I love how Cassian can get away with a high-stakes credit heist, but then he spends five minutes in space Florida and gets a 6-year sentence for literally nothing lmao.
Yea like, he did everything possible to look sussy in that scene. For a criminal he sure doesnt know how to play it cool and keep the cards close to the chest. He goes home, tries to flirt with his old booty call with the popo just around the corner, and then acts weird around law enforcement. Yea, I'd be trying to tie off this loose string too. Guys an idiot 🤦🏽♂
The party scene with Mon Mothma is the best political drama in Star Wars yet. Could you imagine if all the political scenes in the Phantom Menace had been done in this fashion.
I think my favorite part of Andor is how it’s making the Empire intimidating again. There’s real tension even in simple wordless scenes, like Tie pilots entering and powering up their ships, an ISD entering lower atmosphere escorted by Ties over Aldhani, and Andor hiding behind a wall as a pair of Storm Troopers walk past. The quality of the writing and interactions between characters regardless of who their working for or where their loyalties rest is what is giving the Empire it’s fangs. I’m loving every moment of this tension. Supervisor Dedra Meero is rapidly becoming one of my favorite characters. She makes the most of her screen time.
100% this. They build it up for so long and so well that when you actually get to see stormtroopers on the streets it is genuinely jarring and intimidating- something they have not really been in the past movies/TV shows.
This is my favorite element of the series too. The empire characters are fleshed out very well. I have found them all to be rather captivating and humanized by the writers, which makes them so compelling as antagonists. I especially liked the round table scene where we got to see some of the philosophy that influences their strategy on display. Ruthless and thoughtful about it, just like the rebellion.
@@KuldesacMedia I think that’s why I like the Dedra character as much as I do. She’s sharp and intuitive, but also displays a degree of trepidation that she’s unsure of herself and she understands the penalty for failure, particularly when she takes liberties with the established rules. I also liked how Major Padagrast (I think I got that right) admired her initiative but also warned her to watch her back because the Empire is a cutthroat organization. That all adds to restoring the Empire as an effective antagonist which has been eroded in recent films and series.
@@huwguyver4208 Agreed, I'd been hoping for a while that Star Wars would get a series that portrays stormtroopers as actual threats instead of easily defeated canon fodder. I love Star Wars Rebels but man the stormtroopers were absolute jokes in that show.
@@huwguyver4208 I know, they have kinda just been soldiers, not elite killing machines that strike fear into people. It is just awesome to see that fear from Cassian's perspective
Amazing how a new hairstyle and outfit can make it hard to recognize someone. Took me awhile to realize the lady was Luthen's assistant and a solid minute to recognize Vel.
Hah. As a gay man - I recognized a good makeover. (Thanks to decades of Madonna!). But I loved how wildly different both characters looked. How fun for the actresses.
Interesting. No one seems to have mentioned that Mon changed her hairstyle on the day she Leida bickers with her in the morning. In addition to styling, it seems slightly shorter to me. I wonder if the implication was that the two were going to get their hair done together before starting their normal routines.
I loved the heist arc and Diego is killing it as Cassian Andor but Mon Mothma, Luthen, and the ISB Imperials are the strongest parts of this series for me.
Agreed. Really interesting to see how tense the formation of the Rebellion was, and I love that the Imperials are shown as real people instead of mustache-twirling supervillains.
The writing in this show is the best ever in Star Wars. Every character feels so real. The exchange between Mon Mothma and her old school friend was like a real political thriller.
I wonder if it's all foreshadowing for a "House of Cards"-like sequel, featuring Mon Mothma and her leadership of the New Republic Senate during the post-ROTJ era? :)
I like the sound design in that scene. As the conversation grows more tense, the sounds of the party start to fade out more and the conversation dominates. Really communicated how high stakes the political intrigue is.
I didn’t personally get the feeling that Luthen was the one who wanted Cassian dead, but rather Kleya who felt like Luthen had taken a risk, that even though it paid off, she was worried it might find them, and wanted to protect them all by cutting out loose ends. It felt to me like Kleya was lying about why Luthen wasn’t there.
Yea it wasnt clear. But at the same time, its not far fetched to think that Kleya was acting under Luthens authority or that Luthen really wouldnt care to hear that Andor was dead. He already stated that he was expendable and Vel has already shown that she didnt mind using him as expendable bait already during the heist.
@NTC Upon my second screening I agree with you. The first time I saw it, I took that scene at face value. Remember in the one trailer we see Cassian and Kleya talking together...
@@CoolMoeDea21 to be fair he really doesn’t look anything like his original trilogy version, nor does he sounds like the animated one. I just thought he was some random higher up
Having worked in a cube farm survival job, that scene with Karn in the Bureau of Standards sent a chill up my spine. Boring, is an understatement. That kind of working environment can be brain and soul sucking Also, Karn’s room was….how shall I put this….soulless, like the job he is in now. Nothing in his room, except some small action figures. Cold, bare walls. It’s reflective of what he already is, or what he will eventually become. He’s even trying to dress as an Imperial, with the high collar. The following shot at breakfast, after his mother was admonishing him for his outfit, to the shot of Dedra and her high collared Imperial uniform was great.
Not exactly a spoiler here, but I was surprised to find out that the long haired brunette woman in red hood is Luthen’s assistant. Their hair style and demeanor are so different that I thought they were two completely different characters.
I love how so little happens in this episode, at least in terms of action. It's just a masterclass in subtlety and understated plot development. I particularly liked Mon Mothma at the party - her turning around the line “perhaps you’d find my politics a bit strong for your taste” was as enthralling to me as any shootout or dogfight. Loved it.
The fact that Mon says that her own husband can't be trusted is a great insight into her life and how she really has no friends. She's so involved with her work that her family life has rotted away (and her husband is no help). She's a living example of the literal and figurative cost of rebellion.
I find it funny seeing Shoretroopers doing beach patrol on a resort planet for some reason... even though it seems like their more common form of deployment than guarding bases on planets like Scarif.
The whole resort planet or at least beach scene had a weird vibe. I didn't hate it, it was just weird if that makes sense. Loved seeing the Imperial droids lol.
@@alexv6324 yeah, I felt like there was a scene missing when it cut to Cassian on a beach (which also looks like a British beach town) with a random woman we hadn't been introduced to.
@@alexv6324 I feel like the directing “tone” of that whole scene was odd in relation to the rest of the of the episode which was darker and more serious. That’s why if feels weird. There was this underlying humor/absurdity that wasn’t done as well as it could’ve. By itself it’s fine, but together with the rest of the show it doesn’t fit as well. You can tell this episode was written and directed by completely different people, it wasn’t bad. I enjoyed it. It was just different.
@@alexv6324 it was different. I was like "oh Star Wars Miami". this show has kind of made me aware how limited what Star Wars feels like, its slowly expanding that but rn it feels like a good show first and then Star Wars. Which is still good. I like what it has to say and how it says it. expanding the universe and presenting things make sense in universe. Like of course they would be a business attire in Star Wars (the tie and suit). Of course, they would have beach resort city. Of course, there would be petty squabbling within the empire's intelligence and politics and even somewhat morally neutral people inside the empire. Of course, people would be driven to serve the empire for reasons other than "I like the power, money and being evil. I just hate freedom and anything that isn't under the empire". Of course, there would be action figures and toys that would be based off of the army at the time (the clones). Of course, there would be selfish rebels and layers upon layers of rebel cells. Everything done makes sense if you were in the Star Wars universe.
Andor is getting better by each episode. Did not expect the ending. Just like that he was jailed for 6years😄😄😄 Dialogues are awesome in this episode. "That's just love. Nothing you can do about it. " - Maarva And the plan to kill Cassian. Not sure if it's Luthen or his assistant that wants him dead. Rebels going extreme lengths for their cause.
