Science fiction has always been a way to talk about the problems that you’re not allowed to talk about. It has this magical property to look like nothing to censors and conservatives while being a bolt of lightning to anyone who’s paying attention.

…And with that comment forming in my head, I realize something.

Andor is largely considered better than the average Star Wars and I wholeheartedly agree. But now I fully understand why I agree.

I have been watching Star Trek since I was a kid. And while I was lured in with space travel and aliens and time travel and cool effects, I appreciate it more now because of the intelligent messaging of acceptance and understanding that has been a part of its identity from the beginning. No amount of campy acting or cardboard sets will diminish my love for Trek because of that.

Andor elevates Star Wars to that level. Star Wars has always been a classic tale of good vs evil. But it’s primarily fun, action-orientated entertainment. Andor is much more than that. Andor is Star Wars with the intelligent messaging of acceptance and understanding (and the dangers of failing to do so). It’s not just very good Star Wars, not just very well-produced Star Wars, it’s a whole new evolution of the brand into something so much more important than simply seeing the bad guy lose.

It’s shocking that Disney allowed Andor to be Andor. Except that it’s not. Mickey Mouse can’t make a moral stand against genocide, but Andor can. Because science fiction has always had the ability to make a pointed message look like safe, surface-level entertainment to some people while also having tremendous meaning to other people.

Thank you, Tony Gilroy. Hope to see more in the future.

What a great "mask off" interview. I love hearing about all the subjects they covered without the pretense of selling the show within studio guidelines. Feels much more "VH1 Behind The Music" than "press junket."

Write more. This should be a review.

The best promotion Disney has ever earned. I might have to get a subscription to rewatch Andor after reading this interview.

What an excellent interview! Thank you for posting it!

There are other ways... 🏴‍☠️

Wait, Disney is fascist now? What’d I miss?