There are 10 reasons each why Andor and Ahsoka are two of the best Star Wars TV shows to date. Despite both being set in the Star Wars universe, Andor and Ahsoka are very different TV shows. While one follows a relatively obscure character’s journey to join the Rebel Alliance, the other follows a character who is extremely well-known on her mission to prevent the most dangerous Imperial Grand Admiral from wreaking havoc on the New Republic. However, both of these shows are excellent in their own right and deserve to be recognized as such.
Cassian Andor was first introduced into Star Wars canon in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. While not as popular as some others, Andor was nevertheless a fascinating character. Andor follows his journey as he goes from a smuggler to a rebel fighter. Ahsoka, on the other hand, is about arguably one of the most popular characters in Star Wars history: Ahsoka Tano. The show follows Ahsoka and her Padawan Sabine Wren as they try to free Ezra Bridger from his exile in another galaxy while simultaneously ensuring that Grand Admiral Thrawn remains trapped. Both of these shows are intense and thrilling in different ways, and here’s why they’re the best Star Wars live-action TV shows yet.
Related
Every Star Wars TV Show Ranked From Worst To Best
The first Star Wars TV show released back in the 1980s – so how do they all compare, from live-action to animation, from Clone Wars to Ahsoka?
20 Andor Shows The Empire As We Have Never Seen It Before
The Empire in Andor is more cruel than it has ever been shown to be before
Up until Andor, the Empire has always been shown from the perspective of rebel fighters on the front lines. Andor, however, gives an eerily accurate portrayal of the casual cruelty of such a corrupt government. For example, when Andor is sent to prison, the way the prison operates is extremely unnerving. The prison doesn’t need guards; the electrified floor and punishments are enough to make it incredibly terrifying and difficult to escape.
The fact that the prisoners are kept in check in part by the false promise of freedom shows the Empire’s disregard for its people and expresses an insidious manipulation. The use of the prisoners to rapidly produce parts for the Death Star and the arbitrary arrests to artificially inflate the workforce shows an efficiency that hasn’t been explored in other Star Wars media. The Empire in Andor is casually cruel, cold, and extremely efficient.
19 Andor Doesn’t Rely On Fan Service
Andor’s inclusion of well-known characters makes sense
While a couple of popular characters such as Mon Mothma and Saw Gerrera are featured in the show, their stories are expanded upon and make sense within the narrative. Their inclusion in the show is completely justified, as it doesn’t rely on forced Jedi cameos. Instead, it holds its own by telling a unique story that adds to the Star Wars universe.
18 Andor Contributes To The Mega-Plot Of Star Wars Without Getting Lost In It
Andor is distinctly Star Wars, but not in an overpowering way
Andor contributes to the mega-plot of the Rebellion and the construction – and later destruction – of the Death Star while still telling its own story and fleshing out its characters. It is a relevant and interesting story that feels like it belongs in the Star Wars universe. It contributes to the meta-narrative in a way that feels important without feeling the need to remind the viewer they are watching a Star Wars show at every turn. It contributes to the broader Star Wars canon, but it also could easily work as a stand-alone sci-fi show.
17 Andor’s Writing Is The Best In Star Wars Yet
Andor’s dialogue is some of the best in Star Wars
Andor has some of the most beautiful writing in Star Wars history, and it has arguably some of the best monologues in television history. For example, rebel leader Luthen Rael’s monologue in season 1, episode 10 is a work of art. With lines such as, “I’ve made my mind a sunless place,” and “I yearned to be a savior against injustice without contemplating the cost, and by the time I looked down, there was no longer any ground beneath my feet,” Andor positions itself as having not only the most gorgeous and impactful dialogue in Star Wars history, but in television history.
16 Andor’s Plot Is Believable And Comprehensive
Andor employs the Chekhov’s Gun principle
Chekhov’s gun is a narrative principle that states everything in a story must have a purpose. For example, if a story contains a gun sitting on a table, the principle of Chekhov’s gun states the gun must go off at some point in the story. Andor follows the principle of Chekhov’s gun, as there isn’t any fluff. Each part of the plot is not only believable, but it also fits perfectly within the broader story. Each element of the story has significance, and the narrative flows naturally.
15 Andor’s Every Action Has A Consequence
Every character decision in Andor matters and has an impact
Andor’s story is driven by character actions rather than character actions being driven by the story. There isn’t an action that doesn’t have a consequence driving the plot forward somehow. For example, the Aldhani heist Andor gets caught up in directly leads to both Maarva being inspired to join the Rebellion and his own arrest.
Related
Andor Season 1 Ending Explained In Full
The end of Andor episode 1 sees Cassian Andor’s world explode in rebellion – foreshadowing the rise of the Rebel Alliance and the coming Death Star.
