I'm a longtime SW fan, but my absolute favorite story was the Rogue Squadron series, because of how it protrayed 'everypeople' (rather than Jedi) on both sides.
Andor is pulling that off in a way nothing has before, and it is doing it in a way that would fit in among some of the best dramas on TV. This episode is all about building tension, and I swear it would fit in something like The Wire, or maybe Generation Kill. I don't choose that last by accident, as Susanna White also directed some of GK. You can feel the similarities here, and it is amazing to have that in a Star Wars story.
To me, this episode has three amazing scenes: 1) Mon Mothma's breakfast scene, demonstrating the tension she has in her family. That she is devoting herself to something other than them results in clear resentment and misunderstanding from both her husband and her daughter. They don't share her values, and you can see how this hurts her. She wants to make a difference, but they want to live the good rich life.
2) The scene where Andor reveals his motives. It is great from a character development standpoint, and also from a perspective of teamwork and leadership. He is coming clean. They accuse him of being afraid and he owns it, but who wouldn't be afraid of the mission? People are going to get hurt and probably die, and it is a huge risk. Fear is natural. The acting by everyone in this scene is just tremendous, and the writing is the best Star Wars has ever had.
3) Luthen listening on his radio for news. Again, this is building the tension. There is a classic WW2 film, "Sink the Bismark" that largely portrays the British Admiralty, and in it, they show how it feels to be waiting for the news of the battle. Luthen shows that same feeling. He knows the news is going to be a terrible disruption, even if it is good. The dialogue is minimal, but the tension is palpable.
This is just so freaking good. I've always wanted a 10-episode Rogue Squadron series done in the style of a Band of Brothers/The Pacific. I don't think this is as good as that idea, but it is very, very close. I know George Lucas always said Star Wars was a kid's story, but I think that attitude has held it back from delving into the deeper questions that would motivate such a story to take place. It's brilliant to see an attempt. I cannot wait to see more!
Andor is pulling that off in a way nothing has before, and it is doing it in a way that would fit in among some of the best dramas on TV. This episode is all about building tension, and I swear it would fit in something like The Wire, or maybe Generation Kill. I don't choose that last by accident, as Susanna White also directed some of GK. You can feel the similarities here, and it is amazing to have that in a Star Wars story.
To me, this episode has three amazing scenes: 1) Mon Mothma's breakfast scene, demonstrating the tension she has in her family. That she is devoting herself to something other than them results in clear resentment and misunderstanding from both her husband and her daughter. They don't share her values, and you can see how this hurts her. She wants to make a difference, but they want to live the good rich life.
2) The scene where Andor reveals his motives. It is great from a character development standpoint, and also from a perspective of teamwork and leadership. He is coming clean. They accuse him of being afraid and he owns it, but who wouldn't be afraid of the mission? People are going to get hurt and probably die, and it is a huge risk. Fear is natural. The acting by everyone in this scene is just tremendous, and the writing is the best Star Wars has ever had.
3) Luthen listening on his radio for news. Again, this is building the tension. There is a classic WW2 film, "Sink the Bismark" that largely portrays the British Admiralty, and in it, they show how it feels to be waiting for the news of the battle. Luthen shows that same feeling. He knows the news is going to be a terrible disruption, even if it is good. The dialogue is minimal, but the tension is palpable.
This is just so freaking good. I've always wanted a 10-episode Rogue Squadron series done in the style of a Band of Brothers/The Pacific. I don't think this is as good as that idea, but it is very, very close. I know George Lucas always said Star Wars was a kid's story, but I think that attitude has held it back from delving into the deeper questions that would motivate such a story to take place. It's brilliant to see an attempt. I cannot wait to see more!