Luthen and his assistant are on the same page when it comes to killing Cassian, I'm sure. But the line ... "That's just love. Nothing you can do about it." ... It's such an incredible counterpoint to Luthen's ruthless loveless attitude. For him, it's all about fear and suffering.
I'm starting to view the story of Andor as setting up the pieces of a jigsaw piece, the story of Rebels being the one to put the pieces together, and the original trilogy (plus Rogue One) being the glue to stick it altogether. All of this to form one complete picture of Rebellion
The whole lack of communication between the rebels fits really well with what we saw from the Ghost Crew during the first season of Rebels, too, with Hera really being the only one fully ~in~ on it. The way that the conversation at Mon's place utilized the spiderweb imagery of the interior design could have been a fun little nod to a web of spies, and I'm hoping we might get to see the beginnings of the Fulcrum network. Maybe it'll be a story for next season, seeing Cassian become a Fulcrum agent, but I'm definitely intrigued by the concept.
Its crazy how she was in a deleted scene, then a little bit of Rogue One, but now fully able to embody the character of Mon Mothma, and doing it like an A list actor 👌🏻
Everything about this episode was incredible. Just all the little ... like, the way Luthen's demeanor and tone changes upon a dime depending on which direction he's facing. The way he puts on gloves before handling the weapon, and takes them off afterward ... Impeccable.
Writing so good they had me cheering for Meero. Everything with the ISB is so good I could honestly use a whole spy thriller show with just them and the Rebels as the "antagonists"
I think we would all love to see something featuring imperial characters as the protagonists. We are at least getting a taste of it with this and having imperial officers shown as thoughtful people with reasonable justifications for their actions.
People call this show a slow burn and it is in some ways, but I can't believe how much it feels like we've seen already. If they had stopped at episode 6, it would have felt like a complete, well executed season. I have to keep reminding myself that we just passed the midway point of the season, and after this episode we still have another 3 episode arc followed by a 2 episode finale. It feels more like 2 or 3 seasons in space of 1 season.
Was really distracting to me as in England was in the local papers they were filming those scenes in Blackpool, which is a sht hole where people go for a cheap holiday. So all I'm seeing is a nicely set dressed sht hole. I know there's a load of tacky amusements rides, tacky variety show there's and drug dens in that area.
More filming locations in the UK. The beach scene where Andor gets quizzed by the Trooper is at Cleveleys just north of Blackpool. The building and the wall with holes in is on Google maps 👍
Colonel Wullf Yularen, ISB Director on the Death Star. HERO of the Clone Wars. Our very own named creation at Decipher when I was working there for the Star Wars Collectible Card game. First made it to the Clone Wars, then Rebels and now Live Action. SHEER JOY !!! 🥂
The writing is really amazing. I honestly didn't expect this level of quality from a Star Wars show. So far 'Andor' is my favorite Star Wars project since 'Rogue One'. Really outstanding!
I'm not sure if Luthen actually authorized the killing of Andor. In a previous episode there was a scene between Luthen and his "assistant" that made me go " Oh wait is she the Boss." and in this episode it didn't feel like she was relaying an order, but that she was giving the order.
Upon my second screening I agree with you. The first time I saw it, I took that scene at face value. Remember in the one trailer we see Cassian and Kleya talking together...
I want to hear Ezra's radio message from Lothal and have that be the thing that pushes Andor and Mon Mothma over the edge. Can you believe hearing that voice out of all the speakers in some world and seeing Cassian's face as he reacts to it: "We have been called criminals but we are not... We are rebels, fighting for the people... fighting for you..." Chills.
Ep7 is actually my favorite so far. Really love the new planet Niamos. Every important character is in that episode and everyone is needed. So happy :)
I walk that promenade every morning as the sun comes up. (Small place called Cleveleys on North Western coast of England. I was pleasantly surprised at how much of the real seafront they used.)
Do we know that Luthen sent Kleya? The impression I got from that scene was that Kleya was trying to keep Luthen from getting attached and so she may have gone to meet Vel without his knowledge. I doubt that Luthen would approve of eliminating Cassian. Perhaps Kleya is the one more closely aligned with Saw Guererra. Luthen seems like he's existing in the middle between Saw and Mon.
(4:25) I wouldn't be so fast to put the order to kill Andor on Luthen. I suspect his assistant may have acted on her own there to protect Luthen because she's concerned he's not being as careful as he should to protect himself from exposure.
This episode was fantastic. For as long as the episode was, the ending felt like it came up really quickly. It was good to see the KX droids be absolutely brutal like they were in Fallen Order. I'm almost certain B2 is gonna evolve into K2 at some point. I would love some time with K-2SO on screen in Season 2
I think the bit about Cassian confronting the clone troopers relates to when he said he was in jail before he was briefly in the military (a cook, Luthen revealed)
If I wasn't already into Andor, this episode would have corrected that. Yularen ties things together with virtually all the recent Imperial aspects from Clone Wars to Rebels... and showing up as he did to get ISB back on track. Cassian also tries to get away, but only got accidentally caught up, but for the wrong reason. Either way, he got caught trying to sit things out.🙂 Mon Mothma also has more development and appears to be working more on track with the future rebellion.
This isn't Star Wars, this is watching chess, it's absolutely delicious wordplay between actors and actresses, who are utterly rising to the level of the standard of the dialog on script. It's ludicrous to turn up to what you think is a feast, and being given what is becoming a banquet. The inclusion of the crimson dawn sigial just has me reeling from the weight of what is being put out there, we've all loved the traditional good vs evil of Star Wars but this wonderful muddying or greying, while including the 3rd faction of the underworld is sublime. I'm not sure of the timeline, but the idea that any of these profoundly grounded characters might find themselves in the same room as an apex predator like Maul, or a Queen manipulator like Qi'ra is dizzying. To catch myself rooting in an ISB meeting for an officer, to only catch myself in the moment is a testament to how utterly engaging actors like Anton Lesser are making this. Incredible to admit, but in a series that's already been exceptional, this is comfortably my favorite. I LOVE machination.
Whoa, I didn't even make the connection between that circle-with-a-line-through-it sign on the sidewalk and the Crimson Dawn emblem. If true, that would *really* throw a wrench in the works.
Even though they are the bad guys, I’m loving the scenes depicting the ISB in their quarters. The scenes of them having these tense exchanges and some of their disdain for one another in their non-vocal facial cues are incredibly amusing. I find myself rooting for Dedra at times.
It was a great epilogue type episode to not only the Aldhani story, but even the Ferix story. I'm sure we'll go back there again, but if we don't, this was also a pretty good sendoff. Cassian's just never going to return, he's repaid his debts, everyone's shunned him anyway, but Marva is going to stand and fight and maybe get Bix to rile up the town get their rebel cell to push back more than ever before. And we got to see everyone else's reaction to what happened. Luthen's happy, but Mon Mothma isn't. They're worried about Cassian since he's out and on the loose (and he's just been sent to prison). Dedra's been right this whole time and can finally prove it, but that also makes her everyone else's enemy in the ISB. This episode was really tense! I loved it! Oh yeah, and Syril's just waiting to be useful again. I feel bad for him, but also, nah man, screw that guy! But also, what is his story for this show because what does managing fuel have to do with anything else going on?
I was really interested in Vel's real identity on Corusant? What does she do on the planet? Why is she dressed so well and why is it dangerous for her to meet the other person?
I absolutely love the worldbuilding in this show. I love the “package of legislation” line from Yularen because it shows how the Empire is still holding up the pretense of democracy that everyone knows is a sham, but know one will do anything about. It reminds me of Vaclav Havel’s essay Power of the Powerless. The disdain the Empire has for local people’s traditions and customs is also a great detail. I also hope we get to see more of Cassian’s attitudes towards the clones. I think the Empire’s fake democracy and the clone’s militancy do a great job of showing how the Empire truly did grow out of the Republic. We’re used to thinking “Republic good, Empire bad” without realizing how the Republic was becoming the Empire long before RotS.
