarish years-long quarantine. It’s hilarious, dark, and a very bleak insight into what happens when society loses its comforts. Plus, Hugh Laurie gets to make fun of his terrible accent on House, which is always welcome. / SB
The Black Ferns: Wāhine Toa (limited docuseries series on Neon from October 7)
This two-part docuseries follows the Black Ferns, our reigning world champion women’s rugby team, on their journey to defend the Rugby World Cup (in just a few weeks’ time!). It promises to take a look behind the scenes, at the jobs and roles these women hold down – teacher, student, nurse, farmer, mother, policewoman while they also strive to hold onto their title as the best women’s rugby team in the world. / SB
The Mole (series on Netflix from October 7)
If you’re a reality TV fanatic, and I mean a real one, The Mole is one of the holy grail shows. Based on a Belgium concept, the show gathers twelve players to complete various challenges. However, as the title suggests, there’s a twist: one of the players is a “Mole”, whose job is to sabotage the challenges and make sure the group earns as little as possible. Every few days, a player is eliminated as they try to earn the most money and figure out who the mole is. It’s a great concept, and perfect for a quick turnaround, two-week season, on Netflix. Expect to see this all over your feeds. / SB
Friend of the Family (limited series on TVNZ+ from October 6)
Another month, another buzzy true crime story. If you watched the Netflix documentary Abducted in Plain Sight, you’ll already be familiar with the details: it follows the true story of the Broberg family, whose daughter Jan was kidnapped multiple times in the 1970s by a family friend, Robert Berchtold, who was obsessed with her. It’s more complicated than that, somehow, as the Brobergs were devout Christians, devoted to their commuity, and ultimately completely unprepared for the tactics used to kidnap their daughter from under their noses. Anna Paquin and Colin Hanks star as the Broberg parents, while Jack Lacy (terrifying in the aforementioned White Lotus) plays Berchtold. / SB
The movies
Catherine Called Birdy (on Amazon Prime Video from October 7)
As a child, I read the 1994 children’s novel Catherine, Called Birdy over and over again. The diary of a minor young medieval noblewoman who does NOT want to get married or learn embroidery, the story is charming and hilarious: there are village goats, drunken lords and privy humour. Everything about the new movie adaption, available on Amazon Prime on October 7, promises more of the same. Directed by Lena Dunham (of Girls controversy/fame) and with Game of Thrones Bella Ramsey starring as Catherine and her father played by Andrew Scott (Fleabag’s Hot Priest) and uncle played by Joe Alwyn (Taylor Swift’s boyfriend) this YA adaption looks like it’s captured the warmth of the novel I loved as a child. / Shanti Mathias
Werewolf by Night (on Disney+ from October 7)
You didn’t think we’d have a Marvel-free month, did you? Werewolf by Night (directed by legendary composer Michael Giacchino) is the first full-on horror in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It follows a secret group of monster hunters gather at Bloodstone Manor following the death of their leader, and engage in a deadly competition for a powerful relic. Business as usual for the MCU, I guess. Gael Garcia Bernal stars as the punnily named Jack Russell / Werewolf by Night. / SB
King Richard (on Neon from October 9)
The slap heard ’round the world was also, unfortunately, the slap that drowned out any buzz or praise for King Richard, the film that would win Will Smith his Oscar. It’s a biopic about Richard Williams, the father of Serena and Venus Williams, and his troubled relationship to not only his success, but the success of his daughter. It’s worth a watch if you’ve any interest in the Williams sisters, and it’s really too good to be ignored in favour of an awards show mishap. / SB
The rest
Netflix
October 1
Annabelle: Creation
Paranormal Activity 3
Friday the 13th
Corpse Bride
Mars Attacks!
