This is How You Build Up a Finale (Andor 2nd Arc)

Episode 5 of Andor might seem like a throwaway episode, but I re-watched it after Episode 6 "The Eye" was released and found out that it actually adds quite a lot to the final heist. We breakdown all of the important foreshadowing and character development in episode 5 that makes watching episode 6 so engrossing to watch.
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[@videogenics86]

How empty the Senate chambers were was just...sad. It shows WHY Palpatine was able to disband the Senate. The Senate had disbanded itself long ago.

[@Macky4941]

So many of the systems were dominated by the empire so their Senator's were rendered useless, add that and the removal of most of the non humanoid races.... Empties a room quite a bit.

[@skyden24195]

Yeah, that scene was tragic, for so many reasons.

[@Fistfullofpizza]

From what I understand, government chambers in the real world are just as empty.

[@videogenics86]

@@Fistfullofpizza depends on what time it is. But I'm comparing it to what we saw in the prequels. Now you DO have a point that everytime we see the Senate in the prequels there was something major going on, the invasion of Naboo, the vote on the creation of the Grand Army of the Republic which isn't normal day to day business, where what we see in Andor FEELS more like day to day business, but I think the creators were wanting to go with the feeling that the Imperial Senators in large part were just drawing their pay without doing anything at all, not even engaging the the graft and corruption that plagued the last days of the Republic.

[@ImInSpainWithoutTheS]

what got me is when mon mothma was speaking and senators were actually leaving the senate chamber

[@messigoat1062]

“To steal from the empire? You just walk in like you belong” This line hits different now

[@fumfering]

And the brilliant callback that while doing drills they're told to act like "we belong here."

[@indianajones4321]

This episode was so good. Solid action, some good imperials, unexpected betrayal, and a guy having a heart attack

[@GenerationTech]

The heart attack in the most inconvenient time 😜

[@Rendell001]

@@GenerationTech Yeah... what happened to his wife and son though? :/

[@abelvalle6188]

Even in a galaxy far far away you can't skimp on the importance of good diet and exercise.

[@igotwect3174]

@@Rendell001 they likely got to walk away, no reason they wouldn't get to. but not sure about the husband unless star wars has space defibrillators

[@ericsilver9401]

@@Rendell001 pretty sure they just got left tied up, unless the girl guarding them took the action as a sign that things went haywire and killed them

[@Owallrich]

you can tell who andor trusts just by the fact if he sniffs the drink given to him or not

[@kibathefang6022]

I always think about that. You never know if what you take could be poisoned.

[@CahtahHart]

@@kibathefang6022 usually you can’t smell that certain poison

[@armaniwebb4467]

@@CahtahHart it's symbolic. A way to visually show distrust instead of some inner dialog like in a book

[@skyden24195]

That's why the Hitman only drinks water.

[@playgroundchooser]

Iocane. I'd bet my life on it.

[@dblevins343]

The best part of the show is that every character in it feels real. Even the villains feel like people. Heck, even the engineer only asked for the boy to be set free. He didn't risk his life for his own gain but he did it for the boy.

[@MonstersNotUnderTheBed]

And the Commandant literally works himself to a heart attack to save his family. And then Screem or whatever his name is is actually a really bad guy just looking out for himself, as he projects his own psychology onto Cassian who he incorrectly assumes is also just out for himself.

[@Daniel_Huffman]

@@MonstersNotUnderTheBed Skeen's betrayal probably hit Cassian harder when you consider that he’s looking for his missing sister who he wasn’t even sure was still alive, and here Skeen is making up a sob story about his dead brother for sympathy points.

[@EnragedTofu]

There is so much deep psychology at work with Andor. Back to Kenari where their juvenile leader dies being shot in the back due to his young group’s hesitation to act quickly which we see transfer to his quick trigger executions on any possible threats. His being ensconced in a large youth survivor group as a nurturing community during those formative years, looking after each other where Skeen may have led a lonesome, solo urchin life; thus the differing POV in that final Skeen/Andor scene. What tremendous writing.

[@theaveragegatsby4125]

Very nice insight 👌🏽

[@hellfish2309]

It feels like Fallout:New Vegas a little

[@MonstersNotUnderTheBed]

Aka good writing, which Obi and Boba does not have.

[@Commander_Shepard.]

@@MonstersNotUnderTheBed And yet some would still prefer shit like Kenobi and Boba over Andor because "It's more _Star Wars_ " 🙄

[@s.patterson5698]

You hit the nail on the head on why Andor has a quick trigger finger...it goes back to the lack of quick action which cost the life of their tribal matriarch.

[@Jabatafu]

Me: *breathes a sigh of relief as the ship takes off with Nemik still alive* Pallet of Imperial Credits: “Allow me to introduce myself!”

[@elpakotheglorious]

When they started loading the ship with the credits starting from stern to bow, I remembered that whole launch rail acceleration discussion and thought "Oh well, they're even respecting physics here, with the expected acceleration the loaded stuff is gonna crash to the backside of the ship." This Pallet rubbed me wrong the first moment I saw it. I would have preferred Nemik to stay in the series since he's an interesting character, but the way this turned out makes me curious how Andor will fare now.

[@flaurehn]

The idealistic guy getting crushed by a big pile of money

[@def3ndr887]

@@flaurehn what a way to go

[@peterhz3128]

@@flaurehn one of the many facts of life.

[@robdixson196]

Skeen genuinely surprised me. Not because he didn't seem a bit sketchy, but because most criminals would be interested in an easier pay out rather than a pie in the sky suicide mission. He must have been absolutely desperate to get involved with this.

