Andor Season 2: A Reflection of Authoritarianism in Star Wars
As fans delve into the first three episodes of Andor Season 2, which premiered on Disney+ on April 22, a gripping narrative unfolds on the agricultural planet of Mina-Rau. This outer rim world serves as a stark backdrop for a group of rebel soldiers masquerading as freelance mechanics, with Bix (played by Adria Arjona) at the center of the action. Hiding on Mina-Rau without legal documentation, Bix’s tension escalates when a squad of Imperial soldiers arrives unexpectedly for a “supply census.”
Life Under Watchful Eyes
Bix voices her concerns about the Imperial presence. “If they’re checking visas, it’s a problem,” she states, reflecting anxiety felt by those living under authoritarian scrutiny. A local farmer reassures her, noting, “Look, they need the grain. They know we need help, and they know everyone isn’t legal.” This dialogue highlights the tenuous relationship between support and oppression in a regime marked by temporal audits and authoritarian oversight.
The Dilemma of Moral Choices
The narrative quickly turns darker as the farmer, in an unforeseen twist, betrays the rebels to the Empire. This moment encapsulates a central theme: the complexity of moral decisions under oppressive rule, reminding audiences of the real-world implications of such choices.
Grassroots Facets of Fascism
According to media analyst Kempshall, Andor innovatively unveils “the grassroots elements of fascism.” Audiences are traditionally familiar with characters like Palpatine as embodiments of evil. Still, the series emphasizes that the ordinary individuals who enforce laws and outline regulations are integral to the mechanisms of oppression. “These are the ones who’ll kick your door in at 3 am or enforce changing laws,” he notes. “They’re the real face of the Empire. And it looks normal and banal and boring and therefore terrifying. It’s the reality of increasing oppression.”
Historical Parallels in Star Wars
The themes of Star Wars have consistently echoed American imperialism. George Lucas, before embarking on the iconic space saga, was set to direct Apocalypse Now. After stepping back from that project, he was inspired to transpose the Vietnam War’s struggle for freedom into the cosmos, positioning the Rebel Alliance as guerilla fighters combating a genocidal entity.
Evolution of Political Metaphors
In earlier drafts of the saga, Lucas explicitly conveyed that the Empire was a reflection of a dystopian America succumbing to fascism. This commentary took on new dimensions during the prequel trilogy, particularly with Star Wars: Episode I—The Phantom Menace, which depicted how democracies can dissolve into dictatorship. Released prior to George W. Bush’s presidency, the film serves as an allegory for the gradual erosion of democratic principles in favor of authoritarianism.
The parallels intensify in Revenge of the Sith (2005), where Anakin Skywalker’s assertion, “If you’re not with me, you’re my enemy,” parallels Bush’s divisive post-9/11 statement, “Either you are with us or you are with the terrorists.” This evocation of political rhetoric underscores the ongoing conversation about power dynamics.
Star Wars in Contemporary Context
Following a lengthy absence, Lucas returned to Star Wars but ultimately passed the mantle to Disney, prompting a resurgence that reflected a “First Order” reminiscent of Nazi attributes, indicating a shift toward a broader cultural understanding of authoritarianism. Kempshall argues that this transformation was a response to the changing cultural landscape; as younger generations grew further removed from the Vietnam War, the Empire needed to adapt to represent a more familiar evil.
As America witnesses patterns resembling fascism, Star Wars continues to evolve in tandem with contemporary political realities, compelling viewers to reflect on the cyclical nature of power and oppression.
