Moving the pieces in place for an epic finale: "Andor" Episode 11 (Spoiler Review-cap)

[@liamcarden6779]

One thing I loved was Saw kept saying “30 men” and the Luthen kept adding “plus kreiger” really plays into both of those characters. Luthen cares about his top people, his informants, the people that can exact large sweeping change. Saw does not care about the leader only the men under him. This is reflected by Saw being so willing to give himself physically for the cause, he sacrifices many of his limbs and eventually his life.

[@davidparmly8828]

Superb observation. It gives shape to an impression I had but couldn't form into coherent thought.

[@MetaSynForYourSoul]

Also he doesn't correct the count. He told Lonnie a couple episodes before it was 50.

[@Pokane1998]

Perfect example of how well written this show is. It writes in a way where it’s not spoon feeding the viewer but it also adds to the character development like you said

[@IsaacKuo]

@@MetaSynForYourSoul It's unclear whether Luthen was lying to Saw, but he seems to be earnestly honest. In contrast, he was lying and gaslighting Lonni left and right, so he would plausibly be lying to Lonni about how many men Kreegyr had. OTOH, Lonni would be in a position to have an accurate count of Kreegyr's men afterward, whereas Saw would not. So on that level, it's plausible Luthen was lying to Saw about how many men Kreegyr had, in order to downplay the sacrifice being made.

[@MetaSynForYourSoul]

@@IsaacKuo i didn't say he lied just that he didn't tell one of them the whole truth.

[@jonathanf4082]

The space battle is not just cool. It's a metaphor for the whole rebellion. Luthen provokes a reaction, just like the payroll heist. The Empire increases tractor beam power. Luthen releases shrapnel and the tractor beam is now so powerful it accelerates the shrapnel's velocity so fast that the tractor beam transforms it into a weapon against itself. We use the weapons of our enemies against them, indeed.

[@spacekettle2478]

Never thought I'd ever say this about a Star Wars scene ever again, but, that was freaking cool! That level of cleverness in writing is just on a whole other level. I love the use of the countermeasures way more than those laser things.

[@mydreaminorbit9297]

The scene with Cassian staring off into the horizon on Niamos. Is one of the most beautifully somber moments I've ever seen. You can see the hurt in Cassian's eyes. All the while you think about his final moment in Rogue One on the beach on Scarif. That is some powerful story telling paired with great acting and music.

[@ellicel]

I imagine that when he left Ferrix he still had hope that eventually it would be safe to return for her and that with more time to persuade her, eventually he’d be able to convince her to come away with him. Once he escaped the prison after experiencing firsthand the terrible conditions, he got closer to who he’d become but it’s Melshi that talks about having a new purpose, not Andor. Now that he’s lost Maarva, he’s truly adrift.

[@SirDenzington89]

One of my favorite parts of the show is all the stuff with Mon Mothma. Genevieve O’reilly crushes every scene. She can say so much with just her expressions. She got completely cut out of ROTS but years later got brought back for Rogue One and now she’s one of the leads on an entire show. I love seeing things work out. I have a feeling that This show is gonna have legs. We’re just about to hit the holidays and people are gonna be home more and with family and might flick on Disney Plus for the first time since Mandalorian and see Andor for the first time. I can’t praise this show enough. It’s nice to see Star Wars have a win

[@aquapendulum]

George's best long-term investment. He picked the perfect (new) actress for Mon Mothma and likely didn't even realize it.

[@liamcarden6779]

@@aquapendulum George made a lot of great long term investments in casting that have really paid off. Ewan is easily up there as one of the best, James Earl Jones is another and so is Temura Morison. Additionally when you consider that George likely cast a lot of the clone wars season 1 cast himself and so casting Ashley, Dee, and basically that entire cast has REALLY paid off

[@allwalledup]

She is to mothma what mcgregor is to kenobi, except she got a much much better writer for her character. I can’t wait to see her Luthen and bail work together in this series and become more and more of a serious threat to the empire. They’re gonna be the “big 3” of the rebellion

[@WeirwoodNet]

Mon montha arc is amazing shows the struggle to put the rebellion together

[@caleob9725]

Her scene in this episode was huge for me. Haven’t really seen this side of her but it really set up her path it feels and was maybe my favourite part, until Luthen did his thing with his ship 😂

[@joeclaridy]

Saw: 30 men, for the greater good Luthen: Call it what you will Saw: Let's call it.....war! Me: Best lines of the episode

[@ghiggs8389]

I cheered and threw my fist in the air with a "Hell yeah!" when he said that.

[@garethroberts7932]

This show just keeps dropping these amazing lines of dialogue every episode!

[@ICorro007]

Of the show

[@jonfernandez4271]

Plus Kreiger

[@Piensamalyacertaras]

Wasn’t 50 Men?

[@waterbears9874]

First Star Wars show in a while to make actually feel something, every episode is so good

[@moonshine588]

Episode 1 and 2 are kinda boring, I almost didn't come back to the show. The "eye" episode was incredible. I wish I saw it on the big screen.

[@tanizaki]

Andor has been such a refreshing change from Star Wars.

[@Wally-pu2hh]

@@moonshine588 the Mandalorian is great , every single episode getting better until Luke shows up , millions of people were in tears .

[@Mr_Subtle]

No one cares. Star wars is a dead franchise. Mouse cancer killed it

[@Сайтамен]

@@Wally-pu2hh Mandalorian is just lazy cameofest. Sure, Luke appearance was nice, but not because of the show, but because we loved him from OT and hated what Disney did to him in TLJ (and after Book of Boba that scene is meaningless now...)

