As the debut season of Star Wars: Andor comes to a close, and the long wait for season two (now filming) begins, so we have the delicious opportunity to dip back into the series and delve into the characters. Polygon have done exactly that with arguably the most fascinating new character from the show, Luthen Rael as played by Stellan Skarsgård.
Luthen is the most nuanced character Star Wars has ever had. He has all the gravitas of the living myths like Luke Skywalker and Han Solo, all the convictions of Qui-Gon Jinn, all the complications and commitment of Obi-Wan Kenobi, all the showmanship of Kylo Ren, all the cleverness of Leia Organa, and deeper, more human flaws than anyone the series has ever seen. In the capable hands of Andor creator Tony Gilroy and Skarsgård, Luthen is the kind of complicated, thorny, fascinating character Star Wars just never seemed built to contain.
Like most of the people in Andor, Luthen is characterized through details rather than explanations. From his first moments on screen (feigning a business deal to conceal a recruitment operation), to when he pulls up his careful, pained mask as an antiques dealer, to his furious bluster in front of rebel legend Saw Gerrera, Luthen’s drive has always been clear: to eradicate the Empire by any means necessary.
His unwavering commitment to the cause gives the show a reason to employ one of the most brilliant pieces of visual storytelling Star Wars has ever seen: Luthen’s biggest moments all frame him like a Sith Lord. And why shouldn’t they? By the rules of the universe, that’s probably the box he fits most neatly into.
Today we wrapped up our Reaction Chats episodes for the season and posted our final Thursday night Good Morning Tatooine looking at season one of Star Wars: Andor, both of which you can watch and listen to below.