Luthen wanting to kill Andor does make little sense considering how much he invested. I think his assistant has some alternative agenda or maybe she is actually drawing the strings. That's also why Luthen was not at the secret meeting, he probably does not even know about it.
I loved Coruscant in this episode. It really brought to life the Arhinda Pryce portion of "Thrawn," where she is living in the "administrative" levels of the city as she is working her way up.
By far my favorite episode so far. It just felt like it brought so much from the last 6 episodes together. Acting, writing, CGI, all fantastic. This is Star Wars. If we can have adult versions and this level of writing for Jedi stories I would be ecstatic.
Great analysis -- keep it up !! Loved episode 7 and everything about it. The individual elements of why this all worked and was so riveting are too numerous to mention. I will be interested in your further discussion on it later today.
I heard the part at 4:56 and was immediately reminded of Luthen's monologue later in episode 10 "I'm condemned to use the tools of my enemy to defeat them". Just *chef kiss* writing
At 9:17 that's not Andor's crime sheet, but the other person's. It reads "Keith Seymour" who is a real person in the art department for the show. The crimes are "Suspected Force Sensitivity" and "Assaulting an Imperial Officer".
The juxtaposition of Cassian doing crimes among the slums vs Mon flashing fake smiles with the elite on Coruscant is all so wonderful. We know what the fate is of everyone but the writing is so good we are able to live in the moment.
This was an amazing episode. I watched it twice. Not only everything you said; story wise, but also the art direction, the dialogue, and the music soundtrack. Just outstanding!
I've been loving this series. This episode in particular really feels like Star Wars but elevated to a much higher standard. This has been such a breath of fresh air.
Generally i love this review and this show. Such a great episode, emotional, well written, tense. Chef kiss. Your insights are keen across the board too and I share the praise for Mon's character, the writing of her interactions with Luthen and then at the party was perfect. I don't see Luthen the same way though. I see him as driven, sober to the challenge/task ahead, and a leader of a movement. He knows the Empire will move like a hammer but he also knows their rebellion will die slowly if they don't have wins. Oppressors always want you to think they are all powerful, and you believe until you see them stumble. I feel like Luthen sees that and is being bold, despite the costs.. maybe because of the costs. Anyhoo great review as always.
I liked how the intro to the vacation island of the blue "flamingos " flying over the water...it remind me of Miami Vice intro back in the day. Even though Deera is with Empire I was glad she shut that guy down. But Luthen's assistant, does she have a more important than Luthen? Does Mon know Organa at this point? Or is she working with him.
Absolutely. He's always been a by the book person, he's not evil. He is just utterly devoted to the government. Plenty of people in real life like that.
Space Ibiza looks and sounds great. This episode had it all, “moar alienz” for the this isn’t Star Wars people, more spy political thriller, the sister talk for pedantic people like myself who worried about plot holes. Most importantly more Luthen character breaks when talking about what needs to be done for a Rebellion to succeed
Whenever I see Mon Mothma I got excited. Whenever I see Luthen i got excited. Whenever i see Lt. Meero I get excited. Whenever I see Cassian I get excited. And curious about the ex corp cop arc and Vel's arc as well. Such a brilliant show, showing mutliple sides, view points, details which makes the Star Wars Universe full, believable, their story thank to the script and acting skills and environment/sets/costumes given are so mesmerizing. And this full, rich wonderfully presented universe in the meantime also silently ask questions about law and definying it, politics, moral compass, enducing thinking about things... You can ask the question what is evil. To do sg. for your own interest? Like lighting the Galaxy on fire? For the greater good, the cause, the long goals? Empire and Pal got those too, including well organised order, peace without pirates, hooligans, criminals walking free, politicans, worlds, stubborn persons slowing down the "progess", etc. Not only selfish things. Everything is grey, you can ask is it ok to rule with fear, or is it good to let anarchists threaten officer families for "greater good"... And the answer is not glorous and general, single colored. it's in the details. Of both sides. And I love it. And you can put together the story of everything from the pieces, for example in this episode Cassian's dad was Clem, young Cas charging at the troopers and this is why he was in prison, etc. I'm curious how Cassian will become important for Luthen again, for example what if her sister is part of another important rebel organisation for example Saw Gerrera's group, who for example hit the prison/convoy of Cassian's... and Luthen wants to contact them? Or will himself do something big that proves how capable he is. By the way i'm pretty sure i'm alone in the world in this but would love to work at the Bureau of Standards. Everything well organised, order among protocols, in case of an anomaly implementing new protocols. That's my dream job. Shoot me. :) Standards run this world. Just imagine what chaos would be not regulating properly the fuel prurity, and checking implementation of these standards across the galaxy. Fascinating. When and how to verify, with what, where and how to log these data, how to process it.... Who cares about light sabres. FUEL PURITY! Heck yeah. I hope they got protocols for coffee breaks too, I run with it. :) P.S. Luthen is super high up, he took HUGE risk to recruit Cassian, and pretty sure he is second guessing was it worth it, since Cassian didn't joined the rebels. Also wonder if he only worries and her assistant is acting behind his back for him or was it really Luthen's order to close the loosen thread, to kill Cassian.
Luthen is a mad genius, provoking the Empire into cracking down even harder on people and knowingly causing millions to suffer just to create fuel for the Rebellion. It’s so sinister and I love it.
It has a historic precedent: During the Axis occupation of Yugoslavia, the Royal Yug Army Officers were very leery of shooting at or killing occupation troops; not only did they live thru the absolutely disaster that was Serbia's fate in WW1--(not only did hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians have to flee thru the mountains of Albania in the middle of winter to escape the Germans and AustroHungarians,, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths, but the 'occupation' also resulted in thousands of Serbians killed in reprisals) but the 'Current' Axis also said, 'Kill One German and 100 Serbians will be executed'==and they did. TIto, the partisan leader didn't care; he felt the reprisals will leave survivors who had nothing left to lose and a lot to avenge. Also, the FLN, the Algerian Liberation movement seeking independence from France, followed a policy, early on, where in they sought to murder as many French settlers as they could, regardless of age or gender or combatant status--the hope was that the French forces would lash out just as brutally and indiscriminately. The end result was that the deaths created an unbridgeable gulf between the French, the French settlers and the Arab Algerians, so there was no going back to the status quo.
that town square scene was rough, like I didn’t know a single flash for a few seconds of a scene could make me feel like that, but damn….. like we sort of got a scene like it in Obi Wan but the buildup to the scene in Andor made it so much worst in the best way
I noticed that too! It makes me wonder how he came by it as well as his other Jedi artifacts (the Jedi and Sith Holocrons) in previous episodes. How has Luthen not been arrested for having illegal Jedi items? In comics and other Posts that Alex has made on his channel, having Jedi artifacts or knowing anything about the Jedi is illegal and a death sentence during the Imperial time period. I wonder if we will get a scene of Yularin or the ISB arresting Luthen for these artifacts in his shop and then they get transferred with other Jedi relics to the archive site on Pillio from Battlefront II.
@@kathrynoleary800 I think Luthen's open possession of Illegal Jedi artifacts strengthens how highly placed in society he is. It'd be really something to see him buying or selling artifacts to someone of higher standing than a lowly Chandrillian senator.
I'm reminded a bit of what I think is a 19th-century French short story about a homeless man who is trying to get thrown in jail so he'll have a roof, heat and a meal, but circumstances keep getting in the way. Eventually, at the end, he has an epiphany and decides to go out and live his life properly as a hard-working member of society - only to immediately get arrested for something and thrown in jail the instant he stopped wanting that. Cassian gets away with actual crimes (murder and robbery) twice... only to immediately get nabbed for "sweating on the beach near anti-Imperial activity."
I'm just surprised that he wasn't immediately ID'd since he'd done time before. Karn saw his younger prison photo. To say nothing of their blockchain-- sorry, "chain code" system. I wonder how long it will be before someone finds his case with his money and gun in the hotel room.