[@Jacgren]

That's why I kind of think Skeen was just testing Andor again, to see if he was really with them still or not, but I love that they kind of left it open for interpretation

[@armandoragusaucy96z.71]

@@Jacgren He failed to provide covering fire during the shootout sequence; he was definitely not testing after you pay attention to all the signs. Even threw shade about the dude being a stormtrooper, then there's the overall distrust in Cassian. It all makes sense in hindsight

[@joeyyc8515]

@@armandoragusaucy96z.71 he held a knife to Andor’s throat on the belief he could be a trader. It was obvious to me the woman leader told him to test Andor.

[@FluffLBunny]

I think he wanted to be a rebel, and then saw that this was way more dangerous than he was expecting and then suddenly all of that money they were stealing was real, and most of the team was dead. So he thinks to himself, "Well that's the only time i'm throwing myself into that danger again, time to get rich!"

[@robdixson196]

@@joeyyc8515 Hadn't considered it, but it does make sense.

[@yoshiyahatano6365]

The way Cassian froze and shook ever so slightly when he walked into that med-tent... I think Nemik was the first true friend he had in a long time, and you can see grief for a brief second when Cassian sees that he couldn't save him

[@Daniel_Huffman]

It’s even more tragic when you consider that Cassian was the one who killed Nemik, albeit indirectly, and by accident. When Nemik hands him a drink at the start of the episode, it’s the first time in the show that Cassian doesn’t smell it for the possibility of poison: He trusts Nemik, and part of him probably blames himself for Nemik's death.

[@Arvenico]

We should have known Skein was sus when he claimed that his brother owned an orchard, but didn't even know the word for "orchard", instead calling it a "tree-farm". Love these tiny details!

[@GenerationTech]

So guys worth the wait or not?

[@justincarter1217]

Yes very much so

[@MCsCreations]

Are you freaking kidding me? You don't even need to ask. Of course it was!

[@711ramen3]

Most definitely! I find myself waiting impatiently for the next episode. Just solid, exceptional work. It's great seeing Star Wars mature.

[@coolliam7694]

Yes

[@she_who_dares9713]

Absolutely worth the wait. I mean those TIE fighter cockpit scenes alone were visually stunning. I was punching and biting my pillow the whole time!! Feels like a season finale almost! Soo good.

[@MWBalls]

I really liked senate chamber scene. All of those empty pods say so much about the current state of the government. I also loved how the few people that where there immediately ignored Mon Mothma speech when their "phones" started to buzz with news.

[@jcskyknight2222]

I felt it had good parallels to modern governments (yes I am jumping on that band wagon). People's livelihoods are being decided at times when only half the people who are supposed to discuss it are there, and only half of those again are actually paying attention.

[@tiberiuscodius5828]

As someone who worked in my state Senate for a while, the senate chamber scene was all too familiar

[@grindingbricks]

So far, nothing have been pointless in this show, so good to watch and enjoy!

[@MCsCreations]

The first 2 episodes felt pointless in the beginning... But I'm already looking at them from a new light.

[@grindingbricks]

@@MCsCreations Exactly, all the small details that we see that may seemed pointless at the moment, are in fact another filament of this canvas. Dang i'm a poet! hahaha

[@MonstersNotUnderTheBed]

And all the crybaby fans are mostly pointing to 5 total minutes of kitchen scenes with Cyril. I went back and counted.

[@MonstersNotUnderTheBed]

@@MCsCreations Nah. Obviously they were building up to a climax in the first two. This is basically a movie.

[@Ewokpilot65]

@@MonstersNotUnderTheBed *Syrill

[@andyb1653]

Amazing episode. RIP to half the heist crew. Didn't expect Skeen's heel turn though.

[@Raygo.]

I picked him out as a traitor in the last episode, but I expected him to be an imperial spy undercover.

[@andyb1653]

@@Raygo. I actually thought he and Cassian had found something of an understanding. I guess he did too, lol.

[@Raygo.]

@@andyb1653 I think Cassian was a complication he didn't expect! Not sure how he planned to fly that shuttle though. I think his final play was part desperation, part poker bluff. He must surely have noticed the bond forming between "Clem" and Nemik, but I guess he could still have thought "Clem" would go for it. Agree with you about the show, just 10/10 all the way.

[@nightgirlgaming1985]

Really liked the portrayal of the Imperials. We had many scenes humanizing them, like the gambling scene, and they were actually competent, comms guy figuring out that something is wrong and almost crashing the heist. Also really liked the moment when the engineer drew his gun. He died trying to protect a child..shows that they aren't all comically evil

[@kjw79]

Commas guy was cool and an interesting character. Good acting.

[@ohkaygoplay]

The episodes before this one absolutely had to happen for this episode to hold so much power. It was tension the entire time with no chance to breathe. By this point, those of us who stayed are deep into the story, and invested in the characters. The writing was amazing, the portrayal of the Imperials and even the way they respected the lives of other Imperials was humanizing. It left you not fully happy with the outcome, because the ending was still raw and layered. And the kid...I'm heartbroken. I liked him. He's the one I'm grieving the most. Actual sorrow. THAT'S what it means when you invest time and energy into diving into the depths of all a story has to offer. So far, Andor is my favorite Star Wars series.

[@multipass113]

Something you said a few videos back really resonated with me while watching Episode 6 and that is how this show values lives. There were many attempts made during the heist: the visiting Colonel’s demand at letting the boy go, the Commandant telling his men to cooperate, Vel’s promise if the plan goes well, Korn’s attempt at ordering Kimzi’s group to retreat.....in a sci-fi show where death equates to cool blaster sounds this realistic take was so refreshing, and much needed.

[@josephperdue8469]

Right on!

