9 Years Later, This 1 Rogue One Scene Hits Completely Different After Andor

The critically acclaimed ‘Andor’ series on Disney+ has come to an end following two exceptional seasons that have raised the bar for all future Star Wars projects. Developed by Tony Gilroy, this show delves into complex ideas of oppression and revolt, expanding upon the legendary backdrop established in George Lucas’s 1977 film. The series offers a fresh perspective on the origins of the Rebel Alliance as seen through Cassian Andor’s eyes, who becomes deeply entangled in the path to conflict.

The upcoming series titled “Andor” traces the five-year period preceding Cassian Andor’s appearance in “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” This 2016 spinoff film serves as a conclusive ending to Cassian’s story, detailing his adventures with an unlikely band of rebels. Together, they manage to steal the Death Star plans, enabling the Alliance to destroy the Empire’s ultimate weapon during the Battle of Yavin, as depicted in “A New Hope.” The addition of the series “Andor” provides essential background information for “Rogue One,” significantly altering its impact upon rewatch. A notable scene in which Cassian makes a daring decision stands out particularly on revisiting this film.

Cassian’s Major Rogue One Decision Is More Powerful After Andor

Cassian Disobeys a Direct Order in Rogue One–And It Means So Much More Now

As a film enthusiast, I found myself deeply immersed in the heart-pounding storyline of “Rogue One”. In this tale, I found myself joining forces with the Rebel Alliance on a perilous mission. The Empire had concocted terrifying plans to unleash an apocalyptic superweapon capable of annihilating entire planets. Our only hope lay in tracking down its designer, Galen Erso, who also happened to be Jyn’s father.

Unbeknownst to Jyn, Cassian was tasked with a grim assignment: eliminating Galen. As our crew finally located Galen within a clandestine Imperial science facility, it appeared as if we were following the script. Without hesitation, Cassian prepared his long-distance sniper rifle to carry out the order. However, as he peered through the scope, an unexpected scene unfolded before him. Galen stepped in front of an Imperial firing squad to shield his comrades, bravely confessing that it was he who had leaked information to the Rebels.

This heroic act struck a chord within Cassian, causing him to defy the orders of the Rebel leaders and refuse to kill Galen. Unfortunately, Galen’s life was tragically cut short in the ensuing air raid shortly thereafter. This tale served as a poignant reminder that sometimes, doing what is right means going against the rules set by others.

At first, the scene in ‘Rogue One’ presented an unexpected aspect of Cassian Andor that audiences weren’t accustomed to. The character who coldly executed one of his contacts in the first scene chose not to carry out an assassination later in the film, suggesting a deeper complexity than initially perceived. However, this scene carries even more impact nine years later due to the Disney+ series which delves further into Cassian Andor’s character. ‘Andor’ reveals that Cassian has never hesitated to eliminate individuals who posed threats to him. From Imperial guards in the opening episode to Rebel allies who couldn’t keep their secrets, Cassian was always ready to take action for the greater good. This makes it all the more intriguing when he decides against killing Galen Erso. Some quality about this man compelled Cassian to disregard orders and spare a life when he could have (and perhaps should have) ended it.

Why Cassian Chooses to Spare Galen Erso

Cassian Saw a Flicker of Hope in Galen Erso

The logical query that arises is: Why didn’t Cassian kill Galen Erso when given the chance? Considering the significant danger of defying the orders of the Rebel Alliance, something must have stirred him deeply to resist. In a crucial scene, he observes as Cassian confronts the scientists about the recent data leaks. Krennic, aware that Galen is the informant, threatens to execute all the scientists if the mole doesn’t reveal himself. Moved by compassion and unwilling to see others die for his actions, Galen steps forward, confesses to being the mole, and takes the place of the firing squad. Despite this, Krennic still murders the other scientists. However, Galen’s bravery leaves a deep impression on a man with a sniper rifle situated at a considerable distance. Cassian chose not to end the life of a hero like Galen Erso. Although Galen played a significant role in building the Death Star, he was also the critical source of information that allowed the Rebels to destroy it. Moreover, he was ready to sacrifice his own life for others. Even after all the killings he carried out to safeguard the Rebel Alliance, Cassian couldn’t bring himself to eliminate someone so selfless and heroic.

In this instance, a scene recalls an earlier one in “Rogue One,” where Cassian Andor is reminded by Jyn Erso’s words, “Rebellions are built on hope.” As he prepares to take Galen Erso’s life, Cassian finds a glimmer of the very hope the Rebel Alliance lacked within himself. This hope, ignited in Galen years ago, is now being passed down to his daughter and will inspire future heroes like Luke Skywalker. Consequently, as events unfold in “Rogue One,” Cassian realizes that the era of underhanded dealings and assassinations has come to an end, and it’s time for true heroes to steer the Rebellion towards victory.

How the Ersos’ Example Changed Cassian Forever

Cassian Realizes the Kind of Heroes the Rebellion Needs Now

Sadly, Cassian Andor’s life comes to an end shortly after this moment. Despite this, the influences of Galen Erso and Jyn Erso profoundly transformed him in his final days. For a long time, Cassian had been willing to do whatever it took to foster the Rebellion. As war looms across the galaxy, the Rebellion now faces a pivotal moment as it grapples with the question: can it be superior to the Empire? Characters like Galen and Jyn Erso embody the ideal that the Rebellion strives for, offering hope to leaders who had begun to question whether defeating the Empire was feasible.

Although the Ersos would not survive the Battle of Scarif, their hope serves as a prelude to the inspiration provided by the heroes who ultimately bring down the Empire.

In the aftermath of the Battle of Scarif, Luke Skywalker and his companions eventually appear on the scene, solidifying the foundation for which the Rebellion was established, a beacon of hope. Unlike Cassian Andor, Luthen Rael, and their comrades who were deeply entrenched in the Rebellion’s early stages, they symbolized hope and freedom. These individuals could never have served as symbols; their past actions were already stained before the war even started. Instead, they became crucial figures in the next stage of the Rebellion’s struggle against oppression. The vision Cassian had for Galen Erso in Rogue One ultimately materialized through their actions during the Original Trilogy, and with their presence, the Empire began to crumble.

2025-06-04 02:25