Messenger

Well, I did not expect another time jump again, but I guess this is the formula. But I'm not sure if I like this format as much as I did the first season, where every 3-episode arc was roughly close to one another in timeline.

But, once again, this episode serves as a setup episode for the new story arc and does a good job, and is engaging as ever, but not a lot happens as expected.

They do a good job of showing us where each character is, shedding some clarity on how much knowledge of what's happening some characters have, and introducing new plotlines and setting up for the next two episodes.

Overall, I think the episode is pretty decent, but probably the weakest so far in the season, let alone the whole show, but that doesn't mean it's bad.

But so far, I feel like this season as a whole hasn't felt like it's on par with the previous season, which became legendary by the halfway point. One reason, in my opinion, is that the first season had a gradual increase in tension and plot moving forward every episode, leading to a crescendo. But in this season, every 3 episodes, the storylines reset and the tension comes to a halt, and they have to build it back up again.

If the events of each arc were closer chronologically and a direct continuation of each other, maybe this season wouldn't feel so different. But considering everyone who saw the season fully said this is the best season ever, I'm sure it's gonna get better, and I can't wait to see what Gilroy has cooked for us.

Messenger sets the scene nicely following the next time jump. It sets in motion what feels like an exciting plot involving characters we have invested in over the past season and a half.

Events involving characters such as Cassian, Dedra, and Syril are at the forefront of everything and it leads compellingly into whatever comes next.

Certain aspects of Andor are now starting to connect strongly to Rogue One and also the original trilogy. I can feel the prelude to a massive nerdgasm, as the recognisable backdrops, characters, and foreshadowing all feature good storytelling opposed to just fan service.

Powerful and intense. The tension is palpable and the stakes are at an all time high. The next two episodes of this arc will be generational. The pieces are moving forward and the storm is coming.

Not only was this episode incredible at raising the stakes but it also had some very moving scenes.

Everything with the force healer, Cassian, and Bix was so profound. Its the first time this shows writing has really dealt with the force and it was used to bring such meaning to Cassian. Trying to understand your purpose in life, not knowing how to express your pent up emotions, very strong writing. So excited for the next episodes.

If I were forced to pick only one single piece of entertainment I could see in 2025, "Andor" S2 was and still is the first choice.

Having said that, the first 6 episodes were somewhat disappointing and lacklustre. Mostly due to the directing; partly due to the writing, cinematography, and editing; and partly due to not enough touching moments by Nicholas Britell's score.

All of this is back in a big way! This episode was a breath of much-needed tense air and lush sets, a convincing bridge between Gilroy to Lucas. It is the first time in S2 that everything felt in its rightful place.

Most of all the touching score, which I sorely missed. I truly believe that music is a major, understsated reason why the first 6 episodes of S2 just felt flatter and didn't make as much of an impact as I'd have hoped for.

With a new director at the helm, things are definitely looking up.

Writing this review after watching all three new episodes, helps me placing the events that happened better into the overall story.

I call this episode the silence before the storm, since it shows how the empire prepares a massaker to secure their control over the planet, which is vital to the construction of the Death Star.

On the other hand we see the rebellion prepare themselves to strike first and send a message. Foolish they are, the empire is one step in advance. Ceril slowly discovers the true purpose of his tasks. The empire has been planning a trap all along. Andor is there, but can he save the people of Ghorman?