“Andor” continues to prove why it’s one of the most expertly crafted “Star Wars” productions to date.
This week’s episode Most likely won’t be able to focus on Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) in prison on Narkina 5 as much as last week, or at least… you’d be forgiven for thinking that entering. The other crucial elements in telling this incredible story in its entirety obviously include Syril Karn (Kyle Soller) and Dedra Meero (Denise Gough), along with Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgård) and Mon Mothma (Genevieve O’Reilly) of course.
But a surprising amount of screen time is actually devoted to Andor and his struggle to stay sane during his unfortunate incarceration. And there is an interesting situation developing. You could say that the relentless, non-stop component building that can mean the difference between being electrocuted and not could be Andor’s own “bridge over the River Kwai.” And that will ultimately lead to insanity, bad health, or one of many outcomes, especially since we now know that no one leaves Narkina 5 alive.
Related: ‘Andor’ Continues His Amazing World-Building This Week In ‘Narkina 5’
The flip side is that the close reliance on other team members for hard work and focus…basically resembles those team building exercises that big corporations pay wads of cash for various teams and departments participate, for one afternoon. Imagine doing that, except it’s not about getting upset if Frank from Finance accidentally knocks off a wheel nut – no, it’s about depending on your colleagues for your own survival. And now imagine doing that for an entire day, day after day. The bond that is created will be strong. In fact, it will be an unbreakable.
Instead, the real physical the torture passes to poor Bix Caleen (Adria Arjona) and clearly Meero loves his job. There’s a subtle but understated nod to “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” here as the shot where the sliding door closes on Princess Leia’s cell as she’s about to leave. Being tortured on the Death Star is perfectly recreated, with a focus on the boots of an Imperial officer walking past. An Easter egg like this is much more of a genuine gesture of respect and therefore is more pleasing to the eye, as opposed to something that is pushed just for fun, or worse, to encourage toy sales .
Caleen might provide a link to Luthen Rael, whether or not she does remains to be seen. She was Andor’s ex-lover and despite her lack of judgment in her later partners, she seems to believe in the cause. In fact, Imperial Security Bureau Supervisor Dedra Meero has quite the episode this week and the undeniable highlight is the sexually charged conversation she has with Syril Karn outside the Imperial Security Bureau.
Related: ‘Andor’ continues to be bold and beautiful with ‘Annonce’
Plus, she’s clearly relishing the idea of him slowly becoming smitten with her and the idea of pure, unadulterated authoritarianism. As she walks away, she seems to be touching his mouth, or at least his face. Is this an attempt to regain her composure after her exciting encounter, a telling move for someone so buttoned up and internalized, whose arms and hands never leave her side or back? Does she breathe his perfume? Or does she do that thing where you test your breath on your hand? Either way, we suspect there’s a future adventure in store. (opens in a new tab) for these two.
One of the many reasons this epic and gripping sci-fi drama is so effective is the pacing. The tension is beautifully built and methodically escalated once more as the stakes have inadvertently risen for Andor and even behind the scenes too, where funds must be secretly funneled and allies desperately sought in the increasingly callous senate. Although less screen time is devoted to the political machinations of Sentor Mon Mothma and banker Chandrilan Tay Kolma (Ben Miles), it’s enough.
Wherever we’re taken in this show, we’re led to a common thread that could have important implications, from the aforementioned tension between Mothma and his family and friends, between Mothma and Luthen Rael, between Rael and Saw Gerrera (Forest Whitaker ) And so on. . The Gilroys have created a captivating and intriguing political canvas, which is exactly as it should be and exactly as it would be.
Related: Andor episode 6 escalates the tension with a heart-pounding heist
When we return to Andor, locked deep under water in the Imperial work facility on Narkina 5, we see the groundwork firmly laid for an escape and frankly, even the mere thought of where that’s going to make me raise my hair on the nape. at the top. We also learn that no one ever leaves Narkina 5. More importantly, we learn that the inmates have discovered this as well, and the bond that forms between Andor and Kino Loy (Andy Serkis) is enough to get you reaching for the tissue box. . and prepare “The Shawshank Redemption” to watch immediately afterwards.
Cassian Andor’s survival instincts are impressive, quite frankly, and it’s no wonder he eventually became one of the best Rebel agents, as we saw in “Rogue One.” So many other important sci-fi IPs could learn from this spinoff as Disney finally managed to drop the Skywalker saga even for just one show, maybe Paramount could follow a similar lead and we offer an autonomous and limited series. spin-off show, focusing on new characters who are not inevitably locked into coexistence with established characters and storylines. Sure, “Star Trek: Discovery” fits that description, sort of, but let’s not beat around the bush, this show fumbled the ball in season 2 and lost it over the fence forever. a neighbor, never to be seen again.
We know that the prospect of experimentation is not outside the realm of the possible; remember when “Star Trek” embarked on its first full foray into science fiction fun starring H. Jon Benjamin? So why not try dipping a finger in something more cerebral? ‘Rogue One’ was proof of concept that something that traditionally wasn’t ‘Star Wars’ could in fact still be ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Andor’ took that notion and ran the full length of the field without even bothering. stop to raise the Ball.
Related: Andor Episode 5 Lays the Groundwork for an Action-Packed Heist
In other news, Tiny details emerge about ‘Andor’ season 2 and how it will begin to include familiar elements from this point in ‘Star Wars’ history, such as continued development and growth. of the Rebel Alliance, their intelligence gathering and eventual attack on the Death Star. We will of course keep you updated as we find out more ourselves.
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