The final scene where Cass and Jyn await their fate should feature “Your Mother is Dead” from season 1 episode 11. That track plays just as Cassian resolves to return to Ferrix and looks off to the sunset- a sky that looks eerily similar to the sky that takes his life at the end of Rogue One. I think the parallel would absolutely stop hearts.
A couple quick things now after the release of the season 2 finale, since you’ve mentioned that you plan to do a V2:
First, please tell me you’ll be adding new “previously on Andor” openings featuring clips from season 2. I know not everyone loves them but to me they add so much to the momentum of the narrative, especially when you’re not watching episodes back to back, and seeing clips from Andor and Rogue One side by side in one of these montages I think would do wonders to build a sense of continuity.
—
Second, I’ve seen it mentioned by at least one other commenter that the Vader Hallway/New Hope setup scene should be moved prior to the credits. I’m gonna have to STRONGLY disagree on that one.
Post credits scenes were nailed by the MCU during the first couple of phases of the Infinity saga, and I think they were always so cool because they played on the events of the movie in question but handled the setup of a plot that, strictly speaking, wasn’t really relevant to the immediate story being presented. Well, in the same way the Skywalker saga and the Andor saga are distinct, even if they share a timeline and universe. I think with Rogue One being recontextualized to serve the story of Andor now more than the story of A New Hope, the scene makes the immediate story feel a bit clunky; however, when moved to after the credits, it feels very satisfying as a standalone scene as well as a setup for the next film. Definitely wouldn’t change anything about it. I also love that it ends in silence and cuts to black- very poignant.
Final point on that as well, I feel it would be more consistent in a weird sort of way to keep it. Season 1 features a post credits scene while season 2 does not, but if these episodes function like the true end of season 2 then it feels appropriately symmetrical.
Superb. Ciao again!
Alright, so I’ve just finished watching this edit and I’m astonished at how perfectly the film fits into the Andor arc format. In fact, much of the pacing seems to benefit greatly from being spread out into three separate parts. The endings of each episode feel far more book-chapterish, as though they were written to end where they did, and the choices of music fit incredibly well with two of the three endings, in particular at the end of “Stardust.” Definitely a strong moment building up to the grand finale.
That said, I think across the whole project there was one particular nitpick I could think of. While nearly every track selection in this project feels inspired, I think the only one I really disagreed with was the Past/Present Suite during the destruction of Scariff. So much of the rest of the episode fits perfectly, like the use of the “Climb” track as they climb the data column or the ISB motif in some of Krennic’s big scenes, and I very much appreciated that you didn’t use particular motifs that belonged to specific characters such as Luthen.
I think the Past/Present suite is just a bit too upbeat; it’s the theme of Cassian embracing the fight, but this moment is Cassian finishing it. Technically the Rogue One team wins, true, but it’s a somber moment as they watch the horizon crumble ominously toward them. It’s a victory for the rebellion but Cassian and Jyn are hardly emerging champions. I feel like something much more minimal might work in its place, and I found myself imagining the track you used for the credits immediately after this scene in place of the Suite. The imagery of the mushroom cloud resembling a sunrise I think ought to be accompanied by a moment for Cassian to breathe before he goes to his final rest.
Nitpick aside, unbelievable work. I’m beyond impressed and in the wake of Andor season 2 finishing up I feel far more closure for the show having watched this than I did watching the official release. I’m excited to revisit this once you’ve made your soundtrack selections based on the new season should you decide to employ any of the new tracks (there’s definitely a lot to work with!)
All in all, this edit has given me the chance to appreciate not only Andor but Star Wars as a whole in a new and better way. Thank you for doing this! Ciao!
Aloha! I’m trying to get the google drive for this edit but I’m not totally sure what the best way to go about it is. I’m not a native to this site, so I can’t do PMs just yet. Anyone have any solutions? I’m hoping to watch this tonight if possible.
Thanks!