Throughout its two seasons, Andor has often been described as “unlike Star Wars,” a phrase that has taken on greater significance now that the show’s cast and creatives can openly discuss the content that didn’t make the final cut.

Creator Tony Gilroy has recently spoken about his deliberate decision to exclude key characters like Palpatine, Darth Vader, and Jyn Erso from the show. He believed that including them would have been unnecessary or excessive, and in Jyn’s case, would have been “disrespectful” to her original appearance. This level of restraint is noteworthy, as the Star Wars franchise has not always been able to exercise similar discipline. Although this decision may have disappointed some fans, it was ultimately the right call, as the series often prioritizes fan service over restraint.

The Star Wars franchise’s tendency to engage with its fanbase is not inherently problematic, and much of its success can be attributed to this approach. However, Andor takes a different tack, reminding audiences that it is in charge and dictates its own terms. This approach is a deliberate choice, with Gilroy instructing his writers and crew to treat the show as a standalone series rather than a traditional Star Wars production.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Gilroy stated, “We told people, ‘Do your thing. You’re here because we want you to be real.’ […] It really gets into people’s heads, but to change the lane and do it this way, it takes a little effort.” This mindset is evident in the show’s narrative, which often prioritizes character development over fan expectations.

In some respects, it appears that Andor was created in a vacuum, isolated from the larger Star Wars franchise and its anticipated fan reactions. However, this may simply be a testament to the focused vision of Gilroy and his team during production. Gilroy has stated that he takes Star Wars seriously, treating the setting and characters with thoughtful intent. This approach is evident in the show’s narrative choices, such as the handling of Kleya and Luthen’s backstories or the treatment of Cassian’s missing sister Kerri as an unresolved thread in his life.

In another series, Cassian’s storyline might have been resolved more neatly, with answers provided about his sister’s fate or the connection between his childhood droid B2 and his adult companion K2SO. However, such plot twists would not be in line with Andor‘s narrative approach. The show often denies its characters the happy endings or resolutions they desire, instead presenting a grim or bittersweet fate. This is evident in the conclusion of Syril Karn’s storyline, which was always intended to end in his death, as stated by actor Kyle Soller.

Andor is a straightforward show that doesn’t attempt to elicit a specific reaction from its audience. Its primary focus is on telling the story of Cassian’s growth into a prominent rebel leader and the impact of his actions on those around him. The show’s confidence in its narrative is evident, and this approach has ultimately paid off. As the series comes to a close, the characters who survive are left with a sense of bittersweetness or darker conclusions to their stories, a testament to the show’s matter-of-fact approach to storytelling.