‘Andor’ Episode Four Review

With twelve episodes in the entire season — and four already aired — it’s become clear what type of pacing and format Andor has taken. Disney wisely aired the first three episodes of the series together, which combined can be viewed as its own story arc. Comic books use this format all the time. They will build a story slowly, and then hit a climax before building another story and repeat the process. While the first three episodes consisted of introducing Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) and his corner of the galaxy (and introducing him into the Rebellion at large), the fourth starts a brand new arc with Cassian on a new adventure meeting new characters and visiting a new world.

Cassian and Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgård) are fleeing in Rael’s ship. He introduces Cassian to a rebel mission being led by Vel Sartha (Faye Marsay). Cassian spends most of the runtime learning about the plan and the people he will be working alongside. Also, the story branches out as various imperial agents start another storyline that will inevitably intersect with Cassian. In addition, Rael’s world and the mysteries behind him are also unraveled as it is revealed he is a prominent antique dealer with access to fellow Rebels in the Senate.

All in all, the episode is neither good nor bad. It’s merely the start of a brand new arc. It seems as if after the chess game of the past three episodes are completed, the board needs to be reset before a new match begins. That’s what this episode was all about. The pieces were being placed on the board with new pieces being introduced. Unfortunately, that means little action or suspense, but hopefully, it’s merely the start to a brand new storyline that will ramp up in the episodes to come.

Andor streams Wednesdays on Disney+.