There's Something Wrong with Luthen Rael...

[@GenerationTech]

Install Hero Wars FOR FREE before October 31 ✅ clik.cc/FBep1 and get a chance to win some amazing prizes!🎃 Let's open a portal to the Dominion together!

[@zorkwhouse8125]

Imperial Moff Stalin said (para roughly) "one death is a tragedy, a million is a statistic.." Seems like that is the "regular" Star Wars presentation - as you alluded to regarding the death star. :-( Keep up the good work man.

[@isaacsantana6560]

He lord Vader father king lord dark dark plagues he behind everything u miss it go back to all lord Vader father behide everything king plagues lives

[@coryryder9070]

woried they showing it from sith side - jediknightryder

[@CorbCorbin]

So, why didn’t Luthen disguise himself when recruiting Andor?

[@CorvusRedd]

I’m starting to notice a trend in this show, especially after episode 7. Everyone seems to have a facade or something covering up their true selves. Like how Cassian had to pretend he was somebody else during the Aldhani mission, and Skeen was pretending so he could steal the money, and Luthen is playing two different personalities and so is Mon Mothma which is the part that really brings it home. Mon Mothma explains that she’s learned from Palpatine with the “show you the stone in my hand so you miss the knife at your throat” line. They’re really making a point with this show to emphasize on the sacrifice that comes with rebellion, the need to adapt to your enemy and get your hands dirty

[@rabbitsfoot8]

Excellent observation even down to her driver is really an agent pretending to be a driver

[@ugoeze7360]

It’s a spy thriller that involves clandestine affairs. If you ain’t doing subterfuge, you ain’t doing spying right.

[@lukesmith5531]

"All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when we are able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must appear inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy we believe we are far away; when far away, we mistake him believe we are near." - Sun Tzu Rebellion is war against the state, it is asymmetric warfare. Conventional war is impossible, the Imperial War Machine will crush them. So they lie, to the Empire, to each other, to their families. "Brother against Brother"

[@jacob4920]

@@rabbitsfoot8 He's not a very good agent, IMO, because his attention to Mon Mothma's activities, particularly with Luthen, doesn't seem especially sharp.

[@L33Reacts]

@Freedom First ding ding

[@xuttuh5260]

It's so intriguing and irritating that Luthen's art shop persona so much resembles senator Palpatine before his "deformation".

[@pcread]

exactly. The hair, the robes, the manner. And the duplicity, playing a much bigger game.

[@stormhawk4277]

Glad I’m not the only one who saw a resemblance

[@jacob4920]

When he goes into the back room, to laugh about Aldhani, I kept hearing "Palpatine's Iconic Laugh-track" in the moment, while Luthen was laughing in silence. He's the literal Evil Emperor of the Rebellion at this point.

[@hal0odst754]

I hope the show don’t suddenly add in that he is a palpatine also. Like one who survived shev’s initial murders of his family… that will make this whole disney star wars all about palpatine

[@Killzoneguy117]

@TrueFact That makes no sense. The Sith are already dominant in the Galaxy. Palpatine has already achieved what Darth Bane set out to. The more likely explanation is that Luthen is just a ruthless, calculating individual who is willing to do whatever it takes to destroy the Empire

[@LittleRabbit1138]

My history professor put it perfectly when discussing the American Revolution, in particular Patrick Henry and other rabble rousers. "At the start of any rebellion or insurrection, you need the extremists, otherwise it will never begin.After you begin to win, you need more level-headed leaders." (edit spelling)

[@wanyekest6969]

Incredibly based

[@davidparmly8828]

This is a very thoughtful video. I am an ex-professional soldier. There is a dichotomy, a dynamic tension, between a leader that loves his troops, who cares intimately about their welfare, who protects them from harm, trains them to be as lethal as possible to preserve their lives as far as is possible, and yet knowing that all those efforts lead to one, and only only one, purpose: To prepare them for the moment when you order them into harm's way, tell them to place their lives in mortal peril at your command. This dichotomy is one that is constantly considered among combat commanders at all levels. There is a coldness to men making battle plans, in full knowledge there will be death and suffering enroute to a possibly successful outcome. After the battle, there is an even more coldly brutal process of "after-action review" (AAR), whereby all a leader's decisions, actions and outcomes are analyzed, probed, questioned, defended. Mon Mothma is a naïve idealist if she believes power will be overturned without direct action, which must occasion suffering. Luthen is hardly a psychopath in the Saw Gurerra mode, simply for acknowledging the cost of direct action. It's been amusing listening to so many voices speak of Luthen as a borderline nut when ultimately he is merely like a combat commander ordering a battle plan into motion. You must love your men and yet be prepared to order their destruction to accomplish the mission. It's complicated.

[@wynfrithnichtwo8423]

Some folks don’t get it. Life ain’t a aimbot. Blood is very messy in every way known to physics. It is good some folks are sheltered.

