Warning: This article may contain spoilers from Andor Episode 6
Andor returns today with its six episode, the conclusion to the Aldhani arc directed by Susanna White and written by Dan Gilroy, brother of showrunner Tony Gilroy. “The Eye,” the longest episode to date, offers a tense, action-packed heist that will keep you on the edge of your seat for nearly an hour and delivers on all cylinders.
The heist on the Aldhani garrison vault for Imperial payroll has been set-up over the past two episodes and today we got to see that heist in action. The plan hinged on using an Aldhani ceremonial event known as The Eye to keep Imperial forces distracted. In this episode we are introduced to Commander Jayhold Beehaz (Stanley Townsend) and Colonel Petigar (Richard Katz), who are the embodiment of everything people like Cassian (Diego Luna) stand against. They are pompous, self-centered, and care more about the cause than their own families. Their shock that a band of rebels could infiltrate their ranks is just as Cassian described it in Episode 2.
As the Aldhani team begins to execute their plan, trouble occurs as expected. Not only are there unexpected killings, but something no one could have accounted for – a corporal defying orders. When one Imperial, played by Nick Blood, realizes something is afoot, he assembles a squadron of troopers to intercept the Aldhani team, right in the middle of their heist. As the battle commences, both Lieutenant Gorn (Sule Rimi) and Taramyn (Gershwyn Eustache Jnr) are caught in the crossfire, although the episode takes no time to acknowledge it. Just like in war, there is no time to mourn those we’ve lost, we must carry on the mission.
Getting away thanks to Cassian’s incredible flying, an accident occurs onboard when Nemik (Alex Lawther) is slammed between two heavy crates of credits. Many fans did not believe Nemik would survive the arc, and were quite surprised to see him make it out of the battle. Unfortunately, as the episode set-up, Nemik did succumb to his injuries after helping the Aldhani rebels escape.
Hiding out on a remote world seeking help for Nemik, Cassian and Skreen (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) have an intense conversation, where the latter proposes they take the money and run. As Skreen reveals his heartfelt tale about his brother was a farse, Cassian has no hesitation killing Skreen on the spot. After a stand-off with Vel (Faye Marsay), Cassian returns the crystal given to him by Luthen (Stellan Skarsgård), takes his share of 30,000 credits, and once again runs away from the fight.
By the end of the mission, only Vel and her partner Cinta (Varada Sethu) are left standing, yet apart, as we see Cinta walk off in Imperial garb escaping the Aldhani base.
Meanwhile, on Coruscant, we briefly get a glimpse of Mon Mothma (Genevieve O’Reilly) addressing the Imperial Senate over atrocities on Ghorman. Fans have long waited to see the Imperial Senate since it’s original mention all the way back in 1977 in A New Hope. However, there is one problem, there is no Imperial senate. All of the repulsorpods that held thousands of species in the era of the Clone Wars stand empty. While a few systems remain, many live in fear of defending their systems, or don’t bother trying. It adds a great deal of context to how Mon Mothma must be viewed by her family and peers, as someone holding on to the past in a time of democratic silencing.
Finally, the episode ends with Luthen and Kleya (Elizabeth Dulau) hearing word that the rebel attack on Aldhani has made galactic news, to which Luthen reacts with joy, as the fire has been lit.
Andor continues to elevate its content week by week, and showcase how exciting this era of Star Wars can be. This series continues to be some of the best Star Wars content in some time and we cannot wait to see where it goes from here!
What did you think of Episode 6 of Andor? What’re you most anticipating? Let us know in the comments below or on our social media pages.
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