Max Nocerino 
(Center): Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) in Lucasfilm's ANDOR, exclusively on Disney+. ©2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.
“I am impressed at how Gilroy has fashioned a Galactic Empire into that of 1984 (but in space) for Star Wars: Andor,” says Max Nocerino
Star Wars: Andor Episode 8 was a grim departure from the excitement of the last episodes. Cassian Andor is now incarcerated and is roughly relocated to a prison. The penitentiary is sterile and crude at the same time, and more and more, I can see what a horrible government the Empire is.
Cassian got 6 years for being at the wrong place at the wrong time. And now he basically serves as a beast of burden, laboring over the construction of equipment that seems to serve no purpose. Only to work the prisoners to the bone. The prisoners are “led” by another prisoner who is convinced he only has 400+ of a sentence left. But the ones Cassian Andor speaks among know that once you go in you never come out.
MON MOTHMA
Meanwhile, Mon Mothma is trying her best to put on a happy Senatorial face in public. But she quickly shifts to whispers among close confidants of the money she is raising for the nascent Rebellion. I really admire the risks that Mon is taking. Hiding in plain sight and putting her life on the line. She is selfless, despite having a family. She will, one day do anything (including die) for the Rebellion.
Another example of how Orwellian the Empire is is that Syril has been conducting searches to find Cassian Andor, whom he holds responsible for costing him his job. He has a new job but his “internet searches” have attracted the eye of the ISB. Yes, the Empire is like Google. It tracks your digital activity. But the only difference is that they haul you in for questioning if you become too suspicious. Syril is dying to find Andor, but the ISB will not have any of it. And he is so dead-set on serving the Empire that it is an excellent foil to Cassian, who would never do anything for them.
LOOSE ENDS
While he rots in prison, his former “allies” travel to his home. He has become a liability and Luthen wants him eliminated. The galaxy is such a cruel and egregious place under the Galactic Empire and hope seems to have been crushed every step of the way. We get a nice surprise appearance at the end, but I’m still hoping for a glimpse of a live-action Palpatine. We have 4 episodes left! Let’s see some Palpy!
Anyway, I am so impressed at how Gilroy has fashioned a Galactic Empire into that of 1984 (but in space). And I realize that no matter what you do, the Empire is watching. Spectacular as always. 7.5 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!