October 2
Forever Queens
World War Z
October 3
Chip and Potato: Season 4
October 4
Hasan Minhaj: The King’d sJester
October 5
The Fight for Justice: Paolo Guerrero
Bling Empire: Season 3
Nailed It!: Season 7
High Water
Togo
Jumping from High Places
Mr. Harrigan’s Phone
The Trapped 13: How We Survived the Thai Cave
October 6
Aftershock: Everest and the Nepal Earthquake
The Joys and Sorrows of Young Yuguo
October 7
Derry Girls: Season 3
Glitch
The Midnight Club
The Mole
Man on Pause
Old People
Luckiest Girl Alive
Doll House
Kev Adams: The Real Me
Conversations with a Killer: The Jeffrey Dahmer Tapes
The Redeem Team
Oddballs
October 10
Spirit Rangers
October 11
The Cage
Someone Borrowed
Iliza Shlesinger: Hot Forever
DEAW#13 Udom Taephanich Stand Up Comedy Show
Island of the Sea Wolves
October 12
Belascoarin, PI
Easy-Bake Battle
Wild Croc Territory
The Nutty Boy
October 13
Sue Perkins: Perfectly Legal
The Playlist
Dead End: Paranormal Park: Season 2
Exception
October 14
Everything Calls for Salvation
Holy Family
Mismatched: Season 2
Black Butterflies
Take 1
The Curse of Bridge Hollow
October 15
Under the Queen’s Umbrella
October 17
Waffles + Mochi’s Restaurant
October 18
Somebody Feed Phil: Season 6
Unsolved Mysteries: Volume 3
The Stranger
Gabriel Iglesias: Stadium Fluffy
LiSA Another Great Day
October 19
Love is Blind: Season 3
Notre-Dame
The Green Glove Gang
The School for Good and Evil
October 21
28 Days Haunted
Barbarians II
From Scratch
Descendant
ONI: Thunder God’s Tale
October 23
Franco Escamilla: Eavesdropping
October 24
The Chalk Line
October 25
Guillermo Del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities
Fortune Feimster: Good Fortune
October 26
Hellhole
The Good Nurse
Robbing Mussolini
Fugitive: The Curious Case of Carlos Ghosn
October 27
Dubai Bling
Cici
Earthstorm
Family Reunion: Part 5
Daniel Spellbound
Romantic Killer
October 28
The Bastard Son and the Devil Himself
Big Mouth: Season 6
If Only
Drink Masters
Wendell and Wild
All Quiet on the Western Front
Wild is the Wind
My Encounter with Evil
I AM A STALKER
October 29
Deadwind: Season 3
Neon
October 1
George Carlin’s American Dream
Edge of the Earth
Beanie Mania
I Am Greta
We Met in Virtual Reality
October 2
Moonfall
October 3
Gladiator
October 4
Endangered
October 5
The Good Doctor: Season 6
On the Trail: Inside the 2020 Primaries
October 6
Red Rocket
October 7
The Black Ferns: Wāhine Toa
Louis Theroux: Behind Bars
Louis Theroux: Beware of the Tiger
Louis Theroux: Savile
Louis Theroux: The Most Hated Family in America
Louis Theroux: Twilight of the Porn Stars
Sanditon: Season 2
October 8
Katrina Babes
The 355
October 9
King Richard
October 10
Let the Right One In
Brene Brown: Atlas of the Heart
Mean Streets
October 11
It’s Complicated
October 12
Avenue 5: Season 2
Mark Hunt: The Fight of His Life
October 13
The Pelican Brief
October 14
The Winchesters
Nathan for You: Seasons 1-4
October 15
Fortress
October 16
Hostages
October 17
Deepwater Horizon
October 18
Miss Scarlet and the Duke: Season 2
Return of the Taliban
Sonic the Hedgehog 2
October 19
The Vow: Season 2
The Fugitive
The Rookie
October 20
Gangs of London: Season 2
Eyes in the Sky
October 21
One Perfect Shot
Mr. Robot: Season 1-4
October 22
Ambulance
October 23
Clueless
Here Today
October 24
Sicario
Doula
October 25
Open Secrets
October 26
Uncharted
October 27
Dog Day Afternoon
October 28
Persona; The Dark Truth Behind Personality Tests
Meet the Fockers
Meet the Parents
Little Parents
October 29
The Bad Guys
October 30
The Wolfman
October 31
The White Lotus: Season 2
Disney+
October 3
A Sinister Halloween Scary Opposites Solar Special
