Commentary: The Unique Way ‘Andor’ Dealt With The Force
by Frank Martin
The Force and Force users have always been an integral part of the Star Wars franchise, but they aren’t the only part or even the primary aspect of the setting. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what serves as the backbone of Star Wars as it encompasses many different eras and characters. Nonetheless, it’s hard to ignore the existence of the Force within the universe, even during the reign of the Empire, when Force users were hunted down. Andor is largely about building a resistance without the help of the Jedi, so it made sense that the show was about regular people who weren’t sensitive to the Force, and yet, the show still wisely acknowledged the Force’s existence in a unique way.
The program centers on Cassian Andor (Diego Luna), a man who will eventually become a captain for Rebel intelligence. While surviving in a galaxy under Imperial rule, he eventually crossed paths with a spymaster named Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgard), who turns Cassian into an undercover spy and puts him in contact with the larger rebellion stationed on Yavin IV. The alliance is growing at this point, seemingly turning into a full-fledged army. While there, Cass encounters a woman who is a mysterious healer, but she also senses that he has an important fate he doesn’t understand yet.
This woman was not a Jedi and it wasn’t even explicitly stated that she could use the Force, but it’s enough for fans to chew on. It acknowledges the existence of a power — regardless of what it is — bigger than any one individual tied into the fabric of the galaxy. It’s understandable why Cassian would reject this woman’s minor prophecy. He’s a man firmly rooted in what’s real and not superstition. And yet, the Rebellion isn’t just one man. It’s built on hope and a willingness to believe in the impossible. Because of his actions in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Cass indirectly assists Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), fulfilling his destiny. It’s an extremely subtle yet profound nod to the greater Star Wars lore.
Andor is now streaming on Disney+.