How does Andor fit into the Star Wars Universe?

Looking for some context as the new Disney Plus series begins? We’ll get you up to hyperspeed.

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How does Andor fit into the Star Wars Universe?
(L-R): Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgard) and Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) in Andor Photo: Lucasfilm Ltd.

With every new Star Wars project that comes out, it gets a little more complicated keeping track of what’s going on in the galaxy. Like trying to figure out where the latest new streaming series, Andor, falls into that continuum. We know that most of the story takes place five years before the events of Rogue One, with the exception of some flashback scenes depicting Cassian’s (Diego Luna) childhood and adolescence. But what else do we need to know? What’s happening as the show begins? What are the characters we’ve known and loved up to? To help make things clear, we’ve focused on a handful of questions and answers that will provide the insight we need as Andor kicks off today with a three-episode series premiere.

previous arrowWho is really in control of the galaxy? next arrow
Who is really in control of the galaxy?
Darth Vader in Obi-Wan Kenobi Image Lucasfilm

Although most people don’t realize it, the galaxy is actually under the control of the Sith during the Imperial Era. The core philosophy of the Sith religion involves harnessing strong emotions like anger and fear into absolute power. They also believe that true peace can only be achieved through control and domination, which happens to match the totalitarian goals of the Empire. That makes sense, since Emperor Palpatine is the supreme leader of both, though his alternate identity as Darth Sideous is still a secret to everyone but a handful of his most devout followers. As his apprentice, Darth Vader is the most visible Sith lord within the regime, and he reports only to his master. The ranks of the Sith order consist mainly of the Inquisitors, who operate above the law while they carry out the Emperor’s will. There is some push and pull among those who believe more in the power of the regime itself than the superstitions of an ancient cult. They don’t last long, and those who question Vader’s methods in his presence soon learn that he doesn’t react well to criticism.

19 Comments

  • yawantpancakes-av says:

    I find your faith in slideshows disturbing.

  • stevennorwood-av says:

    “looking some…”? Come on…

  • undeadsinatra-av says:

    The last slide, thankfully, came through with the info I needed.  Had me worried there for a few.

  • kinjacaffeinespider-av says:

    Like a butt plug?

  • kinjacaffeinespider-av says:

    “Luke Skywalker is currently 14 years old, living on Tatooine with his Uncle Ben and Aunt Beru”
    Oh…no…
    So when did they switch from a rice paddy to a moisture farm?

  • apostkinjapocalypticwasteland-av says:

    I only have one note. At all times, every character needs to be asking, “Where’s Ahsoka?”

  • theotherglorbgorb-av says:

    How does Andor fit in? Well, I don’t need a slideshow to tell me he’s about the same age as he is in Rogue One. So, he fits in right before that movie. A spin-off of a spin-off.

  • 2sylabl-av says:

    “Who.” WHO are the characters we’ve known and loved.

  • bc222-av says:

    How old is Andor supposed to be in this? And how long ago are the childhood flashbacks? Because it sounds like in the flashbacks, the Republic is still in charge. but also… they’re worried the Republic ship is full of people who will kill the populace of the planet out of revenge?
    Also, I find it distracting how old Maarva looks like Glen Close playing Temple Grandin.

  • therealnerdrage-av says:

    This is just going to get more confusing from here on out. Somebody please make a timeline with all the events for us to keep track of, and when each series and movie begins and ends.

  • bakamoichigei-av says:

    It literally gives the year as 5 BBY on the screen as the first scene opens. Anyone who doesn’t already know all they need to from that isn’t going to give much more of a shit with all of this explained. 🤨

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