Andor’s Mon Mothma Dances So She Won’t Scream

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In the Star Wars universe, Mon Mothma was initially introduced in Return of the Jedi as a character primarily used to provide exposition. Actress Caroline Blakiston portrayed her with authority, but her primary role was to somberly disclose the number of Bothans who perished while obtaining the Death Star plans. In Rogue One, Ahsoka, and various Star Wars cartoons, Mon continued to be an expositional character, as Genevieve O’Reilly describes it. However, in Andor, creator Tony Gilroy gives Mon a significant narrative arc that is pivotal to his series focusing on rebellion, fascism, and the disguises one must don to combat for the greater good, rather than just being an exposition character.

According to O’Reilly, Tony portrays Mon’s character in an unprecedented manner because she is not solely defined as a senator. Instead, she is a mother, a wife, a leader, a family member, and carries a rich history along with ancestral lands and culture.

Two decades ago, when Natalie Portman was initially cast as the Rebel leader in “Revenge of the Sith,” it wasn’t something she could have foreseen; a minor detail for fans of the original trilogy that was eventually removed from the film. However, in “Andor,” her character has evolved into one of the most multi-dimensional and intricate figures in the franchise, even dancing to a galactic techno version of “Niamos!”

In the first three episodes of “Andor’s” second season, Mon’s various roles intertwine as she hosts her daughter’s extravagant wedding on her complex home planet. The arranged marriage from last season, aimed at financing her clandestine Rebel operations, adds to the usual wedding tension. Yet, she must also confront how her personal and Rebellion lives become entangled in a manner that is heart-wrenching and irreversible.

The question we’re exploring in these episodes is why Mon Mothma’s daughter and husband seem so content with Chandrilan traditions, while Mon herself is dedicated to the rebellion. Or maybe a more insightful question would be, what makes Mon and her cousin Vel Sartha different from others in their family? In season one, we learn that Mon’s daughter has an affinity for orthodoxy, which Mon has spent her life trying to distance herself from. This hints at the traditional upbringing Mon had. On the other hand, Mon and Vel appear to have rebelled early against their family’s traditional way of life.

In episode two, what emotion does Mon exhibit as she listens to Perrin’s father-of-the-bride speech? It appears to be the rare instance where she seems truly immersed in the wedding festivities instead of juggling numerous responsibilities, if you will. She simply sits and takes it all in. Her spouse is a hedonist at heart, encouraging that life should be lived for pleasure rather than worry about other obligations. This moment highlights how disparate their desires and aspirations are. Perhaps there was once a time when they shared something unique, but the paths their lives have taken have ultimately driven them apart. The marriage’s complexity, allowed by Tony, allows such stark contrasts to exist within it.

In a remarkable fashion, the relationship between Mon and her daughter, Leida, unfolds as a recurring theme of maternal-daughter tension, which somehow gets caught in the crossfire of what Mon is striving for. In episode three, when Mon addresses her daughter and references her own mother, there’s a multi-generational tale that unfolds within a single room, with these three unique women sharing space at a pivotal moment during the wedding. The question I had in mind was: If Mon truly intends to proceed with this marriage as a means of financing rebellion, then where does Leida fit into that? Where is her own power and decision-making ability? Tony acknowledged this and wrote a scene where Mon has a conversation with Leida prior to the ceremony. In this moment, it’s evident that Leida takes control of her future.

In this instance, when Tay Kolma, an old friend and banker who had previously agreed to help Mon launder money, confronts Mon at the wedding and effectively blackmails her, we can see that Mon is taken aback by it. This encounter seems to be a turning point for Mon, as it appears to be the first time that the Rebellion has personally affected her, despite all the questionable actions she had already taken. It’s almost like the ground beneath her is shifting, and Luthen’s words ring true: Mon must make a decision. This revelation lingers in the back of her mind – perhaps forever.

Is her sadness due to the predicament Tay, her childhood friend, has put her in, or is it about the harsh reality of her actions towards Tay? Or perhaps it’s a combination of both? This complex mix of emotions, including sorrow, anguish, remorse, and a profound sense of struggle, seems to be new territory for her. And at that moment, Luthen exhibits his cold-hearted nature.

The narrative of Mon Mothma revolves around the challenges of balancing public and private lives, as well as the constraints within politics and the struggle within established systems. Her commitment to the Rebellion demands her role as a senator, thus requiring her to maintain a dual identity, which is both crucial for her effectiveness yet fraught with risk. If this delicate balance breaks down, she risks becoming ineffective in her service to the Rebellion.

In this series, we explore a pivotal moment when the character leaves the Senate. This is her breaking point, the final straw that forces her departure. It’s akin to crossing the Rubicon; once done, there’s no turning back. This episode is incredibly bold and something I deeply cared about. It marks a significant shift in her character, revealing the immense courage and sacrifice she’s willing to make. We see her risking everything to expose the truth, which adds depth to her character from previous Star Wars appearances. This defining moment makes sense of who she was before, and it’s a crucial part of this season that I can’t wait for people to experience.

As a fan of Star Wars, I’ve always found its themes to be deeply political, reflecting the struggles between empires and their resistance. It portrays the darker aspects of power and human nature, and the only way to challenge such oppressive systems is through revolution and rebellion.

While we may have grown accustomed to peace in our own lives, history tells us that true peace is an exception rather than a rule. The scenes from episodes seven, eight, and nine that you mentioned were filmed two years ago, yet their release now feels particularly timely and relevant. I hope the viewers will see themselves in Andor and perhaps contemplate the parallels between its storyline and our current circumstances.

In the third episode’s finale, Mon’s behavior stands out as unusual. She’s seen drinking heavily and dancing wildly, a stark contrast to her usual composed demeanor. This scene appears to show a woman trying to release pent-up emotions. Her actions seem like an attempt to escape from the turmoil within her mind. The trigger for this emotional explosion might be related to Luthen’s revelation about their mission with Tay Kolma, as she grapples with the harsh reality that rebellion often comes at a cost of personal bloodshed.

Was that scene particularly enjoyable for you? Did they play any of Nicholas Britell’s galactic remixes during filming? What about the space-themed cocktails you were sipping?

Instead, I can share my experience: That day was one of the most memorable on set throughout my career. We had already filmed most of the wedding when a strike occurred, leaving that sequence unshot. Six months later, we returned to it. It felt incredibly special to come back to this grand finale, this climax. Tony, producers, camera crew, and choreographers were all present; we all had the opportunity to revisit our work with fresh perspectives, no longer tired or fatigued.

We had that “Niamos!” song playing repeatedly, as everyone danced along during the intense excitement of the day. The drinks I was consuming were a popular Scottish beverage resembling soda called Irn-Bru, which looks like it could be radioactive. At some point in the afternoon, I joked, “Guys, how many more of these do I have to drink? I’m starting to feel like I might burst!

We didn’t catch any scenes showing what happened after Tony and the woman the following morning, as a year has passed before the next episode. However, given the circumstances, it’s reasonable to assume that they both experienced some uncomfortable consequences.

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2025-04-24 21:55