[@MoFiTheMagnificent]

This show is so good. Not content but an actual story

[@vandrews]

Gotta say: loved your analysis! Nemik is clearly the Thomas Paine of Star Wars' rebellion. One thing I haven't seen brought up: I think the aldani priest quickly intuited what was happening which was why the dance of the pilgrims was so intense - they were praying for the rebels' good fortune. The tear of joy was meant to symbolize the success of the operation and the birth of Hope. Moreover, the imperial gantry's awe upon the culmination of the celestial storm was meant to represent a shared common humanity and that people on the other side aren't lost completely.

[@Evelyn-qt3hi]

Also, notice how when Tamaryn tells Skeen to cover him so he can get to the ship, Skeen takes a shot as Tamaryn starts to run, then immediately falls back into cover, choosing to save his own skin and letting Tamaryn get shot in the process

[@kjw79]

Exactly, he doesn’t even look him in the eye when asked for cover. He already knew.

[@marshalllatta2073]

Episode 6 was amazing it was so beautiful

[@khanji_klub2331]

Episode 6 of Andor compares so well to Episode 4 of Kenobi. Episode 6 is a well-structured and well-narrated heist that you can believe would play out in the way it did with ramifications for the wider story of the show and will be remembered by those who watched it. Episodes 4 and 5 were so central to the heist cause it made us all CARE about the heist, not just the rebels but even the imperials as well. Episode 4 of Kenobi on the other hand could merely have not existed. Kenobi and Tala were able to simply waltz into FORTRESS INQUISITORIUS and get away with Leia. Nothing matters, no one cares and it’s so campy it’s genuinely almost unwatchable. The biggest difference is; I’ll never watch Kenobi again, whereas I’ll watch Andor again and again for years.

[@ericsilver9401]

Hopefully this show sets a precedent for future Star Wars productions. Even if they aren’t a slow burn every show needs to have tension and payoff, not just payoff

[@igotwect3174]

and thanks to the infamous trench coat technique they got to waltz right out

[@trashaimgamer7822]

Almost like how luke could just waltz into the desth star, happen to run into Leia and waltz out with her. Again. The empire simply seems to be too incompetent to keep a Leia.

[@khanji_klub2331]

@@igotwect3174 don’t even get me started on that shite😂

[@MonstersNotUnderTheBed]

Bad writing vs writing where writers did research and understand a specops guerrilla operation. Whole op gave me Where Eagles Dare vibes.

[@lewiscook7493]

Everything about this episode was magnificent: the acting, the writing, the visuals, the action were all impeccably done and left me spellbound. This show has been wonderful from the beginning and only continues to get better with each new episode.

[@StallionStudios1234]

What is more magnificent is how far I can piss out of my ass from eating 2 dozen mandarin oranges. The spray is huge and is like a waterfall.

[@AR-io8fv]

This is the kind of elite writing that we deserve

[@deftomnivore215]

This is the episode that has hooked me, the tension I felt as the heist was going down turned out blew me out of the water and they did not hold back at all. On top of that now I'm wondering where this series is gonna go. Very exited for what's to come.

[@LordJaric]

Nemik's death is the saddest. He doesn't go down in a firefight or a heroic sacrifice. Instead, it was an accident that cost him his life. Just standing in the wrong spot at the wrong time.

[@joshuam.6027]

I adore Andor, this is the Star Wars I was longing for...

[@FatherOfDreams]

I really LOVE HOW it’s kinda following the clone wars arc system were each 3 episodes have a new story that all lead up to an even larger one

[@Chisszaru]

The sixth episode was good. Especially the part where Andor shoots down the snake. All heist crews needs a hero who doesn't know he's a hero, a guy who's the snake, and reveals it in the end, the boss, who's narrow-minded, but yet knows stuff, the hero who believes in something, but tragically dies, the native person who knows the ins and outs, and of course the person who keeps everyone and everything together. That's what we got with the Andor series

[@wahn10]

Great analysis video. Nemec is not naive, he is very strategic. He understands the value of mercenaries in rebellions as essential tools. And I love that he bequeathed his manifesto to Andor, further fueling our hero's journey from mercenary to true believer. Amazing episode, and I love the patience and planning of the show runners.

[@justincarter1217]

Still crazy the the star wars “heroes” doing some pretty villainous and dark side things , like pressing the barrels of their weapons to a childs skull

[@cowinsgaming9664]

For the greater good

[@gunargundarson1626]

No one cares about the ashes of war, just whether or not it can used to nurture futures. Just look at America's bloody history, it rather put it on reserves and hide away despite "copying" each other's tactics.

[@richardched6085]

@@cowinsgaming9664 For what? At this point there is no greater good. It's a heist to steal 80 million credits. Where are those credits going? The Rebellion? There is no Rebel Alliance yet.

[@kirani111]

@@richardched6085 at this point, they're basically just terrorists, not the rebellion. Without this cutthroat beginning the future heroes of the rebellion wouldn't be afforded morals- they'd be forced to act no better than Saw Guerrera and his people.

[@ilo3456]

@@richardched6085 The point is that the dude that hired Andor needs finances to run different rebel cells, he is running multiple cells and making sure they are financed to keep running, with the money from the heist he can make use of money that can't be tracked back to him to do more things to fight the empire. He is currently relying on funding that Mon Mothma can wire him but that funding is drying up because of Mon Mothma drawing attention and being monitored by the Imperials.

[@rabbitsfoot8]

I think this is the best video you've ever made... articulate as usual but you really went deep on this one. The way you described how a society begins to behave under totalitarian rule was simply fantastic

[@skyden24195]

Unfortunately, too relative of events current.