I am so scared for everyone on Ferrix. Things there might get so bad that the Empire might just declare scorched earth and nuke the entire town from orbit. And even though the people there only got a little screen time, you do remember them; Maarva and B2EMO, Bix, the two guys in that shop, the merchant Andor owed money to, and the big alien he hired as "muscle", even the big miner dude who helped Andor tweak his alibi story a little. Maybe that's why when he was talking to Jyn Erso in Rogue One about loss there was a certain edge to his voice.
Watching that trial scene I got a vaguely stalinist vibe. The fact that the stormtrooper had him arrested both arbitrary and on a whim, and that the judge didn't try to hear his case let alone give the appearance of fairness shows the empire is very scared right now and they're having its servants to punish as many people as possible as if they're working under a quota or or some kind of high expectation how they're supposed to perform. It's about instilling terror in the general population by detaining as many people as possible, it's also meant to root out those insufficiently loyal by those who don't show sufficient zeal when tearing out imperial directives. Those who don't convict or arrest enough people will be suspected as lacking insufficient loyalty and will be subsequently purged. It's all about keeping people in line. Not going after descent.
When you think about it, that Shoretrooper was one of the most competent standard issue Imperial troops in the canon. His intuition lead to the arrest and imprisonment of one of the most wanted individuals in the galaxy at the time...
I’m not sure if this lines up with the timeline but I wonder if one of the staff at the party is Arihnda Pryce when she’s working to gain information on senators for Higher Skies during the Thrawn novel? There’s a woman with her haircut I think, in two shots quite prominently.
Galen: Say you understand! Jyn: I understand (wants to but don't) --- Marvaa: Tell me you understand!! Cassian: I don't!!! (Does... But do not want to) Just sounded similar.
I loved seeing Space Florida. A very nice location in the Star Wars universe, but also a great backdrop as to how not even money and a nice vacation spot is not going to get you away from the Empire.
This show is great. I understand the people that think it's slow and I did fall asleep in episode 4 but as you get more into it, it is so intense and really shows life under the empire. It reflects back to the real world and that's what makes it so great with deep themes.
We are finally seeing the darker side of the Rebellion and how people like Mon Mothma find ways to “donate” to the Rebellion Also I’m not a big fan of Star Wars politics usually but damn the Mon Mothma scenes are fantastic
I'm writing sci-fi. This show is Goals. Writing goals I can never hope to achieve. Cassian getting arrested and sentenced to 6 years because he was in the wrong place at the wrong time infuriates me. It's too close to what the police do to innocent people in reality. This is probably where he'll meet K2SO and there will probably be a breakout. Since it's only 5 years before Yavin, we know he'll get out of this sentence somehow. Still, he just can't get a break. First they kill his dad, then they arrest him for doing nothing. He actually was just a tourist. It sucks hard. I feel bad for him. If the Empire wanted to give me more reasons to hate them, they've succeeded. Which means this show is written exquisitely. The back and forth in the ISB, Mon Mothma and Tay, Cassian and Maarva... It's all just *chef's kiss*
By far my favorite "conspiration" episode (aka not action heavy) maybe because it stood on it's own more? I might have misheard but didn't Luthen's assistant say she recruited him and not the other way around ?
At the end of the episode, I caught myself visibly smiling. Maybe I’m just that big a R1 Fan, but I never thought Andor was insignificant or not well characterized in the movie. But, if you thought so, the writing and Luna have put that away. Andor isn’t a Jedi Knight, he doesn’t own the Fastest Hunk of Junk in the Galaxy, he’s nobody…and they are so on point with him. Think about it…Andor is identified by name and face in a double homicide, as a participant in a gunfight over stolen goods that result in more deaths, and he just participated in a Galaxy-Wide-Infamous attack on an imperial facility…and he knows he didn’t get on camera anywhere that whole heist why? All of his friends burn him. In a circumstance like that, Galen Erso retreats to a farm in the middle of nowhere. Andor? He goes to space-Miami-Beach. First amusing thing is the Star Wars trope of one biome per planet…so…that whole planet is just one massive beach. Maybe he’s going with the “hide in a crowd” plan? Nope, my boy is a player - he’s shacked up with some local seemingly a moment after he gets there. Is he investing those credits - buying a little junk shop, a hover cab…something? Nope, he is just living off the credits, conveniently stashed where he is living, in a box with a completely not-suspicious blaster. The guy is a moron. But, he such a totally believable dude-moron. The thing that really made me smile was the unintended consequence. He gets picked up off the street because he cannot run an errand without giving off “I’m a fugitive” vibes. But he gets 6 years because the penalties for anti-imperial activity were increased in response to the heist he pulled off. I wonder if anyone will ever find that box of credits.
I love how Cassian can get away with a high-stakes credit heist, but then he spends five minutes in space Florida and gets a 6-year sentence for literally nothing lmao.
Yea like, he did everything possible to look sussy in that scene. For a criminal he sure doesnt know how to play it cool and keep the cards close to the chest. He goes home, tries to flirt with his old booty call with the popo just around the corner, and then acts weird around law enforcement.
Yea, I'd be trying to tie off this loose string too. Guys an idiot 🤦🏽♂
He’s just a tourist
@@ICU1337 he's hung over and not with it.
😂space Florida
My man got six years just for sweating.
The party scene with Mon Mothma is the best political drama in Star Wars yet. Could you imagine if all the political scenes in the Phantom Menace had been done in this fashion.
thats something that really makes me happy about this show, it shows that Star Wars can be a political drama and it can be entertaining.
I think my favorite part of Andor is how it’s making the Empire intimidating again. There’s real tension even in simple wordless scenes, like Tie pilots entering and powering up their ships, an ISD entering lower atmosphere escorted by Ties over Aldhani, and Andor hiding behind a wall as a pair of Storm Troopers walk past. The quality of the writing and interactions between characters regardless of who their working for or where their loyalties rest is what is giving the Empire it’s fangs. I’m loving every moment of this tension.
Supervisor Dedra Meero is rapidly becoming one of my favorite characters. She makes the most of her screen time.
100% this. They build it up for so long and so well that when you actually get to see stormtroopers on the streets it is genuinely jarring and intimidating- something they have not really been in the past movies/TV shows.
This is my favorite element of the series too. The empire characters are fleshed out very well. I have found them all to be rather captivating and humanized by the writers, which makes them so compelling as antagonists. I especially liked the round table scene where we got to see some of the philosophy that influences their strategy on display. Ruthless and thoughtful about it, just like the rebellion.
@@KuldesacMedia I think that’s why I like the Dedra character as much as I do. She’s sharp and intuitive, but also displays a degree of trepidation that she’s unsure of herself and she understands the penalty for failure, particularly when she takes liberties with the established rules. I also liked how Major Padagrast (I think I got that right) admired her initiative but also warned her to watch her back because the Empire is a cutthroat organization. That all adds to restoring the Empire as an effective antagonist which has been eroded in recent films and series.
@@huwguyver4208 Agreed, I'd been hoping for a while that Star Wars would get a series that portrays stormtroopers as actual threats instead of easily defeated canon fodder. I love Star Wars Rebels but man the stormtroopers were absolute jokes in that show.
@@huwguyver4208 I know, they have kinda just been soldiers, not elite killing machines that strike fear into people. It is just awesome to see that fear from Cassian's perspective
Amazing how a new hairstyle and outfit can make it hard to recognize someone. Took me awhile to realize the lady was Luthen's assistant and a solid minute to recognize Vel.
First time seeing a woman put makeup on huh 😉
Hah. As a gay man - I recognized a good makeover. (Thanks to decades of Madonna!). But I loved how wildly different both characters looked. How fun for the actresses.
Interesting. No one seems to have mentioned that Mon changed her hairstyle on the day she Leida bickers with her in the morning. In addition to styling, it seems slightly shorter to me. I wonder if the implication was that the two were going to get their hair done together before starting their normal routines.
