Switching Channels: Andor (Patreon)

The Disney+ series Andor — a prequel to the film Rogue One, itself a prequel — has had a relatively slow-burn first season that, going by its comparatively low viewership numbers for a Star Wars show, has also been slow to catch on with viewers. That may be attributable to how little it feels like a Star Wars, or at least the version of the franchise we've become accustomed to in its streaming-television era. But that off-model distinctiveness is part of what makes Tony Gilroy's series so alluring to Genevieve and Tasha, who recently got together for a discussion of the first season's weighty themes, confident narrative approach, and memorable ensemble. We kept this discussion spoiler-free — optimistic that more viewers will still find their way to Andor and discover its many pleasures ahead of the already-announced second season — but invite listeners who have already watched to talk freely about the season's highs and lows in the comments below.