Star Wars felt stale for so long, with lackluster Disney+ TV shows and movies without a clear direction. However, things have begun to move in the right direction after Andor shocked the world, as it’s not only the best show in the franchise but one of the greatest sci-fi series of all time. This show is truly special, from its magnificent plot to its phenomenal acting to its gorgeous production value.
While the entire show is a masterpiece, each individual episode is also incredible, which is why this list will highlight 10 episodes in particular that fans can consider masterpieces. The placement will be based on story, production value, acting, direction, memorable moments, critical acclaim, and fan opinion. Every Andor episode is fantastic, but these 10 are on a different level.
10
“Who Else Knows?”
Season 2, Episode 11
After the previous episode devastated fans with a tragic farewell, “Who Else Knows?” serves as a setup to the finale and a wrap-up for some fan-favorite characters. With everything falling apart for the Empire, they interrogate Dedra Meero (Denise Gough), one of the primary characters, after she accidentally leaks the plans to the Death Star, which would ultimately seal the fate of the Empire in future movies.
This episode does suffer from being placed between two of the best episodes in Andor Season 2, but that doesn’t take away from what makes it great. Witnessing Kleya (Elizabeth Dulau) escape is a gripping watch, but even better is the Empire crumbling under pressure. This episode ends the ISB side of the story and the fate of Dedra, making it an essential episode that sets up even greater stakes.
9
“What a Festive Evening”
Season 2, Episode 6
After Cassian (Diego Luna) turns down the Ghorman mission, Vel (Faye Marsay) and Cinta (Varada Sethu) take it on, teaching inexperienced rebels how to fight, with tragic results. Meanwhile, Kleya and Luthen (Stellan Skarsgรฅrd) must extract a bug from one of their artifacts so the Empire won’t sniff them out.
Watching Bix (Adria Arjona) struggle with her trauma isn’t fun, but “What a Festive Evening” provides that cathartic release that she and fans need, adding to the excitement of this masterpiece. Not to mention the epic heist with Vel and Cinta brings the series back to its roots with good old-fashioned stealth and action. Every storyline is gripping and keeps the viewers’ full attention, with no dull moments.
8
“Nobody’s Listening!”
Season 1, Episode 9
Season 2 is undoubtedly the better season, but that doesn’t mean the first one doesn’t have any good episodes. “Nobody’s Listening” follows Andor in his work camp building parts for some unknown reason. But as they continue their daily schedule, bleak rumors begin floating around that they won’t be let out, sparking an uprising in the next episode.
While many fans wouldn’t consider this episode a masterpiece, the setup and influence on future episodes are significant enough to earn a spot. This is when Bix is tortured, as well as when Vel and Mon Mothma (Genevieve O’Reilly) meet for the first time. The building tension and cathartic release at the end of the episode are why Andor is a perfect TV show.
7
“The Eye”
Season 1, Episode 6
Another Season 1 episode makes this list, this time being one of the most recognizable episodes. “The Eye” is the climax of the Aldhani raid mission, as the group continues their heist and makes a grand exit. The group makes a narrow escape, but things don’t go as planned after an injury and a betrayal, prompting Andor to leave the gang and clean his hands of the rebellion.
“The Eye” is probably the most beautiful episode in Andor, showcasing its visuals and glorious CGI with a meteor shower display. However, this episode isn’t a masterpiece just because it’s pretty โ it’s also the big climax of this arc, with plenty of exhilarating action, excitement, plot twists, tear-jerking moments, and masterful setup.
6
“Jedha, Kyber, Erso”
Season 2, Episode 12
Whether fans liked it or not, Andor had to come to an end, and there is no better conclusion than what they did in “Jedha, Kyber, Erso.” Andor successfully brings Kleya to Yavin 4, and after a long and heated discussion with the council, they conclude that the evidence is irrefutable, marking a significant milestone for the rebellion. Meanwhile, the fates of the rest of the characters are shown, from life in prison to noble suicide.
Unlike the tense drama, shocking moments, and grand action, “Jedha, Kyber, Erso” takes it slow, wrapping everything up in a logical way that will leave fans happy. Some have happy endings, others have tragic farewells, but everything works well. This finale encapsulates everything Andor and Star Wars represent, from hope, tragedy, the cycle of hatred, and the force, making it a masterpiece that concludes a masterpiece.