[@SuicV]

I'm just speechless. This show keeps getting better and better. I know some people think that it doesn't feel enough like Star Wars, but to that I say: Let's make Star Wars feel more like Andor! That's the level of Star Wars we deserve, that we've been asking for!

[@danielvanveen2960]

People who do not like it, can always rewatch the things they do like. And again, and again. I personally am very happy with this kind of storytelling.

[@irena4545]

Agreed. I don't want flashy performance without substance, I want a good, strong story.

[@ellicel]

I expected Maarva would die, but I really thought she’d get one final heroic act. Instead, like Cassian, we didn’t realize it when we watched the scene that would be the last time we’d see her. Rather than having a final moment with her, we see how the community is honoring her and how those who loved her are rallying around B2EMO. Each time I think I know what’s about to happen, this series manages to surprise me. This is the most emotionally moving Star Wars has ever been for me. I have cared so deeply about so many supporting characters. Going into the finale, I’m terrified for Bix, Braxo, and B2EMO.

[@CantankerousDave]

If she’s been baked into bricks, she can still be in the fight, if you know what I mean. I imagine that another reason she didn’t want to leave is that the brickwork inside her house is Clem. That’s a fictional tradition that writers can do a lot with.

[@tanizaki]

@@CantankerousDave No, I don’t know what you mean. What do you mean?

[@ObesityStupidity]

@@tanizaki ...throwing bricks at imperials)

[@tanizaki]

@@ObesityStupidity That makes me think of In The Name of the King when the ninja turtle orcs set themselves on fire and catapulted into enemy troops.

[@keresaspa13]

we havent seen a body

[@SyrilsCereal]

It’s easy to forget that these “set up” episodes are the real reason this show is so good. They make the payoff 10x better!

[@aquaarietta]

Cassian looking out at the sunset on the beach reminded me so much of his ultimate end in Rogue One. This time, reflecting on the death of his mother and probably thinking of how "she would be proud of me" as he said on the phone - which mirrors what Cassian says to Jyn as his last words on the beach that her father would be proud of her. In the famous words of George Lucas...it's poetry, it rhymes. (I watched Rogue One again just a few days ago on an airplane, so that really helped recall that line so easily, haha.)

[@darthtroller]

And just like Luthen said, it's a sunset he won't see, the sun was obscured by clouds, great foreshadowing

[@judyeure5974]

B2 had me in tears. Death is such an easy concept for short lived humans, but being a droid he just does not comprehend that Maarva is really gone.😭

[@mecurian485]

I really am impressed by the way this show is able to make me feel for B3EMO. When told he must leave he makes the excuse that he is charging despite the fact that he has been charging all day I find to be very endearing. I really want him to find a place where he is happy. Along with K-2SO from Rogue One B3EMO is the most human of any of the star wars droid.

[@donkeysaurusrex7881]

He’s like a puppy who can talk.

[@mrcat3493]

How about Adria Arjona? Not a single line of dialog this episode, but her facial expression and eyes told the audience everything about how she has been affected by the torture.

[@CantankerousDave]

@@mrcat3493 Yup, she’s really good. And kudos to the makeup department. She looked… yikes.

[@mecurian485]

@@donkeysaurusrex7881 And his stutter is adorable. I just felt so sad that he's afraid to leave the house now that his mum's dead.

[@plumbussmith]

I feel like b2 will be uploaded into k2so

[@CaptainLore]

It was clearly a set-up episode, but still it has great moments like Mon Mothma’s acting, Melshi’s breakdown, and Luthen’s talk with Saw. It wasn’t the greatest episode so far, but it was still really good and it’s getting me really hyped for the finale.

[@wattage238]

The “best episodes” are so good because of strong setups like this. This season has been intelligent build up follows by good payoffs (the eye, one way out). You need both to make a great season.

[@L33Reacts]

@@wattage238 I agree. You can’t the eye or one way out and those emotional payoffs without the previous episodes. You gotta put in the work first 💪😂

[@ThreadBareHope1234]

4:00 That is legit sad. This may be too deep and sad for some random comment, but for me, droids have become a stand in for people whose feelings we forget about. A kid, a classmate, a partner of any kind, are just expected to tag along or continue their life despite everything they've experienced bc maybe we're busy with our own role in the world.

[@jasong5094]

One thing that is noteworthy about Luthan's encounter with the Imperial patrol is that they now have a recording of his voice, and during Syril's interrogation by the ISB he insisted he'd remember his voice. I've kept wondering why Syril is even still in this story, and I think that's it, because you know he isn't catching our boy Andor. He's going to give the ISB their first real lead to finding out who Luthan really is.

[@boletop6204]

nice catch

[@sweetchristmas101]

Isn't it more likely Syril overhears his voice on Ferrix? He'll catch a glimpse of the haulcraft and in describing it during his interrogation, that'll connect Luthen to the patrol.

[@jasong5094]

@@sweetchristmas101 It's possible, but if Syril sees his face, tying him to the patrol is almost pointless, all things considered. At that point the cat and mouse game between Luthen and the ISB is basically over.

[@sweetchristmas101]

@@jasong5094 I am assuming he doesn't see his face, but I see the ship as one more avenue for the ISB to investigate. There are potentially millions of the same make of craft in the galaxy, but there could be a way narrow the field somehow.

[@jeffreycarman2185]

This is insightful.

[@QuestionMan]

Saw's inherent mercurial instability was played so well here.

[@shadowdweller6738]

I liked how just after describing the "bricking" process on Ferrix, they cut to the anvil-tower that's used like a bell. Which, low and behold, is made of bricks...

[@LumVaughan]

I kept hearing Pink Floyd: "All in all, you're just another brick in the wall."

