Warning! This article includes spoilers for the Ahsoka finale. Ahsoka and Andor are widely regarded as two of the best Star Wars shows released by Disney so far. Although both series have achieved great success, they have done so for different reasons. While many people are still riding the wave of excitement from Ahsoka, there are Star Wars enthusiasts who believe that Andor is the superior show. However, despite their merits, both series have their own set of unique problems.
Andor encounters a major issue in its first three episodes, where it introduces a storyline about Cassian's search for his long-lost sister. However, the series swiftly shifts its focus and neglects this subplot in order to delve into Cassian's introduction to the Rebellion. While there is still potential to explore Cassian's journey to find his sister in the second season of Andor, this plotline feels unresolved. On the other hand, Ahsoka struggles to escape the same issue of filler content that plagued The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett. Despite being the central character, she often takes a backseat in the series.
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10 Ahsoka Appeals To Existing Star Wars Fans
Dave Filoni specifically designed Ahsoka to resonate with Star Wars fans. As a result, the series is brimming with references from Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels. Viewers familiar with the animated projects can spot and appreciate the clever nods and hints in Ahsoka's story, while those who are unaware are often left puzzled. In essence, Filoni rewards dedicated fans who have followed Ahsoka's journey alongside the other Rebels characters. Ahsoka caters to the desires of Star Wars enthusiasts and distinguishes itself from Disney's other live-action series.
9 Andor Appeals To New Star Wars Fans
8 Ahsoka Covers Big Picture Threats
: In contrast to Ahsoka, who relies on cameos and references, Andor takes a completely different approach. The viewer doesn't require any prior knowledge of Star Wars to relate to Cassian's predicament. The deep understanding of the Star Wars universe isn't necessary as Andor skillfully constructs its desolate setting. This live-action show is perfect for those who haven't followed the numerous Star Wars movies and shows throughout the decades. However, fans of Star Wars will still discover plenty of hidden gems within Andor.
Similar to the Star Wars films, the perils in Ahsoka bear repercussions across the entire galaxy. The return of Thrawn is bound to have widespread effects as he poses a threat to rejuvenate the very Empire that Cassian tirelessly fought against. Adding to the magnitude, Ahsoka also showcases Baylan's endeavor to locate the Mortis gods. In any case, the main characters find themselves on the frontline of a battle that holds immense significance for the entire galaxy. With high stakes and overwhelming odds against them, failure would result in suffering for the entire galaxy.
7 Andor Focuses On The Importance Of Small Victories
On the contrary, unlike the Emperor or Vader, Andor's protagonists are far from that level of power; their failure would only amount to a routine victory for the Empire. However, the focus of the show lies in how these small victories gradually contribute to the larger conflict between the Rebellion and the Empire. When compared to Ahsoka's battle against Grand Admiral Thrawn, Andor's heist at Aldhani and the Narkina 5 prison escape may seem insignificant. Nevertheless, Andor intends to illustrate the significance of these minor triumphs against the Empire during the Rebellion's early stages. The show skillfully engages the audience's support for Cassian to succeed, regardless of the seemingly modest nature of his mission.
6 Ahsoka Is A Classic Lighthearted Star Wars Adventure
In addition to its serious moments, Ahsoka offers an abundance of lighthearted banter. From Huyang playfully mocking Sabine Wren's lack of Force talent to Ezra Bridger's clever attempts at stalling Shin Hati, Filoni skillfully combines humor with genuine danger. He takes inspiration from George Lucas, infusing even the most dire situations with sarcastic quips. Despite being a live-action show, the dialogue often captures the essence of The Clone Wars or Rebels, making the audience experience a familiar tone. Although viewers know the heroes will likely triumph in the end, this doesn't deter them from worrying about their success.
5 Andor Is One Of The Grittiest Star Wars Stories Yet
4 Ahsoka Builds On A Decade of Star Wars Character Arcs
Andor tackles the galaxy in a grittier and more authentic manner, eschewing humor. Throughout the show, the audience is constantly aware that none of the side characters are safe. Both Nemik and Kino Loy, who play significant roles in Andor's growth, either meet their demise or mysteriously disappear by the end of the series. Unlike other Star Wars projects, their deaths lack the grand theatrics, which intensifies the reality of their losses for Cassian and the viewers. Cassian's struggle against the Empire is what lends purpose to the sacrifices made by his fallen comrades.
Ahsoka possesses a significant advantage over Andor due to its exploration of well-developed characters from Star Wars' animation. Throughout more than a decade, Filoni has invested in the character development of Ahsoka Tano, creating a deeply layered persona within the franchise. This series further delves into Ahsoka's intricate backstory, urging her to confront her past and progress beyond it. Despite her initial reluctance towards the transformation Anakin underwent, her encounters with him during The Clone Wars enable her to acknowledge the valuable lessons he imparted.
3 Andor Is A Much Deeper Character Study Than Ahsoka
2 Ahsoka Is Building A New Villain For Star Wars
:In Rogue One, Cassian's character was introduced, but Andor goes a step further by delving into his background. The gritty and uncompromising tone of Andor helps shape Cassian and the other characters into toughened Rebels. The series also fearlessly explores darker plotlines, such as the manipulation of Mon Mothma to arrange a marriage between her daughter and the son of an unscrupulous banker. While Ahsoka builds upon familiar characters, Andor breathes new life into relatively recent additions to the franchise.
Ahsoka's placement in the Star Wars timeline provides an additional advantage compared to Andor. The New Republic Era, which falls between A New Hope and The Force Awakens, remains largely unexplored. This allows Filoni the freedom to introduce a new antagonist. Thrawn's unexpected return to the galaxy during this period is significant. With almost twenty years before the rise of the First Order and Snoke, Thrawn possesses a substantial window of opportunity to wreak havoc on the New Republic. In essence, Ahsoka's success stems from the audience's uncertainty regarding how Thrawn's storyline will unfold.
1 Andor Is Building Toward The Best Of Star Wars
Meanwhile, Andor achieves success by delving into the well-known Star Wars storyline. The battle between the Empire and the Rebellion in A New Hope is widely recognized, and Andor effectively uncovers the events that led to this conflict. Additionally, the series sheds light on the immense efforts put into constructing the Death Star. Although the audience may anticipate the show's direction, it still delivers numerous thrilling and suspenseful moments. Ultimately, both Ahsoka and Andor possess their own remarkable qualities that make them exceptional Star Wars shows. Watch all episodes of Ahsoka on Disney+ now.