I’m the type of person who has tori or recognizing people I don’t know very well whenever they get a haircut, so I feel that
You need glasses in that case.
I loved Maarva's dialogue. I loved the dialogue between Tay and Mon. The show is written so well.
You can really tell the dialogue is not by George Lucas.
"That's just love" 🥲
@@ranacker or whoever wrote BoBF/Kenobi
@@WhiteWolf496 There's nothing you can do about it.
@@WhiteWolf496 i cried
I loved the heist arc and Diego is killing it as Cassian Andor but Mon Mothma, Luthen, and the ISB Imperials are the strongest parts of this series for me.
I've always wanted more Coruscant politics and Imperial inner workings and this show is delivering it fantastically.
Agreed. Really interesting to see how tense the formation of the Rebellion was, and I love that the Imperials are shown as real people instead of mustache-twirling supervillains.
Major I would add the whole cast, production staff, producers, writers are awesome!
The writing in this show is the best ever in Star Wars. Every character feels so real. The exchange between Mon Mothma and her old school friend was like a real political thriller.
I wonder if it's all foreshadowing for a "House of Cards"-like sequel, featuring Mon Mothma and her leadership of the New Republic Senate during the post-ROTJ era? :)
stop it...how old are you?
I like the sound design in that scene. As the conversation grows more tense, the sounds of the party start to fade out more and the conversation dominates. Really communicated how high stakes the political intrigue is.
The scenes with Mon Mothma have been some of my favorite in this show!
Smile!
I didn’t personally get the feeling that Luthen was the one who wanted Cassian dead, but rather Kleya who felt like Luthen had taken a risk, that even though it paid off, she was worried it might find them, and wanted to protect them all by cutting out loose ends. It felt to me like Kleya was lying about why Luthen wasn’t there.
Yea it wasnt clear. But at the same time, its not far fetched to think that Kleya was acting under Luthens authority or that Luthen really wouldnt care to hear that Andor was dead. He already stated that he was expendable and Vel has already shown that she didnt mind using him as expendable bait already during the heist.
I felt the same… time will tell.
PS - loved seeing a wildly different side of Kleya.
@NTC Upon my second screening I agree with you. The first time I saw it, I took that scene at face value. Remember in the one trailer we see Cassian and Kleya talking together...
Good point
When I read 'Yularen' in the captions, I audibly gasped, it was so exciting.
lol same
Same²
I know what you mean. I had no idea for some reason it was him when he showed up onscreen.
@@CoolMoeDea21 to be fair he really doesn’t look anything like his original trilogy version, nor does he sounds like the animated one. I just thought he was some random higher up
me too! :)
Having worked in a cube farm survival job, that scene with Karn in the Bureau of Standards sent a chill up my spine. Boring, is an understatement. That kind of working environment can be brain and soul sucking
Also, Karn’s room was….how shall I put this….soulless, like the job he is in now. Nothing in his room, except some small action figures. Cold, bare walls. It’s reflective of what he already is, or what he will eventually become. He’s even trying to dress as an Imperial, with the high collar. The following shot at breakfast, after his mother was admonishing him for his outfit, to the shot of Dedra and her high collared Imperial uniform was great.
Not exactly a spoiler here, but I was surprised to find out that the long haired brunette woman in red hood is Luthen’s assistant. Their hair style and demeanor are so different that I thought they were two completely different characters.
Honestly same, I just thought she was another rebel contact. In a way, it would have almost been more interesting.
Their street appearance was strikingly different.
I almost thought she was crimson Dawn. With the red clock and the sign on the floor.
Yeah this was not well portrayed on camera. I was very confused.
I didn't even realize it until I read this comment.
I love how so little happens in this episode, at least in terms of action. It's just a masterclass in subtlety and understated plot development. I particularly liked Mon Mothma at the party - her turning around the line “perhaps you’d find my politics a bit strong for your taste” was as enthralling to me as any shootout or dogfight. Loved it.
The fact that Mon says that her own husband can't be trusted is a great insight into her life and how she really has no friends. She's so involved with her work that her family life has rotted away (and her husband is no help). She's a living example of the literal and figurative cost of rebellion.
I find it funny seeing Shoretroopers doing beach patrol on a resort planet for some reason... even though it seems like their more common form of deployment than guarding bases on planets like Scarif.
The whole resort planet or at least beach scene had a weird vibe. I didn't hate it, it was just weird if that makes sense. Loved seeing the Imperial droids lol.
@@alexv6324 yeah, I felt like there was a scene missing when it cut to Cassian on a beach (which also looks like a British beach town) with a random woman we hadn't been introduced to.
It would have been better if they were riding a *foot propelled speeder* (an equivalent of bicycle in SW universe)
@@alexv6324 I feel like the directing “tone” of that whole scene was odd in relation to the rest of the of the episode which was darker and more serious. That’s why if feels weird. There was this underlying humor/absurdity that wasn’t done as well as it could’ve. By itself it’s fine, but together with the rest of the show it doesn’t fit as well. You can tell this episode was written and directed by completely different people, it wasn’t bad. I enjoyed it. It was just different.
@@alexv6324 it was different. I was like "oh Star Wars Miami". this show has kind of made me aware how limited what Star Wars feels like, its slowly expanding that but rn it feels like a good show first and then Star Wars. Which is still good. I like what it has to say and how it says it. expanding the universe and presenting things make sense in universe. Like of course they would be a business attire in Star Wars (the tie and suit). Of course, they would have beach resort city. Of course, there would be petty squabbling within the empire's intelligence and politics and even somewhat morally neutral people inside the empire. Of course, people would be driven to serve the empire for reasons other than "I like the power, money and being evil. I just hate freedom and anything that isn't under the empire". Of course, there would be action figures and toys that would be based off of the army at the time (the clones). Of course, there would be selfish rebels and layers upon layers of rebel cells. Everything done makes sense if you were in the Star Wars universe.
Andor is getting better by each episode.
Did not expect the ending. Just like that he was jailed for 6years😄😄😄
Dialogues are awesome in this episode.
"That's just love. Nothing you can do about it. " - Maarva
And the plan to kill Cassian. Not sure if it's Luthen or his assistant that wants him dead.
Rebels going extreme lengths for their cause.
Luthen and his assistant are on the same page when it comes to killing Cassian, I'm sure.
But the line ... "That's just love. Nothing you can do about it." ... It's such an incredible counterpoint to Luthen's ruthless loveless attitude. For him, it's all about fear and suffering.
@TrueFact Scarif, not Yavin.
I'm starting to view the story of Andor as setting up the pieces of a jigsaw piece, the story of Rebels being the one to put the pieces together, and the original trilogy (plus Rogue One) being the glue to stick it altogether.
All of this to form one complete picture of Rebellion
The whole lack of communication between the rebels fits really well with what we saw from the Ghost Crew during the first season of Rebels, too, with Hera really being the only one fully ~in~ on it. The way that the conversation at Mon's place utilized the spiderweb imagery of the interior design could have been a fun little nod to a web of spies, and I'm hoping we might get to see the beginnings of the Fulcrum network. Maybe it'll be a story for next season, seeing Cassian become a Fulcrum agent, but I'm definitely intrigued by the concept.
Genevieve O'Reilly was excellent in every scene she’s in. She kinda stole the episode(dare I say the whole show for me).
Her character is given ALOT to do in compact scenes and she is NAILING it.
Every so often, I can hear a little bit of Moira in her voice and I love it.
Its crazy how she was in a deleted scene, then a little bit of Rogue One, but now fully able to embody the character of Mon Mothma, and doing it like an A list actor 👌🏻
Everything about this episode was incredible. Just all the little ... like, the way Luthen's demeanor and tone changes upon a dime depending on which direction he's facing. The way he puts on gloves before handling the weapon, and takes them off afterward ... Impeccable.
