Andor’s latest episode arc delves deep into the precarious nature of sustaining a rebellion, unfolding two years prior to the events of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and the original Star Wars trilogy. The central theme revolves around the rebels grappling with the crucial question: do they simply want to fight, or are they truly committed to winning? This introspection manifests dramatically on Ghorman, culminating in what is arguably the most emotionally devastating episode of the entire series, and perhaps even the Star Wars saga as a whole.
The timing of this episode’s release, coinciding with Revenge of the Sixth, adds an extra layer of resonance, transmitting a timeless message about the necessity of resistance in the face of oppression.
Ghorman is on the brink of collapse. Cassian Andor, portrayed by Diego Luna, and Wil, played by Muhannad Bhaier, are dispatched to the planet with the mission of eliminating Dedra Meero, portrayed by Denise Gough. The impetus for this action stems from the growing pressure to strike back against the Imperial siege. However, a fundamental disagreement emerges between Cassian and Wil. Wil believes that the time for fighting is now, while Cassian argues that premature action, without adequate preparation, will only postpone victory.
The rebellion on Yavin is progressing, but it’s not yet fully prepared. Meanwhile, tensions escalate on Palmo Plaza as the Ghorman people realize that the era of peaceful resistance is over, marked by the arrival of Imperial mining equipment. Cassian recognizes that Luthen Rael’s agenda is at play, with Ghorman strategically positioned to "burn brightly." He understands that eliminating Dedra is intended to seal her fate in the aftermath, preventing her from continuing her relentless pursuit of him as Axis. Wil’s motivation is fueled by a desire for revenge against Dedra, whom he holds responsible for the deaths of loved ones on Ferrix. Dedra has become Luthen’s persistent threat, constantly hindering his orchestration of the rebellion.
Mon Mothma’s increasingly vocal opposition to the Emperor has placed her under heightened surveillance, isolating her from potential allies. Senators representing their respective populations are fearful, witnessing the events unfolding on Ghorman. It’s becoming unsustainable for them to support her, regardless of their personal beliefs regarding the Imperial narrative that paints the Ghormans as savage opponents to the Imperial presence, deviating from their once-affluent status as a metropolis of fashion houses.
Fear of attracting the Empire’s attention has silenced dissent. Senators are too afraid to speak out against the blatant propaganda surrounding the civil unrest on Palmo. Mon Mothma, portrayed by Genevieve O’Reilly, recognizes that her purpose is evolving. Her people are no longer on Coruscant, but await her leadership on Yavin. However, she still retains a degree of respect within the Senate and contemplates how to leverage her remaining dignified reputation.
Before embarking on the mission to Ghorman to eliminate Dedra, Cassian and Bix Caleen, played by Adria Arjona, share a moment of quiet intimacy on Yavin. These moments of connection between the rebel couple underscore the reality of what they’re fighting for, resonating deeply with the survivors of Imperial colonization. The presence of joy amidst the "flight or fight" existence makes the struggle worthwhile. The show acknowledges that anyone seeking freedom understands the value of peace, even if it’s fleeting. The hope of sustaining that peace is what fuels them through the increasingly difficult times. Before their departure, Bix convinces Cassian to seek treatment from a Force healer for an injury.
The Force, while perhaps indirectly hinted at through the actions of heroes and villains, has not been explicitly addressed until now. The healer, implied to be a Saja, reveals that Cassian carries not just his own burdens but also gathers the burdens of others as a messenger of purpose. Knowing Cassian’s eventual destiny, it’s particularly impactful to witness Bix’s realization of his fate before he himself fully understands it. Arjona delivers a powerfully stirring performance, conveying so much without uttering a single word.
Over the course of seasons one and two, Bix has evolved into a steadfast rebel. This evolution makes her a welcome addition to the strong women of Star Wars. There’s a poignant moment between Bix and Vel Sartha, portrayed by Faye Marsay, where they express concerns about the recklessness of Luthen’s strategies, which resulted in the loss of Cinta Kaz. They both begin to suspect that Luthen sees them only as expendable pawns. This contrasts sharply with what Draven and the Yavin rebels envision for them and Andor.
On Yavin, Bix and Vel’s roles are essential and filled with responsibility to a larger community that needs their numbers. Like Cassian, they have been cultivated to become reliable leaders, not merely Luthen’s radical operatives. The Yavin rebels, initially unorganized survivors on the fringe, have learned to thrive on the planet by embracing cooperation. They have outgrown Luthen’s extreme methodology, and are wary of unsanctioned activities like Cassian and Wil’s spy missions that could compromise the rebellion as it nears a state of readiness.
On Ghorman, Wil and Cassian observe how the Empire’s presence has driven an affluent populace to desperate measures. Luthen’s influence over Rylanz’s peaceful demonstrations is beginning to take hold. The Empire’s exploitation fuels Luthen’s encouragement for armed resistance. Wil and Andor perhaps begin to realize that Luthen could have orchestrated a similar outcome on Ferrix or conceived the idea of staging a more visible demonstration on Ghorman.
By this time, Syril Karn, played by Kyle Soller, has developed a soft spot for his friends on the Ghorman front and has been attempting to divert the Empire’s attention from his comrades. He has witnessed firsthand the unjust actions against the Ghormans, and it’s not what he signed up for. Soller brilliantly portrays a man who has dedicated his identity to the Empire, only to see that identity crumble as he realizes that he’s not there to uphold the rules but to manipulate them to suit the Empire’s agenda. This leads him to question his loyalty to Dedra, even as she assures him that they will be going home soon. Meanwhile, she is frustrated by the arrival of green and inexperienced Stormtroopers, recognizing the difficulty in controlling them when the time comes to provoke the Ghorman rebels.
