Andor’s Secret Plan: Why the Show Is Building Up Star Wars’ Resistance, Not Just the Rebellion

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Summary

  • Andor lays the groundwork for the Resistance by chronicling the Rebellion’s formation.
  • Reintroduction of Saw Gerrera in Andor sets up a connection to Leia Organa’s Resistance.
  • Andor provides insight into Leia’s character and connects the Rebellion’s struggles to the Resistance.

The Star Wars timeline has always been flexible and adaptable. Right from 1977 when George Lucas decided to release what was essentially the fourth installment of his space epic as the first film, the franchise has often jumped around its own chronology to weave tales within the gaps between earlier episodes. One of the most peculiar instances of this is the series Andor, because it’s a prequel to a prequel itself. For instance, while it’s exceptionally well-made, Andor tells the story that takes place five years before the events depicted in Rogue One, which in turn precedes the opening scene of A New Hope.

In essence, “Andor” primarily narrates the process of the Rebellion’s formation during the years preceding the Galactic Civil War, which forms the basis of the original trilogy. Moreover, in its latest series of episodes, “Andor” has unveiled a more expansive strategy: it is setting up thematic and narrative foundations for the Resistance.

What is the Difference Between the Rebellion and the Resistance?

As a movie critic, I can’t help but be captivated by the central focus of “Andor” – the tenacious Rebel Alliance. They are the resilient band of rebels who bravely defy the oppressive Empire during the original Star Wars trilogy. Led by influential figures like Mon Mothma, this semi-organized group rises in direct opposition to Emperor Palpatine, his tyrannical dismantling of the Galactic Senate, and the terrifying introduction of the Death Star. These events are only hinted at in “A New Hope,” but they set the stage for the Alliance’s formation. By the film’s end, they manage to garner powerful allies such as Han Solo and Luke Skywalker, whose crucial roles ultimately lead to the destruction of the Death Star.

Over the subsequent films in the original trilogy – “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi” – the Rebel Alliance grew more daring in their resistance against the Empire, eventually triumphing and freeing the galaxy from its tyranny by destroying the second Death Star at the Battle of Endor. The story concludes with “Return of the Jedi,” leaving a peaceful scene filled with central characters like Leia Organa, Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, and Lando Calrissian. However, the saga of “Star Wars” in various media has shown that the years following the Empire’s apparent demise were far from tranquil.

Books like “Lost Stars”, the “Aftermath” trilogy, “Bloodlines”, and the comic series “Shattered Empire” delve into the challenges faced by characters during this era, as the Rebel Alliance transforms into the New Republic and strives to steer clear of the missteps that led the initial Republic to become the Empire (as depicted in the prequel films). Over time, several decades pass, and the New Republic encounters the same issues of stagnation and political deadlock. With growing discontent towards the New Republic’s inaction against the emergence of the First Order, a reborn version of the Empire, Leia Organa chooses to establish the Resistance, as portrayed in part through the animated series “Star Wars: Resistance” and the movie “The Force Awakens”.

How is Andor Setting Up the Resistance?

In the fourth episode of the second season of “Andor,” titled “Ever Been to Ghorman?”, viewers are once again made acquainted with the rebellious leader Saw Gerrera, in the year 3 Before the Battle of Yavin (BBY). Here, Saw has established a camp on the planet D’Qar, a name that might sound familiar to fans of the sequel trilogy. Notably, this is the same planet where the Resistance establishes their base in “The Force Awakens” and is seen fleeing from in the opening scene of “The Last Jedi.” Remarkably, Saw is even using the exact same hangar on D’Qar as his base, which was also used by the Resistance.

In the series Andor, though Leia Organa herself doesn’t appear, her influence is tangible. Bail Organa, her adoptive father, made an appearance in episode six of this season, hinting at a more significant role ahead. Moreover, the climax of Rogue One reveals Cassian Andor’s final objective: delivering the Death Star plans to Leia. This way, Andor offers insightful and impactful portrayal of Leia as a character, enhancing our understanding of the Rebellion and its challenges.

Through the development of the connection on D’Qar and the hint at a Rebel-like base there, the show Andor enhances Leia’s overarching journey throughout the series. Establishing the Resistance represents a daring act of courage from Leia, positioning her like Senator Mon Mothma, who struggles against her surroundings while seeking to create change. Although Andor doesn’t directly tell Leia’s story, it offers viewers a deeper understanding of her character and how the formation of the Resistance mirrors the Rebellion’s origins.

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2025-05-04 19:14