[@TheChromeRonin]

@@skyden24195 Maybe we would end up with the rebellion being promised weapons and armour to fight the empire, not actual troops or people putting their own blood on the line.

[@wildfire9280]

@@skyden24195 Things are looking up in Iran though.

[@JBzucc]

This show is definitely the best thing Disney has produced so far, even better than the mandolin which for me was a bit eh cause of how episodic it was at times, I'd even go as far to say that this has been my favorite starwars experience since playing the games and watching the original and prequel trilogy back in the early 00s, it's something new and refreshing to see starwars grow up with me for a change, a shame that Andor out of all characters has been treated with more respect than Boba Fett and Obi Wan

[@ILLEGOmaniac]

As a decades long fan... Andor is the best Star Wars I've had since watching the special edition ESB in cinemas. I can see how it won't be everyone's cup of tea, but it's the SW I've been waiting for ever since the old 80s and 90s Expanded Universe novels gave us a glimpse into a version of SW less obsessed with lame comic-book superpowers and superweapons, instead playing in the same familiar sandbox but expanding it to politics and institutions, worldbuilding and character development. This is live action SW that carries on the torch from Zahn, Stackpole, Tyers and Allston (and actually does it better).

[@josephperdue8469]

@@ILLEGOmaniac I agree. Good writing.

[@soniaholcombe7002]

I was so stressed watching episode 6. It was very well played and I agree with your analysis. Long live the rebellion !😄❤️

[@fumfering]

Yeah, I had to pause it a few times and remind myself to breathe!

[@SilasZoeBell]

They did a really good job of cutting back and forth between the heist and the party at the fire pit. It really built a lot of tension.

[@FudoshinAspects]

I actually watched the credits of episode six thinking it was the end of the Andor series.

[@GenerationTech]

Lol right?!

[@fumfering]

I totally forgot it's only halfway through the series!

[@glowinglich5622]

One thing that I really liked about the hostage scene was when the imperial officer was asking them to just let the child go, it's different when imperials are demanding that they be freed but the guys only concern was for the kid and he got shot for it. I just really like how human Andor is compared to everything else from star wars we've seen

[@TheChromeRonin]

Right up until the end, I thought it was going to be Cinta who would break. When she was left alone with the commanders wife and child, I thought she might go bad and kill them out of revenge for her lost family. I really did like the way it went in the end. No good plan ever survives contact with the enemy.

[@igitaq]

The first half of this series has been awesome. I have seen complaints that the show is too slow or isn't fun and entertaining like the rest of Star Wars. I couldn't disagree more. It adds so much to the universe especially during the gaps between the movies. Even the flashback scenes, which some have called useless and boring did have a big impact. They showed a young idealistic Andor, one full of eagerness and belief in the cause of his tribe. He then witnesses the seemingly pointless death of the girl he admired and wished to emulate informing the man he would become. He grew disillusioned and cautious only to meet these rebels. He may be opening back up to those ideas but he still ruled by practicality and fear at the moment. The show has so many amazing elements from writing to acting, music and editing. The way the editing grew frenetic as the action developed and helped convey the tension experienced on both sides was great to watch. I have also heard that Andor is the show that Star Wars needs which isn't entirely true. You can have a burger that is just beef and bun. Andor is the cheese and catsup and pickles, the salt and pepper. It just adds so much more depth to the flavor of the Star Wars universe.

[@Major98]

This is the best episode of this series so far.

[@StallionStudios1234]

It makes me so excited it gives me diarrhea boiling in my belly.

[@aaronmoss1760]

Rip Nemic you will be missed

[@multipass113]

Endearingly, you sound just like Nemik in this video- trying to see the good in every character. The cynical me just thought Skeen only fought for the doctor’s visit so that he can buy time to set his plan in motion. Thanks for the video, been enjoying your analysis on this show.

[@Raygo.]

It strikes me that there's something wrong with the idea that explosions and firefights are some kind of *_reward_* for being *_patient._* A more mature audience *_enjoys_* and *_appreciates_* world-building and character development when it's done well. As it most definitely is in this show. I'm afraid I kind of pity all the eternal fanboys whining "it's slow" and "there's no action" and "it's not Star Wars". If real *_drama_* is too subtle for you, you guys should probably just stick to Transformer movies.

[@FluffLBunny]

I couldn't agree more.

[@Kapi.23]

i've been blown away by the Star Wars universe since i was maybe 5. my parents didn't have the disposable income to get me the toys, so i would draw space battles, make papercraft ships, later on i went to binge every video game i could that had the label "star wars" on it. But since Rogue One, i've changed my view so much. That movie (which i loved), left me a horrible feeling. I left the theater and i wasn't cheerful, even thou i enjoyed the movie. It was heart breaking to know that every character from the rebellion who volunteered to the Attack on Scariff, gave his life. And no one was certain of the success they had. It takes so much bravery to resist and fight till the bitter end. Just regular people, not space wizards, no superhumans, no force wielders. Just plain grunts. I think the Rogue One movie and now Andor, have become my favorite part of the franchise. That's why Empire Strikes Back it's considered the best movie of the saga by most of the fans, because it is a rude awakening, you pissed of the evil empire, and they are coming hard on you. And all you can do is run and hide

[@Raygo.]

@@Kapi.23 I hear you. The Original Trilogy was my fascination as a kid. But I always felt the movies (and even the books of the movies) just didn't have enough in them about the characters and their backstories, their thoughts and feelings, so I used to write my own versions of the stories filling everything out! 😏 I reread some of them coupla years back and realized they weren't very good! But I like to think the process taught me something about stories, and why we love and need them. I think they teach us about life, and the more they resemble real life, the more they have to offer us. I do love the Jedi characters though, the idea of "the Force". For me it represents the spiritual side of life that we humans also seem to need. But this new "HBO style" of SW we're seeing in Rogue One and Andor is truly blowing me away. I think the whole story means so much more when we know that bad things can happen to good people, that the dark side is powerful and not to be denied, that existence is complicated and messy. I think SW is finally growing up, and hopefully so am I.