[@davidparmly8828]

@@wynfrithnichtwo8423 I've been impressed with the realism portrayed in Andor. The spec ops textbook of a slow buildup to an op, small insular teams, sand tables, rehearsals-rehearsals-rehearsals, TTPs of fire & maneuver, the-cost-of-winning. It's different than any SW we have been given and I appreciate and enjoy it. But clearly, we have a lot of folks with little patience for the way things really work.

[@bz5791]

Impressive analysis. I have the same thoughts on Luthen and what he is trying to accomplish. The one thing I though was really important in regards to Allen's video is where he mentions Luthen's potential concern about moving too soon. I find this fascinating because this seems so real to me. You can plan all you want, but to be in a situation so complicated and dangerous, and yet the potential fate of the galaxy is riding on you making the right moves at the right time, has to be a weight only few can handle.

[@she_who_dares9713]

Great insight.

[@DavidEdge69]

What a great comment this is, to, as you mentioned at the start, a very thoughtful video. Your description of the dichotomy between loving/caring for a person then preparing for their destruction is both startling and heart-rending. Absolutely fascinating.

[@MrSteveK1138]

Luthen is the "face" of the dark side of rebellions especially after the heroic marble views of the Rebel Alliance in the original movies.

[@hellfish2309]

I really hope he’s just very grey with great range like I really want and expect to see a Trevor Philips working under Saw Gerrera or Cham Sendulla, some raging wildcard you just point at the Imps and keep your distance; he’d be the darker shade of the Rebels I’d like to see

[@nictipton1413]

That scene reminds me of Authur Fleck turning into the Joker, except in reverse.

[@jmhjr1419]

Luthen is a character playing a role. Depending on the circumstances he "falls into" the character he needs to play to accomplish his goals. I believe he is a professional spy who used acting skills to "be the character" that he envisions will further the cause. Think of Shakespeare "All the World is a stage, what part do you play". Luthen tailors his persona to the situation.

[@jacob4920]

Could be he's also a former actor, who is using his trade skill to orchestrate things behind the rebellion.

[@johnw391]

He’s a grifter

[@scottc2251]

@@johnw391 I think he is too. We're probably going to find out at some point that all the antiquities are fake. Like the holocrons and jedi temple mask.

[@BongoWongoOG]

Luther reminds me of Garak from DS9. Many personalities and depths depending on to whom he is in conversation.

[@JeromeMarcantel]

Luthen's character seems to function the same way that Andor's character does in Rogue One. As the protagonist of that film, Jyn is the reluctant hero who is thrown into the Rebellion by circumstance, but her reasons for fighting are just (both in the sense of 'justified' and as 'righteous'), so, like Luke Skywalker in New Hope, her innocence has to be directed by someone more experienced. The Andor of Rogue One is someone who has already had to get his hands dirty, has had to make moral compromises, for the sake of the Rebellion. Where her innocence threatens Jyn into inaction, Andor pushes her into action. In this series, Luthen seems to be that person, particularly with Mon Mothma, but by the end of the series we might see him doing the same for Andor, who -- although not innocent in the way Luke or Jyn were innocent -- is still naive in thinking he can avoid the inevitable conflict with the Empire.

[@nightpandas7178]

I'm thinking Andor's prison sentence is the thing that finally wakes him up and gets him to join the team

[@milan4989]

brilliant observation!

[@starwarsunlimiteduniverse]

*Saw Guerra: "I'm an agent of chaos.* *Luthen Rael: "I'm a chameleon. We are not the same.*

[@matheuss886]

I read this with their voices inside my mind

[@juancabardo21]

Now i will always hear this in my head

[@wanyekest6969]

@@matheuss886 I can feel them inside me 😊

[@PaulJWells-ud2eq]

Mon Mothma looks like the weakest Rebel cell leadership currently when compared to Saw Guerrera and Luthen. Yet she "wins" in the end. Even this storyline is ripe with potential. Last Leader Standing. This is the best Star Wars product produced ever. Thank you for the comprehensive coverage of this show on your channels. Great work!

[@michaelehlert6171]

Imagine if the scriptwriters of Andor wrote for the actual Star Wars films....they'd be at another level. There is so much unspoken dialog in this series that gives the actors a chance to actually act. I can only imagine how much better Kenobi and Boba Fett could have been.

[@AdhamOhm]

I feel like Mon is trying to go for a "big tent" approach to Rebellion by appealing to the centrists within the Empire, and that means having to not come across as an extremist. Luthen and Saw on the other hand are too concerned with getting rid of loose ends (Cassian) or not willing to work with groups that are also fighting the Empire but are not 100% on their side.

[@nightpandas7178]

Great point

[@Nautilus1972]

No, it's not better than the OT or the prequels or Mandalorian.

[@a-walpatches6460]

@@Nautilus1972 You say that like you think it's objective truth. It is by far the best thing Star Wars has ever done to a lot of people including me.