[@mrcat3493]

What an emotional episode. Bee’s performance was so sad. The space combat was great.

[@rogerpalsgrove9678]

That space confrontation was tops. Such a tense sequence and I liked the small scale and it feeling personable. When I rewatched episodes 1 through 3, I noticed that there did seem to be quite a few aliens in the background on Ferrix. I think the slow criticism comes from episodes one and two having the story being driven through cinematography. It's not any different than the droid sequences we got in what's known as A New Hope. The another thing with those first two episodes of Andor: Rebellion Rising, the Kenari children speaking in Kenari with no translation subtitles. I don't know if they would have strengthened the scenes or not though. I am not going to try and speculate the finale at this point. Episode eleven had some interesting twists that I wouldn't have guessed at happening. I did have to do a double take on the alien scene for it to make sense, since I wasn't paying full attention.

[@nessa5759]

Omg bee made me cry- he was like a lost puppy with Melva passing. And how kindly he was treated, for a droid. And seeing classism learn she died about broke me too. This is probably one of my favorite episodes this season just for the heart and emotions it brought. Can’t wait for the finale next week!

[@shawndavis218]

Poor Classism Andor 🥺

[@huwguyver4208]

@@shawndavis218 the Autocorrect Sith strikes again! 😆

[@matthewblack2926]

As per usual, there's so much I want to comment on in this episode. Maarva's death is one of the most impactful in star wars. So many times characters don't stay dead, so it's heartbreakingly realistic to see someone die of natural sickness. She had some of the best lines in the show (which is hard when you have a show filled with great lines!), from "That's just love" when Cassian says he'll be constantly be worried about her, too "Not if I run away" when she's told she can't fight the Empire. Fiona Shaw redeemed herself after Aunt Petunia, she should be proud of being able to play such an amazing character. It was equally as heartbreaking to see B2's reaction to her death, and respect Brasso for being a good neighbour and taking care of the family pet after they've lost their master. If Bee doesn't become K2SO, he and Brasso deserve to live happily together on Ferrix for the rest of their time. Seeing Bix after her torture was brutal, and will only make the inevitable uprising against the Empire on Ferrix so much more just. As per usual, everything with Luthen was unbelievably excellent. He's come to be one of my favourite star wars characters, and the tension in his scene with Saw was brilliant. His skirmish with the Cantwell class cruiser showed how prepared he is for every situation, though if i had one minor nitpick with this episode, it would be when the tractor beam is destroyed and Luthen flies past the Cantwell's bridge, you don't see the vibrations as you do when he tries to break free of the tractor beam. Stupidly small detail I know, but it was something TLJ did that that I loved. And the final scene of this episode of Cassian watching the sunset on Niamos was a beautiful callback (or forward in this case), to his death in Rouge One, literally and symbolically. For in that moment he's decided to go back to Ferrix for his mother's funeral, which will be what solidifies his commitment to the Rebellion, and ultimately his death on a different beach planet. This series has solidified itself as one of the best pieces of star wars ever created, and I will be sad but fulfilled when it is done. Thank you Tony Gilroy, your style of star wars is not for everyone, but for those that it is, we are forever grateful to you and your team.

[@jamiemunn9200]

Look... it was clearly a setup episode, but the build up and anticipation of what you know is coming is epic! Almost better than the payoff! This writing is on S tier level along with the acting and directing... to me this is the most "star wars" I've gotten in more than a decade. Tony has such an ability to clearly weave in multiple narratives of character arcs/interactions along with a griping story. All these characters are interesting and have agency! It's simply amazing 👏

[@colin2975]

Yep, it's a fantastic show. Can't believe how good it is tbh. It's great to see other people loving it too

[@istari0]

“It's the deep breath before the plunge.” The perfect description for this episode. As usual, Gandalf has the right of it. I agree Luthen is unlikely to be a Jedi but I wonder if he might have some ability with the Force similar to Chirrut Imwe from Rogue One. The way he handled the Imperial patrol ship and the Tie fighters demonstrates some very impressive skills. The shot of Mon sitting on the couch with a tear glimmering in her eye was so well done as she continues to gain a greater understanding of what her role in the rebellion is likely to cost her. This may have been a setup episode but I was so absorbed in it that I was taken aback when it ended; it felt like it had just started a few minutes earlier.

[@boletop6204]

these theories about luthen being a jedi and stuff are all pointless.. what this scene was meant to show us is how incredibly well equiped he actually is.. and how important he is to the whole cause and the whole network.. and how long he has actually been collecting stolen parts and artifacts and keeping the best ones for himself just in case something like this happens... because he is the most calculated person in the rebellion right now, and as much as he is aware he cant lose some people and plans.. what he really CANT lose is himself and his own protection is at the upmost importance right now ... and he damn well knows it ... he just simply cant allow himself to lose his life or be captured and he will do anything to prevent it.. hence the incredibly equiped ship that even has kyber crystals and stuff installed as weapons

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

@@boletop6204 I liked how Luther was cool and calculated during his encounter with the imperial ship.

[@samm1926]

The technology was one of the things I noticed too! It really feels like the 70s futuristic vibes came through

[@Calvin8419]

Man something I just absolutely love about this show is that from now on whenever i rewatch rogue one, Melchis death will have more impact because I’ll think of him in the prison with andor escaping and just that whole experience. I really nice touch imo.

[@mutley7773]

The scene with Luthen's Fondor Haulcraft was fantastic! The brilliant detail of him hiding the fact he was charging his weapons by using the power signature of the engine thrust to hide it. Then have to engage all the engines to charge it faster so it was ready much faster as time was running out to make his escape. Brilliant writing and ship design and another example of the amazing attention to detail.