14 Andor’s Characters Are Complex And Believable
The characters are influenced by each other
The characters are very well-written and have complex motivations. They develop based on their experiences. At the start of the TV show, Andor is reluctant to join the Rebellion. He doesn’t like the Empire, but he doesn’t want to risk his or his adoptive mother’s life. He has already gotten himself in enough trouble, he doesn’t need more of it. However, as the show progresses, Andor’s motivations slowly evolve as he experiences the evil of the Empire more intensely than he did before.
He is influenced by the words of Nemik’s manifesto following Nemik’s death, but not right away. This is a very realistic portrayal of how people impact each other, as personal paradigm shifts don’t happen overnight. Often, people have to ruminate on the words of others and see the truth in them through their own experiences to change. Andor shows this perfectly.
13 Andor Gives A Fresh Take On Mon Mothma
Andor shows how Mon Mothma compromised on her morals
While she is a familiar face, Andor expands on Mon Mothma’s story interestingly and believably. She is not just there for fan service; her inclusion feels entirely necessary and makes perfect sense. Not only that, but Andor shows her in a new light. Other Star Wars media hasn’t touched much on Mon Mothma’s family or explored the emotional toll that being a rebel leader took on her. Andor brilliantly portrays how Mon Mothma’s goals and morals often conflict. For example, Mon Mothma often disagrees with Luthen’s choices, and yet to win the war, she bows to his cold logic. She neglects her daughter in the hopes of creating a better world for her.
12 Andor Gives A Realistic Portrayal Of What It Takes To Start A Revolution
Characters such as Luthen Rael show what it really takes to start a revolution
Star Wars typically shows the more heroic, Jedi side of the Rebellion, where the rebels are portrayed as the black-and-white good guys. Andor, however, shows that revolutions often require people who are willing to say that the ends justify the means to succeed. The rebels are characters with complex morals and motivations. They, as Luthen points out, use the tactics of the Empire to defeat it.
11 Andor Gives A Realistic Portrayal Of What It Is Like To Live Under A Corrupt Government
The blatant but casual corruption in the Empire is scarily realistic
Andor realistically portrays what it’s like to live under a corrupt government such as the Empire. One aspect that is explored in Andor is favoritism, as some people benefit more from the Empire’s existence than others. High-level officials and senators, for example – especially the ones that play ball with the Empire – experience an opulent lifestyle. Others, such as the people of Aldhani and Ferrix, are oppressed and experience a lower quality of life and standard of living. The exaggerated response to any kind of rebellion or slip of control feels chillingly Machiavellian.
Related
Andor Season 2: Story, Updates, & Everything We Know
Andor season 1 ended with an explosive finale, leading many to wonder what season 2 has in store. Here is everything we know about Andor season 2.
10 Ahsoka Highlights David Tennant’s Excellent Performance as Huyang
David Tennant captures the wit and sweetness of the character
As for Ahsoka, there is no doubt that David Tennant, the Tenth Doctor himself, is a top-class actor. The reprisal of his role as the Jedi architect droid Professor Huyang is a highlight of the show. His blunt, brutal honesty, such as when he tells Sabine that she would not have made it into the Jedi Order, combined with his caring attitude and moments of wisdom make him an endearing character.
9 Ahsoka Gorgeously Portrays The World Between Worlds
The World Between Worlds captures the beauty of its animated counterpart
Seeing the World Between Worlds in live-action was breathtaking. The cinematography and CGI were beautifully rendered and really captured the essence of this mysterious place. Not only that, but the use of it to progress the narrative was brilliant. Its inclusion didn’t feel like fan service at all. Rather, its inclusion added to the story by providing a moment of character development for Ahsoka.
8 Ahsoka Has Incredible Character Development In The World Between Worlds
Ahsoka shows the titular character grappling with who she is
One interesting thing Ahsoka did was show the title character grappling with her past as a commander in the Clone Wars in ways that hadn’t been shown before. There has been very little content dealing with Ahsoka’s struggle to reconcile what she was taught as a youngling about the original mission of the Jedi and what she had to become due to the Clone Wars. Ahsoka tackles this difficult topic head-on with finesse, showing a moment between a young Ahsoka and Anakin Skywalker as she questions if all she’ll ever be is a soldier. This shows Ahsoka has been grappling with this since she first became a Padawan.
Her decision to stop fighting but to instead “live,” shows her resolve and character development as she chooses to follow the original path of the Jedi – that of peacekeeper and protector. She puts off the label of commander and warrior, choosing to decide for herself who she will be. It is an excellent display of character development.