My favorite episode so far. The scene where Clem is just looking at a younger Cassian really hit me.
Writing so good they had me cheering for Meero. Everything with the ISB is so good I could honestly use a whole spy thriller show with just them and the Rebels as the "antagonists"
I think we would all love to see something featuring imperial characters as the protagonists. We are at least getting a taste of it with this and having imperial officers shown as thoughtful people with reasonable justifications for their actions.
The new canon Thrawn novel has aspects of this.
People call this show a slow burn and it is in some ways, but I can't believe how much it feels like we've seen already. If they had stopped at episode 6, it would have felt like a complete, well executed season. I have to keep reminding myself that we just passed the midway point of the season, and after this episode we still have another 3 episode arc followed by a 2 episode finale. It feels more like 2 or 3 seasons in space of 1 season.
Andrew Adams true!
I honestly wasn’t expecting to see Yularin so suddenly. I was like “Whaaat??” when I saw his caption on the subtitles.
Yularen's appearence was a surprise but a welcomed one.
Mon Mothma and Luthen deserve emmy awards. Also, Florida Star Wars is a dream!
Also, loved seeing Yularen
Anakin would've hated it.
I agree... And Florida Star Wars was a great excuse to use shoretroopers!
They were good, but they weren’t that good
Was really distracting to me as in England was in the local papers they were filming those scenes in Blackpool, which is a sht hole where people go for a cheap holiday. So all I'm seeing is a nicely set dressed sht hole. I know there's a load of tacky amusements rides, tacky variety show there's and drug dens in that area.
Seeing Yularen in live action again is amazing
More filming locations in the UK.
The beach scene where Andor gets quizzed by the Trooper is at Cleveleys just north of Blackpool. The building and the wall with holes in is on Google maps 👍
Colonel Wullf Yularen, ISB Director on the Death Star. HERO of the Clone Wars. Our very own named creation at Decipher when I was working there for the Star Wars Collectible Card game. First made it to the Clone Wars, then Rebels and now Live Action. SHEER JOY !!! 🥂
"Hang?" "No, no, he meant watch." That scene made me laugh so hard 🤣
Yes, me too. And then cry. Because it immediately brought back the scenes of his father hanging…
The writing is really amazing. I honestly didn't expect this level of quality from a Star Wars show. So far 'Andor' is my favorite Star Wars project since 'Rogue One'. Really outstanding!
I'm not sure if Luthen actually authorized the killing of Andor. In a previous episode there was a scene between Luthen and his "assistant" that made me go " Oh wait is she the Boss." and in this episode it didn't feel like she was relaying an order, but that she was giving the order.
I think they are "both" the boss. They work together but also independently of each other. That's the impression I am getting.
@@benjaminroe311ify Yes I think so to
Upon my second screening I agree with you. The first time I saw it, I took that scene at face value. Remember in the one trailer we see Cassian and Kleya talking together...
I want to hear Ezra's radio message from Lothal and have that be the thing that pushes Andor and Mon Mothma over the edge. Can you believe hearing that voice out of all the speakers in some world and seeing Cassian's face as he reacts to it: "We have been called criminals but we are not... We are rebels, fighting for the people... fighting for you..." Chills.
Ep7 is actually my favorite so far. Really love the new planet Niamos. Every important character is in that episode and everyone is needed. So happy :)
Love music they use in Niamos scene, very late 90's-early 2000's...
I walk that promenade every morning as the sun comes up.
(Small place called Cleveleys on North Western coast of England. I was pleasantly surprised at how much of the real seafront they used.)
Another amazing episode. This series plays like reading a great book. I love it.
Cassian arrest was perfect because it shows that not even paradise is safe from the empires rule. That’s why his mom said that there’s nowhere to go .
It also showed how corrupt the Empire is. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time and none of those charges were true
What an episode love seeing more of the empire’s side
I had no idea that was Yularen! I completely missed that on my watch of the episode.
I'm keen to see how the next arc will go for Cassian and Mon
Do we know that Luthen sent Kleya? The impression I got from that scene was that Kleya was trying to keep Luthen from getting attached and so she may have gone to meet Vel without his knowledge. I doubt that Luthen would approve of eliminating Cassian. Perhaps Kleya is the one more closely aligned with Saw Guererra. Luthen seems like he's existing in the middle between Saw and Mon.
Potentially yes
Exactly my reading as well!
Why would Saw want Cassian dead?
(4:25) I wouldn't be so fast to put the order to kill Andor on Luthen. I suspect his assistant may have acted on her own there to protect Luthen because she's concerned he's not being as careful as he should to protect himself from exposure.
I for one loved the clone action figures Cyril has in his bedroom at the beginning
This episode was fantastic. For as long as the episode was, the ending felt like it came up really quickly. It was good to see the KX droids be absolutely brutal like they were in Fallen Order.
I'm almost certain B2 is gonna evolve into K2 at some point. I would love some time with K-2SO on screen in Season 2
Nothing happened, so boring
@@matthewpearce8481 tiktok has melted your brain
I think the bit about Cassian confronting the clone troopers relates to when he said he was in jail before he was briefly in the military (a cook, Luthen revealed)
If I wasn't already into Andor, this episode would have corrected that. Yularen ties things together with virtually all the recent Imperial aspects from Clone Wars to Rebels... and showing up as he did to get ISB back on track. Cassian also tries to get away, but only got accidentally caught up, but for the wrong reason. Either way, he got caught trying to sit things out.🙂 Mon Mothma also has more development and appears to be working more on track with the future rebellion.
This isn't Star Wars, this is watching chess, it's absolutely delicious wordplay between actors and actresses, who are utterly rising to the level of the standard of the dialog on script. It's ludicrous to turn up to what you think is a feast, and being given what is becoming a banquet. The inclusion of the crimson dawn sigial just has me reeling from the weight of what is being put out there, we've all loved the traditional good vs evil of Star Wars but this wonderful muddying or greying, while including the 3rd faction of the underworld is sublime. I'm not sure of the timeline, but the idea that any of these profoundly grounded characters might find themselves in the same room as an apex predator like Maul, or a Queen manipulator like Qi'ra is dizzying.
To catch myself rooting in an ISB meeting for an officer, to only catch myself in the moment is a testament to how utterly engaging actors like Anton Lesser are making this.
Incredible to admit, but in a series that's already been exceptional, this is comfortably my favorite. I LOVE machination.
Whoa, I didn't even make the connection between that circle-with-a-line-through-it sign on the sidewalk and the Crimson Dawn emblem. If true, that would *really* throw a wrench in the works.
Even though they are the bad guys, I’m loving the scenes depicting the ISB in their quarters. The scenes of them having these tense exchanges and some of their disdain for one another in their non-vocal facial cues are incredibly amusing. I find myself rooting for Dedra at times.
It was a great epilogue type episode to not only the Aldhani story, but even the Ferix story. I'm sure we'll go back there again, but if we don't, this was also a pretty good sendoff. Cassian's just never going to return, he's repaid his debts, everyone's shunned him anyway, but Marva is going to stand and fight and maybe get Bix to rile up the town get their rebel cell to push back more than ever before.
And we got to see everyone else's reaction to what happened. Luthen's happy, but Mon Mothma isn't. They're worried about Cassian since he's out and on the loose (and he's just been sent to prison). Dedra's been right this whole time and can finally prove it, but that also makes her everyone else's enemy in the ISB. This episode was really tense! I loved it!
Oh yeah, and Syril's just waiting to be useful again. I feel bad for him, but also, nah man, screw that guy! But also, what is his story for this show because what does managing fuel have to do with anything else going on?
I was really interested in Vel's real identity on Corusant? What does she do on the planet? Why is she dressed so well and why is it dangerous for her to meet the other person?
I think the other person was Luthen.
99% sure Luthen will be revealed to be her dad.