[@The_Flamekeepers]

"I don't do lately. I do always." Maybe one of the best lines in the show.

[@s.patterson5698]

ABSOLUTELY!! That was as hard a beat down as I have seen, without getting physical. That actress just nails Kyla's part in every scene and makes you want to know the background of Luthren's assistant.

[@dereklopez9060]

It's been so weird that this show hasn't had any aliens, nice to have them in this episode.

[@madsketchy9261]

There have been plenty of aliens

[@madhavgoel4974]

Gilroy said he didn't have the space to fully explore the political implications of different aliens in the first season

[@phenom568]

The original movies have basically no aliens outside of Tatooine. This show has had plenty of aliens.

[@j-money1354]

Only the prequels had aliens plus the Empire is specieist and thus did not hire other species often...Get with the program...

[@allwalledup]

“Scob the empire!”

[@MCsCreations]

This was a heartbreaking episode. I'm still trying to get over it. B2, Bix, Marva... Heavy stuff.

[@WeirwoodNet]

Sad times in that scene with b2

[@paulsager2097]

Those tunnels into the hotel and rescuing Bix are a must for S1E12.

[@moshtradamus92]

Cassian looking at the ocean when he learns about his mother is also foreshadowing Cassian's own death at the end of Rogue One when he's looking at the ocean with Jin

[@TraceguyRune]

Get with the program. It's Jyn, not Jin.

[@thebaptistwasher]

It's like poetry... It rhymes.

[@permeus2nd]

It’s sad that so meny feel so burned by Disney that they won’t watch this show no matter how good it is.

[@jazzx251]

That was nearly me. Only curiosity to see Denise Gough's face (she is a brilliant voice actress, who played Yennefer in all-time classic video game "The Witcher 3") reeled me into the show. And I'm SO glad :) Not just because she turns out to be the best Star Wars villain since Vader ... but because the whole show is the best Star Wars I've ever seen! [with "A New Hope" in second place]

[@bennygerow]

I think the focus on his walking stick AGAIN is very important. Like maybe it houses his lightsaber hilt or mechanism.

[@creagandubh4411]

Good point.

[@bennygerow]

@@creagandubh4411not sure why he acts like it's nothing.

[@dimebag505]

Was en excellent episode, I like the ending where Melchi said we have to let everyone know and Andor agreed. Also you could see how heartbreaking it was for Andor when he found out his mother had died.

[@CantankerousDave]

There was silence when he hung up. Great way to mirror the shock.

[@jbug1979]

i'm surprised more people aren't talking about luthen's space escape scene. it was so friggin awesome.

[@jeffreycarman2185]

Such a great scene!

[@jbug1979]

@@jeffreycarman2185 i watched it 4 or 5 times

[@thewatcher4552]

Dude the Luthern escape scene was boss! 😎 That was some 007 smooth 👌🏾 I had to watch it twice! I don't wanna wait to season 2😭 Kenobi, Fett, just didn't deliver for me...Andor made Wed my favorite day of the week! They hit it out of the park! Who needs light sabers?!?

[@s.patterson5698]

Agreed, no light sabers required...but damn, can you fathom what Gilroy would have done with the Obi-Wan series?

[@johnnybodine9062]

Luthen is a total success of a character. Look forward to yer recaps, well done

[@wastelesslearning1245]

Luthan has a lightsaber! The frisking scene 25 minutes in. He also say’s “put it down or give it back” wile hand gesturing after the guy takes too long gawking at it. Perhaps a mind trick? For the record this is a guy who has a sky kiber Crystal and a light saber space ship. And many force related artifacts 😂.

[@lordkronos5470]

The droid scene broke my heart. It reminded me of when I was little and my mother passed. Yikes man.

[@Netsaver]

I thank you for helping me understand the Saw Luthen part of this episode a bit more. It didn't occur to me that Luthen was basically telling Saw, "If you keep being paranoid you're not going far you gotta sometimes put your faith in a person." so thanks for that it really helped me understand that scene easier and makes me think. Saw didn't want to deal with others especially considering their past allegiances even if they were all going for the same goal. Luthen doesn't care about a persons past all he cares about is what a person can do now. Luthen is very much a long game type of planner he's willing to set things up to start things. Something tells me Luthen was once a republic commander or someone in a very high place during the era of the Republic because he understands the necessity of sacrifice, and the greater good.

[@LumVaughan]

While pondering all the characters in this episode as they position themselves in place for the dramatic finale next week, surprisingly, the one that touched me the most this week was one that was almost forgotten, B2-EMO. The depth of feeling and pure emotion of the little droid as he feels his whole universe has collapsed around him was heart-wrenching & portrayed the agony of loss to a scale never seen in a SW droid before. Droids are often overlooked in the SW saga and while B2-EMO is likely not a big player in next week's finale, he represented to me how harsh the Imperial universe can be, even to a timid little droid.

[@Buddybaba]

This episode for me was a set up for the finale but also exhibited what I have missed in the mcu as of late, a seriousness and compassion towards it's characters. A simple thing such as the look on the patrol ships commander when Luthen escapes and we wonder what will he report to his superiors could have easily been lost to just using Luther's jump. Great writing.

[@MatthewTadder]

I think WAKANDA FOREVER might give you what you're missing from the mcu.

[@s.patterson5698]

​@matthew tadder Nope it didn't...and that was bethe building blocks around those scenes were poorly executed, directing and acting. It totally cheapened the opening scenes.

