Thread by @SayyadinaHeresy

Finally got around to finishing Andor! Very well done! A powerhouse of a series with sharp writing, beautiful sets/photography, compelling characters, and inspiring stories! I enjoyed it so much more than I thought I was going to.

But I’ve two trains of thought: 🪡 #Andor

One: The Obstruction of Myth aka How I long for the simple beauty of a Luke Skywalker.

Due to a variety of factors, I believe the purpose of myth in our stories has been forgotten. Perhaps it is due to cliches, poor writing, the exploitation of utilitarianism - #art #Andor 1/6

- but probably mostly due to disillusionment & cynicism infiltrating our culture, but whatever the cause - we started to believe that Myth was outdated because it did not reflect back to us the reality of our experience. #Andor #StarWars #art 2/6

This not realizing that Myth was never meant for that to begin with. That is not the primary reason we tell stories. Myth is not a mirror, but a window. We were never supposed to look inward, but outward. And the foundation of Star Wars has always been the hero myth - #StarWars

- which is why it has endured. It contained the character archetypes, and there was a clear good and evil. It spoke to something higher than ourselves. This is something built into the #StarWars universe, and so if you start to layer our modern perspectives, experiences - #Andor

- and ideologies onto that myth without first understanding the myth’s purpose, what you get is a beguiling discordance.

You have the power and energy of myth, but it propels into the wrong direction. #StarWars #Andor #mythopoesis #art 5/6

This misdirection/obstruction starts warping our perception of our reality and our societies. We start seeing REAL groups and REAL ideologies through a self-righteous good/evil lens, and that can be dangerous.

#StarWars #Andor #art #mythopoesis #cinema 6/6

Two: Despite my apprehensions on the thematic structure of the series, I did come to adore Cassian Andor. At first I felt he was just the typical “rogue” or “reluctant hero” type. Yet through his character arc we see he is actually so much more complex… #Andor #art #beauty

The moment I fell in love with the character was after the heist at Aldanhi, where we learn of Skeen’s duplicity and he, believing Andor was the same character as he, suggests they steal the money and run. Without a word, Andor shoots him dead. #Andor 1/7

Up until that point, Andor had exhibited a petulant desire to keep to his own lane, take what he can, keep his head low, and carve his own place in the galaxy - everything else be damned. He had only joined the Aldanhi heist for money after all - #Andor #art 2/7

- much to that disappointment of the young Nemik who was the true believer of the group. I loved, though, how that simple moment and action reveals the passion of the character. He is a believer and a hero, through and through. 3/7 #Andor #art #beauty #mythopoesis

It is something he is to his core, like breathing. Even despite of himself. He can’t help it. He denies with his mouth, but his actions speak louder. And not only a hero, but truly a zealous spirit for good.

“For zeal for your house has consumed me…” | Psalm 69:9 #Andor 4/7

I loved also the compare/contrast between him and Luthen. Luthen believes/has given himself over to fighting in the darkness, even if it means sacrificing lives for the “greater good”. Andor’s actions instead shows how he values lives - 5/7
#Andor #StarWars

- and inspires others to join him into the light (ie. the prison break). The stand off in the final moment between him & Luthen was subtle, but powerful. Luthen had sought to kill him, but Andor offers his life instead. Luthen smiles wryly, but Andor is grim. #Andor #StarWars 6/7

He understands something much deeper about the Rebellion that Luthen does not.

Light is what will triumph over darkness, and leadership/heroes are for the selfless/humble.

I hope the show continues to explore this dynamic! 🪡 End! #Andor