Rylanz eventually discerns Syril’s true purpose for attending the Ghorman front’s meetings. While Syril naively believed he was there to police them, it becomes clear that he was an informant feeding information to the Empire for nefarious purposes. It was never about right or wrong; it was about pushing the front to a breaking point that could be exploited. The civil unrest escalates as the trap is sprung. Syril feels betrayed by Dedra, manipulated into treating his friends unjustly.
Andor shares a brief exchange with the hotel receptionist who previously assisted him. She reminds him that "Rebellions are built on hope." As Palmo Memorial Plaza comes under siege, the Ghormans attempt to reclaim it against Imperial regiments of stormtroopers, a sight that sends Syril over the edge. Syril rushes inside the ISB building and physically assaults Dedra, holding her responsible for what she’s done and for making him complicit. She reveals that it was always the plan to deliberately trap the Ghormans into a situation where they had no choice but to act, thus justifying their violent displacement. He learns the truth about the kalkite, a material needed for a secret project that he was intentionally kept in the dark about. A shocked Syril wishes her good luck, seemingly aligning himself with the fate of the people he betrayed.
Similarly, Cassian realizes that Luthen manipulated the Ghormans into walking into a trap to incite the Empire to employ violence and justify it as a necessary defense. Luthen’s intended outcome was to demonstrate that even the most civilized and wealthy places were not safe under the Empire’s rule. A smear campaign was conducted for years to turn galactic leadership against them. Casualties mount on Palmo Square as Stormtroopers encircle everyone. Andor presses on with his mission to assassinate Dedra, but as he prepares to take the shot, Syril sees him, overcome by the loss of his purpose.
Thanks to his early encounter with Cassian, which marked Syril’s villain origin story, Syril lost his way. He ultimately decides to save Dedra by tackling Cassian. Violence erupts, and in that moment, it becomes clear that Syril hasn’t made a breakthrough; he’s still a petulant manchild with a fragile ego who is beyond redemption. Cassian and Syril engage in hand-to-hand combat at the hotel lobby bar, culminating in a powerful moment where Syril aims a blaster at Cassian and asks, "Who are you?" It completely deflates Syril, who had constructed Andor as an enemy in his mind, when he was just like his Ghorman friends, seeking the right to exist. Even as the realization perhaps dawns on him, Rylanz shoots Syril point blank in the head, his bigotry having remained strong for too long.
Dedra, unable to locate Syril, ultimately breaks down. As the KX units are unleashed, the tragic extermination of the Ghorman people results in even more casualties. Cassian, determined to find Wil, is saved from a KX unit they end up running over. His young friend makes the difficult decision to stay behind, asking Cassian to tell their story. He agrees and takes the KX pieces with him. Transmissions from the scene detail the atrocities being committed as people cry out for help from their hiding places. On Coruscant, the Ghorman ambassador is arrested. Mon Mothma prepares to address the Senate and speak out against Emperor Palpatine, declaring that enough is enough. Bail Organa agrees to support her by delivering a speech against the Emperor at his own risk.
Cassian returns, and Kleya assigns him with extracting Mon from the Senate after her speech in case immediate retaliation is planned. Andor agrees but informs her that he’s done after that, to which Kleya responds with a dismissive "Yeah, sure." He is provided with a cover as a journalist and heads to Coruscant. Mon discovers that she’s been bugged, signaling that her time is running out. She also finds out that her own assistant has been planted by Luthen, leaving her feeling alone and isolated. She has no one left on Coruscant, and her family has distanced themselves. All she has left is the family of rebels waiting for her on Yavin.
When Mon delivers her speech, it’s a moment of glorious defiance. O’Reilly shines as the rebel leader ascendant, dismantling Palpatine’s narrative and exposing the Empire’s role in the Ghorman provocation to achieve their nefarious ends. "The death of truth is the ultimate victory of evil," she proclaims to the Senate, branding Palpatine as the monster who will come for them all. The ISB attempts to lock down the building to capture Mon, but their agent is neutralized by Andor. Her driver calls in as he works for the ISB too. Andor extracts her and kills for her; she’s shocked, but that’s the price of being in the rebellion. The edge-of-your-seat action is one of the most thrilling and satisfying sequences in recent Star Wars.
Quickly, Mon and Andor bond over their shared distrust of Luthen and find common ground. Mon trusts Andor and the risks he takes to ensure her safety. This perfectly sets up their relationship in Rogue One. He delivers her to Kleya, who informs him that she’ll be escorted by Yavin’s Gold Squadron and will deliver a speech upon arrival. While subtle it canonized Star Wars: Rebels. Mon doesn’t know how to thank Cassian, and he tells her, "Make it worth it."
Andor focuses on getting Wil to Yavin for help after Kleya delivers his friend to Coruscant injured but on the mend. Upon arrival, Andor gives Draven the KX pieces and lets him know he’s not running missions for Luthen anymore. Andor and Bix reunite, and he reiterates that he’s done. He’s done what he can, he’s done a lot, and he just wants a life with her. She listens as he explains that he wants to find someplace quiet. "The only special thing about me is luck," he says, and he feels he’s overplayed his hand. He wakes up the next morning and she’s gone. She leaves him a message that delivers him to his destiny, with the promise to find him when he fulfills his purpose in choosing the rebellion. Captain Andor rises, and K2-SO awakens.