7 Ahsoka Sees The Return of Hayden Christensen As Anakin Skywalker (& Darth Vader)
Hayden Christensen’s Anakin Skywalker is perfect
Hayden Christensen’s return as Anakin Skywalker did not disappoint. He captured both the affection Anakin had for Ahsoka (for example, in how he says, “Hello, Snips”), his sometimes strict and unconventional leadership style, and the darkness lurking inside. His return as Darth Vader captured all the power and fearsome nature of the character, and it was absolutely a highlight of the show.
Related
Ahsoka Ending Explained In Full
The Ahsoka finale brings the story to a triumphant close, with subtle reveals that promise great things for Anakin Skywalker’s Padawan and Thrawn.
6 Ahsoka Introduces Ariana Greenblatt’s Portrayal Of A Young Ahsoka
Ariana Greenblatt is the perfect live-action young Ahsoka
Ariana’ Greenblatt played a young Ahsoka perfectly. Everything from her stance to her tone of voice and her facial expressions felt distinctly Ahsoka. She really captured the essence of teenage Ahsoka as she struggled to reconcile who she must be with who she thought she would be.
5 Ahsoka’s Lightsaber Battles Are Dynamic
The lightsaber battles keep to the characters’ official fighting styles
Ahsoka had some of the most interesting and dynamic lightsaber battles in Star Wars history. They feel realistic, with Ahsoka’s use of Djem So, the lightsaber fighting variant she used in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, being clearly identifiable. This is a nice bit of consistency.
4 Ahsoka Debuts Eman Esfandi As Ezra Bridger
Eman Esfandi understands Ezra Bridger’s character
Eman Esfandi did an excellent job portraying Ezra Bridger. He accurately captured the personality, mannerisms, and voice of the character. His confidence in fighting without a lightsaber shows how much Ezra has grown in the Force while on Peridea.
3 Ahsoka’s Rosario Dawson Perfectly Embodies The Titular Character
Rosario Dawson brings an extra level of maturity to Ahsoka’s character
Rosario Dawson couldn’t be a more perfect casting to play an adult Ahsoka. Her mannerisms, voice, and facial expressions feel like they could be taken out of the animated show (toned down somewhat, of course, to fit the transition to live-action), while at the same time being more mature. Dawson’s Ahsoka feels like a natural progression in the character.
2 Ahsoka Debuts Lars Mikkelsen’s Grand Admiral Thrawn
Lars Mikkelsen makes a seamless transition from animated Thrawn to live-action Thrawn
As the original voice actor for Grand Admiral Thrawn, Mikkelsen’s voicing of the character was already iconic. Seeing him in full Thrawn costume and watching how he embodies Thrawn’s mannerisms, facial expressions, and stance was a true delight. Mikkelsen’s portrayal of Thrawn is chilling, making it easy to forget after only a few moments on screen that it is even Lars Mikkelsen; he’s just Grand Admiral Thrawn.
1 Ahsoka’s Writing Of Grand Admiral Thrawn Is Accurate
The writers understood Thrawn’s character
One of the best things about Ahsoka is how the show writes Grand Admiral Thrawn. There are seven canon Thrawn books, which give more context to Thrawn’s motivations and how he operates. It appears the Ahsoka writers read these books, based on how accurate his character is to both the books and Star Wars Rebels. One example of just how perfectly the writing captures his character is when he lets Sabine go. Thrawn is highly logical and generally unemotional. He is not devoid of emotion, of course, but it is not something he regularly gives into or expresses. His decisions are often not understood by others.
When Thrawn lets Sabine go, it makes perfect sense. After all, there is no reason for him to panic. It doesn’t matter whether she is stranded on Peridea or dead as long as she is out of his way. It also shows another aspect of his character: his honor. Thrawn keeps to his word – even if it was given by someone else on his behalf. However, because he is intelligent, he often uses loopholes to do what he believes needs to be done.
Sending people after Sabine to ensure that she didn’t return to foil his plans allowed him to keep his word while prioritizing his own goals. He does this same thing in Timothy Zahn’s Thrawn (2017) when he allows some pirates to leave, only to send others to capture them again. This consistency is what makes Ahsoka’s writing of this famous Star Wars character so good.
Star Wars
Star Wars is a multimedia franchise that started in 1977 by creator George Lucas. After the release of Star Wars: Episode IV- A New Hope (originally just titled Star Wars), the franchise quickly exploded, spawning multiple sequels, prequels, TV shows, video games, comics, and much more. After Disney acquired the rights to the franchise, they quickly expanded the universe on Disney+, starting with The Mandalorian.
- Created by
- George Lucas
- First Film
- Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope
- TV Show(s)
- The Mandalorian , Andor , Obi-Wan Kenobi , The Book of Boba Fett , Ahsoka , The Acolyte , Star Wars: Skeleton Crew , Lando , Star Wars: The Clone Wars , Star Wars Rebels , Star Wars: The Bad Batch , Star Wars Resistance , Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures , Star Wars: Visions