[@Iwan_Cigfran]

I have just discovered this channel, and I am very pleasantly surprised. I love the empathetic reviews, getting into the characters, and the moral themes of killing. I love how you end the videos saying, "My name is Alan, and my allegiance is to the Republic, the Democracy". Andor and Rogue One both made me think of how Politics has been sliding toward Authoritarianism. I hope as far as we are concerned there will be a formattable rebellion if Democracy is destroyed. Rebellions are built on Hope! Thank you for some very thought provoking content!

[@christineyan8942]

Yes I noticed that about Kleya and Luthen immediately when I saw how she spoke to him. My instant (and not very logical) thought was "Is she secretly Princess Leia?" 😂 Because she reminded me so much of Leia in that moment by the way she spoke and carried herself. I do believe she's superior to Luthen, and their arrangement with her as the assistant is just another clever disguise to draw attention away from her.

[@parcirecords]

(K)leya .. ;) ! i also thought the same ..

[@dogkungfu8510]

She is giving off Madame DeFarge vibes.

[@revanarchangel]

Leia couldn't be possibly stay the whole time as an assistant in some art shop at 5 BvY though

[@fumfering]

Not Leia, that would be a weak way to introduce her to the plot. I think she's junior to him, but they entered this operation together, and she's now intent on making sure he sticks with the plan, even though he believes (probably rightly) that it will end with his death.

[@peterbrazukas7771]

@@fumfering Also, at 5BBY Leia would be what, 13? 15 maybe?

[@TheWarmachine375]

At least with Saw Guerrera, he's honest about his attitude, methods and ideology directly.

[@GenerationTech]

yea he's a simple warrior who's risen far to high in the ranks, no ideology or clear goal... just destruction

[@L33Reacts]

@@GenerationTech chaos is a ladder

[@blackpowerdiva4958]

@Vince EXACTLY ❗️❗️❗️ 😡😡😡

[@AR-io8fv]

There’s need for both…

[@wynfrithnichtwo8423]

@@GenerationTech he has a goal the freedom of his home world from the cis, republic, and now empire. He was never prorepublic. He only accepted help because his sister did and they required it. It is like the Mandos. They had to get rid of Maul. They go to the republic. They end up occupied. Honestly Saw is more realistic then the hippie senator.

[@nathanieljackson5554]

It's fascinating to see all of these different rebel factions with no clear platform on how to get back at the Empire. The Aldahni crew all had different motivations to pull off the heist including Luthen. The Empire has a tendency to overreact to rebellion and the Aldahni heist seems to be the most significant attack since they came into power. Hopefully we'll see Cassian involved with other rebel cells throughout the series.

[@daltonwilson9432]

Thats what this is building up to. The money from this heist is likely going to be used to centralize the rebellion. The writing is on the wall. Luthen says "The network is up, we must grow or die". The rebel cells are already working together, albeit indirectly, through the "Fulcrum" program we see in 'Rebels'. This show is parallel to 'Rebels' in the timeline. The millions will go to building a proper fleet and equipment for ground forces. We hear Mon Mothma talk about Ghorman a lot, and in 'Rebels' she denounced Palpatine and the Ghorman Massacre publicly in the Senate and openly joined the rebellion as a leader. We are leading right into that moment just from a new perspective and getting to see how the bones of the rebellion where truly formed. I agree it is absolutely fascinating.

[@ILLEGOmaniac]

Separatists. Neo-Republicans Sectorists. Partitionists. Human cultists. Partisan Front. Even Maarla getting inspired to wage her own quixotic one-woman resistance.... I love that we get a glimpse into a Rebellion before there was a Rebel Alliance. Just as in every historical revolution, where a chaotic mishmash of rival, competing, even incompatible groupuscules with their own goals and ideologies start off fighting a common establishment separately, and only with difficulty coalesce first into uneasy fellow travellers and finally a unified cause.

[@uosdwiSrdewoH]

For that scene alone, where he changes clothes before going back to his shop, just give Stellan Skarsgard all the Emmys. It's brilliant.

[@slimrummy4616]

I don't think he ordered Andor to be killed, I think that chick did it on her own accord... That's the impression I got, because Val even said she thought she was meeting HIM, I think she is hiding stuff from luthian didn't tell him Val called and then went to tell Val to get ride of him

[@BARALover96]

I think she is the actual person in charge as well

[@EvilFookaire]

I don't recall the exact lines or who said which line, but there was an episode where Luthian and Mon spoke about bringing new faces into the circle (or council, something like that) and they disagreed with eachother. My take on it all is that you might be on to something, though I think Luthian and his "assistant" are both equal members in that circle/council, and the "assistent" is manipulating and using Luthen to get herself to the top of their organisation, and trying to "clean up" any loose ends that could prove it or which could harm her chances in another way. Definitely hiding stuff from him, and going behind his back, while playing the role of a concerned assistant/equal to his face. That meeting where Val thought she was meeting Luthian made me think even more that was the case. Luthian's an actor/manipulator, but the way the "assistant" basically told Val to off Cassan, and her facial expressions when she told Val to off Cassian, the way she basically tried to assert dominance over Val, also felt like she was simply trying to use Val as well.