[@Justin_Leone]

It's not really that explosions and firefights are a reward in and of themselves, but they do tend to signify a climax to a story line that involves a conflict. If the story has done it's job of building up tension, the climax releases that tension in a satisfying way. Without the world building, which should be interesting in its own right, the climax falls flat. No climax, and the worldbuilding starts to lack purpose. I think the 3 episode rhythm of buildup and climax they have going is an ideal pace.

[@scotthinkley554]

This episode was amazing! I loved the comparison/contrast between Andor and Skeen. Two sides of a coin...err credit.

[@IsaacKuo]

I don't think Skeen really planned to betray the others. He couldn't have planned for all these things to end up with himself in a position to steal all the loot for himself. I think Skeen was realizing that the mission was way more dangerous than he expected at the start, so he was looking to bail out. Obviously, even Vel had nervousness when it came right down to it. And as it turned out, the mission was indeed dangerous and Skeen was lucky to be one of the ones who made it off the planet. Just too much luck involved for it to be a plan. Just before Andor kills Skeen, we briefly see him twist his face in anger. Cassian is angry all right, but we're left to interpret why. I think it's because he's upset that Skeen has turned this into a "him or me" situation. Cassian sees that Skeen could have simply celebrated the victory and walked away. Skeen could have simply "won and walked away". Instead, Skeen's opportunistic greed has made him make a 50-50 bid for all the money. Or maybe Skeen's death is even more tragic ... maybe Skeen thought Cassian was going to kill him and take all the money. That's what he'd do. So maybe the only reason he tried to convince Clem to share the money is because he thought a 50% shot was better than 0. I really like how Skeen's character and words have so much ambiguity. Even now we really aren't sure whether he was lying about his brother. I think he was telling the truth.

[@jasons5916]

He was probably opportunistic, but also trying to set himself up. When he is supposed to cover Taramyn, he only shoots a few times and then leaves T wide open to get shot. He was suspicious of Andor because that's just another person he has to fight later on to take the money. Andor doesn't want to kill people, but they keep giving him no choice, so that makes him angry.

[@fumfering]

Skeen is hard to read. The script sets him up as either a spy or a traitor, but he looks genuinely scared during the heist, shocked about the injury, and sincere about wanting to go to the medic. It's only when he's alone that he hatches his plan.

[@jasons5916]

@@fumfering I don't think he wants to kill anyone in order to take the money. Stealing the ship while the others are busy trying to save the kid makes that easy. Otherwise he could have shot them while they were all on the ship and flew off with it.

[@IsaacKuo]

@@jasons5916 Big problem with that idea - Skeen can't fly the ship. No ship, no money. But he knows Clem _can_ fly the ship. And unlike Vel (the other one who can fly the ship), Clem's in it for a big fat payout after less than a week's work. That's what kicks Skeen's paranoia into overdrive.

[@Commander_Shepard.]

Why would Skeen lie about a dead brother if he didn't care about the money?

[@Forever_orwhatever]

Great analysis! I love how from what Skeen knows of Andor you can totally understand why he thought they were the same and somebody likely to go along with the plan to take the money.

[@IsaacKuo]

I suspect it's even worse than that. Skeen projects on Andor. So, as luck would have it, he ends up alone with Clem next to the ship, while everyone else is too far away to even hear a blaster go off. What's Skeen thinking? He's thinking Clem is going to shoot him and take all the money for himself. After all, that's what he'd do. So Skeen thinks ... maybe he's got a chance if he somehow fools Clem into "sharing" the money. Pretend he's got a safe deserted moon to hang out on. Skeen knows Clem's on the run ... a deserted moon might sound valuable to him. So maybe it wasn't so much Skeen's greed that doomed him. Maybe it was Skeen's paranoia. Because if Skeen had just sat there with Clem, basking in their shared glory ... they could have both won and walked away.

[@fumfering]

The thing is, at this point Andor thinks they're alike, too. He's not an introspective guy, so it takes a close look from the outside to recognize the little tics and behaviors that signal that he's motivated by anything other than greed and a simple wish to find a lost sister. I look forward to watching how he gets from here to accepting that he has a real mission.

[@IsaacKuo]

@@fumfering Andor thought they were alike because Skeen was motivated by the memory of his brother. The irony is that Skeen thought the opposite, because "Clem" never mentioned anything about his family, and gave the impression that money was the only thing he cared about. Certainly that's what the kid was thinking as he sleeplessly tried to come to terms with the fact that "Clem" was a mercenary. But when Cassian says, "Do I look thankful to you?" ... I think the kid realizes there's something more there. Look. Kassa knows he has to be careful when poking around trying to find out leads to his sister. He's not going to say a word about it to these people. And whatever he feels he owes to the memory of his father Clem? We haven't been shown that yet, but ... we've seen enough to deduce that it's important to him. So far we've only been given tidbits ... the way Luthen chose to mention what happened to Cassian's father, while recruiting him. The way Cassian chose the cover name "Clem". The way Luthen then said, "For the next five days you're Clem." It's important. We will find out why.

[@flowrbrain5]

skeen's analysis was on point dude, well done

[@crazybassbro]

I've been waiting all day for your breakdown, please continue to fill my week with Andor hype, it makes waiting for the next episode so much easier.

[@davidfairchild1640]

This show, and particularly this episode, may be the best sci-fi on TV since BSG ended almost 15 years ago.

