So, IMDb has a lot of useful data points that can give you an idea of what to expect from a new series. In Andor's case, the relevant point is the cast list.
As you might expect, there are plenty of cast members. The salient detail to note, however, is how many of those cast members are in it for the long haul.
Andor's cast has just four actors who are credited with more than five episodes out of a twelve episode first season. Four. Just four. One of which we haven't even seen yet.
You might then reasonably expect those four to be considered the main characters of the story and to receive the most attention.
But no. Andor insists on giving plentiful amounts of time to many other characters, most of whom clearly are going to be left behind and are, in the big scheme of the story, unimportant. Bit part characters, if you will. They have their part to play, but ultimately, they are as expendable as the stormtroopers we have yet to see.
Now, don't get me wrong, I appreciate a steady buildup. But to waste so much run time on exploring characters that are essentially footnotes to the story is, in my opinion, disrespectful of the viewer's time and bordering on deliberate padding.
Hopefully, once this "setup" is out of the way, there will be an actual Star Wars tale to be told here, but for now, it is somewhat dull, tiresome and struggling to hold your attention. If it gets better, I'll revisit this review but I have the sneaking feeling that it won't.
One of the things I always ask myself when watching a show is "Would I watch this again someday?"
Right now, the answer to that question is a resounding "No!". Even if the rest of the series recovers to be fun and entertaining and worth repeated viewings, these first couple of episodes are guaranteed to be skipped, because they are so tediously dull.
Will it improve? Only time will tell.
EDIT: At episode 7 and no, it has not improved. Pacing is glacial, characterisations are dull. Far too much padding. It is not enjoyable.
SUMMARY: Lots of dullness. Pointless extra characters given too much time. Dreary looking and miserable feeling. Not so good at all.
As you might expect, there are plenty of cast members. The salient detail to note, however, is how many of those cast members are in it for the long haul.
Andor's cast has just four actors who are credited with more than five episodes out of a twelve episode first season. Four. Just four. One of which we haven't even seen yet.
You might then reasonably expect those four to be considered the main characters of the story and to receive the most attention.
But no. Andor insists on giving plentiful amounts of time to many other characters, most of whom clearly are going to be left behind and are, in the big scheme of the story, unimportant. Bit part characters, if you will. They have their part to play, but ultimately, they are as expendable as the stormtroopers we have yet to see.
Now, don't get me wrong, I appreciate a steady buildup. But to waste so much run time on exploring characters that are essentially footnotes to the story is, in my opinion, disrespectful of the viewer's time and bordering on deliberate padding.
Hopefully, once this "setup" is out of the way, there will be an actual Star Wars tale to be told here, but for now, it is somewhat dull, tiresome and struggling to hold your attention. If it gets better, I'll revisit this review but I have the sneaking feeling that it won't.
One of the things I always ask myself when watching a show is "Would I watch this again someday?"
Right now, the answer to that question is a resounding "No!". Even if the rest of the series recovers to be fun and entertaining and worth repeated viewings, these first couple of episodes are guaranteed to be skipped, because they are so tediously dull.
Will it improve? Only time will tell.
EDIT: At episode 7 and no, it has not improved. Pacing is glacial, characterisations are dull. Far too much padding. It is not enjoyable.
SUMMARY: Lots of dullness. Pointless extra characters given too much time. Dreary looking and miserable feeling. Not so good at all.