[@s.patterson5698]

You hit the nail on the head about MCU...that sense of gravity, weight, compassion is all washed away or diluted with silliness. Action sets mean nothing if there isn't an established weight dictating why those scenes matter. Nothing is wrong with a sense of humor....we saw that when Andor was getting arrested...clearly there was some amusement there, but it was nuanced and perfectly fitting. With MCU now ever is a jokefest.

[@dez-m]

Cassian Andor, Luthen Rael, Dedra Miro, B2EMO, Maarva, Kino Loy, Mon Mothma, Ulaf, Cinta, Syril Karn, Vel, Leida, Cleya, Skeen, Melshi, Bix, Tamaryn, and Nemik... tha fact that I can resonate, relate, and remember all of these characters speaks to his shows masterful writing!

[@ValentineCorp]

Andor continues to be by far the best star wars show ever!

[@Arjun-eb1yc]

This was my favourite episode so far. Very emotional. And loved the Luthen space scene.

[@adscomics]

B2EMO was one of my favorite parts of the episode. I’ve adored him since the first episode, but seeing a droid in this emotional state is really not something that’s been shown in Star Wars. I mean yeah, Artoo got depressed and shut down when Luke ran off, but we don’t really see the immediate aftermath. I love seeing droids be humanized, even little red boxes like Bee.

[@kdub3890]

I hope this comes across in the spirit in which I mean to express it and not in any way insensitive...I really got a sense in this episode that B2 is supposed to represent a special needs young adult more so than a child. I get that sense from the people around him and how they don't consider him helpless like a child would be, but are also keenly aware that he's emotionally "fragile". He's not impish or precocious like a child; he's always earnest and just wants his family to be near, and out of trouble. I see echoes of other family dramas in which a brother still lives at home and helps take care of the elder parents while they still take care of him. Now he's facing being on his own and understands just enough to know that it's very scary,

[@dunnagan5]

Now that you pointed that out, I see that too. Very wholesome and heartwarming.

[@creagandubh4411]

Cass looking out on a lit up horizon, trying to process his mother's passing, clearly contemplating mortality. Great foreshadowing.

[@cheneymoss6402]

At some point the episodes could not always one-up each other, but that is not really a problem, they needed this sort of "reset" episode to get everything in place for the finale. This episode did that work perfectly well, building on everything before it and adding a few new emotional stakes and getting us ready for what should be a great end to this season. Really looking forward to it, and will miss this while we wait for season 2.

[@mewtwo.150]

3:46 droids do have emotions in Star Wars That's why they wipe the droids memories to prevent that Even in The Mandalorian, it was said openly. That the assassin droid later "nurse droide" develop a personality after having experience (the same way humans grow their personalities) Is also clear at the Prequels, how the battle droids, began as basically just computers and then by episode III they got goofy and scared, of course for comical relief but does the same point

[@bluediamonddirector]

The personal scenes between the characters was on point in this episode, every conversation had me hooked on what the characters were saying and feeling. That's good writing, some of the best in all of Star Wars. Can't wait for next week's episode. Andor is show we didn't realize we needed.

[@nickymorrin1194]

I do like the subtlety that Perrin also doesn't like Chandrilla's customs. Could this be a hint he might surprise us?

[@UsernameGeri]

A couple weeks ago I said I was done with disney star wars and I wan't gonna watch this, but due to word of mouth, I started watching it. Now I'm all caught up of course. I wouldn't exactly say this is the greatest show ever or anything, that is a gross overstatement, but this last 3-4 episodes were really, very good. Also, how can you just brush aside that space battle with Luthen like that??? That was one of the coolest, clever and exciting scenes I've seen in a while!

[@ScooterDoge]

“Marva will be bricked”, just like my old iPhone from jailbreaking. Welcome to my paperweight collection, Marva!

[@Lord-Emperor-Vader]

If Bail did not wipe 3PO's memory then within a week everyone would know, 1 Anakin Skywalker is Darth Vader, 2 Padme gave birth to twins, 3 one of those twins is Leia, 4 Obi-Wan has the second twin, 5 Bail Organa is a traitor.

[@thorskywalker]

Didn't say there wasn't a reason for it. Only that he doesn't seem to care at all.

[@Lord-Emperor-Vader]

@@thorskywalker He may have cared but he cared for the safety of his friends and family more then a droid that belonged to his good friend who was built by her husband who is a Sith Lord (who he believes to be dead at the time).

[@thorskywalker]

"Have the protocol droid's memory wiped" is not what you say when you care even in the slightest. Especially right in front of him.

[@Lord-Emperor-Vader]

@@thorskywalker And admitting to mass murder of a full village is not the thing you tell someone and still expect them to fall in love with you. Bail clearly already made up his mind and knew it had to be done.

[@goldfishprime]

@@Lord-Emperor-Vader Lucas had most of the characters treating C3PO like crap, it was almost a comedic element Han not wanting to ever hear what he had to say, Leia shutting him down, Lando ignoring him. They all had "reasons," but the point Thor is making, is the way they handle it. B2 was treated with dignity, C3PO was not.

[@cmd31220]

My favorite little wrinkle in this episode was the countermeasures Luthen used to destroy the tractor beam. It's always interesting to see how technology adapts to other technology in sci-fi universes, and the little rear-facing scattershot cannon to destroy the dish that controls a tractor beam is a nice, simple touch you could see any smuggler pilot having on their ship to escape a sticky situation

[@EnragedTofu]

Felt like a kaleidoscope of feelings; from B’s perspective at Maarva’s death to the absolute quiet, the waves & wind when Andor hears of her passing and Luthen showing us he’s an S-Tier Star Wars character. What an incredible episode.