[@laughingowl7896]

I believe, that while necessary, the action detracted from the show. I found myself quite comfortably settling into the characters themselves. There is more I want to say, but I don't yet know how to express it. And I guess that is really the point the Gilroys are getting at. The fight brings out who we are in that moment. In 1983 I jumped out of an airplane under fire. I still don't quite know how to explain that experience beyond my fear. I was fucking terrified. I already miss Karis Nemik. I hope his manifesto is read somehow during the rest of the series.

[@allanh33123]

Episode 6 was amazing.. I feel like the pace is going to start picking up now. The heist and follow parts felt like they were quick, but smooth

[@MonstersNotUnderTheBed]

Pace has been completely fine.

[@fumfering]

What a ride! I knew it'd be good, but I didn't think it'd give me palpitations. The story has so much meat on its bones that we'll be able to feed off of it for a long time. I mean, Nemik the hippy nerd being the whole operation's secret weapon? I have no idea where Andor will take us next, but I'm ready for the ride.

[@warborn_inc.]

Really solid psychological breakdown. keep up the good work

[@jakecook2375]

Great analysis of the series so far and I do believe that Nimek's trust in Andor and leaving the Manifesto book to him is what will change Andor.

[@KingCobraLolcow]

I loved it. Seems like every third episode is a masterpiece!

[@godlikemachine645]

Yes. The first 2 of each arc are builder episodes and then there's a climax episode.

[@MonstersNotUnderTheBed]

They are all good. How boring would it be to have action without buildup. Cheap cheap action with nothing as it's foundation.

[@channingdeadnight]

I think Skeen was basically a coward at heart. He seemed in a panic throughout the gunfight much more than someone plotting to backstab the group. I honestly don't believe that he would have turned on the group if Nemick would have survived. With his death I believe that he lost his heart so to speak and felt that the "rebellion" part had failed and was cowardly trying to find fellowship with Andor in the only way he felt that he could relate. The prison bond he believed that they both shared. I'm still not sure if stealing the payroll was even his goal or if that was his way of trying to connect with Andor in his mistaken belief that he was just a mercenary with no other motivation other than greed. Which is his downfall. But i do believe that when he reaches out to Andor to steal the loot, this is more born out of cowardice and his need for Andor's strength rather than his greed for the 40 mil. But i think that we can all agree that, this show is fucking amazing. It exceeded my expectations in every way possible. Lol it's also the only Star Wars product since Return of the Jedi that I can remember to have in almost every practicality universal support from every corner of the galaxy. I haven't been able to find a single angry Star Wars nerd willing to complain out loud about this show. Which is an absolute first for me. Except the few people with an attention span of a gnat complaining about the pacing of the show, it seems that everyone understands just how amazing this show is.

[@racobjeba]

That nice little “good soldiers…. Follow orders” tossed in talking about Taramyn is what earned my like on this video. Classy little reference that

[@GenerationTech]

Clone wars fan over here I see ;)

[@robmx2324]

Awesome episode, didn’t expect the double cross. Once again, awesome episode.

[@lukesearle1302]

I loved this episode as it was in the same vein as old WW2 films like "Where eagles dare" I loved those films and this is what I always wanted to see from a Star Wars Film or TV series.

[@MarcoCarag]

Right on again. I'm so grateful for these videos and analyses that add even more to the character development we're given in screen. This episode itself was amazing. Purely excellent craftsmanship all around. I also love how we find it that the heist was a success -- by seeing how Mon Mothma and Luthen find out. A brilliant way to release the tension (and a fun glimpse of the Senate).

[@robdixson196]

This definitely rings true. Horrible people almost always aggressively accuse others of being what they themselves are. I swear it is written in the A-hole handbook.

[@ganapatikamesh]

You excellently weaved everything we learned about the characters in episode 5 with everything we learn in episode 6 and present a fuller explanation of the characters we’ve been journeying with. I really enjoyed your analysis that highlights why the previous episodes are important to what we are witnessing in the most recent episode. I think you basically said everything I felt after watching episode 6. You articulated way better than I ever thought to do so. Very well done!!!!!

[@Shawn_M]

I can’t believe how good this show is. I was pulling out my hair with stress from the start RIP Gorn!😢 He was So GOOD at playing the Good imperial while plotting the job. I couldn’t even tell he was hit on first watch

[@GenerationTech]

Yeah I had to rewatch that scene

[@DaftRabbit09]

"or if you're really creatively bankrupt, you go with Starkiller Base". I laughed so hard at this. You're going to tilt the younger gen SW fans with language like that (and I'm here for it).

[@BillieB.]

An amazing episode, definitely kept me on edge the whole time!

[@Kapi.23]

i've been blown away by the Star Wars universe since i was maybe 5. my parents didn't have the disposable income to get me the toys, so i would draw space battles, make papercraft ships, later on i went to binge every video game i could that had the label "star wars" on it. But since Rogue One, i've changed my view so much. That movie (which i loved), left me a horrible feeling. I left the theater and i wasn't cheerful, even thou i enjoyed the movie. It was heart breaking to know that every character from the rebellion who volunteered to the Attack on Scariff, gave his life. And no one was certain of the success they had. It takes so much bravery to resist and fight till the bitter end. Just regular people, not space wizards, no superhumans, no force wielders. Just plain grunts. I think the Rogue One movie and now Andor, have become my favorite part of the franchise. That's why Empire Strikes Back it's considered the best movie of the saga by most of the fans, because it is a rude awakening, you pissed of the evil empire, and they are coming hard on you. And all you can do is run and hide

[@GenerationTech]

Thanks for sharing that

[@kurtinfl]

But Andor isn't a typical everyday person who has yet to take a side. In Rogue One he said that he had been in the fight since he was 6 years old. Think about that. He's actually been operating from a very particular ethical and moral position the while time. He just hasn't integrated his personal drives with those of the Rebel Alliance yet.

