Max Nocerino 
(L-R): Imperial Officer (Jolyon Coy) with Stormtroopers and Young Cassian Andor (Lucas Bond) in Lucasfilm's ANDOR, exclusively on Disney+. ©2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.
Star Wars: Andor highlights the Empire’s swift response to the Aldhani incident and climaxes with a devastating cliffhanger. I can’t wait to see how Cassian gets his way out of this one!
After Episode 6‘s explosive and nerve-racking heist, the seventh episode of Star Wars: Andor arrives to pick up the pieces and show the ramifications of what happened on Aldhani. The Empire is, well pissed and an old favorite, Wullf Yularen makes it clear that there will be no mercy for those who defy the Empire. He has spoken to the Emperor himself, and yes, Palpatine is name-dropped several times throughout the episode. But sadly, he stays completely out of site. It’s a perfect storytelling technique, and I wouldn’t even mind if he never shows his face.
HOMECOMING
Cassian Andor returns home to collect his adopted mother Maarva and start a new life with the credits he stole. Yet, Maarva does not plan on leaving. Which frustrates Cassian as he claims he will always worry about her. That Maarva responds, is love and there is nothing you can do about that. How true that is. When you love someone, you will always worry about them and it’s a pain in the neck. But only a pain if you truly love them.
We have five storylines being juggled by Gilroy, and I am mesmerized by each one. Genevieve O’Reilly who plays a young Mon Mothma is extremely talented. Her fear is so palpable when she realizes her co-conspirator, Luthen was behind the Aldhani attack. Much like how she views Saw Gerrera’s extreme actions, Mothma plays by the book and her brand of rebellion is subtle and without violence. Yet, violence may be the only thing the Empire understands.
SUBPLOTS
The other two storylines are a little more mundane. Syril is getting a job in an Imperial cube farm. And ISB officer Dedra Meero is moving the chess pieces to put herself ahead of her rival so she can conduct her investigations. Everything is crisp and well-ordered, and the dialogue is fantastic. I also would like to note how Syril’s new job aesthetic, the way the Empire runs its court, and the stark whiteness of the uniforms and buildings. And finally, Mothma navigating a political minefield solidifies how much of an Orwellian society the Empire is. You cannot trust anyone, and the Empire’s grip on its citizens is as iron-tight as a vice.
Lastly, I love the truly alien tourist world that Cassian finds himself on. The shower he uses on it is a strange looking one, and the court system is also wacky looking. Star Wars really presents a unique culture and that is why I love it so much. The episode ends with a devastating cliffhanger, and I can’t wait to see how Cassian gets his way out of this one.
This show could not be better if it tried. 9.4 out of 10 Death Stars.
Star Wars: Andor is streaming exclusively on Disney Plus now.
Max Nocerino is a regular Staff Writer for The Future of the Force. He is a passionate Star Wars fan and loves the literature of the galaxy far, far away. Follow him on Twitter where he shares his love of the Force frequently!
