Here’s my Andor Season 2 Part 2 review and this one felt like it was right out of a John Le Carre story, hence the title. As always folks, this is a SPOILER FREE review, so no plot specifics or deaths discussed, if any happen. I’m covering here all three episode released today on Disney+ which is officially episodes 4-6 of Season 2.
We knew during production, there will be a one year gap in between each story told in Season 2. As such, it has been a year since the loss of Brasso and Krennic’s plan for Ghorman was announced. As usual we follow the same main players. This time our story beats are Mon on Coruscant, Luthen in multiple spots, and Bix and Cass who’s stories go solo and then come back around. Meanwhile, as per usual we see the Imperial side seen from Dedra or Syrill’s point of view.
What I loved about this mini-story was how polished it was as a spy thriller. The Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy comparisons are not invalid. I love that old series with Alec Guinness and slightly less so, the film starring Gary Oldman. Perhaps the one difference inherent with Andor is that we do see both sides of the coin. In Le Carre’s work, you never truly know what Karla is up to until it gets revealed at the end. However, in Andor we see both sides of this conflict. As such, what we get is a game of agent/double agent shenanigans. Instead of the tension being who is the mole, the tension is, can the various moles complete their tasks?
RELATED: Andor Season 2 Part 1 Review – Intelligent And Emotional Start
I loved that Part 1 really pushed some boundaries, but I think Part 2 really is peak Andor. I’ve also noticed a lack of aliens thus far in Andor and Part 2, whilst not having any at the forefront of proceedings, has some decent alien background or secondary characters.
With a build up in tension we see our leads move along somewhat inevitable paths. I mean we know where Mon and Cass’s stories are going. Though with others, I think we can see some inevitable conclusions to their arcs materializing. We also get shown the various stages of organised rebellion in Andor. Last week see we saw the incompetent and untrained splinter groups. This week we have a mix of the overly extreme madmen, the fledgling cell and the wise spy masters all in one big dose.
I really have no notes for this three episode Part 2. It’s excellent at building the tension up over the story. The actors are doing such a great job of playing inside this cage their characters live in. It’s very impressive.
I’m a fan of Le Carre type spy fare though. However, I know it’s not everyone’s idea of a great story. A lot is going on in Part 2 and if you don’t pay attention you’ll miss some beautifully subtle writing and acting. If you find Andor a little too dull for your tastes at times then this one may not be for you. However, if you are into this kind of drama then I feel, like me, you’ll love Season 2 Part 2.
GRADE: A+
This was an amazingly written, shot and acted three episode story. Up there with the more realistic spy thrillers from the Cold War era. Definitely more Smiley than Bond and perfectly fitting with the kind of show Andor is. No notes, brilliant TV.
What do you think of my Andor Season 2 Part 2 review? Do you agree with my comparisons to the likes of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy? As always, leave your own Part 2 thoughts below.
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