5
“Rix Road”
Season 1, Episode 12
Following the Season 2 finale is the Season 1 finale, “Rix Road,” which proves to be a slightly better ending, although who can compare two masterpieces? While Andor and Ferrix prepare for Maarva’s (Fiona Shaw) funeral, other schemes are at play, including the ISB planning to kidnap Andor and Luthen ordering Vel and Cinta to murder Andor. All eyes are on Cassian as a rebellion is about to spark.
This episode kicked things into a new gear, putting all the major players in one setting and letting them loose, unleashing chaos and excitement. “Rix Road” is a perfect Andor episode, as it’s heavy on the action and drama, getting fans hyped up with a rebellion speech that starts a massive brawl. Overall, this Season 1 finale sets up everything in Season 2, serving as a pivotal point in Andor’s journey and the story.
4
“Make it Stop”
Season 2, Episode 10
“Make it Stop” is the first episode in the final batch, taking place a year after the Ghorman massacre. Lonni (Robert Emms) reports to Luthen what the Empire has been hiding and reveals that Dedra knows who they are. Luthen tries to kill himself, but the ISB keeps him in a hospital, with Kleya breaking in to end his life while recalling the time they spent together in a heartbreaking farewell.
Everyone thought Lonni’s death was going to be the saddest part, but they didn’t realize what was in store for them. Kleya and Luthen’s backstory is tragic, well-written, and makes viewers love these characters more than they already did. This episode is all about Luthen and Kleya, concluding the stories of two of the best characters in a masterful episode. The cherry on top is the abundance of references.
3
“Welcome to the Rebellion”
Season 2, Episode 9
After the chaotic onslaught fans just witnessed in Episode 8 of Season 2, “Welcome to the Rebellion” ends this batch of episodes, setting up future developments. After the Empire frames the Ghorman massacre as an insurrection, Mon Mothma confronts the Senate by delivering a powerful speech that calls out the Empire. She and Andor quickly escape, officially making her part of the rebellion.
Every character has their own episode this season, and “Welcome to the Rebellion” is Mon Mothma’s. This badass character gets her shining moment with an epic speech that sets things in motion in the Star Wars universe. This is arguably the most important episode of Andor, connecting to the rest of the lore and movies and setting up the rest of the show. Not to mention that the build-up, payoff, acting, and writing are flawless.
2
“One Way Out”
Season 1, Episode 10
Season 2 is mostly better than Season 1 and features more episodes on this list, but the first season still has its fair share of masterpieces, including “One Way Out.” With every prisoner on board to stage an escape, they rise up and take arms, making their way out. Meanwhile, Lonni shares more information with Luthen, and Mon Mothma tries to secure funds.
Lonni and Mothma’s subplots are good, but they’re not why this episode stands out. Andor and Kino’s (Andy Serkis) great escape is one of the best sequences in all of TV. The breakout is up there with the best prison shows, proving Andor is a versatile series that shows Star Wars can be well-written and entertaining. As one of the best Andor episodes, “One Way Out” is obviously a masterpiece.
1
“Who Are You?”
Season 2, Episode 8
Andor’s Season 2 run from Episodes 8 to 12 is something else, arguably one of the best stretches in television, and it all started with “Who Are You?” As a restless Ghorman crowd begins to push back, the Empire finally makes its move, masterminding the Ghorman Massacre by making it seem like an insurrection. What ensues is a slaughter of an unfortunate people, with Andor, Dedra, and Syril (Kyle Soller) at the epicenter.
Leaving fans silent throughout the entire run or with their jaws on the floor, this Andor episode is unbelievable and maybe the best piece of Star Wars ever. “Who Are You?” reflects clear Star Wars themes of hope, evil, hate, and rebellion, creating a perfect episode that delivers action, excitement, drama, heartbreak, and twists. The production design is remarkable, feeling like an actual place with history and many moving parts, making the battle even more immersive. The fate of Syril and its message is tragic yet perfectly written, making this episode an undeniable masterpiece that cements Andor’s status as the best Star Wars TV show.
Andor
- Release Date
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2022 – 2025-00-00
- Network
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Disney+