Cassian Andor must get the group of rebels he’s been tasked with helping to trust him in the latest episode of the LucasFilm and Disney+ Original Series, “Star Wars: Andor.” The band of rebels clearly don’t trust Cassian, using the name Clem, as he was a very last minute addition to their incredibly dangerous heist mission. They are true believers in the cause, and it becomes clear to them that Cassian is a mercenary. At the same time, it’s also clear they are lost without his knowledge of Imperial weaponry and his skills of sneaking into an Imperial garrison. It’s clear they need him just as much as he needs someone.

This episode has been the most political so far. We see one of the rebels who is truly devoted to the cause call out the Empire’s control of the galaxy and how it hides behind several atrocities rather than a single incident. They claim he’s working on a manifesto. That could be an interesting read that leads to revolution, but it could also lead to radicalization. I’m interested to see how this character’s motivations impact Cassian.

Meanwhile, Coruscant is the home to politics, and it’s got a multitude of political fights along with personal fights brewing. The former Corpo officer who shot and killed Tim back in episode three is back home, and his mother is being less than comforting. She is setting him up with a job with his uncle, but given the fact he seems to still be hunting Cassian, I expect him to find his way to the Empire before the season is over.

Also, we get to see some of the inner workings of the Senate and the struggles of family life for Mon Mothma. Her husband and daughter aren’t privy to the Rebellion work she’s doing, so they see her as self-centered. This hurts because she’s sacrificing the good of her family for the good of the galaxy. Given that we never see her family in her appearances in “Rebels,” “Rogue One,” or “Return of the Jedi,” I’m intrigued to learn what happens to them. Are they killed by the Empire? Do they disown her for her perceived self-centeredness or her rebellion? Or do they possibly go into hiding once it’s clear she’s working with the Rebellion? That’s a story I want to see.

This has been a strong series so far with a focus on excellent dialogue. The episodes aren’t as action heavy as the ones we saw in “The Book of Boba Fett” or as filled with Jedi lore as the ones in “Obi-Wan Kenobi.” It’s a part of the timeline we haven’t really seen on screen before with a character we’ve only seen before in one film. It feels fresh but still familiar. I like the way this is headed.

Ranking: 4.5 stars

What did you think of this episode of “Star Wars: Andor?”

Jeremy Brown

Jeremy has been a big Disney fan since he was a kid growing up during the Disney Renaissance. One day he hopes to go to every Disney Park in the world.

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