[@MemphisCorollaS]

Agreed. Vel didn’t give her the kyber Crystal back for Luthen. Something felt off

[@saraloking5993]

When it came to shutting down communication, she turned out to be right, since it was being monitored.

[@sanjaraejour9632]

Luthen might have questioned his patience, but the opportunity for that heist could really only happen then. It required having someone inside the Imperial forces aiding it, it required the Eye as part of the distraction and a delay in action. The Eye only happens every three years, and the Empire was preparing to increase the defenses there. All of those factors added up to either going through with it, or calling that mission off permanently and losing the talent pooled for it.

[@jaybrooks1220]

Allen thanks for a REAL informative Star Wars channel. It ain't all about Jedi and Sith it's about the lore. Kinda like Andor which is by far the best Star Wars content Disney has put out even with the "filler" episodes. We've learned so much from this show and you and we're very gracious

[@L33Reacts]

I love your philosophical/idealism videos. So much pathos in the SW universe.

[@almostunliketea]

I think my favorite part of the opening scenes for Rogue One and Andor is how just those two scenes alone show the growth that we are gonna see Cassian go through. From someone who hesitates when shooting an enemy and looking shocked about doing so, to someone who can shoot a friend in the back to save his life and complete his mission.

[@kharnthebetrayer1575]

Luthan is the rebellion, Mon Became the heart .

[@W4kT3k]

Luthen is needy is all I got out of this 😜 We may never know who's leading this outfit, but Kleya is not only protecting Luthen, but herself, if she has put the hit on Cassian without Luthen's knowledge. I wish the Book of Boba Fett was like this series, except of spies, gangsters. Andor has not disappointed, great series.

[@EffequalsMA]

When I first heard the name Luthen Rael, I'm thinking about famous rebel in my country, Louis Riel. Also a very complex charismatic character, fighting against a seemingly undefeatable empire. This can't be an accident of naming.

[@skenobi]

I think Clea acts more like a consiglieri to a godfather in relation to Luthen. Luthen depends on Clea to be curt and clear-minded and always telling him the truth and not things he wants to hear.

[@crackin2000]

He was a temple guard that saw the whole thing go down and couldn't do anything about it .

[@EC-ol8nz]

I worry for Mon Mothma's family. It is cool her daughter might survive in the underworld If her new husband and father-in-law protects her. Mon might have made a good move for her daughter while she joins the rebels. Or they get slaughtered :( and she survives. Which is possible but not complicated. I think Clea is a Padawan of Luthan no longer practicing.

[@amarured]

The only thing I think is: That I am so relieved and excited to finally have a new Star Wars Story like Andor. With all it's respect for the universe and it's depth. Just like the Star Wars lore itself. Can't wait to watch the new episode now!

[@mr.boomguy]

I love the relationship of a person and someone he/she trusts. It's a trust so deep that's needed more in this world. One you can open up completely without laughter or ridicule, one you can speak your mind to and let all the bottled up thoughts loose, and one who can give us advice when times are tough. I'd love to be that assistant , but also like to have such a assistant

[@gamesguy]

I think the "hit" on Andor is more of a hit on Val. Luthen might be expecting Andor to kill her, she messed up pretty bad on the robbery and it was only saved by Andor. This would the kind of convoluted spy plot that fit right in with the Bourne series...

[@GenerationTechShorts]

good idea

[@RoTenken]

I'd wager he can only keep one, so it's "Joker's Aggressive Expansion" scenario.

[@fumfering]

Great idea. And totally plausible.

[@spacecadet2172]

oh you mean the exact thing that happened to that same actress’ character in GoT? haha

[@Can_O_Crayola]

But does Luthen know that? He doesn't know even what Cassian did or where he went, it's unlikely he's even aware that Val was so unprepared and made so many mistakes.

[@LordTelperion]

I think Kleya is exactly what she appears to be, Luthen's Executive Administrator. I've known plenty of big bosses who talked a big game, but it was actually their admins that were running things.

[@coenbaan1874]

Luthen's explanations of the use of fear, hatred and abandonement of limitations sounded very old sith to me. Like the jedi, sith in their glory days had countless of force insensitive scholars, soldiers and worshippers. I would love a reveal of Luthen's old sith artifacts and literature that Luthen takes inspiration from. Ol' palp was ultimately an enemy of old sith ideology, and it would be so much fun to see the dark side fight against the oppressive emotionless empire in fringe extremes of the rebellion.