I absolutely love the worldbuilding in this show. I love the “package of legislation” line from Yularen because it shows how the Empire is still holding up the pretense of democracy that everyone knows is a sham, but know one will do anything about. It reminds me of Vaclav Havel’s essay Power of the Powerless. The disdain the Empire has for local people’s traditions and customs is also a great detail.
I also hope we get to see more of Cassian’s attitudes towards the clones. I think the Empire’s fake democracy and the clone’s militancy do a great job of showing how the Empire truly did grow out of the Republic. We’re used to thinking “Republic good, Empire bad” without realizing how the Republic was becoming the Empire long before RotS.
The Niamos flyover and accompanying music sure felt like an homage to Miami Vice.
Luthen wanting to kill Andor does make little sense considering how much he invested. I think his assistant has some alternative agenda or maybe she is actually drawing the strings. That's also why Luthen was not at the secret meeting, he probably does not even know about it.
Great review. I loved the imagery of "trading in an art piece for a weapon" that you noticed. Subbed!
I loved Coruscant in this episode. It really brought to life the Arhinda Pryce portion of "Thrawn," where she is living in the "administrative" levels of the city as she is working her way up.
By far my favorite episode so far. It just felt like it brought so much from the last 6 episodes together. Acting, writing, CGI, all fantastic. This is Star Wars. If we can have adult versions and this level of writing for Jedi stories I would be ecstatic.
Great analysis -- keep it up !! Loved episode 7 and everything about it. The individual elements of why this all worked and was so riveting are too numerous to mention. I will be interested in your further discussion on it later today.
I heard the part at 4:56 and was immediately reminded of Luthen's monologue later in episode 10 "I'm condemned to use the tools of my enemy to defeat them". Just *chef kiss* writing
At 9:17 that's not Andor's crime sheet, but the other person's. It reads "Keith Seymour" who is a real person in the art department for the show. The crimes are "Suspected Force Sensitivity" and "Assaulting an Imperial Officer".
That’s great, thanks! I presume he was the inspiration for “Keef”, the name Cassian took when he went to Space Ibiza.
The juxtaposition of Cassian doing crimes among the slums vs Mon flashing fake smiles with the elite on Coruscant is all so wonderful. We know what the fate is of everyone but the writing is so good we are able to live in the moment.
This was an amazing episode. I watched it twice. Not only everything you said; story wise, but also the art direction, the dialogue, and the music soundtrack. Just outstanding!
I've been loving this series. This episode in particular really feels like Star Wars but elevated to a much higher standard. This has been such a breath of fresh air.
Generally i love this review and this show. Such a great episode, emotional, well written, tense. Chef kiss. Your insights are keen across the board too and I share the praise for Mon's character, the writing of her interactions with Luthen and then at the party was perfect.
I don't see Luthen the same way though. I see him as driven, sober to the challenge/task ahead, and a leader of a movement. He knows the Empire will move like a hammer but he also knows their rebellion will die slowly if they don't have wins. Oppressors always want you to think they are all powerful, and you believe until you see them stumble. I feel like Luthen sees that and is being bold, despite the costs.. maybe because of the costs. Anyhoo great review as always.
I liked how the intro to the vacation island of the blue "flamingos " flying over the water...it remind me of Miami Vice intro back in the day. Even though Deera is with Empire I was glad she shut that guy down. But Luthen's assistant, does she have a more important than Luthen? Does Mon know Organa at this point? Or is she working with him.
Total Miami Vice vibes, even though I keep calling it Space Ibiza.
Amazing and riveting episode.
To get arrested like that is a potent example of the thuggish side of Imperial security.
I like how in this show, every action performed by the rebellion, the higher the response is
Yularen is an archetypical example of a Lawful Neutral character
He’s evil
What defines him is devotion to the legitimate governing body, whatever that body is and however it acts.
Don’t let the onscreen presence fool you. Lawful Neutral in the streets Lawful Evil in the sheets.
@@thezendu4550 Yes, and that is evil.
Absolutely. He's always been a by the book person, he's not evil. He is just utterly devoted to the government. Plenty of people in real life like that.
Space Ibiza looks and sounds great. This episode had it all, “moar alienz” for the this isn’t Star Wars people, more spy political thriller, the sister talk for pedantic people like myself who worried about plot holes. Most importantly more Luthen character breaks when talking about what needs to be done for a Rebellion to succeed
Whenever I see Mon Mothma I got excited. Whenever I see Luthen i got excited. Whenever i see Lt. Meero I get excited. Whenever I see Cassian I get excited.
And curious about the ex corp cop arc and Vel's arc as well.
Such a brilliant show, showing mutliple sides, view points, details which makes the Star Wars Universe full, believable, their story thank to the script and acting skills and environment/sets/costumes given are so mesmerizing.
And this full, rich wonderfully presented universe in the meantime also silently ask questions about law and definying it, politics, moral compass, enducing thinking about things...
You can ask the question what is evil. To do sg. for your own interest? Like lighting the Galaxy on fire? For the greater good, the cause, the long goals? Empire and Pal got those too, including well organised order, peace without pirates, hooligans, criminals walking free, politicans, worlds, stubborn persons slowing down the "progess", etc. Not only selfish things. Everything is grey, you can ask is it ok to rule with fear, or is it good to let anarchists threaten officer families for "greater good"... And the answer is not glorous and general, single colored. it's in the details. Of both sides. And I love it.
And you can put together the story of everything from the pieces, for example in this episode Cassian's dad was Clem, young Cas charging at the troopers and this is why he was in prison, etc.
I'm curious how Cassian will become important for Luthen again, for example what if her sister is part of another important rebel organisation for example Saw Gerrera's group,
who for example hit the prison/convoy of Cassian's... and Luthen wants to contact them?
Or will himself do something big that proves how capable he is.
By the way i'm pretty sure i'm alone in the world in this but would love to work at the Bureau of Standards. Everything well organised, order among protocols, in case of an anomaly implementing new protocols. That's my dream job. Shoot me. :) Standards run this world. Just imagine what chaos would be not regulating properly the fuel prurity, and checking implementation of these standards across the galaxy. Fascinating. When and how to verify, with what, where and how to log these data, how to process it.... Who cares about light sabres. FUEL PURITY! Heck yeah.
I hope they got protocols for coffee breaks too, I run with it. :)
P.S.
Luthen is super high up, he took HUGE risk to recruit Cassian, and pretty sure he is second guessing was it worth it, since Cassian didn't joined the rebels. Also wonder if he
only worries and her assistant is acting behind his back for him or was it really Luthen's order to close the loosen thread, to kill Cassian.
Luthen is a mad genius, provoking the Empire into cracking down even harder on people and knowingly causing millions to suffer just to create fuel for the Rebellion. It’s so sinister and I love it.
It has a historic precedent:
During the Axis occupation of Yugoslavia, the Royal Yug Army Officers were very leery of shooting at or killing occupation troops; not only did they live thru the absolutely disaster that was Serbia's fate in WW1--(not only did hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians have to flee thru the mountains of Albania in the middle of winter to escape the Germans and AustroHungarians,, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths, but the 'occupation' also resulted in thousands of Serbians killed in reprisals) but the 'Current' Axis also said, 'Kill One German and 100 Serbians will be executed'==and they did. TIto, the partisan leader didn't care; he felt the reprisals will leave survivors who had nothing left to lose and a lot to avenge.
Also, the FLN, the Algerian Liberation movement seeking independence from France, followed a policy, early on, where in they sought to murder as many French settlers as they could, regardless of age or gender or combatant status--the hope was that the French forces would lash out just as brutally and indiscriminately. The end result was that the deaths created an unbridgeable gulf between the French, the French settlers and the Arab Algerians, so there was no going back to the status quo.
that town square scene was rough, like I didn’t know a single flash for a few seconds of a scene could make me feel like that, but damn….. like we sort of got a scene like it in Obi Wan but the buildup to the scene in Andor made it so much worst in the best way
There's a new item in Luthen's shop, a Jedi Temple Guard Mask. Well I don't know if it's new, it might have just be obscured in the previous episodes.