[@MrSubstance]

Anyone else laugh at the scene where Andor's girl was sleeping with whatever that alien is?

[@madsketchy9261]

Cassian has always been inspiring he inspired his mother, kino & nemik I think his strength is that he is a leader a good leader knows how to delegate and that’s what he does

[@thorskywalker]

I completely disagree. Cassian only 'inspires' his mother by default or accident, by doing the heist because he wanted to get paid--not because he had any intent any 'inspiring' anyone or being a rebel. He also doesn't inspire Nemik, he's more a foil for him which is why Nemik wanted him to have the journal, so that he could change Cassian's mind about things. He also knew that Kino was his only hope of getting out of the prison; that he had information he needed and was someone he knew could lead others because he did it daily. He never 'delegates', he uses to get what he wants.

[@madsketchy9261]

@@thorskywalker all that’s true, but he’s inspiring never the less. It may not be on purpose, it may not be the top of his priority list but he is undeniably inspiring. He inspired his mother, sure not on purpose but he did. He’s a rebel at heart and there are times when he does take the leadership position, pushing Kino to speak from his heart was the move of a real leader. The breakout of Narkina never would have happened if Cass didn’t step foot in that prison. Also he did inspire nemik totally- he even wrote an entire chapter dedicated to him and the type of person he is - he inspired him when he reassures him he won’t be tired during the heist and Nemik even admits it to him “you were right, I’m not tired at all” etc

[@wattage238]

@@thorskywalker Cassian manipulates people to get what he wants. Leaders inspire, motivate people to get what the people want. We are seeing cassian make that transition gradually.

[@aka4659]

I think everything that was said in this video about Cassian is the very definition of a leader, not evidence against it. Intentions aside.

[@eldrasill]

I think you stumbled on to something with the word 'inspired.' Instead of outright being a leader, I think Cassian is actually a catalyzer in furthering rebel thoughts or ideas that already existed. He's not outright telling people what they want to hear, or ordering people on what they should do. Cassian showcases to people an incredibly honest individual in how self-serving he is in his own self-preservation. Obviously, everyone is like that, but at this point Cassian doesn't have any of the usual bits regular folk use to obfuscate that self-preservation from our fellow being. That self-preservation led to getting Kino to rise up, to Nemik having further thoughts on the nature of his rebellion, to Luthen on taking a very large risk on a very big unknown, Maarva in general, and so on and so forth. It's all very interesting, because instead of speeches being the variable that changes the minds of people, Cassian Andor is that variable outright. Great show.

[@mecurian485]

It is interesting to see the progression of Saw, from his beginnings in the clone wars to the paranoid and clearly damaged Saw of Rogue One. Here you.can see that he still has his swagger , but the paranoia is moving it to the point that he could so easily be tricked into believing that his top lieutenant is a spy, he is however still sane enough to listen to reason. I wonder if the death of these 30 men, and the knowledge that he could have stopped it, might be one of the things that pushes him over the edge.

[@DarthRaptor22]

This episode made me feel feelings for a Droid. What other measurement is there of exceptional writing ?

[@stevebreedlove9760]

For real.

[@fechur]

This episode got me more excited for next week and final episode 🎉

[@jakecook2375]

Thor that's a damn good analysis/review of this show and episode.

[@sigler00]

I thoroughly enjoyed this episode and grateful to feel emotions again watching Star Wars. Andor has a clear pattern of peaks and valleys that to pick favorites almost b does a disservice. This is the show to appreciate as a whole.

[@CantankerousDave]

12:00 - the bigger character development would be for Andor to realize that he’s to blame for what happened to Bix and Ferrix overall. “Our actions have consequences for others” is a lesson a lot of us never learn. 13:00 - it’s actually really common for the children of immigrants to become super-traditionalist while their parents want them to grow up assimilated.

[@selctat115]

Anyone who says this isn’t real Star Wars absolutely baffle me. The way the last scene in this episode was depicted is the categorically the most Star Wars has ever moved me. It’s not the physical representation that makes something Star Wars it’s the way it makes you FEEL.

[@flavadave3943]

I can’t believe you didn’t talk more about Luthen’s narrow escape from the empire! Especially the aspect of them just using him as practice. Such an awesome scene.

[@kellygreenii]

Andor IS a leader. He is what leadership looks like at the ground level. The kind of battlefield leadership you need in a Sargent or other non-commissioned officer. That one-on-one ability to inspire people, give them confidence, build trust and get them to do more than they thought they could do. Everywhere he goes he leaves his mark on people in subtle but powerful ways. Luthen and Mothma are the leaders you need at the apex. Andor is the kind of leader you need once the shooting starts and the dying starts. Tell him what the mission is and he will find a way to get it done.

[@thorskywalker]

Was he a leader when he shot a man who had become a liability in Rogue One? Or was he just someone who knows what must be done and how to do it.

[@kellygreenii]

@@thorskywalker Yes. That was-and still is-one of the most realistic Star Wars moments ever. Like Luthen’s decision to sacrifice 50 men to protect his ISB mole and thus save thousands of others, it’s part of the ugly calculus of war. It’s when the Rebellion stopped being a fairy tale, and became a credible revolution. Someone final had to get their hands dirty. IIRC, Andor was undercover and sacrificing the guy who could blow his cover was a necessity. In time of war spies are executed. So the guy was dead anyway. Only a question of how he’d end up dying and who he would take with him. Andor is what leadership in the trenches looks like… and if you want to win a conflict you need men like him who translates the ideas of people like Mothma into frontline action….and success. Without Andor, Aldahni would have failed.