[@IsaacKuo]

I take the "6 years old" thing to mean Cassian hasn't yet learned what really happened to his people. Obviously he's searching for answers. When he finds them, he'll discover that the Empire has been his enemy all along.

[@gnosticares]

Episode 5 was amazing because it built tension masterfully. The characters were all clearly nervous and translated it well to the audience. By the end of the episode I truly felt the anticipation before the storm right along with the team. They even went so far as to have the characters say the calm before the storm is agonizing, and the whole episode 'dragging on' make the viewer immerse into the same feelings as the characters. The criticism of wanting to fast forward to episode 6 and start the heist is exactly what episode 5 needed to set up. The characters themselves wanted to skip to episode 6, so to speak, and just get it all over with because of all the built up anticipation.

[@thelieutenant7732]

I've heard everyone say how "pure" and "innocent" Nemic is, but to me he has all signs pointing to that he's a likely candidate for extremism to hold true to his ideals if he was to survive.

[@FluffLBunny]

Well yeah. That is what makes a person throw away the security of participating in an unjust society and instead choose to be a part of a violent rebellion. Every rebel is an extremist in the society they are rebelling against. This isn't inherently a bad thing. Supporting your ideals through violence is extreme. Sometimes its a necessary extreme.

[@thelieutenant7732]

@@FluffLBunny Well there's the rebellion's normal bar for extremism and then there's Saw Gerrera's extremism that far surpasses it. He was too devoted and didn't seem like he had anything or anyone who could've been levied against him, no mention of his friends or family or even a clear exact motive or point in his life that changed him. To me he simply was too dedicated and didn't have any second thoughts on the potential consequences of his actions. He's like that one kid you meet in college who's convinced that they'll change the world politically. But I guess this debate would extend beyond just one man and then shift to tackle the Rebellion's victory and destruction of the Empire above all else which is a very lengthy subject.

[@mahdisol34]

The eye was exactly how i expected it to be. It was marvelous

[@momaw_C1-10P]

Both Andor and House of the Dragon are masterclasses in writing, acting and directing. In a tv and movie landscape where plot is the thin connective tissue between over the top action sequences and mostly relegated to brief exposition, these shows are a breath of fresh air. They trust their audiences to pick up on the actors facial expressions, delivery tone, and subtle body language to tell the story. And they aren't afraid to linger in the moment to build tension or atmosphere. It's such a joy to watch. I honestly feel sad for those that are complaining about the lack of 'spolsions every 5 minutes.

[@gl0bal7474]

Im currently re-watching Andor (or the 4th time). I copped the DVDs. Its a masterpiece. and coming back to your analysis , you do an excellent job of pointing out the details and themes that make this series standout

[@chrisaguilera1564]

Alan...you are poet.

[@khandimahn9687]

I am loving the slower pace of Andor. We are given time to get to know these characters, and the world around them. We are seeing these people as people.

[@modigady1]

Spot on review. I’m loving this show so far… can’t wait for the next mini-arc of Andor’s story.

[@PraniGopu]

I still cannot get over Nemik's death. It feels like a gut punch every time I think of it. He seemed like a beautiful individual, and I really wanted him to live 😔

[@GenerationTech]

His words live on in that datapad

[@PraniGopu]

@@GenerationTech True, that's the only bit of solace I can find. He lives on, at least in some way, in Andor's thoughts and actions...

[@morganb6717]

thank you, Generation Tech. i have been enjoying your installments of Alan featuring Andor.

[@blul1te653]

This show, which deviates from the normal Star Wars formula of quick dialogue and heavy action, is one of the most beautiful and enjoyable Star Wars experiences I have ever taken part in. Thanks Gen Tech again for convincing me to watch it.

[@concernedearthling3353]

I think Arvel was just trying to test Andor and was not serious about the betrayal but Andor is to much of a survivor so he chose not to take the chance and look out for himself. It was a good moment of writing that leaves you to decide it for yourself.

[@Mirage475]

I don't know he felt quite genuine with him saying he was lying about his backstory. Even if it was a ruse it would mean that the rest of the team was in on it. Faye the leader didn't seem like she was. Rather she just seemed super ignorant at grasping people's true character. But this type of discussion is a testament to the writing quality

[@ericsilver9401]

I feel he genuinely didn’t care for the cause, realized how close to death he came, and since he values himself before others he wanted to get out and do it with a lot of cash. I don’t fully understand why Andor shot him, but it could of been that he feared if he turned down the request Arvel would of killed him instead to cover up his attempted betrayal

[@Mirage475]

@@ericsilver9401 Only reason Skeen kept Andor alive at that moment was because he needed him to fly the ship. Had it been a ship Skeen could fly Andor would be dead in that field instead. Andor couldn't take that chance because he knew Skeen would've been more than happy to kill him and take the money once he flew the ship to a place where Skeen didn't have any more use for him.

