One flawlessly executed character transition inAndorseason 2 broke a disappointingStar Warstrend after years of the problem not getting any better.Andorseason 2 is considered one ofStar Wars’best TV shows, if not the single best, for a reason. This show managed to take a conflict that has been front-and-center since the very beginning of the franchise—the Empire versus the Rebels—and make it feel new, innovative, and captivating.
There were a host of other waysAndorseason 2 proved to be one of the most impressive additions toStar Warsmovies and TV showstoo, including everything from the writing to the costuming to the character development. One relatively minor example ofAndor’scare and attention to detail is relatively easy to miss, but it may mean great news forStar Wars’future. Specifically,Andorseason 2 managed to resolve an issue withStar Warscharacters that has been plaguing the franchise for quite some time.
Star Wars Has Struggled To Make Characters Look Consistent
This Was Notably True With Obi-Wan Kenobi
Star Warsmovies and shows have long moved around intheStar Warstimeline, as was clear when the originalStar Warstrilogy was followed up with the prequels and then, many years later, jumped forward in time to the sequels. As can be expected based on the flexibilityStar Warshas had with its chronology, this has led to some character complications, as myriad characters have had to be recast as older or younger versions of themselves. Unfortunately,Star Warshas had issues over the years with these recasts, as well as with other approaches, such as de-aging.
One of the most obvious examples of problems with recasting is Obi-Wan Kenobi. In the original trilogy, Alec Guinness played Obi-Wan, and, when the prequels moved the story several decades back, the character was played by Ewan McGregor. This is in no way meant to discredit McGregor, who I think is a brilliant actor. However, it was difficult to see how McGregor’s Obi-Wan could realistically turn into Guinness' Obi-Wan, not only because of their differing appearances but also because it would mean Obi-Wan aging rapidly betweenStar Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the SithandA New Hope.
It was difficult to see how McGregor’s Obi-Wan could realistically turn into Guinness' Obi-Wan.
Some have tried to explain this away based on the idea that the harsh environment of Tatooine would advance one’s aging, but that still seemed like a stretch. In fact,Obi-Wan Kenobi, which is set midway betweenRevenge of the SithandA New Hope,was the perfect time to bridge these two appearances. Unfortunately,Obi-Wan Kenobiended with it still seeming unlikely that McGregor’s Obi-Wan could look like Guinness' in less than 10 years.
Andor Season 2 Perfectly Transitioned Mon Mothma’s Appearance
There Is Now A Seamless Transition From The Prequel Trilogy To The Original Trilogy (And Beyond)
Completely opposite to Obi-Wan Kenobi,Andorseason 2 seamlessly transitioned Mon Mothma into her appearance in the originalStar Warstrilogy, even though she is played by a different actress. ThroughoutAndor, especially the first several episodes ofAndorseason 2, Mon is shown as extremely glamorous, donning traditional Chandrilan clothing that is up there with Padmé Amidala’s wardrobe. However, after her speech decrying the Empire and Palpatine before the Senate, Mon took on a physical appearance more appropriate for a Rebel fighter.
In addition to her clothing change, Mon’s hair and makeup were entirely re-done, bridging the differences between her earlyAndorseason 2 look and her eventual appearance in the original trilogy. What makes this particularly impressive is the fact that, like McGregor and Guinness, Mon was played by two different actors, decades apart. InReturn of the Jedi, Mon Mothma was played by Caroline Blakiston, whereas Genevieve O’Reilly played her inAndor(and several otherStar Warsprojects). This marks a major improvement on a previously disappointingStar Warstrend.
As Star Wars Moves Forward, This Attention To Detail Will Be Critical
Image via Disney+
While Mon Mothma’s transition is just one example,I am sincerely hopeful this is a good sign forStar Wars’future. This franchise is far from done with characters who will move around in time, asHayden Christensen’s return inAndorseason 2alone suggests we could be getting more Clone Wars flashbacks that would require de-aging. That is of course different from a recast, but it requires the same attention to detail and dedication to getting a character to look right, even after time has passed in one way or another.
It will be interesting to see how this plays out moving forward, especially because many are hoping thatAndorhas re-set the bar forStar Warsin many ways, not just with its character appearances. Many movies and shows are currently underway in the franchise, so it is possible thatAndorwill have such an influence. For now, though, I’m just delighted that Mon Mothma’s physical transition inAndorseason 2 broke this previously frustratingStar Warstrend.