[@stevebreedlove9760]

@@kellygreenii bam! Nailed it. Even saw himself has said "let's call it war" twice now I think. Saw gets it. Luthan gets it. Kleya gets it. Mon is just beginning to understand.

[@thorskywalker]

@kellygreenii You're (again) describing someone who knows what must be done and does it. You're not describing a 'leader'.

[@kellygreenii]

@@thorskywalker Nope. Because leadership is sometimes inspiring others to do something. Like when he first got Kino onboard for attempted escape. Then got him to rally all the prisoners to make their break for freedom. Because only Kino had that authority and credibility to do it. Then he inspires the guy he escaped with to hold on as his resolve was starting and he was about to give up. On a small scale. That’s what leadership looks like. In the military that is what your NCOs do. Officers give orders. NCOs do what needs to be done so that those orders get carried out. Which in many cases means finding what is needed to motivate your men, or figuring out what needs to be done to accomplish the mission. Russia is learning the hard way in Ukraine what happens when an army lacks that kind of leadership.

[@QuestionMan]

As far as manipulations go, in Cassian's case, he will come through when he can. For instance, he pays back his debts rather than leaving them in the dust when he easily could.

[@naotohex]

The music during that last scene was something special. That whole last scene was amazing. Im looking forward to the finally.

[@truonglong576]

The city is literally built by the people in it, really does show the tight community they are.

[@socipathicgaming5914]

I wounder how many people saw Andor's "beginning" in episode 11 mirrors his end in Rogue One.

[@elck3]

what do you mean? his literal end? because if so, I don't see how him hanging on and being bombed relates?

[@nickmitsialis]

@@elck3 His life as Cassian the 'hustler' has ended; now he's Andor the Rebel activist.

[@socipathicgaming5914]

@@elck3 - Just look at the thumb nail. The ocean, the sky. and the lighting. Than look at the final beach scene in Rogue One. Tell me that is a coincidence.

[@elck3]

@@nickmitsialis I see what you mean

[@harrisonwhaley7872]

The ship with Luthen in the tractor beam had my heart pounding out of my chest

[@joshuamueller3206]

The acting was spot on for this episode. I also liked the parts with B, rarely do I feel for a droid. If we treat the Chandrilian embassy as a colony, the people of colonies usually develop exaggerated versions of things from their homeland. Some of the early American settlers were from Wales and they took, preserved, and spread their Welsh accent until it was used by all modern Americans. Room service must suck on Niamos if a lockbox full of cash, guns, and a journal was left above the shower for a month, yikes. My personal theory for Luthen which might be out of date is that Luthen was a judicial before the clone wars who had some veneration (or envy) of the Jedi and for some as yet unknown reason wants to see the Empire be torn down and replaced by freedom. He has combat and tradecraft experience and a bizarrely large number of artifacts from Force users.

[@TFAric]

On the traditions being stronger abroad. That is something that happens in my homeland, first generation immigrants often shed some of their culture or even more their religion to later have kids that become rather extreme.

[@jonasodhner6507]

Hey Thor, it's cool to have so much longer videos from you, but I think you could very much dial back the Recap aspect again. Unfortunately, suddenly I find myself already knowing like 60% of what you're saying, and kinda missing your more consise, thematic 10-minute thoughts. As always though, thank you so much for all your work. :)

[@Stress-Free-K]

Luthen is definitely a Jedi. Isn't hiding in plain sight one of the Jedi's more accomplished skills? Who else could dispense Imperial fighters with such ease and dispatch? The final flourish with the double-ended light saber was a dead giveaway. And weren't those Jedi mind tricks used to unburden Two-tubes of his gun or convince Saw's sentry that his lightsaber was a simple, expandable walking stick?

[@prolastmedia6171]

@Thor Skywalker The daughter and her friends practicing Chandrelan ritual as a "coastal elitist" fad is meant to reflect the modern phenomenon we see in reality of Gen Z "Tiktok Christians"

[@gunroswell2706]

this is one of the best series in a long while and the writing style, leaves peoples fates and other unanswered things to the viewer to decide. which i totally love, and so debating whether this or that happened is kind of pointless as everyone can decide for the themselves and leaves for some of us to write our own fiction about these interesting characters even within the so called canon as who knows what really happened to some of them. Great Big Kudos to the creative team behind this, all of them, as it certainly always is a team effort, and not some specific person on the pedestal.

[@zacharyclark3693]

I loved the scene when Melshi says goodbye to Cassian. Their shared experience in an Imperial Prison made them brothers in arms. Cassian has never been close to most people besides his family. He uses people to survive. He was just a mercenary at Aldhani. Now Cassian has deeper connections with the people he has suffered with under the cruelty of the Empire. He has personal stakes in the Rebellion.

[@nightgirlgaming1985]

I definitively think Luthen is a former Republic officer or something similar. I don't think a runaway Jedi would have gotten hold of a top of the line ship like the Fondor. Also the fact that he was able to plant a mole in the ISB many years ago

[@TraceguyRune]

The key everyone is missing is he told Cassian that while that Kyber crystal is worth 50,000, it was worth "much more" to him. That means the Kyber crystal has sentimental value. It's highly possible Luthen lost a loved one in Order 66. Like a son or wife.

[@mr_yoru5834]

Isn't it pretty much canon in SW that Droid manufacturers tell people to regularly wipe their memory because they will develop "glitches" which are actually the Droids developing personalities and consciousness?

