Andor Andor Episode 2.09 Discussion Thread (Spoilers Allowed)

I'm kind of afraid to watch this after what Episode 8 just did.

 

Just incredible last two episodes...my eyes may have leaked several times 10/10

 

Bratt is an excellent Bail Organa. He channeled Smits while also making the role his own.

 

Agreed. I fully bought him as Bail after the first minute or so as my brain got used to it. As far as recasting goes, they nailed it.

 

Wow. Just… wow. I’ve said before here that although I can fully admire the quality of writing, the quality of characterization, the quality of the direction, the quality of the set design, the CG, and the mature tone, and know that this series is incredible in every area, making the show difficult to criticize, and easy for anyone who has longed tor Star Wars to “grow up” to celebrate it but those celebrations felt exclusionary to me before tonight. I was impressed but not entirely moved. I like my Star Wars fun, fantasy filled, and deeply emotional and I wasn’t feeling a strong emotional connection to Andor until tonight.

Tonight was the first time I truly, wholeheartedly was not only wowed by the craftsmanship and ambition of maturity in Andor but wowed by the way in which it connects into Star Wars as we knew it, Rogue One as we knew it, and enriches and elevates both.

I was on the edge of my seat. I was shocked at times. I was sad. I was delighted. I was emotionally moved in all the ways that matter and I can’t wait for the final 3 episodes ahead. Andor as a character matters to me much more than he did before. I always liked and admired him but tonight I felt like I understood his sacrifices more fully. Same for Mothma. The fact that amongst all this they refused to retcon Rebels and allow her second speech to still occur as it is shown there in there and acknowledge as much? All the more impressive. Phenomenal drama. *chef’s kiss* Bravo.

 

Andor is the best SW TV series period.

 

Here’s the thing. Rogue One works as well as it does because it did what Andor is known for well BUT ALSO indulged in fan service moments and connections to larger lore.

These 3 episodes felt more like Rogue One. Not only because it’s closer to the timeline or because we are seeing more familiar faces and hearing familiar voices but because the series is more overtly making use of the now existing lore and providing us with some modest fan servicing and the combo is absolutely wonderful. That’s when Gilroy is at his best for me personally. When he’s doing what he brought to Star Wars (increased craftsmanship, characterization and maturity) but also not entirely hiding from elements that made Star Wars so special in the first place. These 3 episodes had that mix.

 

Kinda funny how Rebels Mothma speech is Speech #2, lol. I only wish she'd mention Jedi. It all started with the genocide of the Jedi, including children. Mon was friends with Padme, and they both were friends with Jedi and interacted with the Jedi, and Bail is also friends with the Jedi, obviously - and they all knew what happened then. There was no better time to remind that to everyone. One thing that is funny to me is how Leia in ANH goes all "The Imperial Senate will not sit still for this! When they learn you've attacked a diplomatic..." But it's pretty clear from this episode that Mon and Bail were literally the only ones capable of speaking up, and the rest of the Senate is entirely useless and can be just shut down by ISB at any moment, so I am kinda wondering how is this supposed to work. I think they should have shown some more "rebellious" senators throughout the show, to tie it better with ANH and justify Leia's outburst and Palps shutting down the Senate permanently. From my review of the previous episode, about K2SO being pretty random and forced, just cause he's in Rogue One... this episode didn't change that. They didn't really explain why Cassian picked him up in the middle of a massacre after he killed a bunch of Ghormans. I guess he was impressed with how good he was at killing and impervious to blasters, and wanted to have one for the Rebellion? I thought there would be something more personal, given how he is his closest friend in Rogue One. Have to think on the Bix ending, if that is her ending, unless it changes in the next 3 episodes? Conflicted on her making a decision for him and just leaving into the unknown, and we know Cassian doesn't make it out alive, but also he falls in love with Jyn, so he is kinda not gonna be faithful to Bix. Perhaps it'd be better if she died, although that's predictable? But it would work cleaner in relation to R1. Good episode, but the previous one was unmatched.
9/10

 

Tony knows how to make that mix work and I believe he is secretly a bigger fan that we know. I know he has Lucasfilm to help but this episode and even the last three were so good. This series has been so good and I'm glad some fans are seeing this. It really is a lot to take in, but if you keep reminding yourself it's all for the cause..then you know. It's a buildup...a crescendo.
I'm so happy that Bix got to leave on her own terms (although very suprising and I'm not sure I'd agree with it being this way) . I hope Wilmon Is okay. I missed what happened to his leg? And Luthen is back. Good to see everyone together and on Coruscant of all places. Mothma's speech is right up there with all the greats from this series and in the most tense of situations. I was kinda hoping she'd use a blaster. But she trusted our guy Cassian to lead the way and good to see then finally together! If B2EMO was sad before now he must be really sad being this long without Cassian.
Bail Organa being in this and being on the Senate and speaking was my highlight. Benjamin was great although Smits is the best. We OT fans envisioned this moment for decades! And Tony gave it to us, thank you.

