Andor Recap: Domestic Bliss

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In contrast to the perceived emphasis on family dynamics in Star Wars, domestic life and related ceremonies have rarely been featured prominently. The marriages of Anakin and Padmé, as well as Han and Leia, were kept hidden from viewers. Even with five years of episodic TV, which typically delves into such themes, there was little focus on the Mandalorian attending a family event like his cousin’s first Communion. Interestingly, the third episode of Andor’s second season, concluding its initial story arc, gives significant attention to domestic issues amidst the growing turmoil of rebelling against fascism. It’s fitting that the character of Cassian Andor, who is often too preoccupied with important matters to spare time for social niceties, has minimal screen time overall in this episode.

Here are three distinct scenarios unfolding: The wedding celebration of Leida, Mon Mothma’s teenage daughter, to Stekan Sculdun, a young man born into local aristocracy; the awkward dinner shared by Dedra, Syril, and Eedy (Kathryn Hunter); and, most precarious, the escalating pressures faced by unregistered rebel workers on Mina-Rau as they brace for an impending Imperial inspection.

In this gathering, it’s evident that the individuals present lean toward domestic affairs: I adjust my expression disdainfully in the mirror, mirroring Syril’s growing unease, which seems to be molding him into a character reminiscent of Crispin Glover’s portrayal of Willard. Eedy enters the room, brimming with confusion. “You’re nothing like I imagined,” she immediately tells me point-blank. (Whether Dedra and Syril are married isn’t clear, but given Eedy’s reaction to an absence from a wedding, it seems unlikely.) Over what appears to be a blend of fondue and vodka sauce, I strive to maintain my composure as Syril trembles, enveloped by Eedy’s description of his upbringing as “a young, fragile boy nurtured solely by a mother’s affection and resolve,” followed by an expert transition to Syril’s face, straining to suppress its minor-key dread.

It appears that Dedra shows no interest or attachment towards such parental games. Her parents were criminals, or perhaps early revolutionaries, who met their end when she was just 3 years old. This led to her upbringing in an Imperial Kinderblock. Eedy attempts to express sympathy, but Dedra rejects it and even threatens to withdraw more: When Syril steps away for a moment of distress (my daughter once referred to this as “dark minutes”), Dedra presents her firm “plan.” She guarantees regular visits and contacts from Syril – not notably as a couple, but warns that his relationship with Eedy will decrease in proportion to the stress she creates. For some individuals, this is an implicit understanding. For Eedy, it needs to be clearly stated, and she seems to appreciate the clarity. Upon returning to the table, Syril finds a more tranquil atmosphere has ensued. Dedra handles difficult situations effectively.

Mon’s efforts to express her concerns don’t yield the desired results. Just prior to Leida walking down the aisle, Mon cautions her: It’s not necessary for you to proceed with this wedding at this moment. (Perhaps she finds motivation, in an unusual manner, from Tay Kolma’s subtle requests for additional funds – I hope I don’t distort it further, aspects like that.) Leida, who appears to defy her mother’s discomfort about this semi-arranged marriage out of a misguided act of defiance, dismisses her; she tells her mother that she wishes she had followed in Mon’s own mother’s footsteps and just gotten drunk on her wedding day instead. Following this unkind remark, the ceremony continues.

Luthen Rael, a guest at the wedding, brings further troubles for Mon Mothma. Instead of a figure associated with numbers as Mon has been insisting, he proposes a substitute driver to pick up Tay from the wedding – this role falls to Cinta, who exchanges significant glances with her former partner Vel before opening the door for Tay, hinting at possible peril. There’s an ironic twist in Cinta and Vel having an unspoken reunion at this wedding that lacks genuine affection. Earlier in the storyline, Leida was upset about Stekan not even holding her hand, suggesting he might have less-than-fresh breath in the galactic sense. With Luthen revealing a friend who may be weak but is still significant to her, Mon decides to heed both her mother’s and daughter’s advice at once by getting drunk. She also tries to dance away her problems, an unexpected twist given that audiences of Return of the Jedi in 1983 wouldn’t have anticipated seeing this side of Mon Mothma. Genevieve O’Reilly delivers Mon’s struggles convincingly; while she may not be the most immediately threatened character within the rebellion, the narrative and direction are carefully crafted to capture the emotions simmering beneath her calm senatorial exterior.

As a movie enthusiast, I’d rephrase it like this: In this episode, Mon and Dedra-Syril grapple with their personal mother issues amidst larger events unfolding. However, as the story progresses, the narrative switches between the Mothma estate and Mina-Rau, providing a fleeting glimpse of domestic tranquility that’s tinged with sadness: essentially, just a shared meal before a swift plan needs to be executed due to an upcoming Imperial inspection. Regrettably, none of Bix, Wilmon, or Brasso manage to escape in time, and the Imperial lieutenant who had shown interest in Bix reappears, discloses that he’s aware they’re undocumented, and presents her with a distasteful proposition to resolve the situation.

As a passionate film enthusiast, I’d rephrase it as follows:

Was this the first instance of the word “assault” used in Star Wars, as Bix described the attempted rape she experienced? Regardless, during the struggle to defend herself, Bix ended up killing the aggressor. Meanwhile, Brasso, who was captured elsewhere, tried to escape amidst the chaos. Cassian arrived on the scene late with a stolen TIE fighter, firing at stormtroopers and avenging the situation, but it was too late for Brasso; he rescued Bix and Wilmon, and they departed Mina-Rau, leaving behind a sense of shock and sorrow. The transition between this event and the wedding scene now seems more fitting. There’s no sanctuary of tradition for Cassian and his companions to hide in. Instead, they press on into their next mission — with another time leap of over a year looming ahead.

Rebel Yells

I’d describe it as a humble, wheat-field dotted world, home to a few resilient rebels, reminiscent of an unassuming… Rebel Haven, perhaps?

By the way, kudos to this episode for devising an innovative method of taking out stormtroopers – burying them under a heap of grain!

On Mina-Rau, a quick shot after B2EMO shows him primarily acting as a caretaker-playmate for some local kids. Later in the episode, before Brasso departs from the Imperial inspection, he converses with the droid much like one would speak to a child being left with a babysitter. Tragically, Cassian and Bix’s departure and failure to return becomes every babysat child’s dreadful nightmare for Brasso.

Bix is not enjoying the situation where she has to deal with another traumatic event – this time defending herself from an attempted rape. Given the timeline of the series, it’s been relatively soon after her previous ordeal of physical torture. Although it may be realistic for the storyline, within the context of her role as Cassian’s partner in the show, it feels a bit too uncomfortably repetitive.

Despite recognizing that both Dedra and Syril are involved with unsavory individuals, I can’t help but be deeply fond of them. Any connection I have with Dedra seems to carry a touch of an arranged bond, yet witnessing her fiercely guard the vulnerable side of Syril remains incredibly gratifying.

Leida’s wedding ritual involves the symbolic cutting of a plait (which isn’t appealing). Star Wars has an obsession with power structures represented by braids.

It’s unclear whether the fast-paced melody reminiscent of “Niamos!” from the previous season, which appears to be the music that disrupts the Mothma wedding, is a delightful inside joke or a characteristic choice made by sci-fi creators who struggle to envision anything beyond an upbeat pop track. Just as with questionable wedding playlist choices on Earth, it might be wiser to simply allow them this unique selection.

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2025-04-23 07:57