[@abeautifuldayful]

Don't forget that Star Wars, especially Andor, is always about that great galactic struggle between the light and dark side of The Force, aka good versus evil confronting everyone, the most common dramatic theme of all. But at its most heartfelt core, Andor reveals the deep internal battle between certain types of constructive love and destructive hate exposed in glorious detail. Caught in the middle, Cassian Andor can see and feel it all with profound intensity. No wonder he wished to escape from such battles right before his unjust arrest.

[@manscapedgrinch1427]

This show made me realize I want him to play Liquid Ocelot, and one of his son's should play Revolver while he's young.

[@TheGreyTurtleEntertainment]

Luthen being (as some theorize) some sort of force sensitive, with theories rangin from Luthen being barely able to feel it all the way to totally being a Jedi in hiding, in either theory- with the way the Empire treats force sensitives, it's possible he's been pushed to extremes due to what he's experienced. Or maybe he's just a very smart tactician who knows exactly what he's doing, cutting a morally gray path to lead the rebellion to the stage it needs to be for leaders like Leia, Mon Mothma, and yes even Luke, to lead it to victory. Or perhaps he's actually nuts and someone else is pulling the strings. Or it could be a combination of all three, lately I've found myself theorizing exactly what it would take to start a rebellion against the empire and even with all the bonkers scifi stuff going on, in practice it could take some of these elements, if not all of them to even begin to put the pieces into place.

[@CHARMING_PLAYBOY_007]

At least "Bail Organa" had a decent heart compared to all these other rebels i actually could trust him even more than "Mon Mothma"! 🤔

[@DMSProduktions]

She ISN'T holier than thou!

[@rc59191]

Same Bail is a true leader that wasn't afraid to get down in the trenches with the troops during the Clone Wars. Plus he showed how even more awesome he is when he went on that adventure with Obi Wan in Wild Space and ended up saving Obi Wan's life.

[@GenerationTech]

yea killing bail in the outset of the war on Alderaan had a huge impact on the rebellion, especially Mon Mothma... she almost gave up. We'll be doing a video about that later on in the week i think

[@CHARMING_PLAYBOY_007]

@@GenerationTech Thank you Allen appreciate it!🙂👍

[@jarrodbright5231]

In fairness we don't really see much of Bail. He's seen through a child's eyes as an idealized father figure, through an idealistic Jedi's eyes as a loyalist ally, and the nearly caricature sketch of him in the prequels (and even that is significantly cut down in the final movie). We never really see his actions around the formation and support of the rebellion in its early days, the compromises he makes in the wake of the formation of the Empire, the visible support for Palpatine while undermining him behind the scenes... I'd say that if we had a similar examination of Bail Organa to what we've seen with Mon Mothma in this series we'd find a much more rounded character with a lot more dirt under the fingernails.

[@void-creature]

I also love how visually similar he looks to palpatine (his disguised self compared to Ep1 palpatine)

[@ncc74656m]

I think Luthen is somewhere between Saw and Garm. A necessary and brutal weapon for an early insurgency, one who can do and justify almost anything, but who will be too heavy handed - and possibly just too decisive, quick to do what others know might be needed but are uncomfortable with. I think he will be a force for good, and I look forward to seeing how he develops. But I imagine this duplicity takes a toll on him as well. As for the role his "assistant" plays... Hard to say. I read the line about the radio as more a reminder that he's both worrying too much as it's too soon, and possibly taking a risk of exposure. He's not broadcasting so it's presumed he's not at risk of revealing himself, but it may still be exposing him in other ways.

[@davidparmly8828]

Good observations.

[@eskatosgaming]

I love this video. All great points and views into the underside of it all. Thanks Generation Tech, was a really good vid to watch. I wanted to come comment halfway thru, but I'm glad I let you finish to get the entire point across. I think it's the assistant that setup the "hits" and Luthen is genuine. Your point about how these things start with unsavory people is something I had never really thought on, I'm glad you addressed that and got us thinking about how that kind of stuff seems to work.

[@lenk2204]

He's like a light side Palpatine

[@rhyanshelby6572]

I LOVE the book Lost Stars because of the idea of humanizing the enemy and taking time to soak in the things they are doing. It's the story of two childhood best friends who go through the Imperial Academy together. When Alderaan is blown up by their own classmates and their own people, and then the Death Star blows a couple days later (with several friends on board), the two characters struggle with who they are and why they are fighting. Ciena Ree is one of the most interesting Imperial characters in Star Wars (in my opinion). Her struggle with Thane and her self-hatred is sooo interesting to me. I really hope we get a sequel one day

[@GenerationTech]

Yeah hundred percent love that book

[@fobwatchful]

Luthen Rael reminds me a bit of Elim Garak from Star Trek. A store keeper playing a role, and probably using the cover of a storekeeper to gather information necessary for his cause.

[@TheLonelyGoomba]

Luthen is pushing the Empire to partake in a catastrophic act which will wake people up and start a push back. As opposed to, boiling a frog slowly. The issue with that is, people will die. Probably people who have no involvement or choice in the matter, in the name of a cause they don't even know exists. So that will probably be the moral dilemma with his character. Will he be sympathetic or will he only have tunnel vision for his goals and blinded to everything else?