 

Man I love this show. I loved this episode. Love Mon Mothma and Genevieve O'Reilly killed it this episode. And always love the Senate chambers.

Also I was consistently amused with Mon's utter horror when Cassian would just gun down people like as if he did it in cold blood.

Annnnnddd I guess this is also Bix's exit? If she never shows up prior to Rogue One events then bravo on the writing, giving her that confident cliche "when I see you again" message but us knowing that ultimately she won't ever see him again makes this poignantly tragic. I do hope we see her in the finale learning of Andor's fate.

My one critique is that I did want one additional scene for this episode with Dedra dealing with the fallout of Ghorman and Syril's death. I know we see her great scene at the end of episode 8, but I guess I'm just greedy for more Dedra.

I've been a Benjamin Bratt stan since Blood In Blood Out. I'm bummed Smits wasn't available to just connect this show more, but Bratt gave us a Bail that felt incredibly faithful to what Jimmy brought to the role. Love Bratt, and this was most certainly the best case scenario with Smits unable to reprise the role.

 

I don’t agree about Bratt. I didn’t like him when he first appeared and I still don’t. He’s simply not Bail to me. Otherwise though just a fantastic episode. I don’t know how they’re going to top this next week. These definitely delivered!

 

Yeah, I didn't wanna mention it, but I agree with you. I also didn't need to hear Bail swear, lol. But alright.

On an unrelated note, did anyone else feel bad for the ISB plant driver? It seemed to me like he was clearly moved by Mon's speech and it seemed like he went there to help her, and Cassian just shot him, lol. Kinda funny but also kinda pitiful.

 

Absolutely stunning!
What a speech by Mon Mothma and subsequent rescue!
I guessed that Bix would join the Rebellion and force Cassian's hand, but it was still emotional seeing her recording.
"Hello. If I've offended you, I apologize." Perfect intro for K-2SO.
Bring on 1BBY!

 

Erskin: “There’s a ship waiting. They want her to make a speech.”

 

Quick question. What are people's thoughts on Kloris. I almost started wondering if he had a change of heart and wanted to help Mon until he got tragically gunned down by Cassian.

Edit: oops just saw this, didn't mean to take your thunder but yah, I kind of had a similar read that Kloris wanted to help her. And honestly if that was intentional then great writing, because it feeds into the tragic consequences that happen to people who unknowingly or naively serve a fascist regime and it their end could come even when they have a change of heart.

 

That was a bit of an odd moment, I also had a hard time getting a read on his intention there

 

I don't think Kloris was going to help her. I think he wanted to be the one to take her in.

The suspense for this episode was brilliant. From Bail's team being compromised, to Cassian rescuing Mon. Mon's speech and ISB frantically trying to shut her down. So many amazing moments I cannot wait to rewatch.

I also appreciate that as Cassian mourns the loss of one relationship, we see the formation of another one at the end of the episode.

I am shocked Bix lives as does (for now) Wilmon. Vel is now my only question mark. I'm thinking Kleya and Luthen are definitely going out with a bang next week. He's just not the type to do anything else. And Kleya won't leave him. Now, will Lonnie go down too? I have to think he's the one who knew Bail's team was compromised.

 

I though the same thing. The speech got to him. He was distressed and left his post. And the way he called out to Mothma, didn't seem like he meant her harm. It kind of mirrored how Syril was gunned down just as he was lowering his blaster, I think. Shame. I still think about Syril, tbh. Such a tragic character.

 

Yah! And actually I wonder if he thought Mon was in danger from Cassian the way he asked "who are you?". Go figure another guy goes out where the last line is that. Oof yeah I'm still coming down from Syril too. I genuinely wonder what would've happened if Syril didn't get shot there. Does he instead help Cassian or walk away from both rebellion and empire in dejection?

 

Yeah, Syril ultimately just wanted to do the right thing. He was a man of integrity and principle, ever since S1. It all started with Cassian just killing two of his colleagues, and no one but him even caring. From his perspective, he was trying to catch a criminal. He was used all the way. But by the end he tried to help the Ghormans, he broke up with Dedra after learning what she had done, and he realized the full extent of what he was a part of. It was just too late. The consequences caught up to him before he could make it right. I am sure he would've helped Cassian if he didn't get shot. Really feel bad for him.

 

E9 was just as intense as E8, but less brutal obviously.