[@hellfish2309]

I think Skeen was more invested Nemik than even he realized; so upon delivering Nemik to doc and maybe seeing how doomed his condition is, Skeen reverts back to the score and is down with bailing … whether Skeen had a brother or not, Nemik was a kind of brother to him; seeing as Andor is through no real fault the reason Nemik dies, so too does any allegiance or cooperation with Vel’s cell

[@davidparmly8828]

3:25 Remember what Tamryn was before he was a rebel: A stormtrooper, an Imperial Infantryman, shock-trooper. He is the ex-infantryman that trained this team to fight. How do we see this in Epi 6? OK, so for the non-soldiers here, Infantrymen are trained to work as a 2-person team. The 2-man buddy team operates as a unit. One guy provides covering fire (force bad guy to duck, skew their aim, etc), while the other guy moves from one covered spot across a danger area/beaten zone to another covered spot. You don't move without someone covering you or it ends up badly for the mover. One guy says "Cover me: I'm moving." The other guys says "Move" or probably just opens up covering fire. The mover leaves protection and takes off. Once the mover gets to a covered spot, he says "Set", or something and now HE becomes the guy that provides the covering fire. So no one moves without their buddy covering them unless they are desperate. Soldiers spend hours, days, practicing this, developing their techniques, who says what to whom, when, etc. Tamryn, the ex-soldier, calls for covering fire so he can move into the open. Skeen, with what looks like a heavier firing weapon, is the perfect guy to provide it and he steps out and starts to engage. Pops off a few rounds. Tamryn sees this and starts to move. Then watch what Skeen does. Just as Tamryn is committed in the open, can't turn back, fully exposed, Skeen pulls back, ceasing fire and ducking behind the column. As soon as I saw this I said, "WTH? Did he want him to get popped?" Hmm. Turns out he did. One less person to have to try to peel off to divide the cash. I knew then that Skeen was bad business, and was not to be trusted with your life.

[@dj_kringo]

Andor episode six was amazing? Nah bro, the WHOLE SHOW is amazing

[@Based_Trogo]

As someone who was introduced to the Original Trilogy at like 5 or 6 years old (born in '98) and have never touched any EU book or novelization, I have to say this is some of the best star wars I've seen since the time I first fell in love with the OT. When I was a kid I understood evil from a comical level. Now with Andor I feel like that kid again but now my understanding of evil has matured, and so in the same sense, Tony Gilroy has matured star wars with me. To make it short and sweet, I love Andor and it feels like it was custom tailored for me. keep up the ever awesome content Alan!!!

[@jecast216]

I love the show. Proves once again, Star Wars doesnt have to dumb down to its audience. Its the catalyst for what happens in the original movies

[@TheHonoredMadman]

I love the entourage reference dude, underrated show

[@DROIDFARM]

Anyone else see Mon Mothma's husband and say "Laird of the Glenn Boggle"? He is Archie a Lord in a BBC show about Scotland. This show Andor and the BBC one are good stuff. Thank you as always!

[@outdoortherapy6332]

Unexpected entourage comparison landed perfectly love it.

[@myyklmax]

Heroes and Great Leaders are created through surviving adversity (Harry, Potter, Frodo Bagging, Queen Daenyrah, Luke Skywalker). They are chosen not by choice but by necessity. We are watching and learning why Cassian Andor has been chosen to be a leader.

[@shepherd8762]

Nemik dying was expected yet still sad to see. I was hoping to see the whole damn blown up returning the land to the original inhabitants.

[@theawesomeman9821]

the alian doctor killed him

[@LordJaric]

@@theawesomeman9821 ....what?

[@theawesomeman9821]

@@LordJaric the kid was still alive until the doctor operated on him

[@LordJaric]

@@theawesomeman9821 Doesn't mean he killed him. It means he failed to save him.

[@theawesomeman9821]

@@LordJaric the doctor was working for Skeen, so he could have been in on it

[@ScottHallX]

Hi Allen - Your analyses of Andor have been extraordinary. You seem to be plugged into the Republic Archives because the lore you bring to bear is so deep. But my favorite part is your ability to pull apart the story and characters revealing the harmony of this screenplay. Thank you sir!

[@promisespleases]

Thanks, Alan, for your in -depth analysis and your wise conclusions which are pertinent to real life. So great, bravo.

[@KonaiNobi]

"Slow Burn" is the best! 😃 Absolutely brilliant breakdown @GT.

[@UnkillableMrStake]

I find the relationship between Vel and Cinta particularly interesting in this episode and I like the implication that they have a deeper relationship than the previous episode let on.

[@fatmongo]

Andor has me feeling emotions that I've never felt watching Star Wars. It's been an amazing ride so far and I think your analysis is dead-on.

[@TheHonoredMadman]

This show is soo good. And it's not relying on nostalgia like the other ones. Not saying they were all bad or anything but the this show is objectively a class above the others.

[@lentztu]

This became an awesome Wisecrack “Philosophy of” episode…love it

[@sessions1617]

Nailed it. ⚡️⚡️spot on breakdown. This show has a lot of really complex shit happening which is why it’s so good.

[@sylvesterlee7548]

What people doesnt understand is that Ep5 is basically the calm before the storm (Ep6 being the storm). People now a days just want 2 lightsabers swinging around and force pushing around to get their kicks up for starwars

[@joshuahandhand8959]

This show has been a surprise to be sure... but a welcome one!

[@chrisaguilera1564]

I think I know why people think Andor is boring and slow. It's drawn like a novel, a book narration that is far removed from what the average instant gratification 3 second attention spanned nuckle-heads that Disney has been pandering since TFA. I.E, they don't read books so they can't appreciate it on anything but a Disney theme-parked product level, that only consists of mindless content. This is art and can be appreciated by people who have the patience and understanding of how a good story is written. Parts of Obi-Wan were embarrassing and most of Boba-Fett was beyond redemption, they are junk food but Andor is just a lovely meal that comes out in stages and you can savor every bite. Ok now I'm hungry.

[@brandonleehenry6393]

Bro, that analysis was top tier! You were able to articulate the humanity and psychology of every character in a way no other content creator has. Outstanding

[@humankindisawakening1240]

Good stuff, brother, thank you 🙏🤍🙏