[@Punkyrooster6]

You can’t make an omelet without broken eggs. Sometimes it takes pain and sacrifice to prevent unstoppable pain and treachery.

[@johnmarcgreen]

Anybody notice the Jedi and Sith Holocrons sitting quietly next to each other on the shelf right behind his head in these shots in the antique shop back room?

[@paulsager2097]

Excellent essay! With today's "enforcer" attribute being added to Kleya's character attributes, maybe we can see the comments about putting the radio away and being useful as a mind-clearing reminder to the boss from a trusted assistant who borders on being co-equal in their shared scheme to get the rebellion started once and for all.

[@kylemundy8871]

Luthen, if there isn't a plot twist, makes sense. The rebel alliance in the original movies are brutal. If you're on an Imperial ship, good or bad, you're going to die. Morality gets blurred in war, Luthen is the kind of man who would green light the amount of death the deathstar explosion caused

[@TheChromeRonin]

Where Rogue One won me over, in the instant Admiral Raddus orders the HammerHead corvette to ram the ISD, watching it unfold, and two ISDs crashing into each other and going down, you can see contentment in the successful job, but it looks like he is considering the lives lost in that instant too. I saw that too in Luthan, content the Aldani mission succeeded, but knowing the cost will be in lives once the Empire reacts.

[@davidparmly8828]

You say that about the Death Star like it's a bad thing. 😀

[@kylemundy8871]

@@davidparmly8828 what about the poor contractors lol

[@davidparmly8828]

@@kylemundy8871 Just trying to feed their families.

[@fractalelf7760]

I too was smitten with this scene of transformation- he’s become my favorite character in the show. I fear to see what fate has in store for him…

[@skankhuntdave7232]

Luthen definitely gives off the “Fortune favors the bold” vibes

[@Msvalexvalex]

Luthen getting into his happy character reminded me of the opening of the movie Dangerous Liaisons. It's not gonna end well for him.

[@oatlord]

Nobody let Lucas touch the first 3 movies before season 2 arrives or he might try to stick Luthen into some scenes.

[@BaseDeltaZero1972]

This isn't the first time GT have gone 100% dark and serious on us...these people are more than just "entertainers". There are some very thoughtful people on this team. This makes me want to check the series out.

[@zhugeliange5816]

He kinds of looks like a younger version of Palpatine. Doing the same things ...

[@wraith1701]

Luthen’s ruthlessness when it comes to his cause is giving me strong Palpatine vibes…

[@johnquach8821]

With Saw being compared to Darth Vader (fearsome leader with prosthetics), I wouldn't be surprised if Luthien ends up becoming a he who fights monsters.

[@Killzoneguy117]

"Evil? What is that? Who gives more shape to sentient history? Those who adhere to the tried and true? Or those who seek to rouse beings from their stupor and lead them to glory." - Darth Plagueis

[@LoganSmith1]

"I'm condemned to use the tools of my enemy to defeat them" gosh it's almost as if that's the explicit point lol

[@TheHonoredMadman]

Dude I'm the same when it comes to Skellan Skarsgard. Shit he was the main reason I was excited for this series

[@JoeCensored]

I don't think he put the hit on Cassian. She is doing it on her own. I think she will end up being the far more ruthless one and eventually will be a problem Luthen will be forced to solve.

[@Boopity7739]

Also I don’t think it was just to be dicks. Cassian was probably meant to go with Vel for a more permanent job under Luthen, but him going AWOL really screwed that up

[@andreashalay7473]

When I first heard a character say Kleya's name, I heard Leia. So that's my crazy theory.

[@rarewhiteape]

After ep 7 I thought it was clear that Kleya Marki was in charge of Luthen Rael. In fact, she looks kinda familiar, almost like a relative of Princess Leia. This leads me to believe that she may be part of a certain Naboo group of fighters called the Amidalans, who at the time of Andor would be hot on the trail of whoever killed Padme.

[@arthurr.r.lucasspublicdoma5621]

That would be an interesting development. A rebel cell that is modeled after the former Queen of Naboo sounds interesting. They could dress like Padme's handmaidens.

[@ProfessorRainman]

All the artifacts from Naboo seem to indicate this to me too. I also think that Luthen may also be a former/fallen Jedi and Kleya could be a former Naboo Handmaiden or even a former apprentice

[@hal0odst754]

Seems like a non force sensitive (or maybe a not trained) Palpatine…

[@PeterFendrich]

I mean, you're clearly missing the obvious clues that this is Baron Vladimir Harkonnen backstory....

[@davidjwood04]

Similar to Cuban’s comment… Luther is the first character written for older fans. We can connect with him. He has a relatability with those who have been through a lot.

