On a remote farm, situated at the farthest boundaries of a repressive regime, a mid-level government official engages in the interrogation of his captives. Under the pretense of conducting a government census, he is, in fact, hunting for undocumented immigrants. His pursuit intensifies when he discovers a young migrant worker, and rather than adhering to professional decorum, he seeks to coerce her into a sexual encounter. When she resolutely refuses his advances, he responds with violence, showcasing a stark power dynamic.

This harrowing scene resonates with troubling parallels to the current climate in the United States, where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are often seen rounding up immigrantsand sometimes even citizenswith alarming and unsettling impunity. However, it is crucial to note that this particular incident does not unfold in the United States or even on Earth. Instead, it is a vivid depiction from the second and final season of Andor, the critically acclaimed Star Wars series that chronicles the emergence of the Rebel Alliance amidst the oppressive shadow of the Galactic Empire.

For viewers, the imagery presented in the new season of Andor may evoke thoughts of Americas current drift towards authoritarianism, and this association is likely not a mere coincidence. In fact, it could be argued that drawing such parallels is an inherent purpose of the Star Wars franchise itself. Over its impressive 47-year history, the Empire has been used as a metaphor for various historical and contemporary issuesfrom representing the United States during the tumultuous Vietnam War to echoing the governance of ancient Rome under Julius Caesar. However, Andor marks a significant pivot; it appears to be the first instance since Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm for a staggering $4 billion that this metaphor is being directed back toward American society.

Chris Kempshall, a historian and author of The History and Politics of Star Wars, articulates, The Empire is both incredibly stable and incredibly flexible as an entity to hang metaphors on. We, the audience, understand that the Empire is evil, so that doesnt need to be explained to us. However, the details of the Empire have evolved significantly over time to reflect changes in real-world politics.

Throughout the Disney era of Star Wars, the franchise has often presented politics in a diluted or superficial manner. For example, in Episode VIIThe Force Awakens, the antagonists are portrayed with generic Nazi-like characteristics, a somewhat simplistic portrayal that effectively categorizes them as evil without delving deeper into the complexities of modern imperialism. The sequel trilogy as a whole is preoccupied with wrestling with the overarching significance of Star Wars, failing to offer poignant commentary on American political landscapes. Furthermore, when Lucasfilm attempts to embrace more ambitious narratives, such as with The Acolyte, it often finds itself constrained by corporate pressures and a vocal, polarized fanbase intent on steering the franchises political and cultural narrative to the right.

This backdrop makes the success of Andor feel particularly extraordinary. Many critics argue that it is the finest project to emerge from the Star Wars universe in years, but more importantly, it represents Lucasfilms most overt attempt to return to the incisive political commentary that characterized its pre-Disney era. While the first season of Andor meticulously laid the groundwork through careful character development and expansive world-building, Season 2 delivers on this foundation, offering content that resonates painfully well with a public grappling with the unsettling realization that the democracy once perceived as invulnerable is now faltering before our very eyes.