In the isolated depths of a fascist empire, a mid-level government enforcer conducts a sinister interrogation disguised as a government census.
His target? A young migrant worker whom he threatens with violence when she refuses to comply with his coercive demands for sexual favors.
This unsettling scene takes place in the second season of Andor, the acclaimed Star Wars series that explores the origins of the Rebel Alliance under the oppressive rule of the Galactic Empire.
As viewers witness the grim dynamics of power and control within the galaxy, the parallels to contemporary America—where immigration officials operate with alarming authority—become distinctly apparent.
This connection seems less coincidental and more intentional, revealing a deeper commentary on the nature of dictatorship, identity, and moral compromise.
Star Wars has long utilized the Empire as a metaphor for various forms of authoritarianism, from American actions during the Vietnam War to historical Rome under Caesar.
Yet, Andor marks a significant shift, reflecting current Americans’ feelings as the foundational principles of democracy appear increasingly precarious.
Chris Kempshall, a historian and author of The History and Politics of Star Wars, emphasizes the adaptability of the Empire as a metaphor, stating it rarely requires explanation.
The Empire embodies evil, yet its representation has evolved, mirroring shifts in real-world politics.
The Disney era of Star Wars, particularly characterized by the sequel trilogy, has largely stayed away from engaging with serious political discourse, often reducing villains to Nazi caricatures.
The narrative has primarily focused on revisiting the series’ roots rather than branching into substantial comments on contemporary political issues.
This is where Andor shines, as it signifies Lucasfilm’s most earnest effort to revive the poignant political commentary that once defined Star Wars prior to Disney’s acquisition.
The first season of Andor laid the groundwork through meticulous character arcs and world-building, while Season 2 promises to deliver content significantly relevant to a nation grappling with authoritarian tendencies.
With the release of the initial episodes of Season 2, which started streaming on Disney+ on April 22, the story moves to Mina-Rau, an agricultural planet within the galaxy, showcasing rebels disguised as mechanics amidst heightened imperial scrutiny.
Bix, a fugitive, expresses fear over the impending imperial “supply census,” signaling the harsh realities faced by immigrants in hostile systems.
Discussions among locals underscore the recognition of the precarious positions undocumented individuals inhabit in a system wrought with authoritarian oversight.
As Kempshall notes, Andor ingeniously illustrates how grassroots complicity fosters the mechanisms of fascism—the insidious ordinariness of oppression that often goes unnoticed.
While Emperor Palpatine remains an undeniable figure of evil, Andor cleverly highlights the banality and normalcy of everyday agents who enforce oppressive laws and regulations.
This depiction prompts viewers to confront unsettling truths about their own society, demonstrating how ordinary people contribute to larger systems of control.
Star Wars has a storied history of political commentary, tracing back to George Lucas’s original vision, which drew parallels between the Galactic Empire and America during the Vietnam War.
Lucas transformed notions of guerrilla warfare into the narrative of the Rebel Alliance, casting them as heroes against a tyrannical regime.
Even in the earliest drafts, the antagonism of the Empire was intended to reflect an America that had devolved into fascism, according to Kempshall.
Upon returning to the galaxy with the prequel trilogy, Lucas shifted the focus to themes of democratic decay, exploring how weak institutions and a culture of fear can lead societies to accept authoritarian rule.
This thematic evolution continued into the later prequels, particularly in the famous line from Anakin Skywalker during Revenge of the Sith, which echoed post-9/11 sentiments of division and aggression.
Following Lucas’s departure from the franchise, Disney’s effort to reintroduce Star Wars to mainstream audiences set it apart with a lighter touch.
The remnant Imperial forces morphing into the First Order in the sequel trilogy adopted recognizable Nazi attributes, perhaps reflecting a desire to portray evil more universally.
However, Kempshall argues that this simplistic representation stemmed not from explicit political engagement, but from a cultural moment in which the nuances of past conflicts became less significant in public discourse.
The evolution of the Empire as a symbol continues, especially as real-world politics morph toward authoritarianism once again.
America appears to be experiencing a rise in fascist tendencies, echoing sentiments from previous decades under Nixon and Bush, wherein the struggles against systemic oppression take center stage once more through stories like Andor.
In this current context, it becomes clear that the story of Star Wars has returned to its roots, confronting contemporary issues of political upheaval head-on.
This resurgence speaks not only to the failing faith in assured democratic ideals but also to the ever-relevant nature of storytelling that challenges audiences to reckon with their moral compass amidst chaos.
As Andor continues its narrative journey, it boldly intertwines the complexities of rebellion, authority, and the human condition, urging viewers to reflect on their responsibility in the face of encroaching tyranny.
image source from：https://www.wired.com/story/star-wars-andor-season-2-depicts-the-banality-of-american-fascism/
