Andor Recap: Say the Word

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The last installment of Andor served as a self-contained segment within the broader narrative of the Rebellion, delivering news about the Death Star en route to the Rebel Alliance, which set the course for Luthen Rael’s destiny. The subsequent episode finds itself in an intriguing limbo of sorts. It carries over elements from the previous episode, yet its conclusion hints at the beginning of a series finale. In many aspects, this is a typical chess game-like episode where pieces are moved, but due to their swift and aesthetically pleasing execution, it avoids feeling routine or laborious.

It’s worth noting that there are numerous standout scenes shot by cinematographer Damián García in this series, many of which feature long shots just shy of close-ups. For instance, the initial scene of the episode presents a ground-level view of a fallen stormtrooper, with Imperial security forces investigating the aftermath of Kleya’s hospital operation. They remain unaware that it was not an attack carried out by a team, but rather the work of a single individual.

Despite other circumstances, it’s clear that Dedra is being blamed for this situation, as some ISB officials hint at it early on. Initially, we encounter Dedra in a striking scene where she’s seated dead center, with Krennic towering ominously behind her. The camera then switches angles, focusing on the back of Dedra’s head as Krennic leans in uncomfortably close to her. This scene is unsettling throughout, as Krennic lacks the ability to use the Force like Vader did, but there’s a chilling resemblance in the way he occasionally touches Dedra with his gloved hands, pressing down on her head as if she were an inferior being or a broken machine.

In this particular scene, Krennic appears suspiciously secretive, pushing Dedra to reveal a certain word – not something like “vampire” or “Geonosian”, but something far more significant: the “Death Star”, a top-secret project that she should not have knowledge of. This knowledge alone makes him suspect her as a spy for the Rebellion, though he probably doesn’t genuinely believe it; his personal glory outweighs any other considerations. He sneers at her, saying, “I should have suspected you were a scavenger long ago,” and her attempts to explain herself, emphasizing the disorganized administration that forced her to gather information while searching for Axis, fall on deaf ears.

The investigation progresses, focusing now on tangible issues such as reviewing security recordings. This is interwoven with our protagonist, Kleya, uncovering a communication device to transmit Morse-like signals. A sequence that follows depicts Kleya’s loneliness in the Coruscant safe house, expertly captured through medium close-ups, shallow focus, and strategic use of shadows. The scene is particularly poignant as it highlights Kleya’s isolation without Luthen, her only trusted ally. There’s a sense of accomplishment when the ISB team realizes and acknowledges that Kleya operates alone.

The undetailed message they received doesn’t directly reach Wilmon on Yavin, but he believes it’s authentic, leading Cassian, Melshi, and K-2SO to decide to depart for Coruscant without seeking permission from the Rebellion. This episode segment hinges on several conflicts that I find less than fully convincing, primarily revolving around the strains between the Rebel Alliance and Luthen’s covert group (and by extension, Cassian’s affiliation with this clandestine organization). At this advanced stage, there isn’t much tension left to explore through Cassian feeling slightly confined by the Rebel Alliance’s regulations, or their displeasure when he pushes for an unsanctioned mission. Later, when Cass and Melshi arrive at the safe house, they discover Kleya is hesitant to join them on Yavin, preferring instead to share the Death Star information with them.

There’s a certain emotional weight to Kleya sending a distress signal not for her own rescue, but to implant the crucial details of the Death Star plan into Cassian. While the division between Luthen’s initial rebellion and the larger, more organized Rebellion is significant to the storyline, it seems excessive in this context. Is it plausible that Kleya would feel endangered on Yavin merely because she was connected to Luthen? Given Cassian’s backing and his provision of vital information about an Empire threat, it appears unlikely.

Conflicts between different rebel factions have their purpose, but as Andor reaches its climactic moment, this specific aspect feels somewhat repetitive.

Indeed, the Empire’s presence looms heavily over the seedy apartment where Cassian, Melshi, and Kleya are currently engaged in a discussion, with K-2SO maintaining the U-wing engines. However, communication from the Empire ceases soon after they have landed. With 17 to 18 direct orders defied between him and Cassian, and recalling his inability to stay on the ship during Rogue One, K decides to leave the ship and join his friends, sending Imperial troops flying left and right. As Andor concludes its run, it leaves us hanging yet again, this time with a tense finale that pushes the boundaries of suspense.

Rebel Yells

In an earlier part of the episode, K-2SO engages in a game of cards with several humans, providing them with unexpected statistical analysis of their moves. Cassian remarks that “he’s trying to droid you,” which could be one of the most J.J. Abrams–like scenes in Andor. I’m not implying this as a criticism; instead, it’s intriguing to observe such a friendly, amusing moment in this setting. It’s also somewhat reassuring to see that the creator of Rise of Skywalker, despite almost derailing the franchise at one point, still manages to leave a small yet significant impact on it.

I’m curious to learn more details about the parade that K-2SO took part in, which had around 200 K-X unit droids participating and was also attended by Emperor Palpatine. Was he watching or marching in the parade? It’s amusing to imagine him, despite his intimidating nature, perhaps even enjoying this extravagant (and likely still quite ominous) droid procession.

In contrast to this season’s seemingly predictable portrayal of Andor’s media, I find myself intrigued whenever the series touches upon office politics within the Empire. For instance, when it mentions “Jedha Working Group print-outs” in Dedra’s files, it sparks my interest. I can only imagine how tedious the weekly meetings for that group must have been (and how much Dedra yearned to be a part of them).

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2025-05-14 07:26