[@boutbetter]

Everything you are doing is spot on , awesome, insightful and enjoyable. You cover all social aspects expertly. Philosophy, Phycology, Anthropology etc. etc... I wish I could mimic your content and in fact I do take elements of my own but in a different genre. You are good. I enjoy being impressed but enjoy your reviews even more.

[@boutbetter]

BTW I'd like your analysis of the music a musicology if you would indulge as I just find the stuff ....DOPE

[@MaxLadik]

Andor became one of my favorite Star Wars characters in his first scene in Rogue One. Star Wars had always been so black and white, and he represented the grey more than anyone before, on screen anyway. Especially after Han shot second.

[@DavidEdge69]

Excellent analysis A! This is the best yt video with a sw theme I've watched in a long time. Very thought provoking and has attracted some stellar comments from those I have read here so far. I'm loving this emphasis on the cerebral, the characterisation, the writing, the build-up and the pay-offs. Such a refreshing change from the atrociously bad Kenobi, and the BOBF, which felt like an average episode of Scooby-Doo for the 4 episodes they sort of bothered to make for it.

[@jakecook2375]

I had the same idea about Kleya being Luthen's handler and it will be interesting to find out more and unfortunately we may not know until season 2.

[@denisl2760]

I just don't see that as being realistic. To build a spy network like that you need experience and connections. Kleya is what, like 30? She might be very competent, but things like that just don't happen. Just because she has moments where she seems to take charge, does not make her "in charge". If you're someone like Luthen having a second in command that won't hesitate to question you and keep in you in line when necessary is a good thing. No leader is 100% on point all the time, sometimes you need help.

[@jakecook2375]

@@denisl2760 After thinking about it makes sense she's not his handler but a capable second in charge.

[@GrandAdmiralGonk]

Great video! I think what you're saying about the heist being less about the money is shown beautifully in the words of Dedra Meero, where she says that they are playing into the hands of the rebels by treating it like a robbery, and when asked what she would call it, she's says "An announcement".

[@Rain322-]

You know what they say "It's not about money, it's about sending a message."

[@limxuanyi5398]

Can’t wait to see more of him, mysterious 2 face man

[@jeffreycarman2185]

Your analysis of Luthen’s intentions, based on what we see of the script, is spot on.

[@bhiei]

I share your impatience for the next Andor episode, great analysis on this clip, I also like how Luthen Rael is written, a consummate master spy, and your take on his assistant got me thinking too, good job 👍🏾

[@evavidal1980]

Gracias por tus videos, me gustan tus analisis. Eres de los pocos youtubers que no ha abandonado la serie y se agradece. He visto otros de tus videos y analisis y me gusta el enfoque que le das. Felicitaciones.

[@MakerMaddox]

Your coverage of this show has really brought something out of you my boy!! All the other star wars coverage has been on point throughout the years but this is really making this channel and commentary within it sing. Nuance begets nuance I suppose!

[@CJusticeHappen21]

War never determines who is right. Only who is left.

[@Starwarslegorob]

This is an incredibly deep analysis, Luthen’s ambition is just what the rebellion needs, a hard push !

[@Embo_Marrok]

I'm starting to think she's more the master mind. But not to the point where one just takes orders from the other. They have trust in each other to make decisions at the very least.

[@acarrillo8277]

What is the music that is playing in the background. It's really awesome and I want to listen to it.

[@nasis18]

There's a lot of nuance, and subtlety in this show. I never even noticed half the examples you pointed out about his assistant. That would be suprising if she was the actual brains of the outfit.

[@gooner9038]

This was all brilliant...some of the best insights into the show I've seen anywhere. More, please.

[@orange42]

I've been quite surprised on finding your channel. I thought it was going to be light discussion but you've got really deeper political and philosophical reflections on things. Impressive.

[@TheMetahedron]

@Generation Tech: Funny, Luthen not only has a Kyber Crystal, Luthen has 3 Jedi Holocrons, The Stones from 'The Temple of Doom', and there's a squashed-looking Death Star on His desk. Probably lots more. I tripped out though when I noticed The DISCOVERY 1 from '2001: A Space Odyssey' just sitting on a shelf behind them! 38:30 ish. Most people may miss it, I did. It'ts just sphere and a stick really. There's always this stuff... Loving it.

[@Dontblamethemonkey]

The scene in his shop when he takes mon round the back you can see the facade drop, the smile melt away into seriousness

[@ryanconrad2786]

Had a weird thought that Clea might be an Emperor's Hand, who set up the Rebel cell in order to unify the enemy and allow Palpatine to strengthen his control. Added benefit of exposing those who were not True Believers and disposing of incompetent officers.

[@freedomdude5420]

It is not the person that does evil that is scary, but the person that think is do good be is evil is what is scary.

[@Fistfullofpizza]

Excellent observations. I overlooked that completely and would be pleasantly surprised if the assistant played a major role. Now I'm even more excited for the next episode.