I noticed that too! It makes me wonder how he came by it as well as his other Jedi artifacts (the Jedi and Sith Holocrons) in previous episodes. How has Luthen not been arrested for having illegal Jedi items? In comics and other Posts that Alex has made on his channel, having Jedi artifacts or knowing anything about the Jedi is illegal and a death sentence during the Imperial time period. I wonder if we will get a scene of Yularin or the ISB arresting Luthen for these artifacts in his shop and then they get transferred with other Jedi relics to the archive site on Pillio from Battlefront II.
@@kathrynoleary800 I think Luthen's open possession of Illegal Jedi artifacts strengthens how highly placed in society he is. It'd be really something to see him buying or selling artifacts to someone of higher standing than a lowly Chandrillian senator.
I'm reminded a bit of what I think is a 19th-century French short story about a homeless man who is trying to get thrown in jail so he'll have a roof, heat and a meal, but circumstances keep getting in the way. Eventually, at the end, he has an epiphany and decides to go out and live his life properly as a hard-working member of society - only to immediately get arrested for something and thrown in jail the instant he stopped wanting that.
Cassian gets away with actual crimes (murder and robbery) twice... only to immediately get nabbed for "sweating on the beach near anti-Imperial activity."
I'm just surprised that he wasn't immediately ID'd since he'd done time before. Karn saw his younger prison photo. To say nothing of their blockchain-- sorry, "chain code" system. I wonder how long it will be before someone finds his case with his money and gun in the hotel room.
I am so scared for everyone on Ferrix. Things there might get so bad that the Empire might just declare scorched earth and nuke the entire town from orbit. And even though the people there only got a little screen time, you do remember them; Maarva and B2EMO, Bix, the two guys in that shop, the merchant Andor owed money to, and the big alien he hired as "muscle", even the big miner dude who helped Andor tweak his alibi story a little. Maybe that's why when he was talking to Jyn Erso in Rogue One about loss there was a certain edge to his voice.
Vel cleans up nice. I barely recognized her.
Yeah, I wasn't sure at first who either of the two women were.
In Andor season 2 I hope The Gilroy's bring back Chirrut and Baze. Would love to see their characters get a well written arc before Rogue One.
That establishing shot toward the end; “Miami Vice!”
Except it's the people who are turquoise and magenta, not the suits.
The tone in Maarva's voice, the pacing, and her words sound so much like original trilogy Leia.
Great review. 1st video. I like your work. I will subscribe.
This show has consistently been the best written and acted show for Star Wars so far. Absolutely fantastic and every episode just gets better.
You expressed my thoughts and why I love this show/episode. I also love the smoothness of the Droid animation.
Watching that trial scene I got a vaguely stalinist vibe. The fact that the stormtrooper had him arrested both arbitrary and on a whim, and that the judge didn't try to hear his case let alone give the appearance of fairness shows the empire is very scared right now and they're having its servants to punish as many people as possible as if they're working under a quota or or some kind of high expectation how they're supposed to perform. It's about instilling terror in the general population by detaining as many people as possible, it's also meant to root out those insufficiently loyal by those who don't show sufficient zeal when tearing out imperial directives. Those who don't convict or arrest enough people will be suspected as lacking insufficient loyalty and will be subsequently purged. It's all about keeping people in line. Not going after descent.
"Nemik, Gorn, they'll all be remembered." - the way she said it, and the way Vel reacted to it ... Yeah, not. And Vel knows it.
This episode was the biggest fun I've had in Star Wars since i don't know when.
Loving this serie so far!!! Love how they introduce cool new places, the environment, the imperial ISB are awesome!!!
This episode was the best one. Well-written as well.
Okay I'm just going to be the one to say this! This show is f****** awesome!
When you think about it, that Shoretrooper was one of the most competent standard issue Imperial troops in the canon. His intuition lead to the arrest and imprisonment of one of the most wanted individuals in the galaxy at the time...
I’m not sure if this lines up with the timeline but I wonder if one of the staff at the party is Arihnda Pryce when she’s working to gain information on senators for Higher Skies during the Thrawn novel? There’s a woman with her haircut I think, in two shots quite prominently.
Galen: Say you understand!
Jyn: I understand (wants to but don't)
---
Marvaa: Tell me you understand!!
Cassian: I don't!!! (Does... But do not want to)
Just sounded similar.
I loved seeing Space Florida. A very nice location in the Star Wars universe, but also a great backdrop as to how not even money and a nice vacation spot is not going to get you away from the Empire.
I kinda liked how they used the old credit card receipt maker at the courthouse.
This show is great. I understand the people that think it's slow and I did fall asleep in episode 4 but as you get more into it, it is so intense and really shows life under the empire. It reflects back to the real world and that's what makes it so great with deep themes.
I thought it was funny that the mouse droids, in all of star wars, always moves out of the way of everyone, except THAT guy. LOL.
We are finally seeing the darker side of the Rebellion and how people like Mon Mothma find ways to “donate” to the Rebellion
Also I’m not a big fan of Star Wars politics usually but damn the Mon Mothma scenes are fantastic
This episode was complete 🔥 somehow surpassed ep6 for me. This show just keeps getting better and better
I was hoping for a passing mention of Yularen from the ISB folks… thank you story group.
I'm writing sci-fi. This show is Goals. Writing goals I can never hope to achieve.
Cassian getting arrested and sentenced to 6 years because he was in the wrong place at the wrong time infuriates me. It's too close to what the police do to innocent people in reality. This is probably where he'll meet K2SO and there will probably be a breakout. Since it's only 5 years before Yavin, we know he'll get out of this sentence somehow. Still, he just can't get a break. First they kill his dad, then they arrest him for doing nothing. He actually was just a tourist. It sucks hard. I feel bad for him.
If the Empire wanted to give me more reasons to hate them, they've succeeded.
Which means this show is written exquisitely.
The back and forth in the ISB, Mon Mothma and Tay, Cassian and Maarva... It's all just *chef's kiss*
By far my favorite "conspiration" episode (aka not action heavy) maybe because it stood on it's own more?
I might have misheard but didn't Luthen's assistant say she recruited him and not the other way around ?
At the end of the episode, I caught myself visibly smiling. Maybe I’m just that big a R1 Fan, but I never thought Andor was insignificant or not well characterized in the movie. But, if you thought so, the writing and Luna have put that away. Andor isn’t a Jedi Knight, he doesn’t own the Fastest Hunk of Junk in the Galaxy, he’s nobody…and they are so on point with him.
Think about it…Andor is identified by name and face in a double homicide, as a participant in a gunfight over stolen goods that result in more deaths, and he just participated in a Galaxy-Wide-Infamous attack on an imperial facility…and he knows he didn’t get on camera anywhere that whole heist why? All of his friends burn him.
In a circumstance like that, Galen Erso retreats to a farm in the middle of nowhere. Andor? He goes to space-Miami-Beach. First amusing thing is the Star Wars trope of one biome per planet…so…that whole planet is just one massive beach. Maybe he’s going with the “hide in a crowd” plan? Nope, my boy is a player - he’s shacked up with some local seemingly a moment after he gets there. Is he investing those credits - buying a little junk shop, a hover cab…something? Nope, he is just living off the credits, conveniently stashed where he is living, in a box with a completely not-suspicious blaster.
The guy is a moron. But, he such a totally believable dude-moron.
The thing that really made me smile was the unintended consequence. He gets picked up off the street because he cannot run an errand without giving off “I’m a fugitive” vibes. But he gets 6 years because the penalties for anti-imperial activity were increased in response to the heist he pulled off.
I wonder if anyone will ever find that box of credits.
We're heading into the THX-1138 phase of the story.
I just notice how Syril Karn now has a desk job like the people he use to boss around in the first arc.