[@SuicV]

Man, the show feels so grounded that the idea that Luthen could be a Jedi sounds outright ridiculous to me. It's not a bad idea, though, to do something similar elsewhere, have a new character turn out to be a Jedi in hidding without telling the audience first, but the tricky part might be foreshadowing it without giving it away. With Luthen and no foreshadowing, it would just be weird

[@malachiphoniex8501]

See, I read the whole Saw scene differently and maybe I'm wrong. I witnessed Luthen putting all the responsibility of killing Kreegr on Saw's shoulders and off his. Sure Saw had to be warned to call off the mission but the dialogue was more it's Saw's fault if this goes wrong or not. And honestly it makes sense theme-wise because I think the message of Luthen is a cautionary tale: sometimes you need someone to make those hard decisions but it's not a sustainable vision for the future. Luthen is sending assassins to kill Andor, a guy who we know will someday save the galaxy, and Saw, who's own sister was killed by Seperatists, finally decided to work with Kreegr only for Luthen to pull the rug out and leave Saw even more paranoid.

[@falcon00jr75]

the thing that is missing is that thread of Cassian and his sister from their home planet. I know that's part of the setup for his motivations, but I think they could remind us through dialogue that Cassian is still thinking about her.

[@davejorgenson2]

Imagine how much better Rogue One could have been with characters that were fleshed out and developed... this series will change the way we watch it from now on.

[@krazyravr]

Yooo the guys that andor got a ride with are from the same village that anakin and obiwan helped in the clone wars cartoon where the male warriors were missing and anakin has to save them. When anakin finds them they are mutated and under mind control.

[@krazyravr]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZOsaoFraJh0b5o

[@stevebreedlove9760]

No they aren't. Because without being mutated, they were small framed blue aliens.

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

There is this scene where Vel gets up from talking to Mon to greet Leita. Leita looks at Mon with *so* much disgust. It was very powerful.

[@sethg.8688]

I thought the aliens on Narkina sounded kinda like a country version of Dex from AOTC

[@anotherskywalker3090]

Great stuff. Throwing some thoughts out there. Wondering why Luthen put the hit out on Andor, but not on Bix. Big hole he left open that could get him in the end. Obviously, Mothma is, at minimum, very familiar with Andor by the time Erso is rescued and brought to Yavin 4 for interrogation. I'm eager to see their first encounter. She's getting in awful deep, and he could play a part in securing her safety when she ultimately has to say goodbye to her life as it is now. Guessing Luthen's pre-empire life is a tough nut to crack, and we'll probably just have to wait until Gilroy just comes right out and tells us in some form. He's right there, wide open for all to see, on Coruscant. I've thought former military, maybe military contractor, but I can't think of anything in which, by chance, he might be identified, sitting right there in the capital. Why hasn't Meero just told Bix to try and contact Luthen? If I'm reading this right, Meero knows that the salvage yard is the trouble point. She interrogated Bix's co-worker. Why would Andor go back to Fennix now? Everyone there is angry with him to differing degrees, he knows it's dangerous there, though he may not yet realize how dangerous. He doesn't come across as the sentimental type that wouldn't be able to forgive himself if he missed a funeral. It's his mother, and it hurts, but I can't picture him putting himself into great danger just to grieve at her funeral. Look, droids have been one of the coolest things Star Wars has brought to entertainment. They are very cool, but they're getting way too humanized for me. They're computers, that when/if they breakdown, can be fixed. They can be re-programmed if necessary. Even Lando's lost love could have been rehabilitated. They're personalities should be programmed into them. I appreciate that their programming could allow for environmental influencing to help develop their personalities, but basically, everything about them are robotics and computer programs. Let's try and keep it real a little. The droids are getting way to close to becoming the vehicle that Star Wars creators are using to shoehorn social statements and opinions into the show. Yes, they can be like a pet, but if one breaks, you should be able to make an absolute replica. all in all, great stuff, just great stuff.

[@robertoperalta2526]

I LOVED the space battle scene! I feel like you skipped it lol

[@TheMustyrusty]

Your first point about Cassians ability to read people and get what he wants out of them is super interesting because the only person to do the same to him is Luthen. He clearly marches to his own beat but Luthen could pull a Cassian on Cassian himself.

[@pacihu962]

I heard many say "its not the best episode in the series" which idk, sounds "bad" in the grand scheme for the series. I really really liked this episode! It was awesome. Somehow I have the feeling that I'm the only one that thought this episode was up to par with the others.

[@MandalorSkyrd]

Droid sentience isn't a discussion Star Wars wants to have, for one it would be to messy and most importantly, it's widely inconsistant according to what the writer wants a droid's sentience to be.

[@f1jones544]

This was the first episode that I mostly enjoyed throughout. Well done.

[@lihkan]

I am worried about having just one episode left. The grand finale should be atleast two, I was really dissapointed nothing really happened this episode. I am worried S1 will end with massive cliffhanger(s)

[@TraceguyRune]

We're getting Season 2, so it's fine.

[@lihkan]

@@TraceguyRune Season 2 is expected to take TWO YEARS to make it to the screen. Thats not fine (if it ends on cliffhanger)

[@ebomb1133]

"19:00-20:25" Me: man I can't wait to see what Thor thinks about that awesome Luthen space escape scene! Thor: it was cool, anyway...... Jokes aside I really enjoyed this escape scene bc Luthen had to really strategize and outmaneuver his opponent to win/escape. No plot armor, no deus ex machina, no last minute bull crap. Just thinking ahead and utilizing his gadgets efficiently.

[@happyyad]

I love it. I’m always looking forward to Wednesday’s.

[@diekomet6950]

I wish that instead of having her dead as a suprise they'd have shown her neglecting and not taking care of bee for several days because she cant remember to do it because shes too old to live by herslef, then in the NEXT episode we open on bee waiting next to an empty chair

[@christophernuzzi2780]

I actually thought that this ep was one of the best!