[@thatlamppostguy]

The first time I saw the scene of Luthen becoming the shopkeeper, I genuinely had to stop for a moment to make sure they were the same actor

[@ch1mera302]

He could be working for palpatine. Wouldn't be the first time he has used such tactics. Wanted to escalate things so that the empire could have an excuse to tighten there grip militarily. Very cool character. Full of mystery.

[@metalmetalian6265]

Wow... one of your best videos yet 🙏, I was very intrigued and impressed. I love the way you think, you got me thinking lol! Good stuff bro 🤘

[@planet-p6f]

There was a wonderful moment of hesitation by Vel Sartha at the start of the Heist - it was the moment where she needed to step over the barrier and rappel down the wall . It characterised a transition : the moment that comfort and (relative) security are shed in a bid to effect change. The writers used Andor's character earlier to draw attention to this change - "the night before is always hard". ... When i look at Luthen Rael i see a man who crossed that threshold long ago. Someone who now lives with constant risk - and someone who desperately needs others to join him for it to all be worthwhile.

[@stephenmagan3685]

Luthen Rael is the John Brown (Civil War) of the Rebellion. Moving from a Cold War to a Hot War needs people to spark the flame.

[@rooster_cogburn1001]

Nice analysis. Really didn’t like Andor to start but now I’m appreciative of it’s focus on plot/ character development and intentional pivot away from the space fantasy genre.

[@davidponseigo8811]

I have worked most my life as a law enforcement officer and as one I do everything I can to help the public and do the right thing. I also have worked as a security contractor which is a nice professional term for a mercenary soldier providing security in foreign countries and in that profession I have done some very unpleasant things and it can be very difficult to separate things I do in the two similar but very different professions.

[@enderlionheart4497]

Firstly, great content as always. Along with this show, you guys get me to take deep dives into this stuff again and I love it. Secondly, this is the part that we needed. To show that the Alliance(and by extension the Rebellion as a whole) isn't all sunshine and rainbows. I would really like to see much more gritty shows of it, and show more that a lot of the Rebels really were some pretty terrible people. But they were needed for the overall movement. Conversely, I would next love a series that shows there were plenty of "good" people that joined the Imperial military. Something akin to the novel _Alliance,_ which follows a squad of Stormtroopers that desert due to some questionable orders from the Chain of Command. Thirdly, I think Luthen would have said what he said to Cassian to any(every? Considering it was at "the last minute", Cassian may have been the last person on a list of people, hence the passion and seeming pushiness to get him to join, and happened to accept) other person he was trying to recruit. As pointed out, he's more about the cause than any individual person. Upon your commentary, he's starting to parallel Palpatine a bit. Just in the opposite direction, and not looking for total genocide of a group of people. He's trying to manipulate galactic events, or at least try and orchestrate the starting of the war. I had to look it up, but this series *is* taking place at the same time as Rebels. Meaning there are already a number of disparate Rebel cells or "factions" as it were, I think he's poking the Empire to get them to respond like they do to get the factions to consolidate into one group. I think he's trying to do what Mon ultimately ends up doing, because the factions aren't really willing to follow him.

[@Ryecrash617]

Great video as always, however, can you fix the wings on the Lego Tie Advanced prototype microfighter please? It's been driving me nuts.

[@nickletchford]

‘I think about how impatient I am for the next episode,…I shudder to think what he’s going through ‘ 😂 to true the wait is torture

[@Gman-109]

With the Star Wars tradition of having a lightsaber in every film/series, I wonder how that's going to happen in Andor? IMO either Luthen or his assistant are Jedi in hiding. We'll see...

[@GenerationTech]

Well they show something in the trailer it’s definitely not a traditional lightsaber tho

[@IsaacKuo]

@@GenerationTech Still, what we see in the trailer is red ... a bit of a red flag, if you will ...

[@ADogWithGlasses00]

Well done video on this character!

[@lerneanlion]

Palpatine: Good is only a point of view.

[@lastspud7030]

Most terrorist attacks are less about the target and more about manipulating public opinion by generating a response

[@worldtraveler930]

"Will No One Rid Me Of This Troublesome Priest?"

[@laughingowl7896]

"Is he going to be a detriment to the rebellion? Or, is he going to be that key factor that starts this whole show off?" Both? Can't someone who is critical to an enterprise's germination, birth and early successes ultimately become a detriment as priorities and methodologies and scope changes? Is Andor a decent man who also happens to do murder?

[@edelta88]

Have you considered that Luthen might be a good man? The kind of man you loved easily and deeply. A man... of empathy, now surrounded by apathy. A man like that would have to carve out his own heart to avoid bleeding to death.

[@TheFlyingBrain.]

Now we know who's in love! 😉 No worries, Stellan has that magnetic trick about him as an actor. Tony Gilroy characters are like that. They're like real human beings with good minds -- they have many layers of past experiences, feelings and complex reasons for doing what they do. Not all of those layers will be good, loving, noble or pure. Select: "All of the above."